Hooking Sparkfun data logger to BCU?

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LeThala
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Hooking Sparkfun data logger to BCU?

I bought one of those little red postage stamp size logging boards from Sparkfun and I want to hook it up to capture the log output from the Bike Control Unit (BCU). How do I do that?

jdh2550_1
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Re: Hooking Sparkfun data logger to BCU?

The first thing to note is that the data logger from Sparkfun expects 3.3V data signals and we put out 5V data signals. If you hook it up without some form of level shifting in place it will likely work for a while and then quit. We know from experience (somehow this got overlooked initially). We've designed a little circuit board that does the necessary shifting and also adds protection in case you plug it in the wrong way around. I'll ask and see if we have a spare we can send you. Drop me an email and I'll see if I can hook you up with one. If we have one pre-built with the logger already soldered in place then maybe we can do a swap? You send us your logger and we send you one back that's ready to use?

I also have a little application I wrote that will read in the log files and plot the results. I'll make that available as well (also, if anyone else is logging data and wants to use this app let me know - be warned though because it's an internal tool it doesn't have all the polish of a finished product).

John H. Founder of Current Motor Company - opinions on this site belong to me; not to my employer
Remember: " 'lectric for local. diesel for distance" - JTH, Amp Bros || "No Gas.

LeThala
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Re: Hooking Sparkfun data logger to BCU?

Thanks. I sent you an email.

LeThala
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Re: Hooking Sparkfun data logger to BCU?

How does the data logger plug into the bcu. I assume the box under the seat with the Velcro door on the top of it is the bcu and I'm guessing the 6 pin header under the door which is labeled j11 is where the data logger plugs in. What I can't guess is which way it plugs in since the pins on the bcu circuit board are not labeled. Should it be plugged in with the TX and rx wires towards or away from the silkscreened j11 label and are my other assumptions and guesses correct?

jdh2550_1
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Re: Hooking Sparkfun data logger to BCU?

Yes, you are correct. The black wire goes towards the left side of the bike.

John H. Founder of Current Motor Company - opinions on this site belong to me; not to my employer
Remember: " 'lectric for local. diesel for distance" - JTH, Amp Bros || "No Gas.

LeThala
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Re: Hooking Sparkfun data logger to BCU?

Sweet. It works. I'll start emailing logs to you. I'm using the bike every day now to commute to work so there will be at least 10 files per week plus trips to the stores. Send me that program that plots the data. I'm curious to know what all the numbers mean.

LeThala
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Re: Hooking Sparkfun data logger to BCU?

Hey John. I need help diagnosing an issue. Check your email. I sent you an email with some log files attached. Let me know if you got it.

Thanks,
John

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