PI and mychron sensors

Mark Billings · Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2001 2:26 am Post subject: PI and mychron sensors

Does anyone know if you can use mychron sensors on a PI system one? ie: water temp, head and exhuast?

Thanks, Mark

Brant Williams · Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2001 9:31 pm Post subject: PI and mychron sensors

With regards to Temp Sensors, just about all DAQ systems use type K Thermocouples. If they are set up with the std Yellow type K intermediate connector you can just just swap the connector ends to mate up to different systems so those sensors can be switched.

As for all the others, you are better off getting the ones to go with each type of system.

kgimpert · Joined: 19 Jul 2001 Posts: 9

Mark,

I'm sure where there's a will there's a way. But Brant is right, you really should stay clear of exchanging parts from one manufacture to the other.

My advice would be to talk to an engineer from P.I. about it, see what he thinks. Or talk to other P.I. users about it. Call P.I. headquarters in Indianapolis and ask for Aaron, he might be able to answer your question better than I can. Sorry I couldn't help.

What sensor did you want to exchange?

Kenneth Gimpert Motorsports

Mark Billings · Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2001 2:30 am Post subject: PI and mychron sensors

I spoke to someone at PI, indy and they said to set the temp sensor to Volts. I try this and it didnt work. Also tried to read F.

Just seems PI sensors are kind of pricey. $155.00 for sensor online. Does anyone have any sorce of a better buy?

Thanks, Mark

kgimpert · Joined: 19 Jul 2001 Posts: 9

Mark,

Yes you are right P.I. is expensive equipment, but it's the best. I have a digitron sensor hooked up to my system, a guy by the name of McDonald made me the attachment for the sensor. I'll try to contact him within the next few days and get back to you.

Kenneth Gimpert

Brant Williams · Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2001 4:22 pm Post subject: PI and mychron sensors

Kenneth,

I don't think that is right.

Pi is the Best...no they were just the pioneer.

If I had a full budget and needed a data system for a CAR I would go with EFI. They are poised to take a big bite out of Pi at the higher levels of motor sport. They are specifically marketing the sophistication and ease of use of their software as well as trackside support and custom software solutions...obviously specific a strategy to take advantage of the complaints some made about Pi....

I think Pi was spoiled by their position as the innovator, and they let their software and support suffer.

Beside, EFI has experience in truly critical electronics...Engine Contol systems which can't even hiccup or your motor dies...or worse. The really cool thing is the EFI systems integrate with the engine management systems (not just their own either) to eliminate duplication of sensors. Heck, I think even the Pi equipped teams use the EFI tire pressure sensor system because it is the best.

For a KART, Aim stuff is very reliable. Besides, for the longest time, the Aim software was so much better, and more readily updated that Pi.

The big knock with Drack was the hokey connectors (no wiring loom). For a KART, I actually like the DRACK system better. For a car with 20+ channels though, a loom is a must.

The new EV3 systems are available with full Deutche Motor Sport connection looms ala F1/CART. The $4000 EV3 system out performs a Pi system costing 4x...you do the math.

So many things are happening so fast in DAQ, and electronics in general that it is hard to say who the best is. The cool thing is in 5 years, the stuff the CART guys are using will be affordable to SCCA guys. Whether they can make any sense out of the data is another story.

Michael Jaynes · Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2001 5:25 pm Post subject: PI and mychron sensors

Pi System 1 does have a single k-type thermocouple input. Typically this is used for EGT, being that other temp sensors from Pi (CHT or water) are not thermocouples but thermistors or RTD's. To use additional thermocouple with a Pi system, an external k-type amplifier is required to take the millivolt output from a thermocouple and amplity and linearize the signal to a 0-5V output. We offer thermocouples terminated for a Pi System that include the wiring instructions as well. Our Drack system uses internal amplifiers that can be turned on or off via software configuration.

Darren Swisher · Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2001 5:32 pm Post subject: PI and mychron sensors

Michael Jaynes - AIM Sports, It is great to see you here, I can tell you are an engineer. I for one have no clue what you just said, But I hope you can stick around and make yourself at home.

Darren

[ August 03, 2001: Message edited by: Darren Swisher ]

Mike Goebel · Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2001 6:21 pm Post subject: PI and mychron sensors

quote:
Originally posted by Brant Williams:
Kenneth,

Heck, I think even the Pi equipped teams use the EFI tire pressure sensor system because it is the best.

No don't say what you are not 100% sure of.

Mike G.

kgimpert · Joined: 19 Jul 2001 Posts: 9

Brant,

I didn't realize that we were racing cars here... Were in a form of motorsport where I personally think that the P.I. system is the best for what were doing. I was nearly stating my opinion, I wasn't expecting to get such a response.

Kenneth Gimpert