Zeitronix WB review

[chuckerants]

Several months ago, I decided to splurge and just buy a wideband O2 sensor so that I can know without going to the dyno just what my AFR was.

After many days of researching, I decided on the Zeitronix ZT-2 over the AEM, the Innovate, and the Dynojet.

My needs were very simple. I needed a WB that could log AFR against RPM out of the box. I did not need a gauge as it really is impossible to see the AFR as you are driving anyway.

The ZT-2 does all that I needed for $279 plus shipping.

They also sell a MAP sensor to log boost pressure in addition to the AFR and RPM for ~$100 as well as an EGT sensor for another $100. (Neither of these are really necessary for what I wanted a WB for).

For a right out of the box WB, I don't think you can beat the ZT-2. The wiring was very simple and I had a bung welded in at a muffler shop for $20.

Also, most engine managerment software like WBs or ECU software only needs a bare minimum PC/laptop. The Zeitronix is no exception. I'm using an old Gateway Solo 2500 laptop with a Pentium2 333 Mhz with only 192MB (64mb + 128mb) of RAM that was given to me. When I got it, it only had 64mb of RAM, but that seemed to cause some problems with the SS R4 software so I bought an additional 128MB RAM module for $25 on EBay.

http://www.zeitronix.com/Products/zt2/zt2.htm

[Kyp J]

That sounds like a useful feature you described. I assume the AEM UEGO doesn't do the same thing. (I'm probably too stoopid to do it even if it did.)

Will you be able to post an example of what the output or all that info looks like?

[chuckerants]

http://www.zeitronix.com/graphs.jpg

This is what I usually configure mine to look with only RPM and AFR.

[chuckerants]

As you're looking at the log, you can take that vertical white line across the graph and it will read out what the values were for that point in time.

For example, the graph above shows that at 17 PSI of boost, the RPM was at 6940 and AFR was at 11.47:1.

[Kyp J]

That is way too cool. Really gives you a visual feel for what is going on.

[chuckerants]

That is way too cool. Really gives you a visual feel for what is going on.

IIRC, you can even "play" the log file back as if you were driving, or as I said above, you can manually go back and forth using the thin vertical white line.

You can also configure the software to show the log in analog.

http://www.zeitronix.com/gauges-zlog.jpg

The one thing that the software doesn't do I think is to be able to overlap multiple runs in one graph. But that's a software limitation so it could be updated in a future version.

[BlownMX5]

I have the same unit, as well as the boost, EGT and LCD monitor. I have the monitor mounted right on top of the steering column, and it only partially obscures the tach and speedo. I find it handy to be able to see it while driving. Plus, it has a button so you can instantly see maximum values recorded since start-up. Also, it hides my constant CEL from not having EGR connected :biggrin:.

Pat.

[cmetzner]

Chuck -

Why did you not get the LCD unit? Oh, now I get as I write this - you let the unit record the values for your review on the PC. You do not care to look at the output as you drive!!!

I have been emailing the mfg for an explanation and now I get it!!

[chuckerants]

Chuck -

Why did you not get the LCD unit? Oh, now I get as I write this - you let the unit record the values for your review on the PC. You do not care to look at the output as you drive!!!

I have been emailing the mfg for an explanation and now I get it!!

Yup, I think you got it Chuck. The monitor is something I really didn't feel I needed nor did I want to pay for. Unless you have something really subtle go amiss, you should be able to hear the car pinging which would be enough to tell you the AFR is lean.

[Kyp J]

Chuck E

I looked at the website for Zeitronix and don't understand a few things.

On the unit you have, is there only the O2 sensor that connects directly to the serial adapter with no intermediate electronics box?

In order to get the boost and EGT information for the graph shown in your example (from the website) you have to buy additional enhancements apparently, so how do those connect into the PC?

Where is the RPM info coming from and how does it interface with all the other info going into the PC?

Finally, until I try thinking some more and further confuse myself, none of the data logging goes on unless the PC is plugged in and running real time, correct? In other words, the hardware in the kit has no storage capabilities of information for later retrieval.

If you have all the hardware necessary to achieve a similar graph to what is in the example, I would like to see a sample run of a partial throttle accceleration (still with some boost but not WOT) up through the gears like you would be doing with in a real world driving event with traffic in front of you limiting the full "feel good" approach to terminal velocity. Also, of course, a sample of the maxxed out run to see the PC Pro in full control.

[Kyp J]

I have the same unit, as well as the boost, EGT and LCD monitor. I have the monitor mounted right on top of the steering column, and it only partially obscures the tach and speedo. I find it handy to be able to see it while driving. Plus, it has a button so you can instantly see maximum values recorded since start-up. Also, it hides my constant CEL from not having EGR connected :biggrin:.

Pat.

Blownmx5
Re. the LCD display:
How large and bright are the display characters? If you were a person who needs reading glasses to see fairly close, is it readable? Or are you too young to determine that? Their website describes it as being the size of a business card only thicker. With all that info. on that size display I think I would need to wear binoculars to see it.

[99mx5]

I also gave in and purchased a wideband. I initially didnt want to add another bung and wanted to remove the narrowband and use the simulated output for the factory ECU. I ended up buying a Innovate Motorsports LM-1 with the RPM converter. I also bought a stainless steel bung and will have it welded to the midpipe.

[99mx5]

Another option to welding another bung is to use the innovate tailpipe sensor clamp and you can remove it after tuning.

[BlownMX5]

Blownmx5
Re. the LCD display:
How large and bright are the display characters? If you were a person who needs reading glasses to see fairly close, is it readable? Or are you too young to determine that? Their website describes it as being the size of a business card only thicker. With all that info. on that size display I think I would need to wear binoculars to see it.

I didn't drive the Miata to work today, so I can't run down and measure the LCD unit, but it seems to me that it's a little larger than a business card. I have it mounted directly in front of the tach/speedo and although I'm not young (I'm 49), I am nearsighted, fortunately :1eye:. So, I suppose if you can read your odometer, you should be able to read this display. Their website shows it's dimensions as 4.7" x 2". Chuck is right, you don't need the display for normal driving and in fact on the track, you'd probably not want to be looking down at it anyway. You would use a laptop for tuning, set it and forget it. I bought the whole thing only because I destroyed my prior motor because of a lean condition and if I was going to spend $6k+ on a motor I might as well shell out a couple hundred more for the display (read: buying peace of mind) because, after all, I am made of money :euro:. Besides, it looks cool and will at first confuse the cop that pulls you over, then compell him to prejudge your guilt :nono:.

[Kyp J]

I didn't drive the Miata to work today, so I can't run down and measure the LCD unit, but it seems to me that it's a little larger than a business card. I have it mounted directly in front of the tach/speedo and although I'm not young (I'm 49), I am nearsighted, fortunately :1eye:. So, I suppose if you can read your odometer, you should be able to read this display. Their website shows it's dimensions as 4.7" x 2". Chuck is right, you don't need the display for normal driving and in fact on the track, you'd probably not want to be looking down at it anyway. You would use a laptop for tuning, set it and forget it. I bought the whole thing only because I destroyed my prior motor because of a lean condition and if I was going to spend $6k+ on a motor I might as well shell out a couple hundred more for the display (read: buying peace of mind) because, after all, I am made of money :euro:. Besides, it looks cool and will at first confuse the cop that pulls you over, then compell him to prejudge your guilt :nono:.

Re cop: I would imagine you have the engine off and no display lit up at that point so you could tell him it is an East German knock off GPS.

I am hoping he will be curious enough about my 5 gauges to want a look at the engine and let me go with a warning. If he's a tight ass I'm going down.... (deleted obscure reference that may be construed as an ethnic slur.):chinese:

[chuckerants]

Chuck E

I looked at the website for Zeitronix and don't understand a few things.

On the unit you have, is there only the O2 sensor that connects directly to the serial adapter with no intermediate electronics box?

In order to get the boost and EGT information for the graph shown in your example (from the website) you have to buy additional enhancements apparently, so how do those connect into the PC?

Where is the RPM info coming from and how does it interface with all the other info going into the PC?

Finally, until I try thinking some more and further confuse myself, none of the data logging goes on unless the PC is plugged in and running real time, correct? In other words, the hardware in the kit has no storage capabilities of information for later retrieval.

If you have all the hardware necessary to achieve a similar graph to what is in the example, I would like to see a sample run of a partial throttle accceleration (still with some boost but not WOT) up through the gears like you would be doing with in a real world driving event with traffic in front of you limiting the full "feel good" approach to terminal velocity. Also, of course, a sample of the maxxed out run to see the PC Pro in full control.

The ZT-2 has a control unit which is about the size of a deck of cards. A wire harness plugs into the side of the unit and can be easily removed so that you can keep the "brain" on the WB out of the car.

The wire harness is how the RPM, and TPs boost and EGT, is connected to the car.

On the otehr side of the unit is where the serial connector for the laptop is connected as well as the display/gauge if you have one.

I keep mine in the glove box, but as I said, it is easily removable.

I only have the RPM and the WB O2 connected, but I will be connecting the TPS sensor as soon as I get around to it.

I'll see it I can post a typical run for you ASAP.