Data Logging without OBD-II or similar

[Schruiber]

I know a lot has been posted about Data Logging, yet my High School students and I need help and look for input from the forum members. For our LSR-UC car (see other post “T-2011, what’s behind the number?), we want and need to make data logging very educational with math and science data, and would like to display via iPhone dashboard.  The systems I found all plug into the onboard computers of cars or motorcycles.  We do not have any OBD-II or similar system and need to create all sensor pick-up points. One of the systems,  Palmer performance  http://www.palmerperformance.com/  has what we look for;  PLX  http://www.plxdevices.com/sensormodules.html  makes sensor modules to collect most input except the very important engine RPM / Speed module!  To date we use a Garmin eTrex GPS as a speedometer.
The car is powered by a single cylinder 210cc Yanmar diesel engine; a Tiny Tach  http://www.tinytach.com/tinytach/diesel.php  indicates engine RPM (no logging).
 Any suggestions to different systems and/or solutions, not just for logging, but also for sensors you may have are greatly appreciated. I wonder if we may have to have 2 or more different systems to do it all.
Of course the kids would like to see the video version of  http://www.racelogic.co.uk/  

Thank you - Michael

[Milwaukee Midget]

I'm thinking you might be wise to be looking at Allen Bradley/Rockwell type machine sensor systems, rather than typical automotive type applications.  Maybe Kohler? 

I've got to believe that there are engine monitoring and data collection systems for single cylinder diesel powered light duty equipment applications that might prove adaptable.

Just a thought.

[donpearsall]

Michael, there are lots of data logging systems with their own sensors and many have displays. Do you HAVE to use an iPhone? That display is pretty small in a vehicle.
On my bike I use the AimSports digital dash that also logs many sensors such as RPM, speed, several temps, several pressures, voltage, and more. There are lots of competitors to Aim too, such as Innovate. Have you considered that route?
Your neighbor in Puyallup.
Don

[Schruiber]

Don,  thank you for your info - I take it you familiar with Victory Lane in Puyalup?  Just found them - one of my students suggested data logging for gokarts (single cylinder) and AIM came up via Ebay.  iPhone is not a must have, yet kids can relate to it quite a bit. For our other car, the ShopGirls prototype the iPhone is just right as their cockpit is very small. I shall look into AIM and Innovate - just a lot of to digest as it is very new to me. The GPS function seems to be able to give us a lot of info.

[donpearsall]

Yes I am familiar with Victory Lane! Owner Roger Caddell actually came over to troubleshoot a unit on my bike, and I bought several sensors from him. I am not trying to push AIM, but their systems are affordable and work well. They have plug-in's for vehicles, but mostly you just mix and match sensors. The data analysis software is good too, and has a nice graphical display of the readings.
I like the AIM because the display is the data logger and you just plug in a USB to the display and download data as you like. Then you use a laptop to analyze the data and make changes as needed.

Don