Thinking about possibly stepping up my game a little and diving into data logging. Car right now is really consistent but do get thrown a curve ball now and then where car slows .02 out of no where. Been reading up on the GRID but not sure what are all the parts I need to make it work.

Currently have a 7AL-3 in the car. Can the grind run that or do I need a different ignition. Can it record drive shaft speed? Im really lost with this.

IMO, get a Racepak Sportsman data logger! Greg Kelley on this site sells them with excellent support!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: TOP38,

^^^^^ X2. Grid won't do driveshaft speed.

Racepak Sportsman

x3 on the Racepak sportsman and Greg Kelleys support is top notch. I had zero racepak experience he made sure I got what I needed and got it working.

Youtube has a ton of videos on the Racepak. Greg Kelly is a great resource, as well as calling the factory tech line.

x4 on the Racepak sportsman and Greg Kelleys support is top notch

Racepack is the “industry standard” and lot of good people and companies can help you. I went with RPM though and really like it. Software can be downloaded for free, sensors are much more resonably priced, when he comes up with new things they are really reasonably priced, and I have called him at all times included Sunday’s from the track and he always answers any question I have. It’s also widely used in the sportsman racing community so lots of racer help out there as well. I will say I had some experiences with racepack that were less than stellar. Like I was lucky to be using their stuff and I was more of a attempted software and intellectual property thief than customer. When my RP logger broke I went to rpm. That was before guys like Greg Kelly and message boards so probably not the case anymore.

When I did my research I decided on the RPM system and glad I did. The service is great and I was able to get much more for the money. He allowed me to use some sensors I already had and the system is fairly easy to install and use. Nothing wrong with Racepak but my same system with everything I have would have cost almost twice as much.
My system records, oil pressure and temp. Water and transmission temp. Engine RPM and driveshaft RPM, engine vacuum, fuel pressure, brake pressure, voltage and 8 O2 sensors. I had two EGT but have since removed them as the O2 proves much more reliable and accurate.

Engine and Driveshaft RPM is critical on any system. That tells you your stall and if there is any tire slip. Tells you if you are not shifting on right time or RPM. Oil and Transmission temps I do not worry about any more because I have verified they are with in range and do not change much. I check the O2 readings every pass. If you have a carburetor then probably one O2 on each side would work. If you are running mechanical injection then 8 O2 has really helped. If something seems off I can look at O2 numbers, find the cylinder and there is usually a piece of trash in that nozzle.
One time I noticed the voltage was low, sure enough my alternator had quit. I was able to charge between rounds and get down to 3 cars that night. If I did not see that would not have known until the car would not start.
When I am footbrake racing the RPM and brake pressure are a big part of being consistent and the logger has helped me there.

RPM for me. I log 28 different functions. As Curly said, it has helped me find weak cylinders thru EGT, Trans issues as I log pressure in reverse and forward. Other areas as well.
It uses 5 volt pressure sensors which are plentiful also I used string pots as shock travel sensors as well.

As to the software, as stated it is a free down load so you can send your data to a buddy and he can help you look at stuff..

My .02 for what it's worth.

Dave

RPM is the best bang for the buck. IMHO.

rpm here also

Been with RPM for about 7 years. Even Beta tested there digital dash for a year before they released it. As others have said RPM is the best bang for your buck and Randy is always there when you need help.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Big Steve,

Can't say enough GOOD about Randy at RPM.

I had an issue with my logger last year, sent it in, received it back, NO CHARGE, not even shipping.
He also spent HOURS on the phone with me diagnosing my issue.

BIG THANKS TO RPM.

There are several good choices out there for data logging. I went with Racepak because someone else at the track will have Racepak and if I need help it’s easy to find. Even though more expensive I like the V-net configuration since they just daisy chain. Pick your poison, they all work.

I’d go with Racepak personally. The Sportsman is a great starter and Racepaks VNET makes it very simple to add/remove sensors easily if you choose to in the future. Plus the ability to connect the Data Logger with the MSD Grid through the VNET is something that no other brand of logger can do and having everything on one graph is very handy. And without a doubt I’d deal with Greg Kelley. It don’t get much better for Cudtomer Service than him.

When you talk to Greg discuss whether you will need a Sportsman system or move up to the 300SD.

I started with the Sportsman but, I've added enough channels that I probably should have stepped up in the beginning.

quote:

Originally posted by 6Volt:
I’d go with Racepak personally. The Sportsman is a great starter and Racepaks VNET makes it very simple to add/remove sensors easily if you choose to in the future. Plus the ability to connect the Data Logger with the MSD Grid through the VNET is something that no other brand of logger can do and having everything on one graph is very handy. And without a doubt I’d deal with Greg Kelley. It don’t get much better for Customer Service than him.

I very much agree with what Cody writes about the sharing of data information from Grid to Racepak.

Although MSD Grid 7730 is an inexpensive ignition controller that offers very limited Data Acquisition, what it does offer can and IS very useful in troubleshooting problems in what a racer is trying to control given the type of racing that they are competing in and the control functions that they are using and programming.

We have been running the RPM data loggers with Randy for over 10 years. he always picks up the phone if we need anything, all the sensors are half of what the racepacks are, the ability to just pull up and wirelessly connect to the data logger and get the information is invaluable.

Let me know if you need any help on anything from Randy.

Whatever you do, talk to Greg to at least get info from a pro. I have run the racepak for, well, I guess about 17 years. Wish it had the sd card as the cord is a pain.
But recently I have started logging a lot with my efi ecu. Honestly I don't like the logging software nearly was well as the Racepak software.