| Q: |
Why are there
individual versions of DataMaster for each platform? |
| A: |
Each GM platform
has a unique data stream which includes much engineering data not
normally seen. We provide the user access to ALL the data so they
can decide what is useful. As a result, each DataMaster version
is tailored to a particular platform's individual datastream, and
not compatible with other platforms. |
| Q: |
Is there a
way to start and stop data recording without using the Mouse? |
| A: |
Yes. After
opening a file and preparing to record data, use the Tab key to
shift focus to the Auto button. To begin recording, press the space
bar. To end recording, press the space bar again. To restart again,
you will need to use the tab or left arrow key to shift the focus
to the "Auto" key again. |
| Q: |
When I exit
the record mode, only the last 50 records of data were saved. What
Happened? |
| A: |
When this occurs,
the most common cause is that the program was in monitor mode, not
recording mode. When in monitor mode, only the last 50 records are
retained and saved. |
| Q: |
Is there a
way to scroll back and forth through the playback records without
clicking on the scrollbar control? |
| A: |
Yes. After
clicking on the scrollbar or the graph display, the records may
be individually scrolled by using the left and right arrow keys. |
| Q: |
How come the
graph has no scaling? |
| A: |
This is because
each item on the graph would have a totally different scale, resulting
in too much to show in the limited space available. Use of the graph
to view trends and points of interest which can be zoomed in and
examined in detail using the SnapShot display in conjunction with
the main display. |
| Q: |
After exporting
my data in CSV format, when I load it into Excel some of the values
are changed. What is causing this? |
| A: |
The newer versions
of Excel automatically import CSV files using the "general"
format for cells. In some cases, this causes certain values to be
interpreted as a date, and Excel replaces the original data with
a date. The workaround is to rename the file with a "TXT"
(or other) file extension, and excel will then prompt you via a
wizard on how to import the data. This allows you to select Text
or Numeric as your datatype, and the original data will be preserved. |
| Q: |
I've noticed
some "glitches" in the data that is recorded. What Happened? |
| A: |
On some of
the early ECU's (1992 and earlier), this occurs when interrogating
at the maximum sample rate. Basically, these older PCM designs do
not have enough "headroom" to simultaneously run the engine
and provide data at the maximum rate, thus some datapoints are skipped.
Try reducing the sample rate to 5 or less samples/second. |
| Q: |
I want to record
a run longer than the 32,000 record limit. Is this possible? |
| A: |
Yes, you can
record an unlimited length run, but the playback program will only
allow display of the first 32,000 records. 32,000 records represents
almost 60 minutes of continuous recording at the maximum sample
rate of 10/second. If you require a longer time interval, slow down
the sample rate as required to meet the 32,000 record limit. |
| Q: |
I can't get
the sample rate all the way to 10. What's the problem? |
| A: |
The actual
sample rate is dependant on the particular PCM, the speed of your
PC, and the "Options.. Display" setting on the Data Acquisition
screen. To maximize the sample rate, select the "Update Off"
or "Update Partial" setting. This frees the PC to spend
its time collecting data, instead of drawing on the screen. |
| Q: |
I get a message
the printer is not installed every time I start up DataMaster. How
do I fix this? |
| A: |
This can happen
if the Windows system printer was deinstalled after DataMaster has
been run. The best workaround is to reinstall any printer (even
if there is not one connected to the system). |
