Davis Instruments 8241, 8221, 8226, 8211, 8246 User Manual

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CarChip Software Version 2.3 Online Help Printable Version (6/11/2007) For Product Numbers: # 8226, # 8246, #8210, # 8211, # 8220, # 8221, # 8225, # 8241, # 8245 Davis Instruments Corp. 2007. All rights reserved. This product complies with the essential protection requirements of the EC EMC Directive

89/226/EC. CarChip is a trademark of Davis Instruments Corp. Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

3465 Diablo Avenue, Hayward, CA 94545-2778 U.S.A.

510-732-9229 • Fax: 510-732-9188

E-mail: info@davisnet.com • www.davisnet.com

Table Of Contents

Welcome to CarChip.......................................................................................................................1

What's New in CarChip 2.3 ...........................................................................................................2

Getting Started ........................................................................................................................2

How CarChip Works..................................................................................................................3

CarChip Installation ..................................................................................................................3

Example File ............................................................................................................................7

Downloading CarChip Data ........................................................................................................8

Unidentified Vehicle/Driver ID ....................................................................................................8

Assign Drivers........................................................................................................................ 10

View Menu Commands............................................................................................................ 10

Exporting Data.......................................................................................................................11

File Menu Commands..............................................................................................................11

Toolbar .................................................................................................................................12

Navigation Buttons .................................................................................................................13

Shortcuts & Navigation Aids.....................................................................................................14

Right Click Menu Options.........................................................................................................14

Right Click Copy As................................................................................................................. 15

Copy Plot As ..........................................................................................................................15

Right Click Save As.................................................................................................................15

Save Plot As .......................................................................................................................... 16

Using CarChip Help.................................................................................................................16

Menu Commands.................................................................................................................... 18

File Menu Commands..............................................................................................................18

Setup Menu Commands ..........................................................................................................18

CarChip Menu Commands........................................................................................................ 40

Tools Menu Commands ........................................................................................................... 51

View Menu Commands............................................................................................................ 55

Help Menu Commands ............................................................................................................84

Information on Discontinued and Older Model CarChips...............................................................84

CarChip, CarChip E/X, and CarChip E/X with Alarm, CarChip Fleet, CarChip Fleet with Alarm

Specifications......................................................................................................................... 85

Connecting an Older Model CarChip to a Computer ..................................................................... 88

More Information Menu...........................................................................................................89

CarChip Online Help Printable Document ................................................................................... 90

CarChip Pro and CarChip Fleet Pro Specifications........................................................................90

Prior Release Notes.................................................................................................................93

Incompatible Vehicle List.........................................................................................................94

What is OBDII? ......................................................................................................................94

One Year Limited Warranty......................................................................................................94

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

Safety Notice ......................................................................................................................... 95

Contacting Davis Instruments ..................................................................................................95

Index ......................................................................................................................................... 97

Welcome to CarChip

Click on one of the following topics to find out more information on using the CarChip system:

Getting Started Topics

Use the following topics to start using your CarChip d evice and software:

How CarChip Works CarChip Installation Example File Walkthrough Express Setup Walkthrough Full Setup Downloading CarChip Data Viewing Data Exporting Data Printing Toolbar Using CarChip Help

Menu Commands

Use the following topics to learn more about th e menus available in the CarChip software:

File Menu Commands Setup Menu Commands CarChip Menu Commands Tools Menu Commands View Menu Commands Help Menu Commands

More Information

What's New in CarChip 2.3 CarChip Prior Release Notes CarChip Online Help Printable Document CarChip Specifications Incompatible Vehicle List One Year Limited Warranty Contacting Davis Instruments

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

June 13, 2007

What's New in CarChip 2.3

CarChip Software version 2.3 includes the following changes:

• The CarChip software now processes VIN number read from vehicle (if there is one) during

download.

• Fixed issue with the CarChip software not detecting a connec ted CarC hip when the software is

first launched.

• The Fuel Entry box and corresponding vehicle report now display fuel information in both litres

and gallons, depending on unit type selected in the Units

dialog box.

• The CarChip Pro and CarChip Fleet Pro models of CarChip are now supported in this release.

• Audible alarm volume can now be adjusted in the Set Alarm Volume dialog box for the CarChip

Pro and CarChip Fleet Pro models of Carchip.

• The default settings have been normalized for every model of CarChip and every firmware

version.

• Fixed issue regarding the Anomalous Vehicles list not displaying the selected car once it was

selected.

• Added Saturn Hybrids to the Anomalous Vehicles list.

• An issue has been fixed regarding access being denied when a new .car f ile i s created or an

existing .car file is trying to be accessed if the current open file happens to be the Example.car file.

• The list of possible trouble codes displayed in the Trouble Log is updated according to SAE J2012

(April 2002) and trouble codes recorded during the trip are processed more accurately.

See Also:

CarChip Prior Release Notes

Getting Started

Use the following topics to start using your CarChip d evice and software:

How CarChip Works CarChip Installation Example File What's New in CarChip 2.3 Walkthrough Express Setup Walkthrough Full Setup Downloading CarChip Data Viewing Data Exporting Data Using the File Menu Printing Toolbar Using CarChip Help

Welcome to CarChip

How CarChip Works

The CarChip Pro plugs into the OBDII port in many 1996 or newer cars or trucks to record trip and performance data. This data is then downloaded into your PC computer, providing a detailed look at how the vehicle was driven, including trip start and end times, vehicle speeds, rates of acceleration and braking, and also any OBDII trouble codes detected during the trip. The CarChip software displays vehicle data in summary, plot or table format, and can also be exported to Microsoft Excel for further analysis. The CarChip Pro also logs additional engine and vehicle data parameters, including an accident log which records 20 seconds of vehicle speed history prior to every sudden stop.

Use CarChip Pro (# 8226) for:

• Troubleshooting your car - Records trouble codes and displays freeze frames of sensor readings.

• Logging your car's performance - Records acceleration, deceleration, and speed.

• Recording trip information - Records dates, starts and stops, and distance.

• Clearing your car's check engine light - Checks your car's sensors and turns off the check engine

light.

• Engine performance data logging - Log up to 4 of 23 available data parameters.

• Creating an Accident Log for every extreme stop.

• Announcing to driver when speed, braking, and acceleration thresholds have been

exceeded - Gives off an audible alarm when thresholds have been broken.

Use CarChip Fleet Pro (# 8246) for:

• Downloading car information to both the CarChip software and the DriveRight Fleet

Management Software (# 8186)

See Also:

CarChip Installation What is OBDII Information on Discontinued CarChip Models

CarChip Installation

The following help topics show you how to connect CarChip to your car, to your computer, and how to install the CarChip software. This information is also included in the CarChip packaging.

Connecting the CarChip Pro to a Car Connecting the CarChip Pro to a Computer Installing CarChip Software Connecting an Older Model CarChip to a Computer

Installing CarChip in your Car

Follow these steps to install the CarChip data logger in your car.

1. Find the OBDII port on your car.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

The OBDII port is located within 3 feet of the steer ing wheel, usually near the general area indicated by the dotted line in the following illustration. The port should be easily accessible to a person in the driver's seat.

Note: Use the Davis Instruments' CarChip web site to locate the OBDII connection on your car.

2. Check the following areas for the OBDII port:

Under the Dash Behind a small access panel in the dash

In front of the passenger seat In or around the center console

Behind the ash tray

3. Plug the CarChip data logger into the OBDII connector.

Welcome to CarChip

Note: If the indicator light is enabled, which is its default setting, it continuously blinks when connected to a vehicle. If the indicator is disabled, it stops blinking once is has established communication with the OBDII computer.

4. Check to make sure the data logger indicator light is blinking. This verifies CarChip was properly inserted into the OBDII port and is communicating with your vehicle.

Connecting CarChip Pro to a Computer

The CarChip Pro or CarChip Fleet Pro data logger (# 8226, 8246) connects to your computer using a USB connection.

To connect the CarChip Pro data logger to your computer using a USB connector:

1. Insert the USB connector of the download cable into a USB port.

2. Plug the smaller connector into the CarChip Pro (# 8226) or CarChip Fleet Pro (# 8246) data logger port.

See Connecting an Older Model CarChip one shown.

to a computer if using a different model of the CarChip than the

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

Installing CarChip Software

Follow the steps provided below to install the CarChip software. CarChip software is compatible with computers running Windows™ 98SE, ME, NT 4.0, 2000, XP, or Vista.

1. Place the CarChip software CD in your CD ROM drive.

2. The install program should start automatically. If the insta ll program does not start, select Run from the Start menu, type D:\SETUP (or the correct letter for your CD ROM drive), and click OK to begin the installation.

3. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.

Connecting an Older Model CarChip to a Computer

The older models of the CarChip data logger connect to your computer using a USB connection (# 8211, 8221, 8225, 8241, 8245) or using a serial port connection (# 8210, 8220). See Connecting CarChip Pro to

a Computer if you have a CarChip Pro or CarChip Fleet Pro (# 8226, 8246).

Note: The CarChip data logger does not have to maintain a constant connection with your computer. The CarChip can be connected and disconnected at any time the CarChip software is not downloading information from the CarChip data logger.

To connect the CarChip data logger to your computer using a USB connector:

1. Locate a free USB port on the front or back of your computer and insert the USB connector of the download cable into the USB port.

2. Plug the microminiatur e co nnector into the port on the CarChip data logger.

To connect the CarChip data logger to your computer using a serial port: The following instructions for connecting earlier versions of the CarChip (products # 8210, # 8220) to a

serial port connection:

1. Locate a free serial port on the back of your computer and insert the 9-pin connector of the download cable into the port.

2. Plug the power adapter cable into the power jack on the 9-pin connector.

3. Plug the power supply into an AC outlet.

4. Plug the 8-pin microminiature connector into the port on the CarChip data logger.

Welcome to CarChip

Example File

Sample data is automatically loaded and dis played in the CarChip software when the software is installed and opened for the first time. Use the sample data to view the functionality that exists in the CarChip software.

To display the example data:

1. The Example File displays an alert that a file with sample data will be opened and displayed. Click OK to open the sample data file.

dialog box displays when the CarChip software is first opened. This dialog box

The sample data file, Example.car, is located in your CarChip software directory and can also be manually opened.

To manually open the example file:

1. Select Open in the File Menu

2. Select the Example.car file in the CarChip program directory. The CarChip program directory is located in the directory where you installed the CarChip Software. In this example, the directory is C:\Program Files\CarChip.

3. Click Open to load the example file into the software. Click Cancel to exit the dialog box without opening the file.

. The Browse dialog box displays.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

Downloading CarChip Data

Once you have connected your CarChip data logger to your computer, you are ready to download data from any of the CarChip models.

To download data:

1. Click the Download CarChip In some instances, the Warning Clock Setup

software automatically compares the internal clock on the CarChip against the clock on your computer. Click OK to continue or check Synchronize Clocks to set the CarChip data logger's internal clock to your computer's clock.

The Downloading Logs finished. The Downloading Logs dialog box closes when the download is complete.

2. The Question currently in the CarChip memory.

dialog box displays. The Question dialog box asks if you want to delete the data

icon or select Download CarChip Data from the CarChip menu.

dialog box displays. When data is downloaded, the

status dialog box displays. Click Cancel to abort the download before it is

3. Click No to keep the current data in the CarChip device, or click Yes to clear the CarChip memory.

Note: This dialog box contains a Don't Ask Again check box. By Checking this option and clicking Yes, the CarChip's memory is automatically cleared after every download. By clicking No, the CarChip's memory is never cleared after download. To change your CarChip memory clearing options, see Memory Clearing Options.

The Unidentified Vehicle/Driver dialog box displays. See Unidentified Vehicle/Driver ID for more information on this dialog box.

Once you have finished associating vehicles and drivers with the do wnloaded trip data, the Activity Log Summary view automatically displays the downloaded data.

Unidentified Vehicle/Driver ID

The Unidentified Vehicle/Driver ID dialog box displays once data has been downloaded from the CarChip data logger, prompting you to select the vehicles and drivers associated every trip that was recorded. The CarChip device is capable of being connected to multiple vehicles. Every time the CarChip is connected to a vehicle, a connection event is recorded. The Unidentified Vehicle/Driver ID dialog box displays for every connection event that has been recorded in the CarChip device, with the date and time the connection occurred. From this dialog box, select the drivers and vehicles associated with every connection event.

Welcome to CarChip

To select a vehicle and driver associated with each connection event:

1. Select the vehicle name from the Vehicle box. If no vehicle exists, or if the vehicle that is associated w ith the event is not listed, see Creating a

New Vehicle. If you select the wrong vehicle for the displayed VIN, you may correct this after the

download by changing the vehicle name in the Vehicle ID

To create a new vehicle to associate with each connection event:

1. Click New next to the Vehicle box. The New Vehicle Dialog Box displays.

2. Enter a unique vehicle name or the vehicle's VIN number in the VIN box.

3. Enter a unique vehicle name in the Name box and click OK. You do not have to enter a name in the name box. Click OK if you want the information displayed in

the VIN box to display in the Name box. The new vehicle information displays in the Vehicle box.

4. Select a driver name from the Driver box. If no driver exists, or if the driver that is associated with the event is not listed, see Creating a New

Driver.

To create a new driver to associate with each connection event :

1. Click New next to the Driver box. The New Driver Dialog Box displays.

2. Enter a unique driver name or ID in the ID box.

3. Enter a name in the Name box and click OK. You do not have to enter a name in the name box. Click OK if you want the information displayed in

the ID box to display in the Name box. The new driver information displays in the Driver box.

4. Click OK to associate the selected vehicle and driver with the connection event. If the driver and vehicle are associated with all the connection events stored on the CarChip, select

Apply To All.

dialog box.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

Once all connection events have been associated wit h a vehicle and driver, the dialog box closes and the summary report for the Trip Log

displays.

Assign Drivers

The Assign Drivers dialog box displays if a CarChip file from a previous version of the CarChip software (CarChip 1.3 or earlier) has been added. This dialog prompts you to assign drivers associated with every trip that was recorded. The Assign Drivers dialog box displays for every trip present in th e CarChip file. From this dialog box, select the drivers associated with every trip.

To Assign Drivers:

1. Open a .car file from an earlier version of the CarChip Software. The Assign Drivers Now?

2. Click Yes to assign drivers to trip information. The Assign Drivers

dialog box displays.

3. Select a driver name from the Driver drop down box, or click New to assign a new driver to the trip or trips.

4. Click OK to associate the driver to the displayed trip. Click Skip to skip assigning a driver to the displayed trip. Click Apply to All to associat e the selected driver to all the trips.

View Menu Commands

The View menu commands allow you to view Trip Log, Activity Log, Accident Log, Vehicle Trouble Log and Summary Log information.

Note: The Accident and Summary Log menu commands are only available for CarChip data logger model E/X or higher.

Use the following topics to learn more about each lo g view:

CarChip Home Page Trip Log Activity Log Accident Log Vehicle Trouble Log Summary Log

Welcome to CarChip

Exporting Data

You can export logged data from the Trip, Activity, Accident, and Tro uble Log views using the menu that displays when you right-click on a log report. There are several options and formats available for exporting data. The available options are:

• Information displayed in any of the Log Views can be exported by either saving to a file or copying to

the clipboard. Copying to a clipboard allows you to paste the information directly into other applications.

• Trip, Activity, Accident, and Trouble summary, report, and table views can be exported as ei ther a

text file or a data file.

• Plot views can be exported as a metafile (vector graphic format), bit-mapped graphics file, or as

data.

Data files are tab delimited text files that can be imported into a spreadsheet.

See Also:

Right Click Copy As Right Click Save As Right Click Copy Plot As Right Click Save Plot As

File Menu Commands

With the options in the File menu you can save your downloaded CarChip data, open p r eviously saved data, and print your data.

• New - Closes existing CarChip data and the corresponding file so that new CarChip data can be

downloaded and displayed.

• Open - Opens an existing CarChip data file.

• Save - Saves the CarChip data currently displayed in the software. The data is saved in specially

formatted CarChip file called a .car file.

• Save As - Lets you specify a new file name when you save CarChip data.

• Properties - Displays information about the data file currently loaded in the CarChip software. This

command is only available when you are viewing data loaded from a file or that has been downloaded from the CarChip data logger and saved.

• Print Setup - Allows you to select a printer and configure printer options.

• Print Preview - Shows how the current log or data display would look like in a printed document.

• Print - Prints the currently displayed window.

• Exit - Closes the CarChip software.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

Toolbar

The Toolbar provides a quick way to access CarChip software commands.

Toolbar Icons

Home - Displays the CarChip Home Page, containing vehicle and driver summary

information.

Download - Downloads data from the CarChip data logger.

Trip Log Report View - Selects the last Trip Log Report View .

Trip Log Plot View - Selects the last Trip Log Plot View.

Trip Logs - Displays the Trip Log Summary page.

Activity Logs - Displays the Activity Log Summary page.

Accident Logs - Displays the Accident Log Summary page.

Trouble Logs - Displays the Trouble Log Summary page.

Print - Prints the current ope n displayed page.

Print Preview - Previews the current open page.

Help - Opens the CarChip Help file.

See Also:

Navigation Buttons Shortcuts and Navigation Aids

Navigation Buttons

Welcome to CarChip

Trip Log Navigation Buttons

Use the left and right arrow navigation buttons to select records in the Trip Log View:

Use the up and down arrow navigation buttons to select plots in the Trip Log Plot View:

Accident Log Navigation Buttons

Back - Click the left arrow button to display the previous trip record.

Forward - Click the right arrow button to display t he next trip record.

Up - Click the up arrow button scroll up to the next plot.

Down - Click the down arrow button to scroll down to the next plot.

Use the left and right arrow navigation buttons to select records in the Accident Log View:

Back - Click the left arrow button to display the previous accident record.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

Forward - Click the right arrow button to display the next accid ent record.

Shortcuts & Navigation Aids

The following keyboard shortcuts and navigational aids can help you move quickly through the logged data views. These shortcuts work when viewing any log record. Use these shortcut keys to:

Down cursor key - Move to next record. Up cursor key - Move to the previous record.

These apply to the buttons labeled "Report, Plot, and Table" when viewing individual reports in the trip and accident log. Use these shortcut keys to:

Left cursor key - Select button to the left of current selection. Right cursor key - Select button to the right of the current selection.

These apply to any log view that will not completely fit on one screen. Use these shortcut keys to:

Page up key - scrolls up the screen . Page down key - scrolls down the screen.

The following buttons are navigation aids that are only available in Trip Log View and Accident Log View Plots. Use these buttons to:

Back

- Display the previous trip or accident record.

Forward

The following buttons are navigation aids that are only available in Trip Log View Plots. use these buttons to:

Up Down

- This command displays the next trip or accident record

- Scrolls up to the next plot.

- Scrolls down to the next plot.

Right Click Menu Options

The following Right-Click menu options are available when viewing log summaries, individual records, and table views:

Copy As Save As Help F1

See Also:

Viewing Accident Plots Viewing Trip Plots

Welcome to CarChip

Right Click Copy As

The Copy As command available in the Right-Click menu for the Summary, Record, and Table Views offers two file formats for copying the displayed information: text and data.

• Copy As > Text - Paste the displayed info rmation as text in another application.

• Copy As > Data - Paste the displayed information as tab delimited text in a spreadsheet program.

Copy Plot As

The Copy As command in the Plot View right-click menu offers three options for copying the displayed information: metafile, bitmap, and data. The Copied information can then be pasted directly into another application.

• Copy As > Metafile - Copies the plot into another application as a vector graphics file.

• Copy As > Bitmap - Copies the plot into another application as bitmapped paint file.

• Copy As > Data - Copies the plot data as tab delimited text into a spreadsheet program.

Right Click Save As

The Save As command available in the Right-Click menu for the Summary, Record, and Table Views offers two file formats for saving the displayed information: text and data.

• Save As > Text - Pastes the displayed information as text in another application.

• Save As > Data - Paste the displayed information as tab delimited text in a spreadsheet program.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

Save Plot As

The Save As command available in the Right-Click menu for the Plot View offers three file format options for saving the displayed information: Metafile, Bitmap and Data.

• Save As > Metafile - Saves the plot as a vector graphics ".emf" file.

• Save As > Bitmap - Saves the plot as b itmapped paint ".bmp" file.

• Save As > Data - Saves the plot data as a tab delimited text ".txt" file for use in a spreadsheet

program.

Using CarChip Help

Here is some information on getting started and using CarChip Help:

Context-Sensitive Help

• Tool Bar Help Button - Opens the help topic for the active CarChip window.

• Dialog Box Help Button - Opens the help topic for that dialog box.

• F1 Key - Opens the help topic for the active dialog box or the active CarChip window.

CarChip Hyperlink Conventions

Blue Underline

topic in the window.

Bold blue Underline

topic, web page, or documents in the program directory. Open this link in a new window that uses your default web browser.

Green Underline

current help topic window.

Using Windows HTML Help

If you have Internet Explorer installed on your computer, CarChip Help opens in the Microsoft HTML Help viewer. If you don't have Internet Explorer, it opens your default browser.

: indicates link to CarChip help topic. When selected, the new topic replaces the previous

: indicates link outside of CarC hip Help to information such as an external help

: indicates drop-down text or illustrations that display below the drop-down link in the

To learn more information about using the Microsoft HTML Help Viewer, click the following links.

Welcome to CarChip

Resizing the HTML Help viewer

To: Do this

To minimize the window Click Minimize to shrink the viewer so it is displayed in the button bar

To maximize the window Click Maximize to maximize the window so it occupies the entire

To restore the viewer to its default size

To manually resize the viewer

Opening and closing the left-hand panes

on the bottom of the Windows Desktop. Right-click this button and select Restore to display the viewer.

desktop area.

Click Restore to restore the viewer to it's default size.

Place the pointer over the edge of the viewer so it turns into a line with arrows on each end . Press the left mouse button and drag up, down, left or right. The viewer is resized after you release the mouse button.

To: Do this

Close the left-hand tabs from view Click Hide

Open the left-hand tabs Click Show

Using the navigation buttons

To: Do this

Display the previous topic going backwards in your topic selection sequence.

Display the next topic going forward in your topic selection sequence.

Using the Options menu

The Options button opens a menu with selections for hiding the left-hand tabs, going back and forward, stopping a topic or Web page from loading, refreshing the information displayed in the window, printing, and turning search highlighting on or off. You can also access Internet options from this menu.

Click Back

Click Forward

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

Menu Commands

Click on a topic below to view help for a particular menu:

File Menu Setup Menu CarChip Menu View Menu Help Menu

File Menu Commands

With the options in the File menu you can save your downloaded CarChip data, open p r eviously saved data, and print your data.

• New - Closes existing CarChip data and the corresponding file so that new CarChip data can be

downloaded and displayed.

• Open - Opens an existing CarChip data file.

• Save - Saves the CarChip data currently displayed in the software. The data is saved in specially

formatted CarChip file called a .car file.

• Save As - Lets you specify a new file name when you save CarChip data.

• Properties - Displays information about the data file currently loaded in the CarChip software. This

command is only available when you are viewing data loaded from a file or that has been downloaded from the CarChip data logger and saved.

• Print Setup - Allows you to select a printer and configure printer options.

• Print Preview - Shows how the current log or data display would look like in a printed document.

• Print - Prints the currently displayed window.

• Exit - Closes the CarChip software.

Setup Menu Commands

The Setup menu commands configure various aspects of the CarChip software, including how the data is displayed and the connection between CarChip data logger and the CarChip software. The Setup menu commands are:

Walkthrough - Express Setup

software and CarChip data logger connection for first time users.

Walkthrough - Full Setup

and CarChip data logger connection.

Communication Port

uses to send information to your computer.

Plots

- Contains options for displaying plots and graphs.

Units

- Lets you select the unit systems used to display data measurements. You can also create your own

customized unit system.

Parameter Thresholds

that the CarChip data logger monitors.

- Lets you manually select the serial or USB port connection the CarChip data logger

- Displays all the setup dialog boxes needed to configure your CarChip

- Displays all the setup dialog boxes needed to configure your CarChip softwa re

- Lets you create thresholds for certain parameters of your vehicle's performance

Note: This command is only available for CarChip E/X models or higher.

Driver ID - Displays all of the drivers associated with the CarChip data logger.

Welcome to CarChip

Vehicle ID CarChip ID

software.

Miscellaneous

- Displays all of the vehicles associated with the CarChip data logger.

- Displays information about the CarChips that have been connected with the CarChip

- Lets you configure the options for clearing the CarChip data logger's memory.

Walkthrough Menu

The CarChip software includes a two walkthrough options that step you through the process of configuring your CarChip data logger and CarChip software configurations:

• Express Setup - Displays the essential di alog boxes and screens for configuring your CarChip and

software features, such as driver and vehicle information and logging parameters.

• Full Setup - Displays all dialog boxes and screens used to configure varying areas of your CarChip

and the software, such as plotting features and units of measure.

After installing the CarChip software on your computer and opening the program, the Walkthrough

Selection dialog box automatically displays. By clicking Express Setup, the express walkthrough process

begins. By clicking Full Setup, the full walkthrough process begins. You can set up and configure your CarChip data logger and software by separately selecting all of the necessary setup o ptions from the Setup menu. Individual Walkthrough comma nds are included in the Walkthrough sub-menu in the Setup menu so that you can access each individual walkthrough process at any time.

Walkthrough - Full Setup

The CarChip software includes a full walkthrough that steps you through the full process of configuring your CarChip data logger and CarChip software. This process is useful for a first time or returning us er that would like a step through guide to configuring and setting up all aspects of the CarChip and the software. After installing the CarChip software on your computer and opening the program, the

Walkthrough Selection

process begins. A full Walkthrough command is included in the Setup menu so that you can access the full walkthrough at any time. Alternately, you can set up and configure your CarChip data logger and software by separately selecting all of the necessary setup options from the Setup menu.

dialog box automatically displays. By clicking Full Setup, the full walkthrough

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

Note: The CarChip data logger does not have to be connected to your computer to use the Full Setup option. Without the CarChip connected, the Full Setup displays the essential software features only. When the CarChip data logger is connected, the other setup commands pertaining to the CarChip are available.

By selecting the walkthrough process, the software displays a series of dialog boxes listed below. At each step in the walkthrough process, confirmation boxes are provided to perform or skip the next step in the walkthrough. To continue, click OK. To skip a step and move to the next step, click Skip. To cancel the entire walkthrough process, click Cancel.

Walkthrough Sequence

The dialog boxes included in the full walkthrough vary depending on the CarChip data logger model you have and whether your CarChip is connected to your computer.

Available when CarChip is plugged in:

• CarChip / Set Speed Bands - Enter the threshold speeds for the CarChip data logger. The

threshold speeds help you identify how much time is spent in each speed band. The time spent in each band shows up on the Trip Report and is displayed as horizontal dotted lines in the Trip Speed Plot.

• CarChip / Set Braking Thresholds - Enter the rates of deceleration that define hard braking and

extreme braking.

• CarChip / Set Acceleration Thresholds - Enter the rates of acceleration that define hard

acceleration and extreme acceleration.

• CarChip Parameter Report - Displays the vehicle data parameters the CarChip has been set to

record, if any are available.

Welcome to CarChip

• CarChip/Choose Other Parameters - Set vehicle data parameters that the CarChip records. You

can select up to four different parameters in addition to vehicle speed to record.

Note: This dialog box displays only for CarChip models E/X or higher.

• Parameter Thresholds - Set thresholds for parameters monitored in the Summary Log view.

Note: This dialog box displays only for CarChip models E/X or higher.

• Anomalous Vehicles - Specify the vehicle in which the CarChip will be used. Some vehic les have

special OBDII communication pro p erties. By selecting a vehicle name from the list, you are configuring the CarChip data logger to adjust to that vehicle's unique communication features.

CarChip software features:

• Plots - Select the options for displaying plots and graphs.

• Select Units - Select the units of measure to be used for displaying data and information.

• Miscellaneous - Select an option for clearing your CarChip's memory.

• Driver ID - Add, delete, or edit the list of drivers using the CarChip data logger.

• Vehicle ID – Add, delete, or edit the list of vehicles using the CarChip data logger.

• CarChip ID - Edit the CarChip data logger names.

• CarChip Download - If the CarChip already has available data, lets you download the data now.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

• Clear CarChip Memory - Click Yes to delete CarChip memory after download. Click no to keep

memory on CarChip after download.

• CarChip / Set Clock - Set the CarChip data logger's internal clock to match your computer's clock.

Walkthrough - Express Setup

The CarChip software includes an express walkthrough that steps you through the dialog boxes and screens in the software that are essential for configuring your CarChip data logger and CarChip software as a first time user. After installing the CarChip software on your computer and opening the program, the

Walkthrough Selection

walkthrough process begins. The Express Walkthrough command is included in the Setup menu so that you can access the express walkthrough at any time. You can alternately configure your CarChip data logger and software by separately selecting all of the necessary setup options from the Setup menu.

dialog box automatically displays. By clicking Express Setup, the express

Note: The CarChip data logger does not have to be connected to your computer to use the Express Setup option. Without the CarChip connected, the Express Setup displays the essential software features only. When the CarChip data logger is connected, the other setup commands pertaining to the CarChip are available.

By selecting the express walkthrough process, the software displays a series of dialog boxes listed below. At each step in the walkthrough process, confirmation boxes are provided to perform or skip the next step in the walkthrough. To continue, click OK. To skip a step and move to the next step, click Skip. To cancel the entire walkthrough process, click Cancel.

Welcome to CarChip

Walkthrough Sequence

The dialog boxes included in the express walkthrough vary depending on the CarChip model you have and whether your CarChip is connected to your computer.

Available when CarChip is plugged in:

• CarChip Parameter Report - Displays the vehicle data parameters the CarChip has been set to

record, if any are available.

• CarChip/Choose Other Parameters - Set vehicle data parameters that the CarChip records. You

can select up to four different parameters in addition to vehicle speed to record.

Note: This dialog box displays only for CarChip models E/X or higher.

• Anomalous Vehicles - Specify the vehicle in which the CarChip will be used. Some vehic les have

special OBDII communication pro p erties. By selecting a vehicle name from the list, you are configuring the CarChip data logger to adjust to that vehicle's unique communication features.

CarChip software features:

• Add Driver/Vehicle ID - Add, delete, or edit the list of drivers and vehicles using the CarChip data

logger.

• CarChip Download - Lets you download the CarChip if it already has available data.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

• Clear CarChip Memory - Click Yes to delete CarChip memory after download. Click no to keep

memory on CarChip after download.

• CarChip / Set Clock - Set the CarChip data logger's internal clock to match your computer's clock.

Anomalous Vehicles

The Anomalous Vehicles dialog box lets you configure your CarChip data logger to meet any unique specifications present on the ODBII po rt of your vehicle. This dialog box displays as part of the Walkthrough Setup. This dialog box also displays if a vehicle from the Anomalous Vehicle list has been detected by the CarChip data logger once the CarChip is connected to the software.

To select your vehicle:

1. Click OK on the Special OBDII Communication Properties The Anomalous Vehicle

dialog box displays.

dialog box from the Walkthrough Setup.

2. Click the Specific Exceptions radio button if your vehicle is present in the list and select the vehicle name, or click the Vehicle with Standard OBD II Capabilities radio button if your vehicle is not present on the list.

3. Click OK to save the anomalous vehicle information, or click Cancel to exit th e dialog bo x without saving the information.

Caution: Most vehicle have standard OBD II capabilities. If CarChip is set to work with an exception vehicle, it will not work with a vehicle that has standard OBD II capabilities.

Welcome to CarChip

Communications Port

The Communications Port dialog box lets you manually select the port connection that is used to communicate with your CarChip data logger. This command can be accessed from the Walkthrough Setup or the Setup menu.

Note: If your CarChip data logger has been connected to a serial port or USB port and has been detected by the CarChip Software, this dialog box does not display in the walkthrough process.

To select the communications port connection manually:

1. Select Communications Port from the Setup menu. The Setup / Communications Port displays.

dialog box

2. Select one of the listed ports or enter the name of the desired port. Select USB if the CarChip is connected to a USB port. Select one of the available COM ports if the

CarChip is connected to a Serial or COM port, or type in the name of the COM port if it is not on the available list.

3. Click OK to save the new port selection, or click Cancel to exit th e dialog box and retain the previous port selection.

Plots

Use the Plots dialog box to configure your Trip View and Accident View plot options. To configure the plot display options:

1. Select Plots from the Setup menu, select this option during the Walkthrough Setup process, or click the Options button when a Trip Log view or Accident Log view is displayed. The Setup / Plots box displays.

dialog

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

2. Check the box next to each plot option to turn it on. A checked box indicates the option is turned on. De-select a box to turn a plot option off. Multiple options can be turned on or off at a time. The plot options are:

• Draw Speed Bands - Displays your selected speed band settings in the plot.

• Draw Braking Events - Marks braking events that exceed your preset braking thresholds.

• Draw Acceleration Events - Displays acceleration events that exceed your preset acceleration

thresholds.

• Draw Plots usin g Lines Rather than A reas - Displays a line graph of the measured data. Turning

this option off turns the area under the measured data black in the plot.

• Draw Plot Coordinates Only When Ctrl Key is Pressed - Display the cursor's plot coordinates

only when the Control key is pressed. The plot coordinates are the elapsed time of the trip and the data value associated with that time. If not check ed, the cursor's coordinates on the plot are displayed continuously when the cursor is within the plot area.

• Normalize vertical axes to ___ MPH / KPH - Set the upper lim it of the vehicle speed plot to the

speed of your choice. You can change the speed used to normalize the a xes by highlighting the current speed setting with your cursor and then entering the new speed. If not checked, the upper limit of the vertical axes will be the maximum speed achieved by the vehicle during the current trip.

3. Click OK to save the new plot options. Click Cancel to exit the dialog box and retain the previous plot options.

See Also:

Draw Speed Bands Draw Braking Events Draw Acceleration Events Draw Plots Using Lines Draw Plot Coordinates Normalize Vertical Axis

Draw Speed Bands

The Draw Speed Bands check box in the Setup / Plots dialog box displays the speed limitations set in

Set Speed Bands

By selecting this option in the Setup/Plots dialog box, the speed bands are drawn in the plot. These speed bands are represented in the plot by horizontal dotted lines. The two intermediate speed bands are black dotted lines. The maximum speed band is a red dotted line.

To display speed bands in the plots:

1. Select Plots from the Setup menu. The Setup / Plots

dialog box in the plots displayed in the Trip Log Plot view.

dialog box displays.

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