I just downloaded the application Dynolicious, on board dyno software for your Ipod or Iphone. haven't had a chance to mess with it yet but there is a webshow called garage 419 and they did a test and said it was more accurate than the units you can purchase and as accurate as a shop dyno.. plus it is only $15 no special cables just throw it in a cupholder and go

 

it's awesome.

 

Thanks for the tip and video. I don't have an i-phone (yet )---a couple of questions:

- Why does the i-phone have an accelerometer in the first place?
- To get an accurate hp reading, I guess you would have to do a drag-type run, is that right?

Thanks.

 

The iPhone and ipod touch have an accelerometer just as one of features. you can view things differently by turning it to the side.

Yes you do need a drag type run. I haven't done one yet but it also has a skidpad feature which is real fun on tight twisty roads and cloverleafs (or would it be cloverleaves?)

 

Ah, right. Thanks.

 

Looks pretty cool. I have another accelerometer, pdadyno for a palm OS, so I have lots of data from it. I'm looking forward to playing with this one.

Don't expect any dyno for this type to give really accurate baseline info. They are very useful for comparisons. I usually do 5 runs and throw out any results that are way off. Then after whatever tweaks you do to your car test it again and compare results.

I'm going to the track on Thursday so I'm gonna play with the g-force component.

 

For accurate horsepower readings, you'll also need to enter in the total weight of the car + driver. Also, you can either enter in an estimated value for drivetrain loss so that the program can estimate engine horsepower, or you can just set the loss estimate to 0% and the result you get will be the wheel horsepower estimate.

 

I can see people tempted to overestimate their body weight in order to get higher higher horsepower readings.