Drew Technologies' DashDAQ OBD-II, GPS, Programmable Gauge Cluster
Last Updated on Thursday, 23 April 2009 20:23 Written by Christopher Ihara Thursday, 23 April 2009 13:52
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We recently got our hands on a unit and put it through its paces. The DashDAQ is as useful as it is cool. The display is easy to read, with an auto-darkening feature so the unit does not blind you at night. Perhaps one of the coolest features of the DashDAQ is its open source software. This means that programmers who are already familiar with Linux can begin writing their own custom software for it. For those who are not programming savvy, it is still possible to do some really cool things with the DashDAQ. Using your favorite graphics editing or paint program you can create your own custom gauges to match your car’s configuration.
Upon setup the DashDAQ queries the car’s engine computer and determines what data is visible. The DashDAQ gets this data from the medium-speed CAN bus in the OBD-II port, where direct parameters can be analyzed. The information available is determined by the year, make and model of your vehicle. The display on the DashDAQ can then be linked to this information to display information not available on traditional gauge packages.
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You can have any number of different gauge types on the display including: traditional full-sweep gauges, segmented “LED” bar graphs, sliding graphs, numerical displays, and line graphs. Given the DashDAQ’s open source interface it is possible to create any gauge you want, or download free gauge faces from other users. If you’re not a programmer you can use their web site to create your own custom gauges that you can download to your DashDAQ.
You can specify what parameter each gauge will display like speed, temperature, pressure, RPM, etc.. Additionally you can set the upper and lower limits for parameters like RPM, MPH, etc. to create customized “redlines” for your gauge. Several different screens can be programmed to enable you to rapidly switch between gauge clusters. This can help you cluster some preferred gauges together like speed and RPM or oil pressure, water temperature and cylinder head temperature.
Another really neat feature of the DashDAQ is its ability to calculate your current fuel mileage. Using Mass Air Flow (MAF) values, RPM and a set fuel density that is already calculated, the DashDAQ will display the real time fuel mileage of your vehicle. We combined this function with a graphing display, bar graph display for throttle position and were able to use the DashDAQ as a “coach” for better fuel economy.
Not only will the DashDAQ display your car’s vital statistics, but it can also record the data to an SD Memory card. This can be extremely useful for tuning purposes by recording parameters like Mass Air Flow rate, long and short term fuel trims, throttle position, engine load, spark advance and more. The DashDAQ can then export the data directly to a Comma-Separated Value (CSV) file format for use in spreadsheet programs. This valuable data can be analyzed to assess drivability issues, troubleshoot problems, or improve your custom engine tuning parameters.
This feature came in extremely handy recently when our Project car began running very poorly. A look at short and long term fuel trims revealed that the computer was trying to compensate for a rich condition. At idle, long-term fuel trims for bank 1 would hover around 3 to 5, while bank 2 would go to 15 to 17. Under acceleration; however, this condition went away and the long-term fuel trims were almost identical.
We concluded that air was leaking into the exhaust system at idle when back-pressure was not enough to keep external air from leaking into the system. Without the DashDAQ this kind of analysis would have required an expensive trip to the performance shop or dealer.
For the really hard core performance enthusiasts out there the DashDAQ can accept inputs from many different aftermarket engine computers, as well as add-on accessories like wideband O2 sensors. Zero to 5-volt analog sensors can also be added to the DashDAQ’s data logging capabilities. These kinds of sensors can be found for any number of functions like suspension travel, boost, steering wheel or pedal travel and more. It could also be used to show when relays or other electrical solenoids are activated providing a complete picture for data logging.
With the DashDAQ’s built in timer functions it is possible to record performance data like 0-60, 1/8th mile and ¼ mile acceleration times, as well as braking distances and times. The DashDAQ even displays a timing tree so you can work on your reaction times and launches. The acceleration numbers you generate can show you performance gains or losses for bolt-on items or changes to your engine computer calibration. You can also create your own custom acceleration tests.
The optional GPS of the DashDAQ provides some of the best navigation we’ve used when compared to PC Based software like Microsoft Streets and Trips (2004-2009 versions) and Delorme Street Atlas. Once a destination is programmed the DashDAQ uses voice prompts that are given exactly when you need them. We have had issues with other PC based GPS software issuing spoken directions that were either ambiguous, wrong or given at the wrong time, causing more than one missed exit or turn. Through several hundred miles of trips, the DashDAQ has never steered us wrong.
The GPS unit is not without its faults though and its major flaw is that entering directions into the unit can be somewhat cumbersome. The DashDAQ requires that you first enter the State, then City, then house number, then the street address into separate, sequential screens. Given the strength of its on-screen keyboard’s functionality, it would simply be easier to enter all this data on one line and let the GPS figure out the destination.
In suburban areas this becomes a major Achilles heel because several areas may have different names but they aren’t cities. So one subdivision may be called Dulles, while another adjoining area is called, “Sterling,” “Chantilly,” “Ashburn,” or “Lansdowne” and the unit will not let you proceed to enter the street name without entering the city name. Get the city name wrong and the street you want to enter will not be found. Instead you should be able to enter an address and have the unit find matching street addresses starting with the closest first and working its way farther out as needed.
The DashDAQ also has MP3 playback capability with a standard 1/8” headphone jack for connectivity to external audio receivers. Video may be added in the near future which would round out the device’s features making it a truly all-in-one add-on computer. Combine it’s open source operating system, ease of use, functionality, and automotive connectivity and you have a truly stellar device.
When you add up the cost of an external GPS, quality code scanner with data logging capabilities, acceleration performance computer and external MP3 player the DashDAQ is really quite a bargain at $549 for the OBD-II unit and $695 for the GPS equipped version. Serious users looking to delve deeper into their vehicle’s OBD parameters can purchase optional vehicle brand specific calibrations for an additional $95; however, most will find the DashDAQ’s default OBD parameters more than sufficient.
If you’re serious about tuning your car’s performance, interested in monitoring its vital systems in real-time and hate being lost, then the DashDAQ is most definitely worth purchasing. With the myriad of functions and ease of use it is an excellent product that would make a welcome addition to just about any enthusiast’s car.
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Drew Technologies’ DashDAQ
http://www.dashdaq.com
Phone 734-222-5228
Fax 734-222-5008
Sales:
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Support:
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Address:
3915 Research Park Dr, Suite A10
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
