Datalogging with a Palm...it CAN be done!
06-17-2007, 08:28 PM
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Datalogging with a Palm...it CAN be done!
Got it working today. All you need is an old Palm and a null modem adapter (or make your own), and the appropriate software. All of it can be found at the msefi forum stuff. There are three programs, PalmLog, PalmTune, and PalmEdit. PalmLog is a datalogging program that you send into MegaTune via burst mode datalogging, and then look at in MLV like any old datalog. Looks pretty neat. It also has a real-time display while connected to the MS. Multiple views, seen here:
PalmTune is, well, a tuning program for fuel and spark tables, and any other table you tell it. I haven't messed with this one yet, but it is configured basically the same way as PalmLog. It supposedly has some nice features in order to conveniently tune on the small screen.
PalmEdit is the program you would use to change variables. It fetches what MS is using, and you can give it a new value to burn in. Can do any variable you want, so long as you know where it is in the MS files. Most of the standard ones are built in.
All programs require a bit of configuration to use, obviously, but nothing difficult. Just set it up for your firmware version and give it the values from easytherm for the real-time displays.
Great stuff...much more convenient for random datalogging than always having a laptop in there. Not sure if I'll use the tuning stuff much, but def. the logging stuff.
Just thought some of you might be interested; seems a good way to use those old Palms I know are sitting in your desk drawer.
edit: those screen caps aren't my car, so don't look at that horribly rich AFR!
PalmTune is, well, a tuning program for fuel and spark tables, and any other table you tell it. I haven't messed with this one yet, but it is configured basically the same way as PalmLog. It supposedly has some nice features in order to conveniently tune on the small screen.
PalmEdit is the program you would use to change variables. It fetches what MS is using, and you can give it a new value to burn in. Can do any variable you want, so long as you know where it is in the MS files. Most of the standard ones are built in.
All programs require a bit of configuration to use, obviously, but nothing difficult. Just set it up for your firmware version and give it the values from easytherm for the real-time displays.
Great stuff...much more convenient for random datalogging than always having a laptop in there. Not sure if I'll use the tuning stuff much, but def. the logging stuff.
Just thought some of you might be interested; seems a good way to use those old Palms I know are sitting in your desk drawer.
edit: those screen caps aren't my car, so don't look at that horribly rich AFR!
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06-17-2007, 10:04 PM
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It'll work with any version of Palm OS 3.5+
I'm running an old color IIIc with 4.0. Great for monitoring temps, etc. while driving around.
I was afraid of running out of RAM on the Palm (8mb), but each mb is about 2 hours of datalogging, supposedly. It can take three files, and each file can be stopped and started with the touch of a button. In fact, you can rig it up to turn on, run the program, and start/stop logging all without using the stylus. Neat.
I'm running an old color IIIc with 4.0. Great for monitoring temps, etc. while driving around.
I was afraid of running out of RAM on the Palm (8mb), but each mb is about 2 hours of datalogging, supposedly. It can take three files, and each file can be stopped and started with the touch of a button. In fact, you can rig it up to turn on, run the program, and start/stop logging all without using the stylus. Neat.
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06-17-2007, 11:31 PM
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I built my null modem adapter with the fewest connections necessary (3) so it didn't have a charge wire. I've been thinking about whether it is possible to charge with the serial cable...and I'm just not sure. I don't think I can with my palm.
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06-18-2007, 01:21 AM
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awesome news, i can see this becoming a great accessory down the road as I would like the ability to at least make crude tuning adjustments down the road if my laptop is not available.
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06-19-2007, 09:29 PM
#19
If you need a Palm for this, I recommend getting a Palm IIIxe, has 8mb of RAM, can be upgraded to PalmOS 4.0, and uses AAA batteries. I heard that IIIc's were difficult to see in daylight due to the color screen, and I didn't want to mess with charging a battery, rather just throw in some AAA's. Also, considering the age of these Palms, if they have a rechargeable battery, you can bet the battery is bad. Granted, replacements are cheap, it just adds to the cost.
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