Monitering rpm and fuel flow via computer PP (parallel port)

[lyeinyoureye]

Has anyone looked into some aspect of this (PP programming, or the physical rpm and flow sensors) ? I know there's already a cheap digital tach for us out there which could easily be intergrated (I think a PP should be able to pick up the ~1Khz (the on/off from the optical sensor, up to ~5000rpm/60spm) signal), but I was wondering if anyone had info on how to make (or buy) a cheap digital flow meter? Being able to record and compare flow and rpm would allow exact measurements of fuel efficiency, on the cheap, so to speak.
Technically, this requires putting in a 'car'puter, but that was something I was going to do anyway when considering the cost of a new audio system (~$200 for HU+speakers) compared to the cost of using an old PIII+speakers (~$200 for lcd+wireless kb/mouse+mounting) that I have. Plus, a computer in the car is awesome!  

[jtanguay]

If you were going to go with that, I would recommend you get a PC that boots off a memory stick, and go with something like 2 gb.  You can get versions of windows that are really slim, or even go Linux.  It will be slow as heck but at least no HD to get bad sectors when you drive over a nice pothole :x

I was considering using something like Dragon Naturally Speaking and make my own macro's for playing music, interact with MS streets n trips, shutting down, etc.  Keyboard in the car while you drive+5spd... not cool!  :lol:

I cant wait until that non volatile ram comes out.   would take no time for the PC to boot up just as you start your car

[lyeinyoureye]

In terms of boot speed, the PIII should be up and running by the time the glow plugs cycle, assuming I keep everything light and don't start too many services on boot (linux). I'm not sure how the HD (5 year warranty ) will hold up, but if I really wanted to insure data security I suppose I could get a 30gig mp3 hard drive for ~$100, but that adds quite a bit to the cost. Heck, while I'm at it I could buy a new cpu/mobo combo from frys and probably use a 2 gig flash card to boot the system (kernel/bootloader/maybe some of the system libraries?), the 30 gig microdrive for data, and ~2 gigs of ram so I could mount everything I would likely need in ram for fast access. But then I'd be well overbudget, and for the difference in system cost, probably could've bought a td fuel pump/vnt+manifold/IC/pyrometer and roughly doubled my hp.  

[lord_verminaard]

How about Damn Small Linux?  (DSL)  http://www.damnsmalllinux.org/  I have a 512 MB USB key that I use for work, with DSL installed.  As long as the PC boots from USB it's golden.  It's also pretty fast as well, especially on a USB2.0 board.  DSL is also based on Debian so it's rock solid and easy to find apps for.  Good luck, sounds like fun!

Brendan
84 Scirocco 8v
00 Camaro L36 M49

[lesharoturbo]

You can also try Puppy linux.  It is expandable with a modular download option.  Get it here:
http://www.puppyos.com/

I tried DSL and liked it, but was unable to easily add packages.  Puppy can be as small or large as you want it.

Also, check out this site:

http://www.linuxbios.org/index.php/Welcome_to_LinuxBIOS

This actually puts a small Linux on the bios and has a very fast boot time.

Bernie

[mst]

try :www.mp3car.com