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| Frequently Asked Questions |
Kits & Prices Frequently Asked Questions Interesting Logs
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Can the QwikData unit be used on vehicles with 16 Volt battery systems?.
Yes. 16 volt alternators are OK however the the QwikData MUST be off when using external charger.
Can the QwikData unit be used on vehicles with magneto ignition systems.
Yes. The current QwikData design is compatible with magneto ignition systems when proper care is taken during installation to minimize ignition noise pickup. Magnetic supression plug wires MUST also be used.
How many channels does QwikData have?
Two configurations of the QwikData unit are available; basic and Advanced. The basic unit has 6 digital channels and 8 analog channels. The advanced unit has 6 digital channels and 24 analog channels.
Can I look at the data being logged in real-time?
Yes. If you have the PC connected to the QwikData unit (via cable or via a telemetry link), QwikData software allows you to view the data as it is being logged.
How much run data can the systems hold?
Most configurations will hold 5-7 drag race runs with short return road trips.
What are the digital channels used for?
The digital channels are used for measuring the time or count characteristics of a signal such as frequency, pulse width, duty cycle, on/off event, event counter. These channels would be used to measure parameters such as engine RPM, shaft RPM, brake On/Off, a lap counter, wheel speed, injector pulse width, and injector duty cycle.
What are the analog channels used for?
The analog channels are used to measure the amplitude characteristics of a signal over time. These channels are typically used to measure signal such as temperatures, pressures, suspension travel, steering angle and throttle position.
Can the basic unit be upgraded to an advanced unit?
Yes, you can upgrade a basic unit to an advanced unit at any time. The QwikData unit must be returned to Edelbrock to install the upgrade. Motor Sports Innovations also has a trade in program where the complete kit is traded in and a new Advanced kit purchased minus trade in value.
Is the data stored in the QwikData memory lost if power is removed from the unit?
No. QwikData stores all logged data in non-volatile FLASH memory so no power is needed to maintain the information.
How do you get the logged data out of the QwikData unit?
The data is downloaded from the QwikData unit to your PC using a standard RS232 serial port.
Is the data automatically erased from the QwikData memory after download to the PC?
No. As you complete your download from the Race Car into your laptop, you will be prompted with a "would you like to erase the data in the QwikData?". This prevents you from losing data if for some reason the download is not completed successfully.
What happens if I log too much data and the QwikData memory gets full?
Once the QwikData memory is full, the unit automatically stops logging data. No previously recorded data is lost.
What happens if I don't download and erase the QwikData memory after every run?
The QwikData will append the second run onto the first and no data from the first run will be lost. When you later download the information to the PC, QwikData breaks up the runs into separate sessions and stores them in separate files on the PC hard drive.
Do I need a computer to use the QwikData system?
Yes. There is no way to input information or view logged data directly on the
QwikData unit. A PC is used to provide the user interface.
Does the computer have to remain connected to the QwikData unit?
No. The PC is only used to setup the QwikData unit and to download and view logged data. Once the QwikData unit is setup, the PC is disconnected and the QwikData unit is ready to log data.
Can I run the QwikData software on an old 386 laptop computer?
Yes. The QwikData software will run on any computer running Windows 3.1, 95, 98 or NT 4.0 and with a minimum of 4 MB of RAM, about 5 MB of free disk space, and a color VGA (or better) display. BUT for the software to run quickly and smoothly, we recommend a minimum of a 486 66MHz PC.
Can I use my own sensors or do I have to buy all the sensors from Edelbrock?
The QwikData unit is very flexible and allows the user to calibrate a wide variety of sensors so there are many sources for compatible sensors.
Are there any outputs from the QwikData unit?
Yes. There are two outputs that can be used to control lights, alarms or relays. These outputs can be programmed to turn on and off based on the values of the signals on any two of the input channels.
Can I do data analysis on the data that has been logged?
Yes. While there are no data analysis capabilities inherent in the QwikData software, the logged data files can be exported to a standard delimited ASCII file that can be read by a spreadsheet program such as Microsoft Excel.
How do I connect the QwikData to the ignition system to obtain engine RPM?
The QwikData is designed to receive a tach signal from an ignition system such as an MSD. There are two wires in the wiring harness marked 'TACH' (a purple and a black wire). The purple wire should be connected to the tach output of the ignition system and the black wire should be connected to a good ground.
Is there a printed QwikData manual available?
Yes. Motor Sports Innovations has created a manual from the CD to be used with the QuickData systems.
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