Torque Pro is a powerful OBD2 app that can be used to monitor and log vehicle data. When paired with BlackStealth’s OBD1 to OBD2 converter, it allows you to access valuable engine information from vehicles equipped with OBD1 systems. This guide will walk you through the process of setting up and using this combination for effective datalogging.
Choosing Your OBD2 Adapter: Bluetooth vs. USB
To connect your phone to the BlackStealth converter, you’ll need an OBD2 adapter. While inexpensive Bluetooth adapters may seem appealing, they often suffer from slow data transfer rates, impacting the refresh rate of your real-time display and the frequency of data logged. This can be a significant drawback when trying to capture accurate data during dynamic driving events like acceleration pulls.
USB adapters, particularly those with FTDI chips, offer considerably faster data transfer speeds. While some modification may be necessary to achieve optimal performance (explained below), the improved refresh rates and logging frequency make them a superior choice for serious datalogging. Furthermore, USB adapters can also be used with laptops for data analysis using PC software. To connect a USB adapter to your Android phone, you’ll need a USB OTG (On-The-Go) cable.
Optimizing Your USB Adapter for High-Speed Data Transfer
To unlock the full potential of your FTDI-based USB adapter, you can modify its baud rate. This involves using a terminal program like CoolTerm on your PC to communicate with the adapter and change its settings. The process is as follows:
- Connect the OBD2 adapter to your PC and open CoolTerm, setting the baud rate to 38.4k (or the adapter’s default baud rate).
- Connect in CoolTerm and verify connection by entering “ATI” and pressing Enter. The adapter should respond with its version information.
- Enter “AT PP 0C SV 23” to change the baud rate to 115.2k.
- Enter “AT PP 0C ON” to activate the new baud rate.
- Power cycle the adapter.
- Reconnect CoolTerm with the baud rate set to 115.2k and verify the change using the “ATI” command.
- In the Torque Pro app, set the baud rate to 57.6k (which corresponds to the modified 115.2k baud rate).
Installing the BlackStealth Converter and Connecting Sensors
The BlackStealth converter can be installed temporarily using a cigarette lighter power adapter or permanently wired into your vehicle’s electrical system. A common location for permanent installation is under the dashboard, tapping into a switched 12V power source.
Beyond the basic power and OBD1 connections, the converter allows you to connect additional sensors for more comprehensive data logging. A wideband O2 sensor is highly recommended for tuning purposes, and the converter supports various sensor types with configurable voltage-to-AFR ranges. You can also connect sensors for boost/vacuum pressure, oil pressure, and more. Refer to the converter’s manual for specific wiring and configuration instructions.
Using Torque Pro for Data Logging
Once everything is connected and configured, launch Torque Pro on your phone. Ensure that the app is set to communicate via USB and that the correct OBD2 device and baud rate are selected. Torque Pro will automatically connect to the converter and begin displaying real-time data. You can then customize the displayed parameters and configure logging sessions to record specific data points over time. Logged data can be exported as CSV files for analysis in spreadsheet software like Excel.
Conclusion
By combining Torque Pro with BlackStealth’s OBD1 converter and a high-speed USB adapter, you can gain valuable insights into your vehicle’s performance. Whether you’re tuning your engine, diagnosing problems, or simply monitoring vital statistics, this setup provides a powerful and flexible solution for datalogging. Remember to consult the BlackStealth converter manual and the Torque Pro documentation for detailed instructions and advanced features.
