How to build a datalogger setup (PDA/Laptop)
If a check engine light (CEL) has come up on your gauge cluster, or you want the ability to see what your car’s computer is doing for tuning purposes, you should consider purchasing a datalogger setup to read codes and perform simple engine diagnostics. For modified twin turbo 3000GTs and Stealths, it is highly recommended you have one.
1991-1993 vehicles were equipped with OBDI systems, 94-95 vehicles were equipped with OBD1/2 “hybrid” systems, and 1996 and up were equipped with OBDII systems.
You have two ways to display the logging interface: through a Palm-OS compatible PDA, or a laptop with a USB port.
Palm-OS PDAs:
- For OBDI cars, you’ll need the following items:
- Palm M100* (with separate serial cable and usb hotsync cables)
- OBD1 datalogging cable (OEM style moulded connector on eBay)
- MMCd software for the PDA (download version 1.8g HERE)
*You can use other PDAs that run PalmOS 3.5 or higher. The one pictured above is a Palm M505.
For OBD Hybrids (all 94-95s) your only option for a PDA logger is Shiver’s Datalogging Cable and to use their proprietary software. You’ll need one of the compatible PalmOS PDAs they have listed.
OBDII cars (96+) can log, but the sampling rates are limited and you cannot log engine knock. For reading codes, scanners used by other modern cars will work. Autozone and other car parts stores will scan your code(s) for free. For tuning purposes, the best route is to either swap ECUs or use a Scanmaster 3i.
Laptops:
The current most popular solution is Hand Held Halo. Although their website is not very user friendly, many people have reported success for all years of 3000GTs/Stealths.