Here is a list of enhancements, bug fixes, etc. introduced over the last several version updates of DYNO-MAX.
“DYNO-MAX Version 10.23 (Service Pack #1) is the current release!”
Please note: Several of the tips and features described below will only apply to the latest DYNO-MAX “Pro” version! However, you may be eligible for a discounted or free upgrade. Click here for details!
DYNO-MAX version 10.23 (Service Pack #1) update is available on CD!* It is the most powerful DYNO-MAX release ever! DYNO-MAX version 10.23 (Service Pack #1) is a free support update to 9.0 or later licensees – under a current Priority Support Plan!
*WARNING: Only DYNO-MAX licensees under a current Priority Support Plan may legally download, install, or run this update!
Tip: As of 3/1/2014, DYNO-MAX versions older than 10.23 SP #0 were no longer eligible for support – so upgrade today!
in Version 10.23 SP #1 –
ACtiveSync formula enhancements added – these are included in the latest Default.for formula-list file.
“_User AC Motoring Torque % Limit” formula added – allowing an easier way for operators to modify the maximum allowable torque to apply during motoring.
“_User AC-Starter Torque % Limit” formula added – allowing an easier way for operators to modify the maximum allowable torque to apply during cranking.
Other minor bug fixes or changes include:
Hybrid ACtiveSync (e.g. AC with eddy-current absorber) motoring assistance, on both axles now correctly load shifts most work off of the AC motors over time.
in Version 10.23 SP #0 –
Cumulative 2014 roll-up CD release – includes the latest Default files, help files, etc.
“iDYNO-MAX™” support added – for remote dynamometer viewing and control via Apple’s iOS handheld devices.
“Driveline Power Loss @ RPM^x” formula added – for determining parasitic (e.g. tire to roll) losses from vehicle (end of test) coast-down data.
Other minor bug fixes or changes include:
“_Dyno Power Loss @ RPM^x” formula added – for determining parasitic dynamometer losses from unloaded (dyno only) coast-down data
in Version 10.22 SP #3 –
Smart-Sync™ electronic axle synchronization enhanced – to auto select between shafts’ mean or individual RPMs, and to track Engine RPM directly from RPM-A, as appropriate.
Other minor bug fixes or changes include:
Built-in inertia-value list updated to include latest DYNOmite chassis dynamometer and absorber models.
Formula list includes a few new diagnostic formulas to aid our Support Team in troubleshooting users’ configuration issues.
in Version 10.22 SP #1 –
Cumulative 2013 roll-up CD release – includes the latest Default files, help files, etc.
“Peak Test Torque” formula added – for capturing the maximum (dampened) torque value observed during a test.
“Peak Torque RPM” formula added – for capturing the RPM at which the (above) Peak Test Torque occurred.
“Torque Rise – Backup” formula added – for monitoring/recording the difference between a run’s current Engine Torque and the Peak Test Torque observed during the pull. This torque rise highlights how much “backup” (reserve torque) is available for handling sudden loads in tractors, during shifting, etc.
“_AWD/2WD Link-Mode via Dyno Configuration” formula added – for controlling how DYNO-MAX will determine changes from four-wheel drive to two-wheel drive testing. This unlocked User formula may be edited to support automatic “Smart Mode™” adjustments to inertia values, etc. as rollers and absorbers are decoupled during test sessions.
” _AWD/2WD Divisor for Parasitic Losses in 2WD Mode” formula added – for holding the factor DYNO-MAX will use when adjusting parasitic drag between four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive testing. This unlocked User formula factor (2.000) may be edited to support unequal front and rear drag coefficients.
Sample “User ELM-327 OBD-II…daq” files included – for easier end-user integration of ubiquitous ELM-327 chip based (third party) OBD-II devices into DYNO-MAX “Pro.” May require user customization to point to desired OBD-II PIDs (sensors).
Sample “User ELM-327 OBDII Velocity” formula added – for simpler end-user interfacing to new ELM-327 .daq files (see above) into DYNO-MAX “Pro.” Will require user editing (or replication) of formula to point to any customized “User ELM-327 OBD-II…daq” file channels.
Other minor bug fixes or changes include:
Built-in inertia-value list updated to include latest DYNOmite chassis dynamometer and absorber models.
Expanded support of custom DYNO-MAX “Language Pak™” options (i.e. German).
Updated .daq files for DYNOmite OBD-II Pro modules.
in Version 10.22 SP #0 –
Closes a recording-mode buffer memory leak – that was inadvertently introduced in version 10.09. This bug caused DYNO-MAX to consume RAM while recording a run, which it did not release until DYNO-MAX was closed. Since this leak only occurred during recording, most users never noticed it, unless they were recording very-long or very-many runs — during a single session Resulting low-memory conditions would (eventually) lead to a DYNO-MAX crash.
Other minor bug fixes or changes include:
The “mBar” (millibar).units type has been added to the “Pressure” units group.
The “Simulated Grade Percentage” formula is no longer forced to zero during playback or graphing.
The default trigger voltages for the RPM-A 1/2, 2/4, and 4/8 pulse-per-revolution modes has been changed, from 3.5 to 4.5 volts, to match the Clamp-On Inductive RPM Pickup’s requirements.
in Version 10.21 SP #0 –
DYNO-MAX-based torque/power control formulas – updated, specifically those regulating torque, power, or pressure (as opposed to RPM or speed), were updated (from % to # units) – to allow control-needle (hold) set-points beyond 100 (%) and full PID functionality.
How to: Use DATA FOR GRAPH Window’s Tool – animated help topic is available again in DYNO-MAX’s help system.
How To: Use Formula (colors, units & decimals) settings – animated help topic is available again in DYNO-MAX’s help system.
How To: Use GRAPH Window’s Tools – animated help topic is available again in DYNO-MAX’s help system.
How To: Use What’s This Help Pointer – animated help topic is available again in DYNO-MAX’s help system.
Other minor bug fixes or changes include:
When utilizing DYNO-MAX’s “Safe Mode” (for troubleshooting), menu usage (e.g. Open Environment), no longer crashes the program (another 64-bit Microsoft Visual C++ compiler induced issue).
For operators using DYNO-MAX “Pro’s” alternate languages, most of DYNO-MAX’s report-field labels have been translated and are available to create non-English reports.
The “mBar” (millibar) units type has been added to the “Pressure” units group.
in Version 10.20 SP #0 –
DYNO-MAX “French Language-Pak™” – included as one of the standard (free) program-interface languages.
DYNO-MAX “Spanish Language-Pak™” – included as one of the standard (free) program-interface languages.
French “Getting Started” online-help topics – added to ease training of French-speaking dynamometer operators.
Spanish “Getting Started” online-help topics – added to ease training of Spanish-speaking dynamometer operators.
Suppress (buffer) writing to drive whenever console ‘Record’ button is active preference added – to avoid console “gauge–freezing” problems, which are due to hard-drive acoustical lockup.
Automatically approximate Driveline Power and #% losses – feature now supports percentage-values greater than 1% (requires formula-list version 10.20).
Min. Hold RPM-C #### – field added (parameter #36), to “Pro” version’s Configure DYNOmite Controls screen. Allows specifying a minimum RPM to apply load (down to). This helps avoid hard launching against high-torque (at low speed) absorbers (e.g. AC-motor or hydraulic-gear equipped chassis dynamometers). This field defaults to zero RPM.
“Smart-Sync™” Tracking technology added – to the “$ TRACK AWD DAQ ID #1 HOLD” formula-set, and its supporting RPM-control formulas, to enhance electronic AWD-axle synchronization. Note: Always correctly select between AWD and 2WD Dyno Configurations based on vehicle-type being tested!
Other minor bug fixes or changes include:
Slight formula-list name changes were made (for ease of access).
Several new user-formulas added.
A bug in the “Recover ‘Black Box’ Recording” tool, that limited recovery to only several seconds, has been corrected – to again recover (up to) the array’s maximum of 600 seconds (ten minutes).
New formula-editor Run Information parameter added that returns the “Control Formula Address” (by Board #). Used for writing control-formula specific sub-routines.
More User Formula hooks added to support newer Run Information – RPM Source fields.
Behavior for the array of “_ACtiveSync-1&2 Left/-Drive Torque” debugging formulas corrected.
Users capturing airflow data, using a Basic-board’s fuel-flow channel with the “User Air Flow – Volume” formula, no longer need to enter “1.000” into the fuel-tab’s Specific Gravity field.
Several torque and RPM formula have been enhanced to more-easily support the use of different absorber drive ratios – for the front-versus-rear chassis-dyno roll sets.
Formulas include automatic compensation for non-uniform torque/RPM splits, between front and rear chassis-dyno rolls, providing precise engine RPM, torque, and power data – even for unsynchronized (e.g. brand-X) “AWD” dynos.
The “Black Box” file(s) are screened, and corrected, from large (invalid) time-line jumps.
The X-axis time fields, on the “Measure Lines” graph divider tool, now deals correctly with graph lines that have a multiplier-value active.
The “Search for Saved Run” tool works again. Its “time” search criteria needed to be updated to 64-bits. This was due to a compatibility issue after DYNO-MAX’s recent switch to the latest 64-bit Microsoft Visual C++ compiler.
A mild (0.015 second integral) dampening period has been added to the inertial-torque formula – eliminating “fuzz” on high resolution (1,000 Hz) data.
in Version 10.16 SP #0 –
Cumulative 2011 roll-up CD release – includes all earlier service pack fixes and enhancements, along with the latest help file.
Other minor bug fixes or changes include:
Adds compatibility with National Instruments latest NI-DAQmx 9.4 drivers and Measurement and Automation Explorer 5.0 software.
E85 gasoline support added, in Calibrate DYNOmite Channels selection lists, for DYNOmite AFR module.
Slight formula-list name changes made (for ease of access) and user-formulas added.
in Version 10.15 SP #0 –
Importing “Correction and Interpolation Maps” supports rows with negative numbers – for either your edit-table’s “Pre-Edit Table” and/or “Final” reading column data.
Position-based control formulas (e.g. “$ SET THROTTLE GEAR FEEDBACK %“) are now all scaled to use “Percentage” units. This offers “Steps to open” independence, for more uniform behavior – with less tuning from the default Gain=8, Drift=8, and Rate=8 PID values.
Beginning a formula’s short name with a $ (dollar-sign symbol) now toggles whether it shows up in DYNO-MAX’s “Servo Control” drop-down lists. For servo-control formulas that you never plan to use, you may now “hide” them – by removing this “$” symbol.
Unlocked “User Knock-% RPM Factor” formula added – for linearizing the “Knock A Index %” formula – versus Engine RPM. This formula may be edited to better-match specific engine’s characteristics.
Other minor bug fixes or changes include:
Fixes a Help-file bug (existing only in some 10.14 releases) that did not allow DYNO-MAX’s context-sensitive (F1) help-feature to work.
The “Keep Servo Energized” and “Reverse Servo Direction” checkbox features for Board #2 (e.g. throttle control) are now functioning again. An extra units format (suffix) for the “Number” units system has been added. In addition to the existing “Number” and “Blank” format choices, the “#” (pound symbol) is not on the list. This shorter text suffix allows for narrower data-point listing columns, and cleaner graph labels, when units display is active.
Unlocked “User AWD Out-of-Synch % Alarm” formula added that returns excessive % MPH variation, between axles, for triggering user-created console-gauge alarms.
When using ACtiveSync, with two-wheel drive dynamometer configurations, the DYNOmite’s standard electronic axle synchronization now defers to the ACtiveSync’s control
in Version 10.14 SP #0 –
DYNO-MAX’s “Interactive Priority-Support-Plan Online Meetings” support video – to allow our technicians to observe your test cell, etc. during training or diagnostic sessions.
Other minor bug fixes or changes include:
More “User Correction…” hooks have been inserted into default DYNO-MAX formula list – for easier implementation of custom (end-user derived)) correction curves and factors (e.g.: load-cell temperature compensation).
The “Taxi” tab’s fields, for the Run Information “#12- Speedometer/Taxi” mode, were inadvertently locked in version 10.13. That bug is resolved in 10.14.
Recompiled 10.14 version replaced an earlier 10.14 release that did not have context-sensitive (F1) help working.
Includes new “Graph Auto-Test Set Points.gph” and “Graph Auto-Test Set Points.tab” files, for graphing Auto-Test servo-control points.
in Version 10.13 SP #0 –
“Speedometer/Taxi” engine-type selection – added to the Run Information tab sets, These include extra data-entry fields that bolster data-input and reporting options.
Other minor bug fixes or changes include:
On the Dyno Configuration screen, the image for dyno type #6 was wrong. The correct image is now displayed.
The Run-Information tabs for the Electric Motor, Transmission and Turbine choices may have displayed several incorrect units assignments – if outdated daq files were installed. This release includes fresh daq files.
A new formula-units type of “Currency” (e.g. Dollars, Cents, and $) has been added.
A recent Microsoft Visual C++ update caused compound Smart-Record “AND” conditions to effectively be interpreted as “OR” conditions. This has been recoded to restore the original (correct) “AND” behavior.
The console “Record (Pause) Button Status” is now available in the formula editor as a pseudo DAQ channel.
Prevents Miscellaneous tab’s numeric/formula fields from reverting to defaults, due to thread-lock timing, on fast (multi-core) processors.
in Version 10.12 SP #0 –
“Enable Run-Time Logging – checkbox” – added to the Tools – Preferences – Miscellaneous tab. This adds a new support tool for troubleshooting user’s configuration and PC issues
Other minor bug fixes or changes include:
The “Total Test Fuel Volume” formula’s constants were updated to reflect the “Fuel Flow – Volume” formula’s (prior) changeover to “Flow – Liquid (gal/hr)” base units
An issue with (non D/A output model) National Instruments boards returning an “Invalid Argument” error (during configuration) has been resolved.
Taxi-Meter Calibration console and formula update supports “Taxi Interference Speed” display.
A “Simulated Grade Percentage “ formula (rise/run %) is now included.
The “Simulated Grade Angle in Degrees” formula now uses the ArcTan function, to return the exact (rise/run) angle – from the simulated grade percentage.
in Version 10.11 SP #0 –
Cumulative 2011 roll-up CD release – includes all earlier service pack fixes and enhancements, along with the latest Default files, USB to RS-232 converter drivers, help files, and multimedia demo.
Other minor bug fixes or changes include:
One (potential) console or graph crashing source was removed.
Weather Station recorded data – automatically used by the “User Correction Factor – Custom” formula, etc. during play-back and graphing – instead of the Run Information static data.
Replacing an Automated Test (.ato) file, while the console is open, no longer resets active relay (or D/A) controls to off.
in Version 10.10 SP #0 –
“Formula-List Importing” – an import button is provided to allow importing (merging) another customized “source” formula list’s unique changes into the “current” (active) formula list. When upgrading to a newer version’s formula list, this feature provides an easy way to recover (most of) your prior personal formula changes.
Other minor bug fixes or changes include:
The “Search for Saved Run” tool has been updated to work again. A recent Microsoft Service Pack update discontinued legacy OS support for Visual C++’s “System Date” format – breaking this DYNO-MAX feature.
Updated the “Pro+” version’s (optional) DYNO-MAX.mdb, Microsoft Access Database file structure to include recently added data fields.
in Version 10.09 SP #0 –
“Electronics – Reinitialize All Boards (Alt+F12)” – keystroke combination now invokes more robust actions for third-party National Instruments’ “Measurement and Automation Explorer” boards.
“Configure Board’s Time Source” – now supports calculating time via record count. This alternative allows gathering precise time data from some (third-party) high-speed boards that do not send a time stamp.
“Smart Clock” – feature added to “Configure Board’s Time Source” – eliminating the need to manually configure the clock settings when changing a (supported) third-party board’s sampling rate, clock speed, or counter/capture mode.
Run Manger’s right-click menu – now supports instant zipping and/or e-mailing of any runs file set, without the need to even open the run.
PC Bus based Digital to Analog output – support added. High-speed third-party (NI) boards with D/A outputs may now be interfaced with DYNO-MAX control formulas.
Other minor bug fixes or changes include:
Real-time disk-data caching helps (slower) PCs keep up with even the most calculation-intensive console formulas – eliminating (derivative) dropouts on the trace chart. This also maintains the precision of real-time f simulations during other Windows disk activity – including acoustical-noise induced lockup of mechanical drives.
Browsing for the PARENT Folder location for the TempRuns directory now automatically strips off any duplicate instances of “TempRuns” from the path.
The extrapolation-compensation and road-load simulation formulas updated to take advantage of real-time data caching.
Smart Load and Smart Speed algorithms improved to self-adapt to smooth initial loading.
The 80 MHz clock increment (e.g. National Instruments PC-buss “M” boards) is now supported.
Run Manger’s pop-up view now displays the run’s (last) recording rate, next to the runs duration – new “Recording Rate…” formulas allow showing this information on graphs and reports.
Run Manager’s initial opening speed, when no user-defined columns are active, is enhanced.
Run Manger’s feature to allow dragging a run into another folder (in its tree view) is working again.
Run Manager will automatically refresh its view whenever a new run is saved, it’s right-click menu also features a manual “Refresh (F5)” selection.
Run Manager remembers last column-sort preferences, between refreshes and sessions
Run Manger no longer crashes DYNO-MAX if it finds a corrupted run file on your PC’s drive .
A bug that caused very-fast PCs, on rare occasions, to erase a gauge (during console editing) is fixed.
An “Altitude Equivalency” formula, to display barometric pressure in terms of its effective elevation, is now included in the default formula list.
A double-buffering scheme has been added to help some (less efficient) PCs keep up, and avoid crashing, during simultaneous graphing and/or heavy-duty data recording.
in Version 10.08 SP #0 –
“Refresh Console at 64/100 Hz – instead of 10 Hz” preference – (under “Tools – Preferences – Console” tab) is now the recommended default (for fast PCs). When checked, the real-time gauge and control formulas are evaluated at Windows’ fastest time-slice rate – for improved real-time results.
“Automatically approximate Driveline Power and 10% losses” – dynamically estimates the parasitic (viscous and windage) drag losses plus driveline efficiency losses between the engine’s flywheel (or output shaft) and the calibrated dynamometer.
Other minor bug fixes or changes include:
The graph’s “Measure Lines” (dividers) toolbar-tool values now include compensation for any “line scaling” multiplier.
“Perfect” drag-race (Christmas Tree) Reaction Times updated to NHRA’s newer 0.000 seconds – from green light standard. This replaces their older 0.400 (or 0.500) from last yellow light scheme. Lane handicaps and Pro-Tree modes also updated.
Fixes a (Standard version – 10.07 only) crash going into graph setup.
The Run Information screen’s “Vehicle Speed Factor” field now supports entry in units other than RPM-B/MPH.
Console “Completed Run” delay “after: # Seconds” preference is now also supported in 100 Hertz console mode.
in Version 10.07 SP #0 –
“Maximize Graph upon opening” preference – added to the “Tools – Preferences – Smart Print” tab. When checked, new graphs will automatically enlarge to full screen.
Engine dyno “Road-Load Simulation” improved – to allow more gradual transition from the unloaded minimum hold RPM to the simulation’s calculated vehicle velocity (loaded RPM.
“Define Dyno Configuration…” button – replaces the old Speed Factor Calculator button. This is to emphasize the expanded importance and dynamometer types listed on the updated (and renamed) “Define Dyno Configuration and Speed Factor” tab.
Set # of Decimals is available within the console’s “Modify Gauge Properties” screen (for digital gauges. It allows gauge-specific control of the displayed decimal places – for formulas set to “Auto” decimal mode.
Other minor bug fixes or changes include:
In the Calibrate Channels screen the “Calibrate To” and “Offset To” fields remember their last-used settings – when switching between channel tabs.
The Final Reading, for the Air Flow channel (in Calibrate DYNOmite Channels) is no longer stuck and (constantly returning “1.”
The modify Range-Check Limits feature, when accessed from a new run’s range-check warning message, was not saving the changes for subsequent runs. This is now fixed.
An (unlocked) “User Base Stationary Tires-Wheels-Discs Inertia” formula allows editing the inertia value used to account for the idle wheels during 2WD road-load simulations.
Run Information – Dyno tab’s layout reorganized and the “Set RPM-A Pulses…” button auto-grays (when not applicable) to aid usability.
The road-load simulation formulas now compensate for the, slight, reduction in rolling frictional losses at non-zero grade angles.
Maximum “Relative Font Size” for graph annotations is now increased from 12 to 24.
The left and right (raw) “Reaction-Time Parameters,” used for drag-race simulation, can now pass negative values – to better handle cases when one lane leaves way too
early.
The button to “Browse for your Bitmap file…” in the Annotate-Graph screen now works under Windows XP too.
in Version 10.06 SP #0 –
“Sweep Step” button added – on the Graph Setup screen, to allow automatically generating “step-test like” (vs. RPM X-axis) graphs from accelerating sweep-test data.
“Axle-Hub Dyno” Dynamometer Configuration – is included as a choice on the Speed Factor Calculator screen.
Road-Load Simulation formulas expanded – to include user hooks, for modification of drag coefficients and minimum velocity (vs. torque) factors. This allows improving simulation behavior, especially for low-speed or non-automotive applications and when dealing with stall-load capable absorbers.
Engine dyno “Road-Load Simulation” improved – to allow more gradual transition from the unloaded minimum hold RPM to the simulation’s calculated vehicle velocity (loaded RPM).
Drag-Race Simulation formulas enhanced – to accommodate a wider range of vehicle performances and handicap delays.
Several “Button State” formulas included – to save the need for writing custom formulas when monitoring console-button positions during testing
Other minor bug fixes or changes include:
Another memory-array lock added that now prevents an elusive (rare) program crash, during intense integral-formula calculations, particularly on slower PCs.
Graph’s “Measure Lines” (divider) tool received a third decimal point of precision.
Drag-race “Xmas Tree” now begins recording upon pressing “Drag Stage,” instead of first vehicle movement – to capture data even during extreme red-lighting.
The “Configure DYNOmite Controls” screen now recalls if it was last set to “Pro” mode – thereby reducing operator steps
Console’s “Data Rate” slider limits its upper range, as a reminder, if you have reduced all your DAQ boards’s communication-setup rates to 200 Hz.
The Text view in the Incoming RS-232 Data Stream screen is again showing the correct text, rather than a series of numbers. If a saved-run graph’s annotation-logo bitmap is unavailable in its original location, the default logo bitmap (DYNO-MAX console) will be substituted – avoiding an error message.
RPM-A Rev Limit (in Relay Setup) for Basic board’s now automatically corrects for, non 1:1, drive ratios (as Pro and Lite boards already do).
“OBD-II Pro Wireless Bluetooth Interface” DAQ files now included on DYNO-MAX 2010 CD.
“Single Lane” drag-race simulation no longer wait 60-seconds for the right-lane to time out – before automatically ending the recording with “Test Complete.”
“Roll Diameter” parameter is now displayed, on the Run-Information “Dyno” tab, since it is now a factor in road-load simulation drag-coefficient related formulas.
in Version 10.05 SP #0 –
Formula List Updated – to include “Blowby,” Keypad #5 – #9, Pressure #5 – #7, and a few more Debug formulas.
Custom calibrate in millivolts – allows manually calibrating EGT and strain gauge channels directly using typed in millivolt values.
Remote Gauge DYNO-MAX – included on CD. Supports displaying additional DYNO-MAX gauges on remote or dual-screen monitors.
National Instruments’ board support expanded – supports clock-synch features of “M” and “X” boards
Run-Information Range-Check warning – now includes a button for accessing the range-check rule-editing screen.
“Flow Bench” (dyno type selection) – on the Run Information tabs, together with appropriate “Pro” formulas, support third-party (or DIY) air-flow bench testing.
Console’s aspect ratio – preference, on the Console tab, choices expanded to include 2.66 : 1 and 3.20 : 1 ratios – for supporting dual monitors.
Other minor bug fixes or changes include:
The Inertia Calculator’s “Simulated Vehicle Weight” field now includes full support for the calculator’s inertia units conversion.
Notes “heading” no longer shows on printouts if there are no actual notes.
Allow users to edit the text in Remote and Pocket DYNO-MAX for the “Eng” gauge heading.
All temporary “NewRun…” files are now created in the user’s specified “TempRuns” folder path – instead of the Configuration folder path.
Saving runs in Microsoft Access format has been updated to work with later versions.
Fuel-Flow “D” now reads its specific gravity value from Board #1’s parameters – instead of Board #2’s
Updated Pro board DAQ (.daq) files support new debug formulas and millivolt calibration feature.
The “Default.env” file is no longer reset back to its original settings each time the DYNO-MAX program is started.
Initial position of the console recording-rate slide bar is now remembered, between sessions, for each console file.
“Zip Current Run for E-mailing to Owner” is now available even on PCs without a MAPI e-mail client installed
Mouse click in Console’s Status Bar to step Hold Point (Console Preference) is reactivated (was removed in 9.98)
System (engine) RPM-A, (shaft) RPM-B, and (absorber) RPM-C rev-limiter interface updated.
Browsing for graph-annotation bitmaps works again – it no longer always loads the default (DYNO-MAX screen) bitmap.
Settings.txt file now includes 60-second interval debug information snapshot – for technical support.
The default (installation) behavior for Run Manger is now set to not show the User Defined Column – this is for faster loading of large databases.
When using older DYNOmite-Basic boards, Drive Ratio field changes no longer revert to previous setting.
Run Information screens’ field-tabbing order updated for more efficient data entry.
in Version 10.00 SP #0 –
Cumulative roll up 2010 CD release – includes all earlier service pack fixes and enhancements, along with the latest Default files, USB to RS-232 converter drivers, help files, and multimedia demo.
in Version 9.99 SP #0 –
View/Open Overlay Line’s Run Information – is available as a right-click menu option when viewing a graph with overlay lines. This feature is accessed by right-clicking, while hovering the mouse cursor over any overlay graph line.
Initial Console Button “Data Rate” – preset has been added. It allows reducing DYNO-MAX Pro’s default recording hertz (slide-bar) within console’s used primarily for long-duration recordings.
Unlocked “Keyboard Key #” formulas – in addition to the standard console button parameters, are available to be read into relay control formulas, These formulas return a 0 or 1 to reflect a key press that can used to toggle relays, etc.
Add Overlay toolbar button – allows quicker access to the graph’s “add overlay” lines browser. You can also right-click within the graph and pick Add Overlay from the graph’s context sensitive menu.
Other minor bug fixes or changes include:
Two new Units Types added to the Acceleration units group, km/h/sec and Knots/sec.
A bug in the 9.97 and 9.98 “$ TRACK AWD DAQ ID #1 HOLD” control formula has been fixed. This overloading error only occurred during AWD testing and only while in the Hold Vehicle Speed or Simulate Road Loads modes.
The “Ignore ‘Test Completed’ Brake…” and “Smart Braking…” checkboxes now only appear on Board #1’s Configure DYNOmite Controls screen – to avoid the confusion of conflicting board settings.
Fuel Flow-D formulas added, to Calculate Fuel-Flow Method, for supporting capture of a fuel-flow transducer on board #1’s RPM-A channel.
in Version 9.98 SP #0 –
DYNOmite 64-bit USB drivers – added to support Microsoft’s WIndows-7, Vista, and XP 64-bit operating systems. Updated DYNOmite 32-bit USB drivers, to replace our earlier version 2.0 ones, are also included.
MSI 4.5 (or later) DYNO-MAX Installer – automatically chains to routines that correctly pre-install the required USB drivers for your specific operating system. Veri-Sign certificates allow for trusted installation, even without administrative privileges, on UAC Windows-7 and Vista operating systems.
Batch Edit (Search tool feature) – allows “Pro” version users to quickly propagating changes, to one or more Run Information fields, across an entire search listing’s set of runs. The tool can also import your environment’s current formula list, graph setup, raw channel dampening, and/or console setup into those runs.
Ignore “Test Completed’ Brake Alarm – checkbox was added to allow convenient deactivation of the automatic (console alarm based) “_Test Completed Status” formula that applies the dynamometer’s brakes – when an Auto-Test or Smart-Record pull finishes.
Zip Current Run for E-mailing to Owner – is similar to the (still-existing) Zip Current Run for E-mailing to Support file bundling feature. It compresses the .run and all its .raw files into a single zip file, on the Desktop, ready for transfer to the owner via E-mailing or a USB thumb drive.
End-of-Test Return Rate – (in the Automated Test Setup Wizard), allows adjusting how quickly the engine RPM is pulled back to its Start RPM – once the End RPM is reached.
Suggest Notes (first line) for Text – will initially populate a new annotation’s text edit box with the Run Information screen’s “Notes.” This option can help automate annotating overlay lines.
Click ‘Shift’ for Notes will appear, in the Examine Points balloon, if there is any Run Information Notes text. To view the run’s notes, simultaneously press the PC’s Shift key – while the Examine Points balloon is displaying.
Other minor bug fixes or changes include:
One of the gauges on the (“Pro” version’s) Annunciator Console was improperly defined as a digital gauge – it is now correctly assigned as analog.
The Search for DYNO-MAX Runs feature automatically refreshes its available runs file list, whenever you change folders.
Remote DYNO-MAX version 1.2, remote console utility, (updated for Windows 7 graphics) is included. Additional predefined Pressure formulas are included in the 9.98 Formula List. Blowby Transducer selections added to the appropriate DYNOmite channel-calibration lists
in Version 9.97 SP #0 –
Show Formula’s Short Name text in Graph’s Line Label – preference, when checked, will display (and print) the graph line’s Formula Short Name as its reference labeling text.
Prefix Graph’s Overlay Line Labels with Run Index # – preference, when checked, will display (and print) the test’s Run Index # (from the Run Information header) as a prefix, before the line’s text label.
Append Overlay’s Count (#) to Graph’s Line Labels – preference, when checked, will display (and print) a number representing which sequentially added overlay file the line is from.
Automatically show Graph (and/or Data Points) upon “Completed Run” – after: # Seconds – preference selection specifies how long DYNO-MAX should wait before automatically building the Graph and/or Data Points Listing. The default 5 second delay may now be increased for PC that cannot reliably handle simultaneous automatic Test-Completed actions (e.g. pressing the Brake button).
Automatic thread locking added for the Run Information window – to prevent intermittent program crashes in unique cases, such as when users add complex formulas to the Miscellaneous tab (on certain PCs).
Search Engine data-file Size (Minimum) and (Maximum) – selection fields allow specifying the duration (data-file size) for runs that will be included in the search results.
Run Information’s Engine tab now includes Advertised Torque – this pair of new, information-only, fields complements the existing Advertised Power @ RPM fields.
Check Web for DYNO-MAX Updates – now features an updated “TransferUpgrade.exe” program that works within the latest Windows-7, Vista, and XP-SP3 UAC restrictions. If, after a recent Microsoft update, your new UAC settings no longer allow automatic upgrade, you need this fix. Our new TrasnferUpgrade.exe file will need to be manually download, unzipped, and saved into your DYNO-MAX” folder (e.g. “C:\Program Files\DYNO-MAX”) before automatic upgrading will function again. Contact Support if you need assistance!
Other minor bug fixes or changes include:
For slightly quicker response, when holding engine RPM or vehicle speed, the “$ TRACK AWD DAQ ID #1 HOLD” control formula now reads DAQ 1’s Servo Set Point channel directly. This is instead of reading the DYNOmite’s Servo Set Point parameter.
The Trace Chart’s X-axis time line no longer advances at 66% of real-time rate when the console is switched from 10 Hz to 100 Hz update mode.
Run Manger now supports folders with periods (.) in the folder or file names.
The “Export Graph as Windows Metafile…” feature no longer doubles up the “.wmf” suffix, for certain filenames.
The “Export Graph as Windows Metafile…” feature now remembers, and suggest, the last format used (.wmf or .emf).
If one (or more) of the .daq boards defined in Communications Setup is removed during recording, DYNO-MAX will not post an error message – or crash trying to open those missing data files.
Formulas for automatic end-of-test braking alarm functions now include a work-around for buggy multi-processor BIOS in some PCs.
For chassis dynamometers, a “User Brake Button vs Smart Load Override Toggle” formula can be set to “1” so that Smart Load (if needed) will not interfere with the Brake button.
in Version 9.94 SP #0 –
Use Smart Line Style for adding graph overlay lines – new preference, on the Smart-Print tab, (when checked) automatically selects the next line style, from that graph formula’s line-style group.
Additional Auto-Overlay modes and enhancement added – that expand the options available for automating the adding of overlays to DYNO-MAX 2010 “Pro’s” graphs.
“Open overlay” finds relocated DYNO-MAX 2000 runs – if they have been moved under the identical DYNO-MAX (2010) folder hierarchy. This avoids having to browse for those relocated run files.
Use Estimated Flywheel Power (when available) – new preference, on the Smart-Print tab, (when checked) substitutes the graph’s maximum “Estimated Flywheel Power” when inserting the “Peak Power” text – in the lower-right corner of the graph.
Console’s aspect ratio – new preference, on the Console tab, (when checked) helps reduce elliptical “ovaling” of round gauges when switching from standard-width monitors to wide-screen models (and vice versa).
Other minor bug fixes or changes include:
When a new formula is added, it will default to having its “Mark Formula as Favorite” box checked.
The “Ctrl-F4” and “Ctrl-F6” hot-keys to Close, or jump to the Next, active window work again.
Changing one overlay run’s Line Style no longer assigns the same line style change to all the other overlaid runs.
Program no longer gives a Windows error message if DYNO-MAX 2010 is closed while the console is still open.
The error message window which appears when a specified overlay run file is missing from the PC, now has a “Cancel” button available – that ignores the missing files, by checking the ”Hide Overlay” box.
Fixes an internal timer bug that, on some PCs, occasionally crashed DYNO-MAX as Run Manager opened.
in Version 9.90 SP #0 –
DYNO-MAX 2010 is now available for ordering! Its early release coincided with Microsoft’s shipment of Windows7 (on October 22). Our 2010 version adds dozens of new features over the older DYNO-MAX 2000 (9.38 and earlier releases). Current registered 9.0 and later users may order the CurrentDYNO-MAXversion SP CurrentDYNOMAXSP# upgrade at no charge!
Enhanced Vista and Windows-7 Support – dramatically improves performance under Windows 7 and Vista,™ especially when running more than one DYNOmite board. Updated installation program supports administrators installing DYNO-MAX 2010 into the “c:\Program Files\…” folder area – even with Vista’s UAC (User Account Control) active.
Modern “Vista” and Windows-7 look – for program windows, buttons, icons, toolbars, and menus. This is due to DYNO-MAX being coded using Microsoft’s latest Visual C++ Studio programming tools and environment.
Check Web for DYNO-MAX Updates – works under Vista and Windows 7, even if the program is loaded into the UAC controlled Program Files folder.
Note: This fix will not take effect until after DYNO-MAX 9.50 (or later) has been installed – from CD or a manual download.
Updated National Instruments support – allows DYNO-MAX “Pro” and “Pro+” to read data from NI’s current Measurement and Automation Explorer version (9.02) which NI also supports under Vista and Windows 7. This allows interfacing using compatible later model NI boards and drivers.
Real-time hard drive Smart Buffering™ – allows PCs with slow, failing, or even engine noise crippled disk drives to keep up with high speed data acquisition writes. The automatic DYNO-MAX feature helps eliminate missing chunks of data in your saved data just because the PC was not behaving.
Undo/Redo in Auto-Test Editor – means you may click your way back out of errors you make during creation of custom automated tests (to any level of changes). Learning the Auto-Test Editor’s advanced features is now much less tedious – especially if you never read instructions!
Chassis dyno Smart Braking™ – automatically modulates the end-of-test brake application depending on the current load control mode (Hold MPH, Hold Engine RPM, Road Load Simulation, etc.) to provide more appropriate slow down – even if the Engine RPM signal is cut at the end of test.
HTML-Style Windows Help – replaces the outdated Win Help which Microsoft is phasing out. This eliminates the need to download the WinHelp32.exe program from Microsoft’s web site when installing onto a Vista or Windows-7 equipped computer.
Mouse click in Console’s Status Bar – to step Hold Point (Console Preference) adds another convenient way to increment the servo control’s hold point, down or up, by left or right clicking (respectively) within the “Status Bar Hold = ####”
Additional Program Threading and Synchronization Locks – allows even slower PCs to smoothly keep up with the real-time calculation intensive display of derivative based formulas. For example, some computers would experience inverted spikes (drops) on the console’s real-time trace chart for (inertial) torque and power. Although these spikes were not present in the recorded data, they were annoying. The new threading eliminates these drops on most PCs and also takes full advantage of the newest Intel™ dual-core and quad-core processors for faster graphing, etc..
Multiple-language tables – have been added to support future translation of DYNO-MAX’s menus and screens for foreign language operators.
Channel Calibration supports Units – to allow calibrating DYNOmite and third-party boards in whatever units system you prefer to work in. The drop-down list allows you to specify the channel’s units group and desired units conversion just as you can in the Formula Editor.
Smart Spike™ filtering – uses more advanced math algorithms to detect and reduce glitches in data (due to ignition noise, faulty sensors, etc.) so that filtering does not rely on simplistic “smoothing.”
Enhanced multi-processor and multi-core CPU support – automatically compensates for thread time-slice variations between processor platforms. This improves the accuracy of integral based formulas, user defined durations and dwell settings for automated test loops and chassis braking application.
Send To – Zip Current Run for E-Mail – feature allows bundling up all pertinent files for a run into a single .zip file on the computer’s desktop. On computers which do not have Internet access or a MAPI compliant e-mail program, this allows moving them as a group.
Dyno Power and Dyno % fields – added to the existing Driveline Power and Driveline % display fields on the Run Information – Dyno tab. These new fields, and their supporting algorithms, calculate, display, and print more accurate (real-time) vehicle coast down power losses and estimated flywheel power than virtually any other method.
Estimated Flywheel Power and Torque Formulas added – to take advantage of the Driveline Power and Driveline % fields on the updated Run Information screen’s Vehicle tab. These new fields are unlocked, to allow users to customize their calculations.
Show All Display Files for Console Open – is now supported via a drop-down file-type selection that has been added to each of the open a console windows. This allows overriding our built-in console-type filtering, whenever you have the need.
Average Time on Graph’s Data Points enhanced – to automatically deal with calculating this value for clipped or manually scaled X-axis data.
Limit Graph’s Data Points to First and Last Rows checkbox – in the Step & Averaging Set Up window, allows shortening the listing for cases where you are primarily interested in the column averages data (at the bottom of the report).
Do not attempt to poll and verify PC’s serial COM ports at startup – preference added, to avoid conflicts with certain brands of attached hardware (e.g. some mice). This selection can also be used to speed opening the DYNO-MAX program on USB only PCs.
Display only “Favorite” formulas in drop-down selection lists – preference added to filter the listings to show only those formulas that you have pre-picked as your favorites. For example, you can use it to hide chassis dyno related formulas during engine dynamometer testing – and vice versa.
Selectable location for Temp Folder – allows designating a more robust hard disk or solid-state drive for dealing with the high volume of captured data during real-time testing. Running DYNO-MAX across a slower network (or virtual) connection is more practical even when capturing data at over 1,000 Hz per channel.
User Configurable Registry Locations for Configuration Folders – are provided to simplify customizing the location of the executable programs, real-time data, configuration files, and test runs into different areas on your company’s network.
Black Box Recorder capture rate doubled – to provide higher resolution emergency back-up data. The overhead of the Hertz increase was deemed trivial in light of advancements in PC hardware over the last decade.
Outgoing DYNOmite Hold #1 pseudo channel – allows recording the actual hold points sent out from DYNO-MAX “Pro” to the DYNOmite. This information aids users that are debugging their own custom control algorithms.
Auto-Test Line # formula and parameter – is now available to allow displaying the currently executing row, from a custom automated test, onto a console gauge or graph.
Edit Automated Tests with Excel – using the new DYNO-MAX “Pro” exporting and importing file type option of .csv format. All available fields, controls, and looping functions are supported.
Export/Import for individual graph Tabs – allows easily building a library of your favorite complex graph configurations for transferring into another run’s graph setup. Avoids having to tediously recreate complex graph layouts when you only want to reuse part of an existing graph setup file.
Export/Replace/Import of single Graph Setup Tabs supported – to allow building a library of your favorite complex graph configurations for transferring into another run’s graph setup. Avoids having to tediously recreate complex graph layouts when you only want to reuse portions of an existing graph-setup file.
Enhanced 3D graphing in “Pro+” version – adds additional three-dimensional graph styles. A multi-ribbon view is especially useful for analyzing the effects of fuel mapping changes across a wide range of throttle (or MAP) settings vs. RPM.
User Defined Columns added to Run Manager – allows viewing any Run Information field in Run Manager, without hovering over the file or having to manually open each run.
Numeric Columns available in Run Manger and Search tool – allowing for the display of non-text Run Information fields. This includes numeric items such as displacement – or even the Miscellaneous tab’s formula fields, for listing data like each run’s Peak Power.
Automatic Graph Overlaying enhanced – (in “Pro” version only) to add more options for controlling how overlays are automatically generated for sequential test pulls.
Delete-Overlay button added – to speed the removal of all the overlay lines for a specific (single) overlay run file that is part of that graph. This is in addition to the (still existing) “Hide Overlays” checkbox feature.
New “Save-As” Preference added for New Runs – to remember your preferred file folder location (for storing new runs) independently from the location of your last Open (or Save As) action on a previously saved run. This avoids confusion, for example, when opening graph overlay runs from other folders.
Auto Create sub-folders from New Run Information’s Name field – will self-generate a desired folder structure based on your Smart Save preferences. Folder naming can be based on the text in the Run Information fields like Name, Vehicle, Vehicle/Name, etc. This is especially useful for maintaining an organized database of runs during busy “dyno day” events.
Graph-line measurement-divider tool – allows point-’n-click examination of the data making up any, interactively designated, segment of a graph line. Available information includes the start and end values of the segment, its range and duration (time mode), average (mean and median) values, Delta-X and Delta-Y extremes, effective slope, standard and maximum deviation, etc.
Run Manger shows Run Duration – when you hover over any listed run. This is one more piece of information that may help you identify the saved test for which you are looking.
Demo-Mode Simulation – uses DYNO-MAX’s formulas to computer-generate sample engine and dynamometer test data that substitutes for the normal DYNO-mite data-acquisition supplied channel readings. Use demo-mode simulation when you wish to experiment with basic DYNO-MAX features – without needing to run the engine or even be linked to a DYNOmite dynamometer.
Overwrite (above) “Save As” prefix with Run Information’s Test # – inserts the (operator entered) test number field as the prefix for the Test Run and suggested file name. This can speed file naming in back to back testing, especially during high volume “Open House” chassis dynamometer events.
Auto-Index Test # – preference automatically injects a sequentially higher number into the Run Information header’s Test # field. This suggested value is incremented each time a test recording is completed.
Other minor bug fixes or changes include:
If you clip or unclip a graph, the program automatically asks you if you want to save changes when you attempt to close the graph.
The Console Design Editor no longer hangs in an infinite loop after a certain sequence of user-specific operations.
Microsoft’s vcredist_x86.exe is automatically run during program install to support installation on newer operating systems.
When opening moved .run and .raw data files, DYNO-MAX provides more automated tools to help you locate the files.
Using a decimal point as the first character in the Run Information Notes section no longer scrambles the note’s text on printed reports.
Run Manager’s “file size” is now reporting the (more useful) data file size, rather than the Run Information header file size.
Double-clicking to automatically open a .run file now works reliably – no matter where the file is located or what it is named.
In the Communication Set Up screen, if you inadvertently select the “Null” port type for a connected DYNOmite board, that board will not be forced into RS232 mode.
A new “Miscellaneous” preference tab was added to support several additional setting choices.
The “Tip of the Day” text displays correctly on Windows Vista equipped computers.
The “Display DYNOmite Parameters” window now lists several of the newer information fields.
The console’s vertical “thermometer” type gauge no longer consumes excessive CPU power.
The Black Box Recorder now allows (optionally) deleting its contents when you turn it off and then back on.
Newer 9.50 (and later) format Automated Tests (.ato) files may be exported for older versions by selecting “Pre-9.40 format Automated Control File (*.ato)” as the Export “Save as type.”
Newer 9.50 (and later) format Formula Lists (.for) files may be exported for older versions by selecting “Pre-9.40 format Formula File (*.for)” as the Export “Save as type.”
Smart Record has been enhanced to better deal with recording from high to low RPM, without pre-maturely ending the test, should you cross your low RPM (end test) point – on the way up to your desired start recording RPM.
A bug in several of HP’s printer drivers (that caused crashing) has been written around. This allows users of the effected HP models to use them now – without waiting for newer drivers to be released by HP.
The Multimedia Window (camera) support has been added for Vista – to support capturing (and playing back) test cell camera video and audio within that operating system.
Multi-line editing of a custom automated test’s “Duration” field no longer forces the selected durations to 0.100 second.
The “Fuel Flow-B” formula for Basic boards was fixed to no longer (redundantly) apply specific gravity, since all Basic board’s fuel-flow is already calculated in GPH.
JIS Correction’s reference barometric pressure is based on 99 kPa.
X-Mas Tree – Drag Race Console takes advantage of new multi-threading for increased timing precision.
The insert a range of rows (or fields) feature in the Automated Test Editor now works as expected.
A missing graph annotation logo (.bmp) file will now be ignored, instead of displaying an error message.
A browse option and cancel button are available for finding, or ignoring, missing overlay run files during graphing.
in Version 9.38 SP #2 –
PC based control formula enhancement – addresses an infrequent, but annoying, control glitching while running certain PC based control formulas during periods when Windows gets too busy. The symptoms are a very occasional (and momentary) partial under-loading or over-loading of the absorber (or throttle) control – followed by normal behavior. Affected control formulas include only those listed below:
$ HOLD POWER via LOAD CONTROL
$ HOLD TORQUE via LOAD CONTROL
$ SET CRUISE RPM via THROTTLE GEAR
$ SET CRUISE SPEED via THROTTLE GEAR
$ SET LOAD CONTROL % – FEEDBACK $ SET POWER via THROTTLE GEAR
$ SET THROTTLE GEAR % – FEEDBACK
$ SET TORQUE via THROTTLE GEAR $ SET TPI (MAP) via THROTTLE GEAR
$ SIMULATE ROAD LOAD DYNO-MAX 2000
in Version 9.38 SP #1 –
“What’s This? (Shift + F1)” context sensitive Help Pointer tool – has been expanded to over 95% of the primary screens and dialog box fields.
Other minor bug fixes or changes include:
The “$ Track AWD DAQ ID #1 HOLD” control formula now detects (and compensates for) RPM errors if an operator accidentally inputs an invalid Gear Ratio or Drive Ratio for the second axle’s DYNOmite control board.
In “Define 3rd Party I/O Stream” the Delay per Send has been reinstated to support devices that require a longer timing interval between consecutive sent bytes. This improves communications with OBD-II ports via RS232/USB adapters.
Modifying a numeric Run Information field, while the console is open, now completes its internal error checking and updating almost instantly. This eliminates the annoying delay for console control to return.
When using a DAQ ID #11 board (for AWD support), DYNO-MAX now automatically forces the second board to use RPM Source “#1- Shaft/Magnet” – simplifying setup.
The Windows behavior of spring loaded console buttons has been modified so that they no longer activate if you simultaneously press the Enter key (or another button’s hot-key letter) while the mouse cursor is hovering over a spring loaded button.
The Auto Test Set Up Wizard’s “Break-In Test” has been corrected for compatibility with the newest spring loaded pushbutton behavior. It once again correctly inserts the looping logic lines (that disengage the Start button) when the “Auto Start Engine” box is checked.
in Version 9.38 SP #0 –
Cumulative roll up 2006 CD release – includes all earlier Service Pack fixes and enhancements, along with the latest Default files, USB converter drivers, Help files, and Multimedia Demo.
Other minor bug fixes or changes include:
The “Piston Speed – Average” formula no longer displays in Feet/sec when its Units is set to Feet/min.
The “$ Track AWD DAQ ID #1 HOLD” control formula now detects (and compensates for) RPM errors if an operator accidentally inputs an invalid RPM Source, Gear Ratio or Drive Ratio for the 2nd axle’s DYNOmite control board.
in Version 9.37 SP #4 –
Airflow and Relative Air Density Formulas revised – to allow simultaneous display of ACFM (Actual Air Flow Volume), SCFM (Standard Air Flow Volume @ 59 F., 29.92″ Hg., 0% RH), and RAD% (Relative Air Density Percentage) – without changing formulas.
Auto Clip feature – removes xx seconds from the beginning and end of a run’s data range, masking out any dampening “tails” that can occur with derivative formula’s at the extreme endpoints of a recording.
Test Run’s Name edits propagate to Save As filename – suggestion during the initial saving of a New Run. This makes it easier to maintain consistency between these two names. Note: All other automatic file naming Preferences and the ability to specify a different Test Run and Window’s file name are still retained.
Compatibility with Intel’s new Hyper Threaded chips – allows DYNO-MAX 2000 to take advantage of this hardware enhancement of many new PC’s to execute its multiple threads more efficiently. The result is faster performance when simultaneously graphing and capturing data, etc.
Other minor bug fixes or changes include:
A typo in the Friction Compensation % Torque formula shipped in the Version 9.37 SP #2 release (only) was forcing the results to zero. For users correcting to STD or SAE standards (with the 100% Friction Compensation active), this would result in under correction. You can easily repair any effected saved runs by using the Formula List’s Replace button – to import the SP #4 releases Formula List and then resave the run.
A recent bug in Step Increments for Data List (in the Set Up Step Averaging screen) was ignoring this entry. It is fixed, so you may again filter the Data Lists lines into increments different from the Graph’s averaging points.
The “Column Averages” row (on the Graph’s Data Points list) for “Run Time” columns shows the total test time of the displayed segment only (e.g. less any time clipped out of the listing).
An obscure bug was fixed that caused a program crash when replacing console layouts if the “Initial Button Positions” tab in the original run’s console was trying to set buttons that did not actually exist on a new run’s console.
The console’s “Thermometer” style gauge now supports scaling that does not start at zero.
In Tools – Preferences… – Console, if you inadvertently delete the “Suggest this filename prefix” text and subsequently uncheck the feature, it no longer permanently grays out the text field.
The pop-up Notes dialog box will come to the foreground, even if the console is maximized.
in Version 9.37 SP #3 –
Lookup Weight & G’s. . . button has new Coast Down G’s calculation tools along with an expanded database of weight and G’s for autos, SUV’s and trucks.
Wankel Rotary Engine Type supported with individual Run Information tabs.
AWD/Twin DYNOmite Board support enhanced to auto-sense between AWD, FWD, or RWD mode – for load control and torque, speed, shift ratio, etc. readings.
Spark Advance channel options now include using the Frequency-4 (Air Flow) channel (with DYNOmite-Pro EEPROM 9.72 or later) to pass the timing advance option’s data. Now, users requiring both Engine RPM and Absorber RPM to calculate Shift/Ratio (i.e. on chassis dynos) can still use the Spark Advance EEPROM option!
Spike Filtering in USB mode is now supported for both the 200 Hz and 1,000 Hz modes. In addition, a wider range of “Replace Spike Data…” entries is now allowed and two new “Effective Rate…” displays simply selecting optimum setup values – for either USB or RS232 applications.\
More EGT Formulas included in the Default.for formula list. This provides for reading all 16 thermocouple probes on a DYNOmite-Pro Dual board set – without having to bother adding any formulas.
Engine Acceleration Rate Formula added to provide another way to look at an engine’s performance on an inertia-only dyno (by comparing its RPM/sec performance against a known polar moment of inertia flywheel assembly.
Additional 0-5 Volt Pressure Transducers supported in the standard .lst files for the DYNOmite data-acquisition computers and board sets. This allows interfacing with some of the newer transducer ranges (-12 to 2, 0 to 1.45, 0 to 0.7.5, 0 to 250, 0 to 500, and 0 to 1,000 psi) without requiring access to DYNO-MAX 2000 “Pro’s” Custom calibration fields.
Other minor bug fixes or changes include:
The supported Pressure Units types have been expanded to include “atm” (atmospheres), “hPa” (hectopascals) and “Torr” units and all conversions to “inHg” are now referenced off the standard 32 degree Fahrenheit (0C) temperature scale.
The SAE’s J1995 Correction Factors have been added DYNO-MAX’s list of built-in atmospheric correction standards.
The new twin load cell AWD inertial torque formulas were corrected to remove a duplicate multiplier bug.
The “File – Export Run’s Data to .XLS (or .CSV) File” menu choices will gray out if you have not yet saved and named the run within DYNO-MAX 2000 itself (a prerequisite before exporting).
Spike Filter configuration accepts a wider range of user input values for the “Replacement” Units/Second fields.
The screen for Spike Filter configuration now displays the Effective Rate after 0.01 and 0.1 seconds of filter activation. This information helps when deciding on the best replacement rate and exponents to use.
in Version 9.37 SP #2 –
Trace “LA4 FTP-78” Automated Test included in the pre-configured .ato files. Used in conjunction with the built-in “Emissions Lab (trace line).dp6” console it allows “Pro” users to perform this EPA test without using the Automated Test Editor.
Alarm Servo Actions support ramping to and from the specified temporary servo set points. This allows for smoother transitions between the normal and emergency hold settings (e.g. for automatic chassis dyno Test Completed braking functions).
Digital (RS232) AFR Module support added to the list of included .daq files. This all digital link eliminates the module’s D/A output conversion and the DYNOmite’s subsequent A/D input conversion of that 0-5 volt signal.
Third-Party AFR O2 Module native support expanded to include more non-linear and linear 0-5 volt models from companies like AEM, ECM, Tech Edge, etc.
Alarm Recording + History selection added to allow capturing the 30 seconds prior to an alarm event occurring – even when recording was not active. This expanded “Black Box Recorder” functionality helps identify the cause of alarm actions during unmanned endurance testing.
Keyboard override of Auto Test line execution added. The PC’s Insert and Home keys may now be used to manually skip forward or backwards between auto test steps.
FIFO Control and Data exchange between DYNO-MAX 2000 “Pro” and your custom third-party (user) applications – using only standard ASCII files. This new .daq file option permits bi-directional real-time operation at full speed.
Other minor bug fixes or changes include:
A bug in Version 9.37 SP #1, that caused the Console’s Zero Button (after the first time it was pressed) to re-zero upon subsequent presses of any other console button, is fixed.
A recent bug in the $ Simulate Road Load control formula limited top speed to the Scale RPM as Engine RPM. That limit has been corrected so it is now correctly based on Absorber RPM.
$ Simulate Road Load control formula now utilizes the Minimum Servo % of Scale field – to better support simulations on directly coupled engine dynamometers (easing the off-idle transition).
Within the Formula Editor (only), the parameter names for 2-stroke Exhaust, Intake, Transfer, and Finger ports were all listed with the “Boost” port name. Other than the confusion, this had no effect on formulas using those parameters.
A bug in the User Alarm Button feature to press the console’s “Pause” button was hanging the console interface (it was trying to simultaneously press the “Play” button). This has been fixed.
For users of the “DYNOmite-Pro Board Tracking ID 11.daq” file, the “$ TRACK AWD DAQ ID #1 HOLD” servo formula is now selected automatically in Configure DYNOmite Controls.
The Run Information Dyno tab’s Torque Source now has a selection (and formula logic) to support quickly reversing the positive direction of the torque signal in software (without requiring applying a negative gain to the channel’s calibration).
Formula List now supports short description text tags. This helps you identify the correct one to select (for console gauges, graph lines, or control formulas).
Additional “User” formula support hooks into the parasitic driveline friction loss compensation, formulas have been embedded into the system formulas.
Console’s Trace Chart now ignores any inadvertent user assignments of a needle to a formula of “none,” which otherwise could cause legitimate lines not to appear on chart.
Consol Set Up – Alarm Properties – Relay & Control Actions for pressing a console button now holds the button’s position for 0.2 second. This allows even slower PC’s time to respond to the command (before it clears).
in Version 9.37 SP #1 –
Custom Console Button Text – “Pro” users may now re-label their consoles control buttons. This makes it easier to support custom relay functions and non-English languages.
Overlay Data Points Averaging & Difference – now supports “Synch Data Points” even in time averaging mode. This “Pro” feature (to help align the controlling X-axis references) was formerly only available during Step Mode graphing.
“Automatically show Graph…” – preference has been added. This forces your customized graph (and/or data points) to immediately display upon a test’s completion. This new preference is in addition to DYNO-MAX’s existing controls for automating the printing of a completed run’s graph or data points.
Real-Time Trace Chart overlaying – is now supported in the “Pro” version. This allows electing any saved .run file as the chart baseline for subsequent tests. Either the scrolling or fixed X-axis trace chart modes may be used during real-time overlaying.
PC’s “Scroll Lock” key – will now also toggle the “Test Completed” message off of the Trace Chart. This allows more closely examining lines (i.e. overlays) that fall under the text.
“Automatically press Brake Button…” – checkbox added to the Automated Test Wizard (for the Road Sweep and Road Course tabs). It supports automating the activation of a chassis dyno’s end of test braking.
Estimated Fuel Flow from CFM/AFR – formula has been added. This allows calculating fuel flow and BSFC data (without a fuel flow transducer) if both AFR (O2) Module and Air Flow Turbine data are available. This is especially useful for testing some Brigg’s kart engines where installation of a conventional in-line fuel flow transducer is difficult.
Estimated Air Flow from AFR*GPH – formula has been added. This allows calculating airflow and BSAC data (without an air flow meter) if both AFR (O2) Module and Fuel Flow Transducer data are available. This is especially useful for testing some multi-carburetor engines where installation of several air flow turbines is difficult.
Torque Distribution % – formulas (FWD vs AWD Torque Split %) added to allow AWD dynamometers (with independent front and rear axle torque measurement) to monitor and output the torque bias of the vehicle.
Additional jetting fields – are now available on the two-stroke Run Information Induction tab. This allows entering the engine’s Needle Jet and Needle/Clip information as separate entries.
Update Servo Hold Point at 100 Hertz mode added in Configure DYNOmite Controls window. This selection causes DYNO-MAX 2000 “Pro” to refresh the DYNOmite’s desired control speed every 0.01 second (instead of the default of 0.1 second). This allows taking full advantage of the quicker absorber response behavior available from AC type drives.
User Console Button, User Start Switch, and User Stop Switch Alarms added in Console Set Up. This more easily supports custom external emergency brake button cords, etc. All the standard Gauge Alarm features like on-screen text alerts, voice alarms, servo overrides, RPM limits, etc are available.
Alarm overrides for the Servo Set Point now allows either a Fixed or Temporary modification of the load control during an alarm. This allows more flexibility when programming custom alarm behavior.
Torque Source of “#1- AWD/Twin DYNOmite Boards” added to support dual load cells for AWD chassis dynamometer, rear-axle differential dynos, etc.
Other minor bug fixes or changes include:
Test Completed message on the Console’s Trace Chart now clears whenever the Scroll Lock key is used – getting it out of the way for more closely examining a graph line.
Pocket DYNO-MAX Version 1.1 allows the RPM (and MPH) slide indicator bar to start from a left axis point that is not equal to zero.
The Console Status Bar’s Grade % indicator (used to adjust road grade in Simulate Road Load control mode) now correctly reads 0% (instead of 50%) when the Servo Set Point = 100.
If illegal Windows filename characters are present in a run’s Name field, those characters will not be automatically stripped whenever that field is specified (in Preferences) as the source for the automatic “Save As” filename prefix.
The Formula List now sorts with the System Formulas and $Servo Hold formulas at the end of the alphabetical listing. This makes it easer to navigate the list and find the formulas you want for graphing, etc.
Initial Servo Hold Point now resets (to the user selected default) whenever the Console’s Hold button is pressed (or upon any editing in Configure DYNOmite Controls window).
The Auto Test Wizard for the Life Cycle Linear (and Sine) tests inserts the correct “loop return” line’s duration (an invalid entry was preventing more than one loop from executing).
Configure 3rd Part Channels… now includes the ability to directly convert incoming data from ASCII representations of Hex characters to their decimal equivalents. (Such direct conversions were previously limited to ASCII representations of Decimal characters).
Pre-configured support for more AFR module models and fuel types (e.g. methanol, ethanol) added in calibrate DYNOmite Channels’ lists.
Black Box Recorder files less than 60 seconds in duration no longer cause startup crash.
A recent bug in the $ Simulate Road Load control formula limits top speed to the Scale RPM as Engine RPM. That limit has been corrected so it is now correctly based on Absorber RPM.
$ Simulate Road Load control formula now utilizes the Minimum Servo % of Scale field – to better support simulations on directly coupled engine dynamometers (easing the off-idle transition).
in Version 9.36 SP #2 –
One Page Reports – that may include any combination of Run Information fields, Notes, Graph, and/or Data Point list – can be output onto one sheet of paper. The Report Design Editor’s support of multiple object reports is great for casual testing, “Dyno Shoot-Outs,” or use as a cover page to an elaborate analysis package. (Separate full-page Graph and Data Points lists may still be printed alongside multi-object reports.)
Run Manager is an explorer style tree-view of saved tests. From it, you can browse for files, double click to open runs, or drag-‘n- drop them as Graph overlays – an undo icon makes it easy to trial overlay numerous runs against a baseline test. The Run Manager uses its own “floating” split-screen window, so you can keep it open as you work. You may sort its listing by run name, modified or created dates. Plus, detailed header information is viewable without even opening the run. This drag-‘n-drop graph overlay feature has also been added to the Smart Search™ tree-view.
“Smart Tile Graphs™” intelligently arranges up to six open graphs or graph data point listings, with a single icon click. It will even open a 2nd run’s graph, automatically, under appropriate circumstances! If you regularly graph and compare multiple runs, this handy new toolbar button will become one of your favorites.
Histogram Graph Support is now included as part of the Advanced Data Analysis options (in the “Pro+” version). This is especially useful for examination of on-board data collection to determine the most frequent areas of operation for shock travel and velocity, working RPM range, applied torque etc.
Graph Text Annotations (see figure above) allows the “Pro” version to place user editable comment labels onto individual graph lines. These notes can optionally append a line’s peak value and units – automatically.
Graph Logo allows the “Pro” version users to insert their company’s logo (or other bitmap) anywhere on the screen graphs and printouts. As with Graph Text Annotations, layouts are exclusive to each Graph tab that you define. This allows toggling between say, an in-house diagnostics layout and a publication format, at the click of a button.
Graph Legend can be used in addition to (or in place of) each line’s default Formula “Short Name” label (by “Pro” version users). The legend updates automatically to display each line’s color and style. When you are overlaying runs, the legend groups and titles each run’s set of lines by name.
Slide-Bar Console Controls can be “Pro” user defined for real-time operator input of formula data and D/A output. If you need to manipulate engine temperature, spark advance, etc. from the keyboard during testing – now it’s easier to set up than ever.
Smart Record™ End Test choices now include Run Time and Simulation Distance as ways to automate data collection.
Additional Selections for RPM “PPR” (pulse per revolution) are available to support DYNOmite-PRO EEPROM version 9.61’s additional RPM modes.
Auto Clipping of on-board circle track (or road race) data can instantly split an entire race into separate graph “clips” – by lap. This “Pro” version feature supports examining (or printing) laps individually or as multi-lap overlays. Clipping also works for dyno race simulations.
Other minor bug fixes or changes include:
Longer Run path\filename combinations are now supported by the “Export Graph as Windows Metafile” option (including the new Run Information Report’s “Graph Image” feature).
An exception handler for cases where the recording interval (between records) exceeds a derivative formula’s Delta Time can reduce spikes (e.g. when graphing Inertial Torque, etc.).
An erroneous .lst file error message, when entering Calibrate DYNOmite Channels (using a DYNOmite-Lite board set only), has been addressed.
Two more Pressure types of “Kg/cm^2” and “ft H2O” have been added to the Formula Units list plus three more Force types of “Newtons,” “KN,” and “kip.”
The name of any Unlocked User Formula may now be changed – without the need to export it and re-import it as a new Formula.
Export Graph as Windows Metafile now defaults to the file location of your last Metafile export.
A drop down file “Save as type” list when doing an “Export Graph as Metafile…” now supports both the standard Windows Meta Files (*.wmf) and Enhances Meta Files (*.emf) format.
In Simulate Road Load Mode the Console’s Status Bar shows the Hold set point as “% Grade.”
The “Import Run from .CSV File” feature (for a Pro board set), now includes all 28-channels (per board).
The Open Environment function will automatically default to the installed DYNO-MAX 2000/Configuration folder, and attempt to recreate missing configuration files – if the user has inadvertently deleted those folders or files.
Upon starting DYNO-MAX 200, if the user has inadvertently deleted or renamed the DYNO-MAX 2000/Temp folder, it will automatically be recreated.
The time it takes to Open or Close a large Formula List has been slightly reduced.
in Version 9.35 SP #0 –
New Run information tabs include a “Dyno” and “Engine” tab – along with a more logical layout (than the old generic “General” tab allowed). Several other new Engine types (beyond just Two Stroke and Four Stroke) are now available for applications like Electric Motors, Turbines, etc. The default Reports have been appropriately modified – for compatibility.
Step Graphing mode enhancements allow it to better deal with significantly oscillating test data (i.e. manually controlled sweeps done by inexperienced operators).
Customized Automated Test editor Paste button now automatically corrects line references for any looping routines that are included within a Copy ‘n Paste selection. These Copy, Paste, and Delete button functions are also available via a right mouse click – whenever test lines are selected (highlighted).
Support for 0.1 RPM resolution mode featured in the latest DYNOmite-Pro board sets (EEPROM 9.55 and higher). For large diameter and high inertia chassis dynos assemblies, this provides finer resolution of inertial acceleration power. Three new pulse per revolution selections are now available, for Absorber (RPM-C): 1 x 0.1, 2/2 x 0.1, 4/4 x 0.1, 2/1 x 0.1, 3/1 x 0.1, and 4/1 x 0.1.
“Thermometer” style vertical bar gauges are now available. The Pro version’s Console Design Editor supports up to 16 bulbs in a single gauge. These are ideal for displaying multiple AFR readings. Full alarm and scaling support is built-in.
Report engine upgraded so that report designs containing several “inactive” Run Information Group (tab) sections will automatically condense at print time (even if they span multiple layout pages). This improves the Report’s appearance and reduces printed pages. (Note: hard page breaks can still be inserted to prevent this automatic reformatting).
Units added in Configure DYNOmite Controls allowing selection of MPH, KPH, etc. as the speed hold system. Selectable units are also available now for “Hold Torque”, and other control modes. The Console’s “Hold” Status Bar field is displayed in the selected units.
Additional Console and Formula selections have been added (again) to the “Pro” package (as part of the Default bundle of files).
Automatic USB Serial # assignment is now performed if only a single DYNOmite board is detected and just one DYNOmite USB board set is declared in Communication Ports Set Up.
Smart Search’s “Any of these words:” Fuzzy Logic enhanced to include rankings for misspellings, transposed letters, etc. This makes it the world’s most powerful native dynamometer database searching tool!
Quicker graphing and console replay initialization, particularly noticeable when utilizing complex formulas on slower PC’s.
Peak Power @ RPM Formulas included allowing “Pro” customers to easily add this data on their custom Report Designs – without having to manually write a User Formula.
Integral and “Used Last” Formula support now extends to console replay mode – allowing easier evaluation of advanced calculus based control formulas, etc.
“Remote DYNO-MAX™” program included on the DYNO-MAX 2000 CD. This standalone desktop program (similar to its wireless Pocket PC “cousin”) allows any other networked Windows PC to remotely monitor (or optionally control) your DYNO-MAX 2000 “Pro” test sessions!
Show Peak Hp @ RPM on Graph (when available) preference added. This option writes “Peak Power; ## Hp @ #### RPM” in the lower right corner of the graph (provided “Engine Power” is being graphed).
Console Design Editor significantly enhanced to allow graphically dragging and resizing of the gauge, button, and chart layout – using the mouse. This is in addition to the existing ability to numerically enter precise positioning coordinates.
Expandable “Notes” field feature available in Report Design Editor allows defining the end-of-report notes area to automatically expand (from 2-lines up to another full page) automatically at print time.
Other minor bug fixes or changes include:
A typo in the “Tractive Effort” Formula is fixed so that it now returns the correct force for each available RPM Source selection.
A bug that could cause a crash and error of “Too many Data Sets” (after numerous changes to the Console) has been fixed.
The Fuel Mapping Wizard now auto-updates all related fields whenever individual map entries are modified.
Graph’s title, legend, axis, and label text auto-scales whenever its window or preview pane is resized.
Real-time integral calculations in the Formula engine are optimized to significantly reduce processor overhead – especially noticeable when tracking Peak Hp, etc. on a slower PC.
“$ TRACK AWD DAQ ID #1 HOLD” formula added, allowing a 2nd DYNOmite board set (with eddy current load control) to follow a chassis dynamometer’s primary roll RPM on a secondary roll set – without requiring mechanical coupling.
Console Set Up’s “Auto Calc Tick Marks” now recalculates (after you change a gauge’s range) even if you click “Ok” without first tabbing out of the changed field.
Several control and simulation formulas that utilize the Run Information Vehicle tab’s “Coast Down G’s @ 55 m/hr” field have been modified to self adapt to any range of operating speeds.
The Graph’s Inquiry Slide Bar’s text numbers better avoid overprinting their associated graph line – particularly when displaying peak values (near the line’s label).
in Version 9.34 SP #0 –
Environments now hold most Preference settings in their .env file. This allows operators to maintain unique printing, file saving, and console behavior as part of each environment combination.
Graph Data’s Deviation % between overlaid runs can be displayed on a Graph’s Data Points Listing. Columns can show either the actual or percentage of variation (this is in addition to the Average value for the multiple runs).
AFR Sources selection list on the Run Information Fuel tab – allows the AFR Source Formula, Consoles, and Graphs to conveniently adapt to your preferred Air/Fuel Ratio formula and transducer sources.
Fuel Injection Mapping Auto Test included – greatly simplifying the process of generating the correct Air/Fuel Ratio engine management maps. DYNO-MAX 2000 “Pro’s” wizard accommodates most third-party injection module’s RPM, Throttle Position (or MAP) layout requirements.
Batch Print multiple Graph and Data Point Listing views automatically. “Pro” users can group any combination of graph tab’s to output as part of a single report printout.
Smart Search™ database searching tools make finding a previously saved run easy – even with thousands of stored tests – in years of folders to look through.
Pocket DYNO-MAX program allows a wireless Pocket PC to remotely control DYNO-MAX 2000 “Pro.” Chassis dyno operators can monitor and control test sessions – from inside the vehicle (or from any desk, lecture hall seat, or Internet connection around the world)!
Logarithmic Formula Functions, available in the Formula Editor, now include both natural logarithm and base-10 support.
New Servo Control Formulas have been added and others enhanced to support specialized throttle and load control modes, as well as % positioning (with or without feedback).
Megawatts (MW) support added to the list of available formula Units types in the Power category.
Lap Counter Formula included that supports graphing of on-board recordings taken from circle track vehicles.
Hartridge Smoke Units (HSU) Formulas included, supplementing the standard Smoke Opacity Meter (Smoke %) Formula, for diesel emissions testing where using the older HSU method is preferred.
A Console Alarm Action of “New Run” was added. This provides a means for an alarm condition to abort an Auto Test – without also erasing any recorded data. The Alarm Action called “End Test” has been renamed to “Erase Test” to better describe its behavior.
“Replace” button added to the Graph Set Up (and several other set up screens). This button brings up the file Open window, where you can select from your other previously saved graph set up files. Replace swaps the Environment to use your newly selected set up file – for this and subsequent runs. (unlike the Import button which erases your current set up with data from the selected file).
Lookup Weight & G’s. . . button opens a (user editable) database for popular vehicles’ weights (with driver and fuel) and Coast Down G’s (@ 55 mph).
RTD-Platinum probe selection added in Calibrate DYNOmite Channels (for DYNOmite-Basic board set’s 0-5 volt channels). This allows easy recalibration of Platinum based Resistance Temperature Devices (installed with 270 ohm bias resistors). Note: RTD-Platinum probes were already supported for DYNOmite-Pro board sets.
Other minor bug fixes or changes include:
Whenever one of DYNO-MAX “Pro’s” real-time Dynamic Data Exchange modes is active (to Excel or Pocket DYNO-MAX for example), a “DDE” reminder prefix appears in the Console’s Status window.
A bug causing some Configure DYNOmite Controls fields to (occasionally) display old, rather than current, settings has been fixed.
The Console icon (on the toolbar) is now available even when the Console is minimized – allowing restoring the console by clicking the icon.
The Annunciator Panel’s Console Set Up bitmap image #’s and Gauge # listing order now match.
An ASCII file “c:\Program Files\DYNO-MAX 2000\Temp\Start-Up.log” may be examined (with any text editor) to troubleshoot PC file system problems occurring while opening DYNO-MAX 2000.
A “Start in Safe Mode” checkbox on DYNO-MAX’s sign on screen provides the means to opens only the DYNO-MAX 2000 program itself – for troubleshooting your start up files.
in Version 9.33 SP #0–
Updated default channel tab names, combined with expanded harness label text, channel group names, and several Formula Name revisions, will make it much easier to trace sensor leads through to Console Gauges.
Important: A few Formulas (like Lambda (O2) Sensor) have consequently been defaulted to more appropriate hardware channels. Users of those sensors will need to switch harness leads (or modify formulas) to reactivate affected devices. Contact support if you require assistance!
Numerical channel group names (in Calibrate DYNOmite Channels) now prefix the user definable tab names for both Basic and Pro board sets. (Pro board sets formally displayed only a numerical Channel #). Names like “Frequency1, “milliVolt 7 should make it easier to match harness leads – even after customizing tab names for your application. The Edit Dampening fields are now listed in group name order.
Sequentially incremented # is now part of the temporary prefix text on all New and Unsaved Runs. This makes it quicker to keep track of multiple unsaved tests – without having to mentally calculate their test time suffixes. The numbering restarts from zero – each time DYNO-MAX is opened. This feature will not interfere with your user configurable auto-prefixing – when the run is being saved.
Parasitic Torque Loss calculations have been shifted further “upstream” in the formula chain – so that compensation for those losses is reflected in the BSFC and BSAC computations. This move also allowed streamlining the parasitic and friction loss equations in several torque formulas.
Supports DYNOmite-Pro 9.54 EEPROM version’s newest features. This includes new RPM pulse-per-revolution dampening, etc.
Smoke Opacity Meter Formula added to support our new diesel exhaust Smoke Opacity Meters. This allows easily plugging the unit into an available 0-5 volt channel – for obtaining real-time 0 – 100% readings and data capture from the engine’s exhaust stack.
Formulas for dynoMATE Control Module support the module’s eight switched digital output lines (i.e. relay control signals) and five 8-bit A/D input channels (i.e. for feedback, etc.). These inexpensive modules are ideal for supporting extra control room functions (fans, lights, etc.) that do not justify adding another full DYNOmite data-acquisition board set.
Minimum Servo % of Scale may now be set all the way down to 0%. This change is to allow chassis dyno operators to apply load even below 1 MPH. Formerly this setting was limited to a minimum of 5%. (Note: 10% is still the default for engine dynamometer applications).
DYNOmite Users Forum support area is accessible from the DYNO-MAX 2000 Help menu. Fellow DYNOmite owners, Land & Sea Support Team members, technicians, and engineers all monitor this unofficial support bulletin board. Registering (free) allows you to post your own questions – at any time of day.
Other minor bug fixes or changes include:
Trace Chart tab on the Edit Console screen has been renamed to Trace Chart – for consistency throughout the program.
A warning message will now be displayed if you inadvertently try to graph data, using Manual X-axis scaling values that will not include any in-range data. That graph tab will then set back to Auto X-axis scaling, thereby expanding the legal range and allowing the graph to complete.
Export Clipped Graph’s Data as Run… now brings up the Save As file dialog box.
Edits to the Run Information Notes no longer disappear if you forget to click out of the field (accepting the edits) before switching to another Run Information tab.
in Version 9.32 SP #0–
Both “joules/sec” and “cal/sec” Units are now available in the Formula Listing as “Power” Units Type choices.
Support for 5-gas DYNOmite Emissions Measurement System added. This allows capturing and displaying the real-time levels of Hydro Carbons, Carbon Monoxide, Carbon Dioxide, Oxygen, and Nitric Oxides in the engine’s exhaust.
Smart Load enhanced to self-adapt to an even wider range of engines and dynamometer applications.
Sample “Extra Fast EGT #1” Formula included to illustrate how to use the Formula Editor’s derivative function – to reduce the effective time constant lag of temperature sensors.
Other minor bug fixes or changes include:
“Knock Sensor %” option is now listed in the DYNOmite-Pro board’s drop down list for 0-5 volt channels.
Check Sum Byte # definition in “Define 3rd Part I/O Stream” now allows assigning even the last byte in and incoming data set as a check sum byte.
Initialization Strings in “Define 3rd Part I/O Stream” may now include NULL (decimal 0) characters.
Trying to graph a run, where the user has manually locked a Graph’s X Axis range – but no data exists within that range, no longer generates an “assertion error.” Instead, Graph Set Up self reverts to Auto X Axis scaling.
When a third-party .daq device is “off-line” (or for any reason not communicating) DYNO-MAX now utilizes less of the CPU’s resources while attempting to reestablish communications.
in Version 9.31 SP #0–
Support for DYNOmite-Pro Spark Advance option added. This allows capturing and displaying real-time ignition timing – without requiring expensive encoders, oscilloscope boards, or DYNO-MAX “Pro+” Option-Pak software.
New “Clock” Formulas for displaying integer Hours – Minutes – and Seconds on separate digital gauges. Useful for long duration endurance testing.
Improved USB Performance increase throughput (and reduces communication drops) for certain problematic PC models.
Faster Downloading of LCD handheld recorded runs (in USB 1,000 Hz mode). If you use the DYNOmite-Pro with the LCD and USB option to capture on-board data, you can transfer it 4-times faster than in RS232 mode.
European Date Format Preference added to support “Day/Month/Year” layout on the Run Information screen and printed reports. Note: In either European or US date mode, the automatic file naming option uses its own “Year/Month/Day @ Hours/Minutes/Seconds” suffixes – to maintain chronological file order (when sorting alphabetically).
Data Points Listings support manual X-axis scaling making it possible to control the range of any listing by limiting the Graph’s X-axis high and low values. This can be especially useful when Column Data Averaging is being used.
“Angular Accel.” added to Units Type for supporting crankshaft acceleration formulas, etc.
Other minor bug fixes or changes include:
Smart Speed now correctly supports Drive Ratios for pre-9.000 Version EPROM’s.
The graphing formulas for Air Temperature, Relative Humidity, Barometric Pressure, and Relative Air Density now return your manual weather information entries if a DYNOmite Weather Station module is not auto-detected.
The Default Spike Filtering selection for Engine RPM (Frequency #1) “falling” spikes (exceeding 6,000 RPM/sec) is now set as checked (active).
An “insertion error” no longer occurs if you try to use the Graph’s Inquiry Slide Bar – without a Right Y-axis displayed.
Double clicking in a Graph’s window (while using the “Zoom” mouse pointer) now brings up the Graph Set Up Editor – instead of displaying “The Zoom In area is too small” error message.
A known bug in Windows XP’s USB driver (that occasionally caused swapping pairs of data records) is now trapped. DYNO-MAX will now discard such scrambled records.
DYNO-MAX now traps for users accidentally double-clicking (instead of correctly single-clicking) the “View Default Console” toolbar icon. Now, a second console will not open behind the first. This avoids using system resources that can eventually trigger “Not enough data sets…” error messages (and possible program crashing).
in Version 9.3 SP #0–
Production CD Release of Version 9.3 integrates all Version 9.294 and subsequent incremental Service Pack updates into the shipping “Version 9.3” CD-ROM disk.
New RTD Temperature Formulas added to conveniently support Resistance Temperature Devices (on the DYNOmite-Pro board’s 0-5 volt channels). These Formulas handle conversion of the channel’s raw Kelvin temperature data into any of DYNO-MAX’s available Temperature Units.
RTD-Platinum probe selection added in Calibrate DYNOmite Channels (for DYNOmite-Pro board set’s 0-5 volt channels). This allows easy recalibration of Platinum based Resistance Temperature Devices (installed with 270 ohm bias resistors).
Pendulum Inertia Calculator added (to the “Pro” version’s Inertia Calculator. This new tool allows scientifically determining the polar moment of inertia for in-place chassis dyno rolls, or odd shape parts like crankshafts, etc. (on balance wheels), with just a simple weight and stop-watch. The Pendulum Inertia Calculator has built in compensation for drop angel and bearing friction.
Absorber Rev Limit, in addition to exiting System Rev Limit, has been added (for DYNOmite-Pro Board Sets only) to support separate maximum RPM ignition interrupt limits on the Engine and the Rolls on chassis dynamometers, etc.
Tractive Force (Pull) Formula (formerly available only to “Pro” users) is now standard in all DYNO-MAX releases. This “Draw Bar Pull” formula is popular for displaying chassis dynamometer performance in another format.
The Automatic Y Axis Graph Scaling, when used in conjunction with manual X Axis scaling, now examines only the data points within that narrowed X Axis range. This behavior optimizes usage of the entire Y Axis’s height.
Other minor bug fixes or changes include:
The “Pro” feature in Configure DYNOmite Controls to “Manually Select Control Formula” has been reinstated.
Configure DYNOmite Control settings no longer reset to defaults if the set up screen is entered without the DYNOmite attached.
Importing a Formula line (.lne) file to Add as New Formula will now automatically insert the Short Name, Base Units, etc. from the imported formula into the newly created formula.
The Console’s Hold button maintains its previous in/out status even after editing servo settings.
The Adjust Raw Torque feature is now also supported on older (very slow) PC’s.
in Version 9.294 SP #0–
The Automatic Y Axis Graph Scaling, when used in conjunction with manual X Axis scaling, now examines only the data points within that narrowed X Axis range. This behavior optimizes usage of the entire Y Axis’s height.
“User” Inertia Compensation selections hook to a new User Inertial Torque formula (in Formula List Version #9.295 or later). This allows “Pro” users to modify the time period over which acceleration rates are determined, etc.
Average Columns check box in Graph Set Up allows “Pro” users to display the average values for each Formula Column on the Graph’s Data Points listing and printout. This is in addition to the many other methods of data averaging available in DYNO-MAX 2000.
External Third-Party PID Controls can now be controlled directly from DYNO-MAX “Pro” -bypassing the DYNOmite’s native PID algorithms. Control is output as a proportional 0-5 volt signal via the DYNOmite-Pro board’s A/D #2 channel. This special mode is activated by selecting #8- External PID 0-5v D/A #2 as the Device under Electronics – Configure DYNOmite Controls.
Time Averaging in any Graph Set Up tab can be preset to a very high number (i.e. 99999 seconds), forcing DYNO-MAX to reduce the entire Data Points listing to a single row of data. That line will display the averages for the range of data graphed. This averaging method is in addition to the several methods of data averaging available in DYNO-MAX 2000.
Tools – Preferences can now be quickly reached via a new toolbar button, right-click menus, or the Alt+F8 hot key combination. This is addition to the standard Windows menu selection.
Enhanced Video Camera Controls to support changing the Recording Resolution directly from the Configure Multimedia Capture screen. A new “Live Preview” checkbox allows temporarily deactivating preview (for camera models that can not change certain settings while previewing).
Preference for Automatically Naming Runs added that uses the Run Information’s Name field as the prefix of the Test Run and file name. This speeds back to back testing, especially during high-volume “Open House” chassis dynamometer events.
“Show Inquiry Slide Bar line…” Preference added to highlight the equivalent row on the Graph’s Data Points display (and printout). As you drag the inquiry Slide Bar across the Graph’s X-axis, the (closest) matching row on the Data Points listing is highlighted (in blue). Since the Inquiry Slide Bar initially opens on the Run’s peak power point, this preference can distinguish that row in the Data Points output.
4-Second Delay (after Test Completed message) added before Smart Print activates. This provides chassis dyno operators time to press the Hold button, if they are using the absorber as a drum brake (during otherwise automated “test and print” sessions).
Additional “Speedometer Sources” available on the Run Information Vehicle tab’s drop down list. These include two new Pitot tube (velocity and pressure probe) sources for Marine and Aircraft (or high speed automotive) installations. This is helpful for applications where the DYNOmite data-acquisition computer is being used as an on-board data logger.
Hide Smart Ratio’s confirmation message window preference added that, slightly, speeds using Smart Ratio. This option is intended for high-volume back to back testing of many vehicles during promotional “Open House” or race-track chassis dynamometer events.
New Pitot tube (velocity and pressure probe) Formulas added that support speedometer and flow measurements in water and air streams. These are User editable Formulas so it is easy to modify the default K-factor (flow coefficient) to match that of the Pitot probe you are using.
“Smart Record™” can now control Automated (servo) Tests, rather than being restricted to only “non-Auto Test” recordings. This can be handy for difficult situations, like a single chassis dynamometer operator needing to initiate an electronically controlled Road Sweep Test – without access to the keyboard. Smart Record can be configured to activate the Automated Test only after it senses a Hp jump (from punching the throttle). This new feature can be used in conjunction with the various Tools – Preference settings for almost completely automating the process of testing, printing, and saving a run.
“Enable Smart Record” checkbox added, to the Console Set Up’s Smart Record tab. This allows quickly toggling all Smart Record functionality (on or off) without having to un-check (and loose) individual settings.
“Show Line’s Label” checkbox is available on Graph Setup Editor, to enable “Pro” users to custom blank out individual line labels. This can be useful when the multiple labels for overlaid or averaged lines are too crowded together.
Exponential “Pro” Auto Test RPM and Road Sweep rates are now selectable via the Auto Test Set Up Wizards. These new “Pro” selections allow instantly generating sweep tests that better simulate the non-linear real world acceleration caused by wind and tire drag – without having to use the Custom Test Editor.
User’s “Tools – Preferences” settings maintained after DYNO-MAX 2000 Updates. This eliminates having to reset all your personalized settings after doing a version upgrade. Now, only a Full New Install will overwrite your preferences with the original default values.
A new Run Information Torque Source is available, and supported by the Formula Editor, as “#3- Toque Transducer (RPM A)”. It is for applications where a load cell or inline torque transducer is “upstream” (via a gear ratio other than 1.00:1) of the absorber (default) Toque Source location.
Other minor bug fixes or changes include:
During Recover “Black Box” Recording…, the Save As file name automatically suggests “Black Box Recovery on date @ time.run” as the prefix and format. This speeds saving and identification of the recovered data.
The “Peak Hp” Formula now includes 0.1 seconds of dampening. Dampening avoids reporting an unsustainable spike as a pull’s maximum horsepower, and makes it better match the averaged results appearing on the Graph’s Data Points listing.
When using an RPM Source of #3- Yellow, Magnet (or #5- OBD-II, Magnet) the Inertial Torque, and similar, Formulas now support fixed Gear Ratios (other than 1:00:1). This is in addition to their exiting support for dynamic Shift Ratios.
in Version 9.291 SP #0–
Additional downloading format added to support the (optional) LCD equipped versions of the DYNOmite-Pro board sets. This allows for the same un-tethered data capture and subsequent transfer to DYNO-MAX 2000 that was formally only possible using the LCD version of our DYNOmite-Basic board sets.
More adaptive Smart Load and Smart Speed algorithms match their automatic pre-load servo control to suit a wider range of engine, vehicles, and dynamometer RPM scales. This makes the transition from un-loaded idling to full electronic servo control still easier yet.
“Pro+” Version adds Advanced Data Analysis… button is now available right on the Graph Set Up editor. This allows advanced Pro Plus option users to more easily examine appropriate data using sophisticated tools like Fast Fourier Translation (FFT).
Display DYNOmite Parameters expanded to show more fields. Most of the new servo configuration fields, etc. are now included. This makes it possible to review what control settings where utilized when the run was captured.
“Black Box Recorder” enhanced so that recovery of the Black Box will no longer “rewind the tape.” Instead, post recovery capture is appended from the “end of tape position.”
Other minor bug fixes and changes include:
When using the Fuel Flow – B formula on a DYNOmite-Basic board set, the fuel’s Specific Gravity is taken form the Run Information’s Fuel tab (instead of the second board set’s stored EPROM value).
The Console’s Bar Graph no longer requires that the bar’s lines be contiguously assigned. It is now permissible to delete, or intermingle blank (none), Formula assignments anywhere among the 12 available bars.
The include inertia table data has been expanded and updated. (As always, these lists can also be added to and modified by the end user.)
Any open graph’s that are affected by changes made within the Inertia Calculator now automatically update when the calculator is exited.
The old “Tools – Customize…” menu choices have been relocated onto the various “Tools – Preferences…” tabs. This should make it easier to remember where to find some of the less frequently used settings.
in Version 9.29 SP #0–
Service Pack Updates are now supported via the “Check for Updates…” on the Land & Sea web site feature. This means that, even when a full new version has not been released, you can still automatically download any new supporting file updates.
Importing a Template now automatically updates “Default.ifo”. This significantly simplifies using a library of Template (.tpl) and saved Run Information (.ifo) files. See the help system under Edit – Import (Run Template)… for more information.
“Trace Line” Formulas and Console Chart support have been added to the “Pro” version. This allows running IM-240 or FTP-75 type “follow the speed map” emissions test cycles (on load control equipped chassis dynos). New Console and Auto Test files are included that take advantage of this capability.
Graphs, including Exported and Imported ones, retain overlay selections. The revised behavior makes it much more convenient to run a series of tests against a baseline (overlay) run.
“Replace Overlay” button in Graph Set Up Editor. This “Pro” feature simplifies using a customized overlay graph format to interactively examine different runs. Only the overly data source changes, any custom line widths, multipliers, etc. are retained.
USB support for DYNOmite-Pro boards (equipped with the USB port option), for direct connection to PC’s lacking RS232 comm. ports. USB modes support either our standard 200 record per second (200 Hertz) data-acquisition rate or a special 1,000 Hertz rate (for capturing transients).
“Sync Data Points” checkbox added to Graph Set Up. This selection allows synchronizing (horizontally aligning) the rows of a “Graph’s Data Points listing” by their X-axis data (providing matches exist).
User Key Press control field, for the Run Information (“Pro” versions) Miscellaneous tab. During testing current Key Press field values are available as a Parameter from within the Formula Editor, and can be displayed graphed, or used as part of custom Servo Control algorithms.
Fuel Flow “C” source support allows wiring a second fuel flow transducer in place of an airflow turbine on a single DYNOmite-Pro board set’s “Frequency #2 channel.”
OBD-II “Pro” support expanded with new and enhanced Formulas plus ready-made OBD-II “diagnostic” .daq files. These additions simplify capture of Engine RPM from the OBD-II port (during chassis dyno testing) and allow reading more OBD-II vehicle sensors (without writing a custom file).
“2x Fuel Flow (Gasoline)” listing added to DYNOmite-Pro’s Fuel Flow transducer calibration screen. This selection approximately doubles the readable frequency range (when using a standard DYNOmite fuel flow transducer).
Dual monitors (under Windows XP), for gaining additional screen area or supporting multiple instances of DYNO-MAX 2000’s consoles, are now supported by the “Tools – Customize… – Console Text Size xxx%” feature.
“2/2 Pulses per Revolution” mode Calibrate DYNOmite Channel selection has been extended to include DYNOmite-Basic board sets (running EPROM Version 8.30). This mode improves low RPM servo control on single cylinder 4-strokes.
Min. Servo % of Scale setting added to Configure DYNOmite Controls that allows DYNO-MAX “Pro” users to modify the RPM for deactivating servo controller activity (for DYNOmite-Pro board sets only) below a set percentage of the dynamometer’s maximum range (Scale RPM). This “sleep” feature slightly cuts water consumption, servo noise and wear when the engine is just idling.
Output Hold control on Board’s D/A #2 selection added in Configure DYNOmite Controls. This allows a DYNOmite-Pro board set (running under DYNO-MAX “Pro”) to directly control third-party servo controllers (that can accept its 0-5 volt signal).
Smart Load available for Hold Vehicle Speed Mode in Configure DYNOmite Controls. When checked, the special control algorithm gradually applies the absorber’s load as the engine make the transition from idle to the desired MPH Holding set point (normally used for chassis dyno testing). This convenience feature was formally only available for Hold Engine RPM mode.
Other minor bug fixes and changes include:
The Brake Specific Air Consumption and Brake Specific Fuel Consumption Formulas clip readings outside the 0-100 and 0-10 range (respectively) to subdue distracting graph spikes (which occur during declaration and idle). New “Raw BSAC” and “Raw BSFC” Formulas are available should you need to display “un-clipped” data.
Additional applications and values have been added to the RPM B & C inertia list. As always you can edit the inertia list to add your specific applications.
For DYNOmite-Pro users, the Torque Arm’s decimal position (calibration multiplier) for Arm’s “B through D” no longer revert to Arm A’s setting.
Trying to use the Print feature from a system, without any available printers, now brings up the standard Window’s error message instead of crashing the PC.
The “Electronics – Communications Port Set Up…” screen is no longer available if an unsaved New Run is currently open. This avoids corruption of active .daq files.
Synchronization of calibration and configuration discrepancies between a DYNOmite-Pro Data Computer and DYNO-MAX 2000 will defer to the DYNOmite’s settings whenever possible. This makes it more convenient to share a single console’s PC among multiple test cells.
In Graph Set Up, any line set to the Axis choice of “None” will no longer show its label on the Graph.
Using certain third-party hardware .daq files, like those for OBD-II support, no longer cause an error when the Console opens.
Trying to point an Environment to a deleted Data Acquisition (.daq) or Dampening (.dmp) brings up a warring instead of crashing the PC.
The ability to selectively suppress the Run Information, Graph’s Data Points, or Graph from either the Run Information Report or Quick Print Report (using “Tools – Preferences – Smart Print” customization check boxes) has been restored.
On the Run Information screen’s Weather tab, when entering Air Temperatures less than 0 degrees Fahrenheit, the Relative Humidity and Air Density will properly auto-calculate.
Importing a Graph Set Up (.gph) file into an existing Graph Set Up, that has less graph tabs defined, no longer crashes the program.
Preference settings for automatically saving and printing a (just completed) run’s graph and reports now work reliably even if the selected printer is slow to respond.
Clicking the Console’s Zero button no longer toggles any of the other relay channels.
in Version 9.28 SP #0–
“Pro+” Version supports Real-Time DDE via OLE to Microsoft Excel XP (or 2000). This bi-directional link allows Excel to access (display, chart, save, print, etc.) any of DYNO-MAX’s Formula information – during actual engine testing. You can even (optionally) control live testing based on your Excel keystrokes and calculations!
Exponential ramp back to initial Hold RPM in Auto Test Wizard. Our previous Version 9.27’s “ramp back” feature has been further enhanced with an exponential curve (at the end of a Sweep or Step servo controlled test). This accelerates return to the initial Hold RPM while avoiding overshoot or stalling (on poor idling race engines).
DYNOmite-Pro board support for Manual % Servo Control has been enhanced. The “pseudo feedback” and “Count Steps” options are also supported for the DYNOmite-Pro boards now.
Overlaid Graph’s Data Points columns display in Color (i.e. Red) to further distinguish them from the current Run’s data (in DYNO-MAX 2000 “Pro”). Likewise, the Averaged (overlaid runs) data columns now print in Green.
“Pro+” Version can Store its Run Data in Microsoft Access (.MDB) format. All saved Run Information (and high level Channel Data) is simultaneously stored in this indexed, relational database structure. This optional storage method is for advanced Pro Plus users that need to have test data available to third-party databases and programs that can directly read this popular Microsoft standard.
Slightly Faster Graphing using DYNOmite-Pro (or Lite) board sets. When no active (New Run) is open, DYNO-MAX uses a new “suspend communication mode” (on these board sets only) to free up more of the PC’s processor for graphing a saved run, etc.
Multiple Keyboard Hold Point Control assignments (and Display Hold Point Needle assignments) are now stored separately. This means that no reconfiguration of your servo arrow key or gray needle assignments is required as you toggle from Hold Engine RPM mode to, for example, the Hold Vehicle Speed mode.
Copy to Clipboard’ of Graph and/or Data Points screens as Windows bitmap (.bmp file type) supported. Just use Ctrl+C to capture the image for quick insertion of test results into web sites, word processing documents, etc.
Show Multiplier text on Graph’s Line Label Smart Print Preferencehas been added. As before, you have the ability to apply a Y Axis Multiplier (or divider) to better match one or more lines to a graph’s scale. Now you can control if those re-scaled graph lines will also display (and print) each Multiplier’s value (as a suffix to the line’s text label).
Other minor bug fixes and changes include:
On the “Run Information – Valves” tab the “Seat Pressure” fields are no longer locked to 100 PSI (on the reports).
DYNO-MAX now uses the time a New Run was opened (instead of saved) as the time suffix for its automatically suggested file names. This keeps it consistent with the automatically suggested Test Run Name (on the Run Information header).
If you inadvertently initiate a Windows Shutdown (or Log-Off) without first closing DYNO-MAX 2000, it now gives you the option of saving open runs (or canceling) before Windows automatically closes DYNO-MAX.
DYNO-MAX uses a repeating bitmap for printing the red banner header at the top of the Run Information Reports. Certain (older) printer drivers (particularly on Windows 98) crash trying to print text onto this type bitmap. If your system crashes trying to print the Run Information Report, go to Tools – Preferences – Smart Print and un-check the new “Auto Scale Report’s header banner” option.
The Console’s “Erase” and “New Run” buttons are now fully compatible with the ignition relay circuit of the DYNOmite-Lite and DYNOmite-Pro board sets.
Calibration data for the transducer type of “Custom” is now also stored in the DYNOmite-Pro Data Computer, so it is retained between New Runs or between multiple PC’s.
in Version 9.27 SP #0–
Auto Test Wizard now ramps back to initial Hold RPM. At the end of a Sweep or Step servo controlled test, earlier versions jumped back to your beginning RPM in one step. On “peaky” or poor idling race engines, this could cause the engine to stall. Now each Auto Test Wizard programs a more gradual return.
“Pro” Version adds Export Runs Data to .XLS file. Allows exporting of raw test data to disk in Excel’s native (.xls) file format.
“Pro+” Version can Store its Run Data in Comma Separated (.CSV) format. This optional storage method is for advanced Pro Plus users that need to have raw output data available in this ASCII format. Many third-party databases and programs can directly read this industry standard file format.
“Pro+” Version can Store its Run Data in Excel’s native (.XLS) format. This optional storage method is for advanced Pro Plus users that need to have raw output data available in Microsoft’s proprietary .XLS format.
Other minor bug fixes and changes include:
“Electronics – Configure DYNOmite Controls” for Board #2 was not updating throttle setup information like “Steps to Open.” This now works as expected.
When using “Console Multimedia Video” (under Windows 2000) the program no longer crashes if you begin a second recording.
in Version 9.26 SP #0–
XP’s Explorer file Properties fields supported! In Windows XP (or 2000 and Me) the Open run file selection window can display a run’s entered Name, Test Run, Vehicle, and Notes field data! Just pause the cursor over any .run file name to see a pop-up view of the information. Or, in Details view mode, right click on the headings bar to turn on these fields for browsing and sorting the runs. Use these powerful new “data-base” like features to help locate a particular test on a crowded hard disk!
“Unsaved New Run…” prefix in window Title Bar helps you quickly find the active test recording’s Run Information window when multiple runs are open.
Unique Run Information window Title Bar icons differentiate empty new runs, unsaved recordings, and previously stored tests from one another. This makes it much easier to identify which open Run Information windows are which.
Kilovolts, Millivolts, and Milliamps unit types added to their respective Formula List’s units system.
Unlocked Frequency (#1 through #4) Formulas added that directly read the DYNOmite’s Frequency channels.
Unlocked “$ User – Control Formulas” added to allow easier “Pro” users to more easily utilize customized RPM sources with Manual Servo and Automated Test modes.
Multi-Line updates in Customized Automated Test editor are now possible. This makes it quick to delete or modify many lines at one time. For example: A new servo control formula can be applied to hundreds of lines with just a few mouse clicks.
“Yellow – Magnet” RPM source formulas enhanced to support an extra “fixed stage” gear ratio in addition to the automatically calculated real-time gear ratio. This allows the Shift Ratio formula to optionally report either the vehicle’s effective overall ratio or just the variable portion.
Frequency Units System added to Formula engine including Hertz, cps, Cycles, Kilo-Cycles, Kilo-Hertz, etc.
Erase recording button added to manual recording Console (replacing the infrequently used Capture button). Note: Pressing “C” on the keyboard will still invoke a data set capture.
Individual icons identify window types for the Environment, Runs, Graphs, Data Points, etc. screens. This makes it easier to locate the correct window when they are minimized.
Other minor bug fixes and changes include:
Directly entering Customized Automated Test Editor and then trying to Export or Import a test no longer crashes the program.
Gauges #4 & #5 in the Console Set Up – Gauge Properties tab’s location image (for the Dyno Cell) are correctly documented.
Console’s Quick Print and Erase Buttons gray out if nothing has been recorded yet.
Closing the active New Run, while the Console is open, now displays a warning message with the option to cancel the close.
Closing the Console, when no data has been recorded into the active run, now also automatically closes that empty New Run.
Slower responding USB to RS232 serial ports have had their priority boosted to avoid initialization time-outs.
Additional data entry traps added to prevent user entry of obviously invalid Gear Ratio, Vehicle Speed Factor, and Specific Gravity fields.
Windows ’95 and ’98 users should no longer get a program crash when doing a Save As of a run while the Console is still monitoring data (for that run).
Exported floating point data to the native Excel (.xls) file format is passed as an IEEE format Number instead of as “Number as Text” for easier column formatting.
During recording, slower PC’s no longer occasionally drop a second in the recording time.
in Version 9.2 SP #0–
Support for 28-channel DYNOmite-Pro (and DYNOmite-Lite) board sets has been added. Their advanced hardware takes maximum advantage of DYNO-MAX’s sophisticated features.
Console Set Up – Initial Button Position tab has been added which permits configuring the default in/out setting of the non-spring loaded buttons.
Additional “#x- User” choices for Calculate Fuel Flow Method and Calculate Air Flow Method fields support new User Formulas for Air and Fuel flow. These Formulas increase flow transducer channel hook-up options.
Pop-up Notes edit box during first Save As preference, this edit box for the Run Information Notes appears when a new run is initially saved. This allows entering (or updating) notes about the run while the results are fresh in your mind.
Run Information (“Pro”) Miscellaneous tab Formula support added. This powerful feature allows for displaying select formula results (i.e. Average Hp or peak RPM) on printed Run Information Reports.
Run Information (“Pro”) Miscellaneous tab Units can be assigned to User defined Numeric (and new Formula) fields. This lets your custom entry windows take advantage of DYNO-MAX’s convenient units conversion.
Optional Notes display on Graph’s & Data Points let you include a short reminder about the test’s details. Up to 50 characters of the first line in the Run Information Notes field (if the first line is not blank) will display and print out on your Graphs and Graph’s Data Points listings.
Optional Notes display on Graph’s & Data Points let you include a short reminder about the test’s details. Up to 50 characters of the first line in the Run Information Notes field (if the first line is not blank) will display and print out on your Graphs and Graph’s Data Points listings.
Replay Console’s Open Run window defaults to Most Recent Run which typically speeds up selection of the run you wish to review.
Peak RPM, Peak Power, Drag ET, etc. Formulas added to the Formula lists hundreds of pre-written equations. Examples of these “use last” type formulas (in use) can be found on the updated “Vehicle Dashboard – Drag.dp2” Console.
New Voltage and Current Formula Unit Systems are available for electrical measurements. Various conversion units allow display of data in the most convenient method.
Default Console’s assign Torque and RPM to Gauges #1 & #2 whenever there is a Hold button present on the Console. This avoids the hassle of having to reassign the gray Hold needle to the appropriate gauge when switching between console types.
Enable Range Check verification of Run Information fields preference, if checked, displays warning messages (upon New Run) if data violate preset parameters. “Pro” users can modify the allowable min/max limits in “Tools – Run Information Range Check…”
Other minor bug fixes and changes include:
Graph Set Up correctly sets the last active Graph tab as the default for graphing and printing.
Configure DYNOmite Controls defaults to putting the Hold RPM needle on Gauge #2 and the Hold Torque needle on Gauge #1.
DYNO-MAX 2000 now properly installs to folders other than “C:\Program Files\DYNO-MAX 2000.” This solves installation problems under non-English versions of Microsoft Windows.
The installation routine automatically sets up “.run” (Open With) File Associations and assigns them the standard DYNO-MAX 2000 icon (to support opening a DYNO-MAX 2000 Run within Windows Explorer (or from your Desktop) by double-clicking on its file icon.
The installation routine self registers the multi-media library file (“ltmm_n.dll”) into Microsoft Windows. Users no longer have to manually register it using “REGSVR32.exe” in order to use DYNO-MAX 2000’s Video Capture features.
Smart Ratio “=” key functions are again available on Consoles which do not actually have the “Ratio =” button on them (i.e. the default DYNO Cell Console).
DYNO-MAX’s default file names now include leading 0’s instead of blank spaces in front of single digit days, hours and units (i.e. 2/ 9/2002 will now be 02/09/2002). This prevents Windows from alphabetically miss-sorting dates out of chronological order.
The Console’s Zero button can now be used even when an Auto Test is loaded.
Tool tips (for toolbar icons) now display any available PC Hot Key (Function Key) assignments. I.e. New Run (F12)
“Black Box.raw” file(s) is no longer occasionally corrupted by deleting DYNOmite board sets (from Communications Set Up). This prevents a “Run time error” after the sign on screen.
Selection and calibration of a DYNOmite Torque Sources other than “A” again works properly. In recent versions it would always (internally) use the DYNOmite’s Torque Arm “A” as the source.
“Tools – Customize… – Console Text Size 100%” scaling adjustment (for the Console’s gauge text size) is enabled again.
in Version 9.1 SP #0–
Import (Run Template) button on Run Information header allows instantly updating (or blanking out) the data in all the Run Information fields with text from a previously saved Template file. Especially helpful if you’ve diligently entered several dozen fields of information, and must now switch to a different client’s engine.
Calculate Air Flow Method parameter was added to the Run Information Induction tab. This allows convenient control of the number of turbines being used, without always having to modify formulas.
“Black Box” Recorder option causes DYNO-MAX 2000 to continuously maintain a backup recording file (containing the last 10-minutes of engine run data @ 10 Hz). This is similar to an aircraft’s “Flight Recorder”. If an important event occurs while you are not recording, just recover the “Black Box” data
Windows – Tile menu choice was enhanced to allow selection of either Tile Horizontally or Tile Vertically. This especially adds control when viewing side-by-side Graph’s or Data Points lists.
Context Sensitive “What’s This?” Help added. Now you can use Window’s “?” Help cursor to access field level help in most DYNO-MAX 2000 dialog boxes.
Revised Console Button Colors and text colors extend the Console’s “green is ready to go” theme. Now (during critical testing periods) DYNO-MAX 2000 reserves yellow and red colors for alarms. Also, during Replay Mode and pre-test periods, this new color scheme makes Console operation more intuitive.
Edit – Undo functionality was enabled for text fields. For example: when editing the Run Information’s “Notes:” section.
Video & Audio “Pro” Recording Capabilities added to allow capturing test cell sounds and/or action during DYNO-MAX 2000 “Pro” dyno sessions. Works with most PC based cameras! This feature has many potential uses including making verbal test notes in the run.!
Wireless Mouse Hold RPM Buttons have been added in the form of a floating toolbar. These two large “<Down/Up>” buttons can be used with a wireless mouse to easily change the Hold setting, from the drivers seat, during chassis dyno testing.
New “Pro” Auto Test Wizard “Race Track Test” allows DYNO-MAX 2000 to generate an Automated Test that simulates an Oval Track or Road Race Course. In just a couple of minutes it is possible to generate a 10 lap or 500 mile event with appropriate RPM and throttle changes to exercise (or endurance test) an engine under near real race conditions.
Polar Moment of Inertia # formula included, allowing user verification of a chassis dynamometer’s roller inertia (dyno must be equipped with an absorber and torque arm).
Optional “Pro+” Version is now available (at an additional cost) which includes the new “Oscilloscope” Option-Pak. This Scope Module supports combustion chamber pressure (or ignition voltage) mapping using high-speed data-acquisition cards and crankshaft encoders.
Smart Clipping (Alt+F9) added to Graph Set Up’s Clipping feature. This automatically segments the new Scope Module (or consecutive pull) recordings into logical “snapshot clips”. New Graph toolbar buttons were added to allow for quick scrolling though the clips.
Next/Previous Graph Toolbar Buttons added to allow convenient switching of Graph tab views without returning to Graph Set Up. Page Down and Page Up keys can also now be used for this purpose.
New “Pro” Controller Output RPM Divider allows using the DYNOmite’s Electronic Load Control for applications running over 250,000 RPM! (For special applications like testing turbochargers, dental drills, etc.)
Graph Progress Meter Cancel Button provided to interrupt the process if progress will be too slow (or if the graphing was accidentally imitated).
Open Run % Progress Meter has been added. This information is reassuring when waiting for a very large file to open.
“.run” File Association is now supported. This allows opening a DYNO-MAX 2000 Run within Windows Explorer (or from your Desktop) just by double-clicking on its file icon.
File – Export Graph’s Data Points to .XLS File supports saving of a Graph’s information in a native .XLS format. This file structure is directly read by Microsoft’s Excel and Access as well as by many other programs.
“Pro” Output FIFO Shared READ .CSV File feature can create a First-In First-Out ASCII dynamometer data file that user programs can link into. Now your other engineering programs can read and act upon DYNO-MAX 2000 “Pro’s” data in real time. Also, by using the Auto Test’s Read from FIFO file option your external programs can have a closed loop link with DYNO-MAX 2000 “Pro’s” control.
Hard Page Break insertion tool has been added to the Report Designer. This allows you more control over the layout and look of your customized reports.
Copy Run to Drive (?:) preference has been added, allowing you to designate a “send to” drive location other than Floppy Drive A:
Graph Zoomed-In Panning support provides for real-time panning of your zoomed-in center of view (with the mouse or via the keyboard’s arrow keys). The Home key also allows for quick return to the un-zoomed state.
Double Left Mouse clicking within the Graph or Graph Data Point’s area opens the Graph Set Up window. This speeds interactive data analysis.
Servo Control “Scale” parameter added which allows “Smart Load” and other absorber control routines to self-modify their behavior for the working RPM range of the dynamometer.
Automatic Internet Program Updates allows on-line systems to check for and install free DYNO-MAX 2000 program updates automatically.
Engine Connection Wizard support added. This multimedia “expert” viewer prompts operators though essential set up steps. It’s great for new or infrequent users the confidence of some “show me” voice and visual guidance.
User “Core System Formula” Hooks allow DYNO-MAX 2000 “Pro” users to indirectly modify some these locked formulas without loosing DYNO-MAX’s Run Information user friendly interface logic and related formula functionality.
Auto Export .CSV and Metafile preferences have been added, allowing you to always create one or both of these files for your customers, automatically upon printing a graph.
DYNOmite Downloads Auto-update Weather tab so that it is no longer necessary to manually key in atmospheric data (after downloading a previously recorded run from the hand held data-acquisition computer into DYNO-MAX 2000).
Export Clipped Graph’s Data as Run supports saving the currently active Graph’s Clipped Data Points as a new DYNO-MAX 2000 “Pro” Run. This allows permanently Clipping unwanted lead-in or tail data from a run.
Other minor bug fixes and changes include:
Several new Units of Inertia were added to the drop down Units lists, and conversion errors for two existing Units of Inertia were fixed.
When Run Time, is set to a Units other than Seconds, those Units are now also used by the Graph engine for the X-Axis, Yellow Inquiry Balloon, and Data Points list.
The “File – Send To – Copy Run to Drive (A:)” menu option is now available even if MAPI e-mailing is not available on the computer.
Downloading DYNOmite runs that were taken with a Gear Ratio other than 1.000 to 1 will no longer display incorrect Torque values (even when the RPM source is set to other than “Yellow, none). Note: Previously downloaded runs will still only display correctly if the RPM Source is reset to “Yellow, none.”
The Inertia Calculator tool now correctly displays inertia for components when using its “Driveline Location” (@ Location) slider.
Run Information Weather Correction Data is correctly applied to New Runs even if you do not actually access the Weather tab.
The Floppy drive is checked for adequate disk space before a “File – Send To – Copy Run to Drive (A:)” is preformed, preventing DYNO-MAX 2000’s crashing on disk missing or full errors.
Open Graph’s now update automatically when the x-axis’s data source is changed.
Open Graph’s now update automatically when the Vehicle Speed Factor is edited.
Rapidly clicking the Console’s Zero button no longer inadvertently changes the Torque Arm Source to Torque Arm-A.
It is no longer occasionally necessary to press the Console’s Zero button multiple times to zero the any Torque offset
The last line in the Run Information Notes section will print out even if the operator has neglected to hit Enter after the last Note line was input.
The “Engine Test Hours” (Run Time) field no longer “hogs” the Run Information header’s data entry (while it loops trying to set invalid times). This resolves a subsequent inability to modify other Run Information’s header text
Trying to Print Preview when no printer is actually assigned to the PC no longer crashes the program.
Additional Communication Error Recovery Method options added to help computers running less robust operating systems (or hardware) maintain communication between the PC and data-acquisition system.
Modified Run Report graphics will print correctly even when using many older, non-Window’s compliant, printer drivers.
The message “Test Completed” displays in the Console’s Trace Chart area at the end of an Automated Test (as it did in DYNO-MAX for Windows).
Importing a new Formula List, etc. into a Saved Run no longer (in rare instances) causes its Graph’s Data Points listing to display very wide column spacing.
Older DYNO-MAX Versions (8.41 and earlier)
Click to older version file support archives. Registered licensees of the respective software may download these (no longer supported) files as required.
