automotive sensors

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Why make it so difficult by measuring inside the cylinder? Unless it is a
research engine, monitor throttle position (TPS), rpm, AFR (air fuel ratio,
target 12 for gas), and EGT (exhaust gas temp)

TPS - typically 0-5V. Get a sensor off of any junker, or use a pot.

RPM - careful of the voltage. Automotive is 16VAC. There are commercial
converters. If your controller is fast enough, you can try a sensor to trip
once per shaft revolution.

EGT - Westach, available from aircraft spruce. These are simple thermocouples,
self powered, with 0-1 V analog output. (maybe its 5VDC). Get shielded for long
life, or unshielded for fast response. Keep it under 900deg C, and preferably
under 840deg C.

AFR- you need a wideband O2 sensor to measure this. I bought a controller and
sensor from innovate motorsports (google it). However, the controller was
buggy, and I think I ruined the sensor by putting it too close to the turbo.
What's neat is they took a standard VW wideband O2, and built a controller for
it. The sensor is only $87 from VW. You could build your own contoller (mainly
calibration required).

I started building a datalogger for the vette, but stopped when the Vdrive
locked up switching the baud from 300 to something real. I'd suggest wiring in
start and stop pushbuttons on the datalogger.

-Todd

[YahooArchive]

> Does anyone have a source for these types of sensors?
> Application notes?
>
> Thanks!
>
> - Bill
>

Sounds like a fun project, especially for a father and son to do together!

Take a peek at the Sensor Forum here on Yahoo Groups:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sensorforum/

I have found that while the traffic volume on the forum is somewhat
low, there are some surprisingly talented individuals just waiting in
the background to offer up their assistance. I would encourage you to
solicit those persons for their input as well.

Good luck!

-t