http://www.davisnet.com/drive/index.asp

That's the website for something called car chip, made by Davis. Anyone ever use this thing. It's a data logger with many different features. My dad sent me an e-mail about it so I thought I'd ask (I assume he wants to put this in our MCS when it gets here).

Thanks

 

I have the E/X version here. It simply plugs into the OBD-II diagnostic connector under the dash near the driver's left shin. You set it up with a PC (Windoze, no MAC) initially to set the Car Chip's inter date/Time clock and a list of 5 parameters you want to log; these include basic diagnostics like Speed, coolant or air temp, vacuum, oxygen sensor, RPM, etc.

With the device plugged in, it logs the selected parameters every 5 sec. It starts a new "trip" file each time the engine is started, noting the date/time. Then at a later time you can play it pack on the PC in graphical and tabular format. It also logs the date/time whenever it is plugged/unplugged.

It's commercial purpose is as a "spy" for commercial fleets to monitor driver performance. Some people use them to keep track of how illegal their kids are driving. I suppose that the police could use the data to prove a traffic offense or to document a wreck.

Could it be that your dad want's to see how you treat the Mini when he lets you use it?

One slight annoyance: When the CarChip is plugged into the OBD socket, the OBD cover plate on the Mini can't be closed and it dangles down. I've bumped my shin a couple of times.

Tom

 

Thanks for the info W3IWI

It's my MINI anyways, I just wont have it with me for 10 months of the year so he will be the main driver for those 10 months.

 

When I read the title of this thread I thought it was about blaming rock chips in their paint on grey davis...well I guess you could with all our crappy roads in CA

I've seen one of those car chip devices on Hot Rod TV on TNN which is now Spike TV