Computer Aided Solutions, LLC., a leading distributor of high performance data logging equipment has partnered with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to provide data loggers for real-time monitoring of diesel engine exhaust emissions, simultaneous with engine performance.

CAS is providing dataTaker DT80 data loggers together with CANGate serial to CANbus converters to the California Air Resource Board in support of a Supplemental Environmental Project to reduce diesel emissions from vehicles. This project is validating emissions reduction and control technologies from a number of emissions control technology vendors. The DT80 data logger together with a CANGate is monitoring and recording data from analog[] sensors along with additional data from the Engine Control Unit (ECU) via the CANbus. This allows the measurement of actual in-operation performance of the emissions reduction technologies as well as engine performance while the emissions reduction elements are installed on the vehicle.

The DT80 and CANGate pair provides a powerful and easy to configure tool for collecting operational data on trucks, busses, construction equipment, off-road vehicles, generators and other heavy duty diesel machines. A typical installation on a vehicle is made up of the DT80 logger, CANGate, engine back-pressure sensor, and exhaust gas temperature thermocouple. An optional GPS receiver can be used to track vehicle location. Adding a Cellular/GSM modem to the installation allows remote access to the data logger for real-time monitoring and remote data download.

A key factor in the selection of the DT80 was the ease of set-up and configuration. The initial installation was done on a Snowcat used to groom the slopes of a popular ski resort. The logger was installed in the vehicle, the various sensors and CANbus connected, the logger configured to acquire data, and the vehicle was back out on the mountain in less than six hours.