I wrote this thread to help those using the Romraider program get started on data-logging. I am by far not an expert at using Romraiders software but however I did stay at a Holiday Inn express last night so I do feel qualified in creating this document. The Romraider software and FAQ's can be found here
RomRaider - Open Source ECU Tools | RomRaider / Rom Raider along with a very supportive and informative forum to boot. Datalogging your vehicle is completely harmless and is one of the most essential tools in modern ECU tuning. For those interested in learning to tune their own vehicle learning to datalog and use the Romraider datalogging program is one of the first basic steps before actually modding the ECU's ROM (aka: map).
First and foremost we will start on the basis that you have properly installed the appropriate software and have obtained the proper cable. You must have Ecuflash installed to use the Tactrix cable as the software contains the drivers and not Romraider! The diagnostic connectors are not required to be mated in order to datalog. Make sure you follow the instructions for installing the defintions 100%!!! If you have Vista or Windows 7 the programs must be installed as an "administrator" and make sure the latest version of java is installed and the earlier versions deleted! Also make sure the program is not running off your desktop! It needs to be fully installed on the "c" drive. You also need to tell Romraider and Ecuflash where the definitions are stored! First boot up your lap top. For long logging sessions I use a small 400w power invertor to keep the laptop from draining its battery. Plug the USB end into the laptop then the OBD II connector into the diagnostic port under the dash.
Start the vehicle and then Open the logger program by clicking the the Romraider logger icon. Select the appropriate COM port. If your not sure which port to select then select a data tab from the list and select each available port one by one until data shows up in the right hand data screen. Also in the right hand upper corner there should be a blue dot and text saying "connected to ECU". If it's a red dot saying "connecting to ECU" then your not connected.
Once the cable is connected you can select your data from the list on the left hand side. Let the car fully warm up. For a general all around log I would log the following parameters:
feedback knock correction
fine knock correction
IAM
engine speed
engine load
manifold relative pressure direct
injector duty cycle
wastegate duty cycle
target boost
IAT
mass air flow
Lc-1 (or other wideband) or AFR sensor #1 (factory front O2)
A/F Learning #1 (%)
This will give you a pretty good basic idea of whats going on. You can log other parameters if you want. You don't want to log every single parameter you can. Just remember the more you log,the less resolution you will get in the log. Only so much information can pass at one time. If I have a specific problem I will log only parameters that pertain to that problem and will not log others. Also you can monitor when certain solenoids,relays and other switches are activated by selecting them in the "ECU Switches" tab. You can see when fan relays,IACV and TGV motors are activated. In order to merge wideband into your log you will have to go to the "plugins" tab,select your wideband and then go to the "external sensors" tab and select your wideband again.
Now go to the "settings" tab and select "Control File Logging With Defrost Switch". This will allow you to start and stop the logging using the defroster switch! You generally want to do a 3 gear pull from about 2000-2500rpm to 7000rpm. This is my disclaimer!! IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY,NOT MINE, to find a way to do this legally and safely!! Also since that tab is open select "Logger File Output Location". This is where you want the logs to be stored.
By selecting from the "file" tab "save profile" you can save the parameters as a group and load them all at once next time you log.
RomRaider - Open Source ECU Tools | RomRaider / Rom Raider along with a very supportive and informative forum to boot. Datalogging your vehicle is completely harmless and is one of the most essential tools in modern ECU tuning. For those interested in learning to tune their own vehicle learning to datalog and use the Romraider datalogging program is one of the first basic steps before actually modding the ECU's ROM (aka: map).
First and foremost we will start on the basis that you have properly installed the appropriate software and have obtained the proper cable. You must have Ecuflash installed to use the Tactrix cable as the software contains the drivers and not Romraider! The diagnostic connectors are not required to be mated in order to datalog. Make sure you follow the instructions for installing the defintions 100%!!! If you have Vista or Windows 7 the programs must be installed as an "administrator" and make sure the latest version of java is installed and the earlier versions deleted! Also make sure the program is not running off your desktop! It needs to be fully installed on the "c" drive. You also need to tell Romraider and Ecuflash where the definitions are stored! First boot up your lap top. For long logging sessions I use a small 400w power invertor to keep the laptop from draining its battery. Plug the USB end into the laptop then the OBD II connector into the diagnostic port under the dash.
Start the vehicle and then Open the logger program by clicking the the Romraider logger icon. Select the appropriate COM port. If your not sure which port to select then select a data tab from the list and select each available port one by one until data shows up in the right hand data screen. Also in the right hand upper corner there should be a blue dot and text saying "connected to ECU". If it's a red dot saying "connecting to ECU" then your not connected.
Once the cable is connected you can select your data from the list on the left hand side. Let the car fully warm up. For a general all around log I would log the following parameters:
feedback knock correction
fine knock correction
IAM
engine speed
engine load
manifold relative pressure direct
injector duty cycle
wastegate duty cycle
target boost
IAT
mass air flow
Lc-1 (or other wideband) or AFR sensor #1 (factory front O2)
A/F Learning #1 (%)
This will give you a pretty good basic idea of whats going on. You can log other parameters if you want. You don't want to log every single parameter you can. Just remember the more you log,the less resolution you will get in the log. Only so much information can pass at one time. If I have a specific problem I will log only parameters that pertain to that problem and will not log others. Also you can monitor when certain solenoids,relays and other switches are activated by selecting them in the "ECU Switches" tab. You can see when fan relays,IACV and TGV motors are activated. In order to merge wideband into your log you will have to go to the "plugins" tab,select your wideband and then go to the "external sensors" tab and select your wideband again.
Now go to the "settings" tab and select "Control File Logging With Defrost Switch". This will allow you to start and stop the logging using the defroster switch! You generally want to do a 3 gear pull from about 2000-2500rpm to 7000rpm. This is my disclaimer!! IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY,NOT MINE, to find a way to do this legally and safely!! Also since that tab is open select "Logger File Output Location". This is where you want the logs to be stored.
By selecting from the "file" tab "save profile" you can save the parameters as a group and load them all at once next time you log.