Racepak Glossary of Terms

01/14/2018
10 min read

Racepak Glossary of Terms

01/14/2018
10 min read

Analog:

This term simply refers to a sensor or signal having a large number of potential values. For instance, a water temperature sensor is an analog sensor as the output of the sensor varies continuously with the temperature. This type of sensor is also called a voltage output sensor. Pressure, temperature, vacuum, linear and rotary travel, would all be examples of analog channels.


Data Cartridge:

A small rectangular device used to transfer data from the onboard data logger to a PC without connecting a serial cable between the two. It is used just like you might use a floppy disc to transfer files from one PC to another.


Data logger:

The onboard hardware device that collects and stores the information transmitted from the sensors. Sometimes referred to as a Data Logger or Computer.


Digital:

This term refers to a sensor or signal having only two values. For example, a wide open throttle switch is either on or off. Digital channels, by counting or timing the transitions from off to on, can also be used to measure RPM. For instance by monitoring the number of pulses from the ignition tach output, a data logger can determine and monitor the engine RPM.


Download:

The common term for the process of transferring the information stored in the data logger to a device, such as a data cartridge, for the purpose of loading it into another piece of hardware, such as a desktop computer for analysis. Also see Upload.


EGT:

Abbreviation for Exhaust Gas Temperature. EGTís are commonly used as an indicator of whether a cylinder is running rich (cool) or lean (hot). Thermocouple probes in the exhaust headers are used to monitor the EGTís.


K or KB:

Abbreviation for Kilobyte. Each sample of recorded data represents approximately two bytes. A kilobyte is 1024 bytes. It takes about 1 KB to display one page of double spaced text on your computer screen. See MB or megabyte.


MB:

Abbreviation for Megabyte. A megabyte is one million bytes (technically correct 1,048,576), or one thousand (1,024) kilobytes. Most large novels could fit into a MB with room to spare. Your auto insurance policy disclaimer would not.


Memory:

The capacity of a data logger or PC to store information, usually expressed in Kilobytes or Megabytes. The length of available recording time is dependant upon how much memory is available. As the number of channels and/or sampling rates per second increase, the recording time is decreased. Purchase a data logger with lots of memory.


Sampling Rate:

The number of times per second the data logger logs a sample of the incoming information on each channel. Many times the number of samples per second can be changed to suit your needs. A common myth is that faster sampling rates are better. This isnít always true.


Software:

The program, usually installed on your PCís hard drive from a CD and/or floppy disc, that provides the instructions enabling your PC to display and process the information uploaded from your data logger.


Telemetry:

The ability to view your monitored functions in real time. V-Series loggers using the Datalink Lite or higher version software can display the monitored functions on the computer screen while the vehicle is running by connecting the onboard logger to the PC. Loggers equipped with radio transmitters can display their recorded data in real time without requiring a serial cable connection.


Thermocouple:

A probe inserted into the header, usually near the exit of the exhaust port. This is the sensor for the exhaust gas temperatures. Thermocouples differ from other temperature probes due to the higher range of temperatures in which they must operate.


Transducer:

A device that converts a physical property, such as pressure or position, into a voltage signal that the data logger can understand. Used on temperature, pressure, vacuum, or movement signals.


Transducer Box:

A rectangular box that houses up to four hard wired, strain-type pressure transducers or signal conditioning modules. Commonly used as a junction box for pressure lines which are then connected to the V-Net cable with a single module.


Upload:

The process of transferring information from a data logger or data cartridge directly to a laptop or desktop computer.


USB Port:

The type of communication port used on newer model computers to connect peripheral equipment such as a mouse or printer. The Racepak data cartridge uploads recorded information into the newer computers through the USB port.


V-Net:

An exclusive Racepak system that allows the input or output of information from many sources over a single cable. V-Net greatly reduces the need for wiring, while increasing the capabilities of the system. V-Net allows multiple components (gauges, data logger, controller motors, etc.) to share the signals being transmitted over the V-Net cable.


Windows:

Is a registered trademark name of the Microsoft Corporation. The term has become generic when referring to the most common method of navigating your way around a computer program. It uses point-and-click on icons, rather than the need for written commands as used with the older DOS programs. Racepakís Datalink software is a Windows-based program.

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