| Q: |
Does your
software need third party programs as "Microsoft Excel"? |
| A: |
Our software
are stand alone, Windows based software. This means it doesn't need any
other third party software. As an example one other source (and lots of
others) have to rely on the PC to have installed "Microsoft Excel" to operate.
What's happening is, their software is not showing real time data, as their
usual operating procedure is, do a run, record, CONVERT TO CSV, see data.
This is not real on the fly data.
Our operating method is, do run, record,
see data. The RacingDyno software itself is crunching data. Also you have
all the basic and lots of additional controls to your data. The best thing
is its FREE.
|
| Q: |
What is
the fastest the IDP-RC RC Car Chassis Inertia Dynamometer can handle? |
| A: |
The software
and hardware of the IDERC4 can handle is 17000kmh!!! The IDERC1 is capable
of handling this top speed.
However mechanically the IDP-RC could
only handle up to 160kmh. That is the roller speed of 6000RPM. The suggested
max speed of the roller is also at this speed. The roller of the IDP-RC
is properly machined and balanced for this RPM speed
|
| Q: |
Why do you
have options for RPM Engine input? |
| A: |
This option
is needed for the "true engine tuner" to get the torque produced BY THE
ENGINE at RPM steps. We have found other sources and software with this
huge flaw in their mathematical expression. They have declared that the
torque produced at the roller is the torque produced by the engine. This
is totally wrong!
TORQUE AT ROLLER IS NOT SAME AS TORQUE
AT ENGINE!
However HP at the roller is same as
the HP at the engine. This is the basic physical function of a chassis
dynamometer. Therefore to get the engine torque, go backwards in to the
formula
Roller HP = Engine HP = (engine
torque X engine RPM) / 5252
Because roller HP and engine HP are
the same, by filling in the engine RPM, we could get the TRUE engine torque.
|
| Q: |
Why does
your IDP-RC Inertia Dynamometer doesn't include a blowing fan? |
| A: |
This is to
reduce cost, and we consider that you do have a higher cfm flowing table
fan already at your club. We would not want to sell you extra bolts that
you don't even need or you already have!
|
| Q: |
Can I make
my own Inertia Chassis Dynamometer? |
| A: |
Of course you
can. You could use our IDERC1 or IDERC4 Inertia Dyno Electronics Kit. If
you have a resource of precision machinery this is a good option, especially
for the roller part. It must be properly balanced and machined from known
mass density, to get accurate polar moment inertia. We could provide you
with the guidelines to make the dynamometer.
|
| Q: |
Can I make
my own Engine Dynamometer? |
| A: |
The engine
dynamometer for the RC engine is on development. Available in 2005.
Of course you can. You could use our
IDERC1 or IDERC4 Inertia Dyno Electronics Kit. If you have a resource of
precision machinery this is a good option, especially for the roller part.
It must be properly balanced and machined from known mass density, to get
accurate polar moment inertia. We could provide you with the guidelines
to make the dynamometer.
|
| Q: |
What is
the difference between the IDERC1 and IDERC4? |
| A: |
The IDERC1
is a 1-channel data acquisition system. Suitable is only reading live 1
channel (the roller RPM). Then the Engine HP could be calculated. However
the engine RPM could be obtained by entering the gear ratio to the program.
The IDERC4 is a 4-channel daq system.
With extra 2 channels, other parameters could be monitored. Usually LIVE
reading of engine RPM, Engine Temperature, Battery Volts etc.
|
| Q: |
Is a computer
required? |
| A: |
Yes, at least
an IBM 400Mhz (obsolete) or better PC is needed.
|
| Q: |
Is power
supply needed for the IDE-SERIES Kit? |
| A: |
No external
power supply will be needed for the IDERC kits. The unit will get its power
from the PC serial COM port automatically. So less cables, less hazard
around and lower power consumption.
( However in the case of using external
sensors that derive high power from its source, external power is needed
to cover up the power supplied by the PC com Port. If signs of insufficient
power supply or unstable data reading is detected, we would suggest an
external power supply).
Local power adapter with output of
9VDC 300mA, center post +ve, outer Gnd, could also be used. We can also
provide suitable power adapters (Please specify local power supply either
120VAC or 240VAC).
No power supply will be needed for
IDERC1 as it is only a single channel unit.
Please determine the power dissipation
of the external sensors used.
External power is not needed if no
reading error is detected (most likely due to unsufficient power supply
by the PC serial com).
|
| Q: |
Why do you
use large diameter of rollers? |
| A: |
The diameter
of the rollers affects the tire contact patch area, which in turn, affects
traction and tire deformation. Rollers less than about 33% of tire diameter
should be avoided, as they will damage the tire's caucus under sustained
high speed/high HP running.
So we have chosen the largest diameter
possible, considering several factors as material mass density, tire grip
and availability. That's why we have chosen a large suitble engineering
material for the suitable weight, tire grip, price and availability. We
also had to consider to deliver a 7 to 14 seconds testing run duration.
|
| Q: |
My Personal Computer doesn't have
a serial port? |
| A: |
There are new laptops without serial
port, but a RS232-USB adaptor can be used to connect the IDE-Series to
PCs. This adaptor creates a virtual COM port that can be selected on the
program to work with the unit as usual. Theoretically any RS232-USB adaptor
will work with this device, requirements are 9,600 baud transfer. We can
supply a well-tested adaptor if you can not find a suitable one.
Also if your PC doesn't have a DB9
serial port (serial port with 9 pins) but has a DB25 serial port, we also
have the adapter for you.
|
| Q: |
What difference is your system
with other "data logger" systems? |
| A: |
This is the best part, our electronic
kit is better than others usual "data logger" systems that does the reading
in 1 session then the analyzing in another session That is doing reading
and recording unknown state of data (low reading, corrupted signal, sensor
failure, need to do retest), then transferring that data to the computer
to be analyzed.
While our systems does the data logging
and analyzing simultaneously. You will see the results on the fly!
|
| Q: |
Why do you ask for the expected
max RPM of the Roller Channel? |
| A: |
Please indicate to us your expected
max frequency for the roller channel (number of signals per second expected).
This is so we could set up the channel for best performance. The idea is
so we could use more than 80% of the full swing of the Roller Channel frequency.
The setup of the built in tachometer
for the Roller Channel has to be done at the factory. The components that
represents the max frequency has to be properly selected and soldered on.
|
| Q: |
Why is the max reading at the RUN
screen and Graph Screen differ? |
| A: |
Data averaging is very common for
any type of dynamometer, even for the big boys. Data averaging is done
to raw data to remove unsuspicious or non logical values that may appear
in the raw data. These values are as very high spikes (producing HP or
TQ values impossible to achieve by the engine), sudden deceleration or
acceleration, etc.
Data averaging effect is easily understood
as data filtering or data smoothing.
However during the RUN, values are
calculated with raw data. But at the Graph screen these raw data are averaged
and could yield a better approximation of the HP and TQ value. Therefore
HP and TQ displayed at the RUN screen are best taken as an estimation.
This is why the values differ from each screen.
|
| Q: |
Why is there a "fine tuning" option
for Channel 1, the ROLLER Channel? |
| A: |
Even though the built in speedometer
inside the IDERC units are very accurate, other external factors may contribute
to a slight shift in the IDERC speed input in terms of volt losses. These
factors are as, different power supplies of different computer makes and
different length of pickup cable. Although not very often, but the option
is available for users to fine-tune their dynamometer against the actual
speed via reference to an external speedometer.
The options are under the "Connect"
> "View Channels" > "Fine Tuning" section.
|
| Q: |
Why are the unused channels on
IDERC4 produce unstable spikes? |
| A: |
The IDERC4 unit have high input impedance.
As any high input impedance electronic device, the IDERC4 has a very small
leakage current (in the order of nano Amps) that can cause these open voltage
readings if the input is left open. The unused inputs could be connected
to ground of disabled by the software if it bothers.
To disable unused channels, go to "Connect"
> "View Channels" > and choose the unused channel. Then restart
the program. Unused channels are best to disable than to connect the inputs
to ground to increase the IDERC4 processing speed.
|
| Q: |
How do I get more signals per Roller
revolution to increase reading resolution? |
| A: |
The Roller Channel max frequency is
preset at the factory. The idea is so the roller channel operation will
have a swing of 80% of the max frequency.
Therefore it will not be convenient
to have more signals per rev afterwards due to components already setup
at the factory. Unless your IDE unit has a higher max frequency, more signals
per rev is possible. The math is simply,
Signals per rev possible = Max Roller
Channel Frequency / Actual Roller Max Frequency.
After mechanically adding extra signals,
setup the software at "Options" > "Roller Properties".
.
|
| Q: |
Can I upgrade my old "analogue
scale " system dynamometer? |
| A: |
As long as the analogue scale system
has a roller, it is possible. The interface is easy, just align the inductive
pickup with the roller to get frequency signals, setup at the software,
your done.
Dyno46 computerized systems are more
superior than the analogue systems. It is more reliable, accurate and repetitive..
|
| Q: |
What is the best distance for the
inductive pickup with the teeth? |
| A: |
Often, the inductive pickup is placed
too close to the target (teeth). When this happens, the pickup can trigger
the IDERC units on scratches, nicks, or magnetic deformities in the flywheel
or shaft. Usually, a gap of about 0.625mm (1/4 inch) is sufficient.
The target must be of a ferrous material.
The target must produce the largest magnetic interference of any other
scratch, hole, or deformity in the flywheel or shaft.
|
| Q: |
Why do you suggest the PC to have
a 3 pin AC outlet? |
| A: |
Its is suggested to ensure proper
grounding of the IDERC unit. Often, improper grounding will disturb the
reading of high frequency ROLLER channel.
|
| Q: |
Why does the RacingDyno software
hang on Windows Xp platforms? |
|
We have reports that some users have
difficulties with Windows XP platforms during connection. This is because
as stated in the official Microsoft homepage, Windows XP doesn't allow
direct user access to the I/O ports for security reasons.
Please do the followings to allow the
hardware to use the I/O ports.
-
Log in to your XP PC as an administrator.
-
Click on the "control panel" icon
-
Click on the "security center" icon
-
Click on the "Windows Firewall" icon
-
Choose the "Exceptions" tab
-
Click on the "Add Program" Button
-
Scroll and choose the "RacingDyno V1.4.b"
program.
-
If you the program cannot be seen in the
list most likely the software still hasn't been installed or not detected
by the system. In this case click "Browse" button and search for the "RacingDyno
V1.4.b" program.
|
| Q: |
Why do I get misaligned text? |
| A: |
The software has been developed with
custom built fonts. However during installation, some PC's wont allow for
automatic installation of the RacingDyno fonts to the PC operating system.
If you experience in misaligned text,
most likely the fonts are not installed. To fix this,
-
Go to your windows system fonts folder.
Usually at "c:\windows\fonts".
-
Search for the fonts with the DYNO46 name.
-
Click on the files to view it (this will
automatically install it to the PC).
-
Restart your PC.
The software will most likely look like
the snapshots at the software page.. This
also includes the print preview.
|
