A Quick Guide to Standalone Data Logging with MPVI3
Published on: June 20, 2024Categories: Education
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Welcome to our quick guide on standalone data logging using the MPVI3 from HP Tuners! Whether you’re new to vehicle tuning or looking to enhance your skills, understanding how to effectively use data logging can significantly improve your tuning process. This guide will walk you through the essentials of setting up, configuring, generating, retrieving, and troubleshooting standalone data logs with the MPVI3.
Quick Links:
– Setting Up Data Logging
– Configuring Triggers
– Generating/Retrieving Logs
– Troubleshooting
– More Help
What is Data Logging?
Data logging involves recording and analyzing various performance metrics from your vehicle. This data is collected directly from your vehicle’s engine management system using devices like the MPVI3. The insights gained from data logging can help you:
- Enhance performance
- Improve fuel efficiency
- Troubleshoot issues
Setting Up Data Logging
To get started with standalone data logging, follow these steps:
- Launch VCM Scanner: Open the VCM Scanner software on your computer.
- Connect Your Device: Plug your MPVI3 into your computer using the provided USB cable.
- Firmware Update: Navigate to
Help > Resync Interface
to update the firmware. This ensures your device is ready for data logging. - Access Data Logging: Select
Vehicle > MPVI2 Data Logging
from the menu to set up your vehicle for logging. - Sync Resources: Click
Resync Interface Resources
to update your interface device. - Channel Configuration: Choose to use a specific channel configuration by clicking
Write Channels Config
or stick with the Vehicle Defaults.
Configuring Start and Stop Triggers (Optional)
Customizing when data logging starts and stops ensures you capture the most relevant data:
Start Triggers Configuration:
- Open Triggers Tab: In VCM Scanner, go to
Vehicle > MPVI2 Data Logging
and open theStart/Stop Triggers
tab. - Select Vehicle Type: Choose
Street Car
orRace Car
for suggested values. - Customize Start Conditions:
- Short Button Press: Start logging with a button press.
- Instantaneous Acceleration: Begin logging when rapid acceleration is detected.
- Sustained Acceleration: Activate logging when the vehicle maintains a specific acceleration for a designated duration.
- Save Settings: Click
Set Triggers
to apply your configurations.
Stop Triggers Configuration:
- Repeat Navigation: Stay in the
Start/Stop Triggers
tab. - Vehicle Type for Stop Settings: Select
Street Car
orRace Car
for RPM field values. - Configure Stop Triggers:
- Short Button Press: Stop logging with a button press.
- Sustained Acceleration: Input thresholds for logging to cease if acceleration decreases below a set level.
- RPM: Set an RPM level to halt logging when dropped below for a predetermined time.
- Auto-Stop Condition: Logging stops if there is no movement and zero RPM for one minute.
- Finalize Stop Settings: Click
Set Triggers
to save your configurations.
Generating and Retrieving Logs
Generating a Log:
- Disconnect the Interface Device: Unplug your HP Tuners interface from your computer.
- Ready the Device: It may take up to two minutes for the device to be ready for standalone logging.
- Connect to OBD-II Port: Plug the device into your vehicle’s OBD-II port.
- Power Up: Start the engine or switch to the ON/RUN state without starting the engine.
- Start Logging: Logging begins automatically within five to ten seconds after your triggers are met. The amber OBD light will flash to indicate logging is active.
Retrieving Log Files:
- Open VCM Scanner: Launch the VCM Scanner software on your computer.
- Connect the Device: Connect your HP Tuners interface device to your computer using the USB cable.
- Access Data Logging Files: Select
Vehicle > MPVI2 Data Logging
and navigate to theLog Files
tab. - Select Log File: Click on the desired log file and select
Read Selected
. - Save the File: Choose a destination folder on your computer to save the log file.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with data logging, here are some common troubleshooting steps:
Standalone Data Logging is Not Starting:
- Firmware Check: Ensure the firmware is updated to version 3.1.2 or higher.
- Resync Device: Click the
Resync Interface Resources
button. - Check Start Triggers: Verify the
Short Button Press
option is enabled. - Vehicle Ignition: Ensure the vehicle’s ignition is ON or the engine is running.
- Reset Channel Config: Click
Erase Channels Config
to reset to Vehicle Defaults.
Standalone Data Logging is Not Stopping:
- Check Stop Triggers: Ensure the
Short Button Press
is enabled. - Channel Configuration Reset: Reset channel configurations by clicking
Erase Channels Configuration
. - Data Log Issues: Adjust the polling interval or reset channel configurations if necessary.
By following these steps, you can effectively use standalone data logging with your MPVI3 to optimize your vehicle’s performance. Happy tuning!