DashDAQ; Can We Make It the New CanView?

http://priuschat.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=12465&stc=1&d=1229488829

As the result of a random posting here on PriusChat, I took a close look at
the DashDaq website. What I found surprised me. Granted, this unit costs
about 3x what the ScanGauge does, but I think that it has the potential to be
as versitile as the no longer available CanView program.... and it doesn't
require a separate compuer to do it.

So before continuing, please check out theDashDAQ site:

DashDAQ Series II - Features

Although there is mention of the unit's use with hybrids, it is very generic.

Strange, thought I. So, I called DashDAQ and had a lengthy conversation
with one of their techs. Although he sounded slightly bemused, probably by
my wholesale lack of technical expertise, he patiently listened to my pitch
that they were missing a growing segment of the automotive market by no
having hybrid info, and especially Prius specific info, in their standard data
display capabilities. The tech said he'd check with his higher ups and get
back to me.

Well, he has. I got this email:
 
Thanks for inquiring about our DashDAQ product line.  At this time
DashDAQ will view generic OBD2 information from the Prius but we have
yet to get our hands on one to see just what those signals include.  We
unfortunately do not have the Prius scheduled for further updates at this
time but that can be changed if demand increases.  Keep watching our
forum to see what the latest and greatest additions are as they occur.
 
Thanks,
 
Jay Rohrback
Drew Technologies
3915 Research Park Dr.
Suite A10
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Ph. 734-222-5228, x603
Fax 734-222-5008
DrewTech: Vehicle Diagnostic, Scantool, PassThru (J2534), and OBD-II Hardware
DashDAQ Series II from Drew Technologies

If you would like to see DashDAQ with hybrid/Prius standard data display
capabilities, I see three opportunities here:
1. Send email or call to make inquiries or express interest in a Prius- ready
DashDAQ
2. If you are technicaly knowledgable, contact DashDAQ about decoding
Prius specific data strings
3. If you live near Ann Arbor, call them and offer to go by and have them
read the Prius OBD strings.


 

 

Yes, the DashDAQ is about 3x the cost of the ScanGauge. But then it
appears that it will do a lot more than the SG too; better display graphics,
faster access to more data, data collection, etc. So if anything, a
comparison of cost/value needs to be made with an in-car CanView
display set-up.

CanView users, can you tell us what your set-up cost -- IIRC, you need a
laptop or carputer for data display.

CanView users, does this unit look like it could provide the multiple gauges
that you have access to now. Do you see it as a potentially valuable tool
in the non-availability of CanView for us latecomers.

N.B. I have had my SG for almost a year now. Love it, but it has its limits.
Especially when it comes to looking at the more esoteric HV battery data.
Programming the X Gauge isn't the issue, it's switching back and forth
between gauges. On the SG you have to cycle thru a whole series of
guages to find the one you want. In the DashDAQ you can set up multiple
custom screens that have up to six guages on them. You can program the
pre-selected guage sets with max/min values, gauges, numerics, etc.

My intention here is to try to get the DashDAQ folks excited enough that
they'll start programming for the Prius. In the near future the Honda
Insight II will be on the road, and shortly thereafter other new hybrids.
Now is the time for us to act proactively, before DashDAQ gets other
requests.

I can't do this by myself. Even If you don't plan on getting one (now),
your call or email could make a difference in in getting a CanView
replacement available. You don't have to make a committtment,
just show some interest... that is to say, its like voting, its free.

Standard Disclaimer: I have no connection or financial interest
whatsoever with the maker of the DashDAQ.

 

Flying_White_Dutchman,

Thanks for posting the CanView site. Personally, I find even the first page
of the site intimidating. How many of what major pieces and add-ons do I
need? What about cables and connectors? And, do I do, or do I don't
need a separate display unit -- I'm pretty sure I do.

I know CanView works for you guys who have the background and
capabilities to "get it together." But, I'm not one of you. I need plug and
play if I'm going to get something even close to CV.

Enter DashDAQ. From what I think I know from poking around on their
website, its a single self-contained unit with integral display. In the
package comes standard guage skins and software. To that can be added
marque specific software and custom skins, some skins skins even match
the dash of that marque. ATT, there is no Prius/hybrid specific data
retrieval/display.

For me, and I suspect many others, the DashDAQ may be the only way we
can get CanView-llike data access and recording capabilities.

Forget what this unit costs! Right now, this is not about buying one.
In it's current capabilities the DashDAQ is not Prius friendly. So, why don't
we, as the world's largest virtual Prius communnity, try to get that changed?

My major point here is that if there ever is to be a Prius specific data set,
and even gauge skin, it is necessary for folks to contact DashDAQ and
merely express an interest in it. (I think it would be especially helpful if
technically competant members called because you could answer their
questions as to access to Prius specific data.)

We need some Prius Community Action here. It's free and it won't cost a penny!

And, times a'waste-in,' the Honda Insight II will be here next year. It will
be a cryin' shame if the Insight folks beat the Prius folks to the starting line.

 

jrmason,

This thread is the result of your earlier post and our brief PM exchange.

As I posted earlier, I've looked closely at the DashDAQ site. An interesting
unit, but at this time it has nothing hybrid/Prius specific that would
overcome the general feeling that it is pricey.

I presume that your interest in it is not Prius specific.

Well, anyway, I think that if we could get the mfg'r to get interested in
hybrid/Prius programming, the unit could be an alternative to the CanView
for non-techies like me. All it takes is an email or phone call. :cheer2:

Unfortunately, I don't see a lot of interest amongst PriusChatters in
making any effort to go in that direction. Kind of like the Detroit 3
choosing to drag their feet on true high FE/MPG vehicles. :frusty:

Such Is Life.

 

Given my severe technical limitations, I have not felt comfortable acting
as an intermediary between PC and DashDAQ. So here's what I've done...

I've emailed my contact at DashDAQ. I've invited him/them to come up and
make corrections, additions, comments, whatever, on this thread.

Boink! I've lobbed the ball into their court, for an easy return...

Let's see what happens.

 

Jay,

[Edit: Oops, I forgot my manners! Welcome to PriusChat.]

Many thanks for the quick come back and your reasoned response.

Maybe it's time for you guys to catch the hybrid wave of the future.
If so, we'd love to help.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Boink! the ball is back in "our" court.

Can anybody up in the Ann Arbor, MI area contact Jay directly to arrrange to
go by and let Jay and his people take a look at the Prius' OBD data?

Jay Rohrback
Drew Technologies
3915 Research Park Dr.
Suite A10
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Ph. 734-222-5228, x603
Fax 734-222-5008

There looks to still be a chance this could develop into something good.