Racepak
Racepak
Racepak
Racepak
949-709-5555
www.Racepak.com
I: Getting Acquainted with the Sportsman Data Logger
Before you can begin the installation of your new data logger system, you will need to become familiar with the
terms used to describe the various components used in your system. You will also need to find the location of
various elements such as the digital input connectors on your data logger. We will begin by reviewing the features
of the Sportsman data logger.
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Sportsman Data Logger
Inputs capable of monitoring:
4 Hardwired Digital (Engine RPM, Driveshaft RPM, Record Button Event, 12-Volt Event)
3 Internal Sensors (Acceleration G-Force, Lateral G-Force, Battery Volts)
8 Factory Pre-Set V-Net channels (Pre-set for Exhaust Gas Temperature Inputs, up to 8)
6 User-Defined V-Net channels (Available for any V-Net Input Modules)
The recorded data is stored on an SD (Secure Digital) flash memory card. Multiple data files may be stored on the
SD memory card allowing you to make back-to-back recordings without losing any data. The number of runs the
SD memory card can hold depends on the number of data channels, data sample rates, and SD card capacity. A
typica1 Sportsman drag racing configuration, using a 128Mb card, can store 150-200 recordings.
Programming the Sportsmans settings is done via the supplied RS-232 cable connected to a PC computer. If using
a newer PC computer, a USB-to-Serial adapter cable is supplied to plug into the USB port.
Each digital input connector on the Sportsman data logger can be used to connect up to 4 hardwired digital sensors.
A single V-Net connector is used to connect all V-Net devices which can be either digital and/or analog. The
drawings shown on the next page illustrate the location of the input connectors on the Sportsman data logger.
You probably noticed we mentioned four terms: digital inputs, analog inputs, hardwired inputs, and V-Net
devices. You may already know what they represent, but lets take a quick review.
Digital Inputs:
Digital inputs and digital sensors refer to devices that can be described as having two states. For instance,
a switch is either on or it is off, a contact closure is either open or closed, and a tach output is either high
or low. These type of sensors are used for a variety of applications, such as monitoring if the throttle is
wide open, or if a transmission brake solenoid is closed. They also are used to measure various Rpm’s,
such as engine rpm or drive shaft rpm. In these applications the data logger measures the number of
transitions from off to on (or pulses) that occur in a given time period. This information is then used to
calculate the rpm.
Analog Inputs:
Analog inputs and sensors refer to devices that have numerous levels. For instance an oil pressure sensor
could indicate 0 PSI, 100 PSI, or anywhere in between. Temperature, pressure, position, and torque
sensors are all examples of analog sensors. On the Sportsman data recorder, analog inputs can only be
added via V-Net.
Hardwired Inputs:
Hardwired sensors simply refer to those sensors that are connected (wired) directly to the data logger via
the data logger’s digital input connectors.
V-Net Devices:
V-Net (short for on-board Vehicle Network) is a technology developed by RacePak for use in
implementing onboard electronics. This technology allows a variety of devices such as data loggers,
gauges, sensors, and actuators to be connected together with a single cable (bus), and to share their
information with each other. All devices compatible with this technology are referred to as V-Net
Devices. We will discuss these devices in more detail as we continue.
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