Abstract
We test G-Tech's new EGS system on a number of cars and find out it is more than just another car toy. Testing methods, results and discussion follow.
Introduction
G-Tech states the EGS system is a "window to your car's soul." We like to call products like these data acquisition systems. Our description isn't quite as ethereal, but probably more accurate. Essentially, it's able to gather and record data from either the vehicle's own instrumentation or user-added sensors. The data can be replayed and plotted in graphical format for performance evaluation and diagnostic purposes.
Methods And Materials We used the EGS in different vehicles for recording a variety of parameters. The system was used by itself and with different accessory modules offered by G-Tech.
*G-Tech Pro EGS system-includes power harness with RPM signal wire, sequential shift light, detachable control module and instruction manual. $299.95
*Wideband air/fuel ratio sensor kit-includes a wideband AF Sensor, signal converter box and wiring harness to connect to the EGS. Requires welding a mounting bung in the cars exhaust system upstream of the catalytic converter. $229.95
*OBD-II interface module-a wiring harness and signal converter box to interface the EGS with the car's OBD-II system. $239.95
*3-axis accelerometer module- a small module that plugs into the EGS through a serial port on the back of the system. Another serial port on the modules unit allows other units to be stacked for further expandability. $109.95
*ADC 8-channel module-includes a serial port plug to attach to the rear of the EGS, A sensor block that allows up to eight sensors to be connected and a wiring harness. $129.95
*Trivac mounting system-suction mounting system that allows the system to be attached to the car's windshield or any smooth surface. $39.95
*12-volt DC socket power adapter-purchased from local electronics supply store. $2.99
Experimental Procedure
The G-Tech Pro EGS system is designed to be wired to a 12-volt switched source within the car. An accessory wire such as a power wire for the car stereo (or similar) is to be tapped into with a splice connector. Since we wanted to use it on multiple cars, we decided to solder the power and ground leads to a 12-volt socket/cigarette lighter adapter. Since we knew we would be using the OBD-II module to get the tach signal, we decided to tie off the green signal wire and connect the orange demo power wire to the ground.
Once powered, we had to decide on a mounting method. We ordered our system with a trivac mount and again, for ease of transfer, decided a suction mount was the best alternative.
Installation is straightforward. In each car, we simply plugged in the power socket, plugged in the OBD-II connector, and were ready to gather data. Once the ignition is switched on, the EGS automatically finds any attached modules and begins setting up communications with the vehicle's OBD system.
We first mounted and connected the system in each vehicle. After the EGS is fired up, we then used the control module to set up which channels we wanted displayed on the screen as well as what we wanted recorded. Alarms for other data channels were set at this point such as coolant temps, air/fuel ratios, and so on. Redline was set for the shift light as well as the color and brightness of the display.
Once set-up was complete, testing began by driving the car and calibrating the accelerometer. An acceleration run over 0.25-g is required for calibration. We performed ours on a closed road for safety.
Data was then logged and compared to known values from previous testing and dyno tuning.