G-Meter Operation
The basics of G-Forces
When you’re not performing a Timed Run, the Perfor-
mance Computer is in the G-Meter Mode, where it can
display the acceleration, braking, and cornering forces
of your car.
These forces are measured in “G’s,” and they are the
best way to measure your car’s performance. You’ve
felt these forces—when a powerful car “pushes you
back in the seat,” when a panic stop presses you for-
ward against the seat belt, and when a sharp corner
presses you against the door panel.
What the G-Meter shows
The G-Meter displays the G-Forces exerted by your car,
in the plane of the road. On a perfectly level surface,
the G-Meter will read zero when your car is not mov-
ing, or when it is traveling “steady-state” (not acceler-
ating, braking, or turning).
However, on hills or sloped surfaces, the G-Meter will
show a small G-Force, even when your car is not mov-
ing. This shows the force your tires are exerting to keep
your car from sliding down the slope.
TO SELECT G-METER
Press and release the G-METER button
to choose the G-Meter mode.
Press and release the button again to
select different G-Meter display options.
To Calibrate the G-Meter, park on a level
surface, then press and release the
CALIBRATE button.
WARNING!
This device measures G-Forces, but remember, it does
not change the laws of physics. Under certain circum-
stances, almost any vehicle can roll over, causing seri-
ous injury or death. Taller vehicles such as SUVs, trucks,
and vans are more likely to roll than conventional cars,
so even more care needs to be taken with those ve-
hicles. No electronic device can take the place of the
driver’s judgment.
The car is accelerating at .45 G.
The car is braking at .22 G.
The car is cornering to the right at .72 G.
The car is accelerating at .45 G,
and cornering to the right at .72G.
G-METER OPTION 1: BAR GRAPHS
Press and release the G-METER button as necessary to
select “G-METER OPTION 1.”
This display shows straightforward bar graphs of
G-Forces. The top line shows acceleration and braking
forces; the bottom line shows cornering forces.
The default scale for the Bar Graphs is .80 G full scale.
You can adjust this using the Setup mode.
Typical Cornering G-Forces
Below we list typical maximum cornering forces
for different types of cars. Of course, auto testers
use smooth, level pavement under optimum con-
ditions to achieve these figures.
Standard sedan .70 G to .80 G
Sports sedan .80 G to .90 G
For example, BMW M3, Acura RSX, etc.
High performance .90G to 1.00G
For example, Corvette, Viper, Porsche 911
Modified car 1.00 G or more
+.45 G |||||||||||||||||
. . . . .
.00 G
. . . . .
|
. . . . .
- .22 G
. . . . . . .
|||||||||
.00 G
. . . . .
|
. . . . .
.00 G
. . . . .
.
. . . . .
> .72 G
. . . . .
| > > >
.
+.45 G |||||||||||||||||
. . . . .
> .72 G
. . . . .
| > > >
.
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