Davis Instruments Car Chip 8221 Users Manual Carchip_content_new

8241 to the manual c847f20b-5608-4742-afe3-86d0bafdcd91

2015-02-04

: Davis-Instruments Davis-Instruments-Car-Chip-8221-Users-Manual-511226 davis-instruments-car-chip-8221-users-manual-511226 davis-instruments pdf

Open the PDF directly: View PDF .
Page Count: 104

Download
Open PDF In Browser	View PDF

CarChip Software Version 2.3 Online Help Printable Version
(6/11/2007)
For Product Numbers: # 8226, # 8246, #8210, # 8211, # 8220, # 8221, # 8225, # 8241, # 8245
Davis Instruments Corp. 2007. All rights reserved.
This product complies with the essential protection requirements of the EC EMC Directive
89/226/EC.
CarChip is a trademark of Davis Instruments Corp. Windows is a trademark of Microsoft
Corporation.

3465 Diablo Avenue, Hayward, CA 94545-2778 U.S.A.
510-732-9229 • Fax: 510-732-9188
E-mail: info@davisnet.com • www.davisnet.com

Table Of Contents
Welcome to CarChip ....................................................................................................................... 1
What's New in CarChip 2.3 ........................................................................................................... 2
Getting Started ........................................................................................................................ 2
How CarChip Works .................................................................................................................. 3
CarChip Installation .................................................................................................................. 3
Example File ............................................................................................................................ 7
Downloading CarChip Data ........................................................................................................ 8
Unidentified Vehicle/Driver ID .................................................................................................... 8
Assign Drivers........................................................................................................................ 10
View Menu Commands ............................................................................................................ 10
Exporting Data ....................................................................................................................... 11
File Menu Commands .............................................................................................................. 11
Toolbar ................................................................................................................................. 12
Navigation Buttons ................................................................................................................. 13
Shortcuts & Navigation Aids..................................................................................................... 14
Right Click Menu Options......................................................................................................... 14
Right Click Copy As................................................................................................................. 15
Copy Plot As .......................................................................................................................... 15
Right Click Save As................................................................................................................. 15
Save Plot As .......................................................................................................................... 16
Using CarChip Help ................................................................................................................. 16
Menu Commands.................................................................................................................... 18
File Menu Commands .............................................................................................................. 18
Setup Menu Commands .......................................................................................................... 18
CarChip Menu Commands........................................................................................................ 40
Tools Menu Commands ........................................................................................................... 51
View Menu Commands ............................................................................................................ 55
Help Menu Commands ............................................................................................................ 84
Information on Discontinued and Older Model CarChips............................................................... 84
CarChip, CarChip E/X, and CarChip E/X with Alarm, CarChip Fleet, CarChip Fleet with Alarm
Specifications......................................................................................................................... 85
Connecting an Older Model CarChip to a Computer ..................................................................... 88
More Information Menu ........................................................................................................... 89
CarChip Online Help Printable Document ................................................................................... 90
CarChip Pro and CarChip Fleet Pro Specifications........................................................................ 90
Prior Release Notes................................................................................................................. 93
Incompatible Vehicle List ......................................................................................................... 94
What is OBDII? ...................................................................................................................... 94
One Year Limited Warranty...................................................................................................... 94

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

Safety Notice ......................................................................................................................... 95
Contacting Davis Instruments .................................................................................................. 95
Index ......................................................................................................................................... 97

Welcome to CarChip

Click on one of the following topics to find out more information on using the CarChip system:

Getting Started Topics
Use the following topics to start using your CarChip device and software:
How CarChip Works
CarChip Installation
Example File
Walkthrough Express Setup
Walkthrough Full Setup
Downloading CarChip Data
Viewing Data
Exporting Data
Printing
Toolbar
Using CarChip Help

Menu Commands
Use the following topics to learn more about the menus available in the CarChip software:
File Menu Commands
Setup Menu Commands
CarChip Menu Commands
Tools Menu Commands
View Menu Commands
Help Menu Commands

More Information
What's New in CarChip 2.3
CarChip Prior Release Notes
CarChip Online Help Printable Document
CarChip Specifications
Incompatible Vehicle List
One Year Limited Warranty
Contacting Davis Instruments

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

June 13, 2007

What's New in CarChip 2.3
CarChip Software version 2.3 includes the following changes:

•

The CarChip software now processes VIN number read from vehicle (if there is one) during
download.

•

Fixed issue with the CarChip software not detecting a connected CarChip when the software is
first launched.

•

The Fuel Entry box and corresponding vehicle report now display fuel information in both litres
and gallons, depending on unit type selected in the Units dialog box.

•

The CarChip Pro and CarChip Fleet Pro models of CarChip are now supported in this release.

•

Audible alarm volume can now be adjusted in the Set Alarm Volume dialog box for the CarChip
Pro and CarChip Fleet Pro models of Carchip.

•

The default settings have been normalized for every model of CarChip and every firmware
version.

•

Fixed issue regarding the Anomalous Vehicles list not displaying the selected car once it was
selected.

•

Added Saturn Hybrids to the Anomalous Vehicles list.

•

An issue has been fixed regarding access being denied when a new .car file is created or an
existing .car file is trying to be accessed if the current open file happens to be the Example.car
file.

•

The list of possible trouble codes displayed in the Trouble Log is updated according to SAE J2012
(April 2002) and trouble codes recorded during the trip are processed more accurately.

See Also:
CarChip Prior Release Notes

Getting Started
Use the following topics to start using your CarChip device and software:
How CarChip Works
CarChip Installation
Example File
What's New in CarChip 2.3
Walkthrough Express Setup
Walkthrough Full Setup
Downloading CarChip Data
Viewing Data
Exporting Data
Using the File Menu
Printing
Toolbar
Using CarChip Help

Welcome to CarChip

How CarChip Works
The CarChip Pro plugs into the OBDII port in many 1996 or newer cars or trucks to record trip and
performance data. This data is then downloaded into your PC computer, providing a detailed look at how
the vehicle was driven, including trip start and end times, vehicle speeds, rates of acceleration and
braking, and also any OBDII trouble codes detected during the trip. The CarChip software displays vehicle
data in summary, plot or table format, and can also be exported to Microsoft Excel for further analysis.
The CarChip Pro also logs additional engine and vehicle data parameters, including an accident log which
records 20 seconds of vehicle speed history prior to every sudden stop.
Use CarChip Pro (# 8226) for:

•

Troubleshooting your car - Records trouble codes and displays freeze frames of sensor readings.

•

Logging your car's performance - Records acceleration, deceleration, and speed.

•

Recording trip information - Records dates, starts and stops, and distance.

•

Clearing your car's check engine light - Checks your car's sensors and turns off the check engine
light.

•

Engine performance data logging - Log up to 4 of 23 available data parameters.

•

Creating an Accident Log for every extreme stop.

•

Announcing to driver when speed, braking, and acceleration thresholds have been
exceeded - Gives off an audible alarm when thresholds have been broken.

Use CarChip Fleet Pro (# 8246) for:

•

Downloading car information to both the CarChip software and the DriveRight Fleet
Management Software (# 8186)

See Also:
CarChip Installation
What is OBDII
Information on Discontinued CarChip Models

CarChip Installation
The following help topics show you how to connect CarChip to your car, to your computer, and how to
install the CarChip software. This information is also included in the CarChip packaging.
Connecting the CarChip Pro to a Car
Connecting the CarChip Pro to a Computer
Installing CarChip Software
Connecting an Older Model CarChip to a Computer

Installing CarChip in your Car
Follow these steps to install the CarChip data logger in your car.

Find the OBDII port on your car.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

The OBDII port is located within 3 feet of the steering wheel, usually near the general area indicated by
the dotted line in the following illustration. The port should be easily accessible to a person in the driver's
seat.

Note: Use the Davis Instruments' CarChip web site to locate the OBDII connection on your car.
2.

Check the following areas for the OBDII port:

Under the Dash

Behind a small access panel in the dash

In front of the passenger seat

In or around the center console

Behind the ash tray
3.

Plug the CarChip data logger into the OBDII connector.

Welcome to CarChip

Note: If the indicator light is enabled, which is its default setting, it continuously blinks when connected to
a vehicle. If the indicator is disabled, it stops blinking once is has established communication with the
OBDII computer.

4.
Check to make sure the data logger indicator light is blinking. This verifies CarChip was properly
inserted into the OBDII port and is communicating with your vehicle.

Connecting CarChip Pro to a Computer
The CarChip Pro or CarChip Fleet Pro data logger (# 8226, 8246) connects to your computer using a USB
connection.
To connect the CarChip Pro data logger to your computer using a USB connector:
1.

Insert the USB connector of the download cable into a USB port.

Plug the smaller connector into the CarChip Pro (# 8226) or CarChip Fleet Pro (# 8246) data logger
port.

See Connecting an Older Model CarChip to a computer if using a different model of the CarChip than the
one shown.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

Installing CarChip Software
Follow the steps provided below to install the CarChip software. CarChip software is compatible with
computers running Windows™ 98SE, ME, NT 4.0, 2000, XP, or Vista.
1.

Place the CarChip software CD in your CD ROM drive.

The install program should start automatically. If the install program does not start, select Run from
the Start menu, type D:\SETUP (or the correct letter for your CD ROM drive), and click OK to begin
the installation.

Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.

Connecting an Older Model CarChip to a Computer
The older models of the CarChip data logger connect to your computer using a USB connection (# 8211,
8221, 8225, 8241, 8245) or using a serial port connection (# 8210, 8220). See Connecting CarChip Pro to
a Computer if you have a CarChip Pro or CarChip Fleet Pro (# 8226, 8246).
Note: The CarChip data logger does not have to maintain a constant connection with your computer. The
CarChip can be connected and disconnected at any time the CarChip software is not downloading
information from the CarChip data logger.
To connect the CarChip data logger to your computer using a USB connector:
1.

Locate a free USB port on the front or back of your computer and insert the USB connector of the
download cable into the USB port.

Plug the microminiature connector into the port on the CarChip data logger.

To connect the CarChip data logger to your computer using a serial port:
The following instructions for connecting earlier versions of the CarChip (products # 8210, # 8220) to a
serial port connection:

Locate a free serial port on the back of your computer and insert the 9-pin connector of the
download cable into the port.

Plug the power adapter cable into the power jack on the 9-pin connector.

Plug the power supply into an AC outlet.

Plug the 8-pin microminiature connector into the port on the CarChip data logger.

Welcome to CarChip

Example File
Sample data is automatically loaded and displayed in the CarChip software when the software is installed
and opened for the first time. Use the sample data to view the functionality that exists in the CarChip
software.
To display the example data:
1.

The Example File dialog box displays when the CarChip software is first opened. This dialog box
displays an alert that a file with sample data will be opened and displayed. Click OK to open the
sample data file.

The sample data file, Example.car, is located in your CarChip software directory and can also be manually
opened.
To manually open the example file:
1.

Select Open in the File Menu. The Browse dialog box displays.

Select the Example.car file in the CarChip program directory. The CarChip program directory is
located in the directory where you installed the CarChip Software. In this example, the directory is
C:\Program Files\CarChip.

Click Open to load the example file into the software. Click Cancel to exit the dialog box without
opening the file.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

Downloading CarChip Data
Once you have connected your CarChip data logger to your computer, you are ready to download data
from any of the CarChip models.
To download data:
1.

Click the Download CarChip icon or select Download CarChip Data from the CarChip menu.
In some instances, the Warning Clock Setup dialog box displays. When data is downloaded, the
software automatically compares the internal clock on the CarChip against the clock on your
computer. Click OK to continue or check Synchronize Clocks to set the CarChip data logger's
internal clock to your computer's clock.
The Downloading Logs status dialog box displays. Click Cancel to abort the download before it is
finished. The Downloading Logs dialog box closes when the download is complete.

The Question dialog box displays. The Question dialog box asks if you want to delete the data
currently in the CarChip memory.

Click No to keep the current data in the CarChip device, or click Yes to clear the CarChip memory.

Note: This dialog box contains a Don't Ask Again check box. By Checking this option and clicking Yes,
the CarChip's memory is automatically cleared after every download. By clicking No, the CarChip's
memory is never cleared after download. To change your CarChip memory clearing options, see Memory
Clearing Options.
The Unidentified Vehicle/Driver dialog box displays. See Unidentified Vehicle/Driver ID for more
information on this dialog box.
Once you have finished associating vehicles and drivers with the downloaded trip data, the Activity Log
Summary view automatically displays the downloaded data.

Unidentified Vehicle/Driver ID
The Unidentified Vehicle/Driver ID dialog box displays once data has been downloaded from the CarChip
data logger, prompting you to select the vehicles and drivers associated every trip that was recorded. The
CarChip device is capable of being connected to multiple vehicles. Every time the CarChip is connected to
a vehicle, a connection event is recorded. The Unidentified Vehicle/Driver ID dialog box displays for
every connection event that has been recorded in the CarChip device, with the date and time the
connection occurred. From this dialog box, select the drivers and vehicles associated with every
connection event.

Welcome to CarChip

To select a vehicle and driver associated with each connection event:
1.

Select the vehicle name from the Vehicle box.
If no vehicle exists, or if the vehicle that is associated with the event is not listed, see Creating a
New Vehicle. If you select the wrong vehicle for the displayed VIN, you may correct this after the
download by changing the vehicle name in the Vehicle ID dialog box.

To create a new vehicle to associate with each connection event:
1.

Click New next to the Vehicle box.
The New Vehicle Dialog Box displays.

Enter a unique vehicle name or the vehicle's VIN number in the VIN box.

Enter a unique vehicle name in the Name box and click OK.
You do not have to enter a name in the name box. Click OK if you want the information displayed in
the VIN box to display in the Name box.
The new vehicle information displays in the Vehicle box.

Select a driver name from the Driver box.
If no driver exists, or if the driver that is associated with the event is not listed, see Creating a New
Driver.

To create a new driver to associate with each connection event:
1.

Click New next to the Driver box.
The New Driver Dialog Box displays.

Enter a unique driver name or ID in the ID box.

Enter a name in the Name box and click OK.
You do not have to enter a name in the name box. Click OK if you want the information displayed in
the ID box to display in the Name box.
The new driver information displays in the Driver box.

Click OK to associate the selected vehicle and driver with the connection event.
If the driver and vehicle are associated with all the connection events stored on the CarChip, select
Apply To All.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

Once all connection events have been associated with a vehicle and driver, the dialog box closes and
the summary report for the Trip Log displays.

Assign Drivers
The Assign Drivers dialog box displays if a CarChip file from a previous version of the CarChip software
(CarChip 1.3 or earlier) has been added. This dialog prompts you to assign drivers associated with every
trip that was recorded. The Assign Drivers dialog box displays for every trip present in the CarChip file.
From this dialog box, select the drivers associated with every trip.
To Assign Drivers:
1.

Open a .car file from an earlier version of the CarChip Software.
The Assign Drivers Now? dialog box displays.

Click Yes to assign drivers to trip information.
The Assign Drivers dialog box displays.

Select a driver name from the Driver drop down box, or click New to assign a new driver to the trip
or trips.

Click OK to associate the driver to the displayed trip. Click Skip to skip assigning a driver to the
displayed trip. Click Apply to All to associate the selected driver to all the trips.

View Menu Commands
The View menu commands allow you to view Trip Log, Activity Log, Accident Log, Vehicle Trouble Log and
Summary Log information.
Note: The Accident and Summary Log menu commands are only available for CarChip data logger model
E/X or higher.
Use the following topics to learn more about each log view:
CarChip Home Page
Trip Log
Activity Log
Accident Log
Vehicle Trouble Log
Summary Log

Welcome to CarChip

Exporting Data
You can export logged data from the Trip, Activity, Accident, and Trouble Log views using the menu that
displays when you right-click on a log report. There are several options and formats available for
exporting data. The available options are:

•

Information displayed in any of the Log Views can be exported by either saving to a file or copying to
the clipboard. Copying to a clipboard allows you to paste the information directly into other
applications.

•

Trip, Activity, Accident, and Trouble summary, report, and table views can be exported as either a
text file or a data file.

•

Plot views can be exported as a metafile (vector graphic format), bit-mapped graphics file, or as
data.

Data files are tab delimited text files that can be imported into a spreadsheet.

See Also:
Right Click Copy As
Right Click Save As
Right Click Copy Plot As
Right Click Save Plot As

File Menu Commands
With the options in the File menu you can save your downloaded CarChip data, open previously saved
data, and print your data.

•

New - Closes existing CarChip data and the corresponding file so that new CarChip data can be
downloaded and displayed.

•

Open - Opens an existing CarChip data file.

•

Save - Saves the CarChip data currently displayed in the software. The data is saved in specially
formatted CarChip file called a .car file.

•

Save As - Lets you specify a new file name when you save CarChip data.

•

Properties - Displays information about the data file currently loaded in the CarChip software. This
command is only available when you are viewing data loaded from a file or that has been
downloaded from the CarChip data logger and saved.

•

Print Setup - Allows you to select a printer and configure printer options.

•

Print Preview - Shows how the current log or data display would look like in a printed document.

•

Print - Prints the currently displayed window.

•

Exit - Closes the CarChip software.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

Toolbar
The Toolbar provides a quick way to access CarChip software commands.

Toolbar Icons
Home - Displays the CarChip Home Page, containing vehicle and driver summary
information.

Download - Downloads data from the CarChip data logger.

Trip Log Report View - Selects the last Trip Log Report View.

Trip Log Plot View - Selects the last Trip Log Plot View.

Trip Logs - Displays the Trip Log Summary page.

Activity Logs - Displays the Activity Log Summary page.

Accident Logs - Displays the Accident Log Summary page.

Trouble Logs - Displays the Trouble Log Summary page.

Welcome to CarChip

Print - Prints the current open displayed page.

Print Preview - Previews the current open page.

Help - Opens the CarChip Help file.

See Also:
Navigation Buttons
Shortcuts and Navigation Aids

Navigation Buttons
Trip Log Navigation Buttons
Use the left and right arrow navigation buttons to select records in the Trip Log View:

Back - Click the left arrow button to display the previous trip record.

Forward - Click the right arrow button to display the next trip record.

Use the up and down arrow navigation buttons to select plots in the Trip Log Plot View:

Up - Click the up arrow button scroll up to the next plot.

Down - Click the down arrow button to scroll down to the next plot.

Accident Log Navigation Buttons
Use the left and right arrow navigation buttons to select records in the Accident Log View:

Back - Click the left arrow button to display the previous accident record.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

Forward - Click the right arrow button to display the next accident record.

Shortcuts & Navigation Aids
The following keyboard shortcuts and navigational aids can help you move quickly through the logged data
views. These shortcuts work when viewing any log record. Use these shortcut keys to:
Down cursor key - Move to next record.
Up cursor key - Move to the previous record.

These apply to the buttons labeled "Report, Plot, and Table" when viewing individual reports in the trip
and accident log. Use these shortcut keys to:
Left cursor key - Select button to the left of current selection.
Right cursor key - Select button to the right of the current selection.

These apply to any log view that will not completely fit on one screen. Use these shortcut keys to:
Page up key - scrolls up the screen.
Page down key - scrolls down the screen.

The following buttons are navigation aids that are only available in Trip Log View and Accident Log View
Plots. Use these buttons to:
Back - Display the previous trip or accident record.
Forward - This command displays the next trip or accident record

The following buttons are navigation aids that are only available in Trip Log View Plots. use these buttons
to:
Up - Scrolls up to the next plot.
Down - Scrolls down to the next plot.

Right Click Menu Options
The following Right-Click menu options are available when viewing log summaries, individual records,
and table views:
Copy As
Save As
Help F1

See Also:
Viewing Accident Plots
Viewing Trip Plots

Welcome to CarChip

Right Click Copy As
The Copy As command available in the Right-Click menu for the Summary, Record, and Table Views
offers two file formats for copying the displayed information: text and data.

•

Copy As > Text - Paste the displayed information as text in another application.

•

Copy As > Data - Paste the displayed information as tab delimited text in a spreadsheet program.

Copy Plot As
The Copy As command in the Plot View right-click menu offers three options for copying the displayed
information: metafile, bitmap, and data. The Copied information can then be pasted directly into another
application.

•

Copy As > Metafile - Copies the plot into another application as a vector graphics file.

•

Copy As > Bitmap - Copies the plot into another application as bitmapped paint file.

•

Copy As > Data - Copies the plot data as tab delimited text into a spreadsheet program.

Right Click Save As
The Save As command available in the Right-Click menu for the Summary, Record, and Table Views
offers two file formats for saving the displayed information: text and data.

•

Save As > Text - Pastes the displayed information as text in another application.

•

Save As > Data - Paste the displayed information as tab delimited text in a spreadsheet program.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

Save Plot As
The Save As command available in the Right-Click menu for the Plot View offers three file format options
for saving the displayed information: Metafile, Bitmap and Data.

•

Save As > Metafile - Saves the plot as a vector graphics ".emf" file.

•

Save As > Bitmap - Saves the plot as bitmapped paint ".bmp" file.

•

Save As > Data - Saves the plot data as a tab delimited text ".txt" file for use in a spreadsheet
program.

Using CarChip Help
Here is some information on getting started and using CarChip Help:
Context-Sensitive Help

•

Tool Bar Help Button - Opens the help topic for the active CarChip window.

•

Dialog Box Help Button - Opens the help topic for that dialog box.

•

F1 Key - Opens the help topic for the active dialog box or the active CarChip window.

CarChip Hyperlink Conventions
Blue Underline : indicates link to CarChip help topic. When selected, the new topic replaces the previous
topic in the window.
Bold blue Underline : indicates link outside of CarChip Help to information such as an external help
topic, web page, or documents in the program directory. Open this link in a new window that uses your
default web browser.
Green Underline : indicates drop-down text or illustrations that display below the drop-down link in the
current help topic window.
Using Windows HTML Help
If you have Internet Explorer installed on your computer, CarChip Help opens in the Microsoft HTML Help
viewer. If you don't have Internet Explorer, it opens your default browser.
To learn more information about using the Microsoft HTML Help Viewer, click the following links.

Welcome to CarChip

Resizing the HTML Help viewer
To:

Do this

To minimize the window

Click Minimize to shrink the viewer so it is displayed in the button bar
on the bottom of the Windows Desktop. Right-click this button and select
Restore to display the viewer.

To maximize the window

Click Maximize to maximize the window so it occupies the entire
desktop area.

To restore the viewer to
its default size

To manually resize the
viewer

Click Restore to restore the viewer to it's default size.

Place the pointer over the edge of the viewer so it turns into a line with
arrows on each end . Press the left mouse button and drag up, down,
left or right. The viewer is resized after you release the mouse button.

Opening and closing the left-hand panes

To:

Do this

Close the left-hand tabs from view

Click Hide

Open the left-hand tabs

Click Show

Using the navigation buttons
To:

Do this

Display the previous topic
going backwards in your
topic selection sequence.

Click Back

Display the next topic going
forward in your topic
selection sequence.

Click Forward

Using the Options menu
The Options button opens a menu with selections for hiding the left-hand tabs, going back and forward,
stopping a topic or Web page from loading, refreshing the information displayed in the window, printing,
and turning search highlighting on or off. You can also access Internet options from this menu.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

Menu Commands
Click on a topic below to view help for a particular menu:
File Menu
Setup Menu
CarChip Menu
View Menu
Help Menu

File Menu Commands
With the options in the File menu you can save your downloaded CarChip data, open previously saved
data, and print your data.

•

New - Closes existing CarChip data and the corresponding file so that new CarChip data can be
downloaded and displayed.

•

Open - Opens an existing CarChip data file.

•

Save - Saves the CarChip data currently displayed in the software. The data is saved in specially
formatted CarChip file called a .car file.

•

Save As - Lets you specify a new file name when you save CarChip data.

•

Print Setup - Allows you to select a printer and configure printer options.

•

Print Preview - Shows how the current log or data display would look like in a printed document.

•

Print - Prints the currently displayed window.

•

Exit - Closes the CarChip software.

Setup Menu Commands
The Setup menu commands configure various aspects of the CarChip software, including how the data is
displayed and the connection between CarChip data logger and the CarChip software. The Setup menu
commands are:
Walkthrough - Express Setup - Displays all the setup dialog boxes needed to configure your CarChip
software and CarChip data logger connection for first time users.
Walkthrough - Full Setup - Displays all the setup dialog boxes needed to configure your CarChip software
and CarChip data logger connection.
Communication Port - Lets you manually select the serial or USB port connection the CarChip data logger
uses to send information to your computer.
Plots - Contains options for displaying plots and graphs.
Units - Lets you select the unit systems used to display data measurements. You can also create your own
customized unit system.
Parameter Thresholds - Lets you create thresholds for certain parameters of your vehicle's performance
that the CarChip data logger monitors.
Note: This command is only available for CarChip E/X models or higher.
Driver ID - Displays all of the drivers associated with the CarChip data logger.

Welcome to CarChip

Vehicle ID - Displays all of the vehicles associated with the CarChip data logger.
CarChip ID - Displays information about the CarChips that have been connected with the CarChip
software.
Miscellaneous - Lets you configure the options for clearing the CarChip data logger's memory.

Walkthrough Menu
The CarChip software includes a two walkthrough options that step you through the process of configuring
your CarChip data logger and CarChip software configurations:

•

Express Setup - Displays the essential dialog boxes and screens for configuring your CarChip and
software features, such as driver and vehicle information and logging parameters.

•

Full Setup - Displays all dialog boxes and screens used to configure varying areas of your CarChip
and the software, such as plotting features and units of measure.

After installing the CarChip software on your computer and opening the program, the Walkthrough
Selection dialog box automatically displays. By clicking Express Setup, the express walkthrough process
begins. By clicking Full Setup, the full walkthrough process begins. You can set up and configure your
CarChip data logger and software by separately selecting all of the necessary setup options from the
Setup menu. Individual Walkthrough commands are included in the Walkthrough sub-menu in the
Setup menu so that you can access each individual walkthrough process at any time.

Walkthrough - Full Setup
The CarChip software includes a full walkthrough that steps you through the full process of configuring
your CarChip data logger and CarChip software. This process is useful for a first time or returning user
that would like a step through guide to configuring and setting up all aspects of the CarChip and the
software. After installing the CarChip software on your computer and opening the program, the
Walkthrough Selection dialog box automatically displays. By clicking Full Setup, the full walkthrough
process begins. A full Walkthrough command is included in the Setup menu so that you can access the
full walkthrough at any time. Alternately, you can set up and configure your CarChip data logger and
software by separately selecting all of the necessary setup options from the Setup menu.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

Note: The CarChip data logger does not have to be connected to your computer to use the Full Setup
option. Without the CarChip connected, the Full Setup displays the essential software features only. When
the CarChip data logger is connected, the other setup commands pertaining to the CarChip are available.
By selecting the walkthrough process, the software displays a series of dialog boxes listed below. At each
step in the walkthrough process, confirmation boxes are provided to perform or skip the next step in the
walkthrough. To continue, click OK. To skip a step and move to the next step, click Skip. To cancel the
entire walkthrough process, click Cancel.

Walkthrough Sequence
The dialog boxes included in the full walkthrough vary depending on the CarChip data logger model you
have and whether your CarChip is connected to your computer.
Available when CarChip is plugged in:

•

CarChip / Set Speed Bands - Enter the threshold speeds for the CarChip data logger. The
threshold speeds help you identify how much time is spent in each speed band. The time spent in
each band shows up on the Trip Report and is displayed as horizontal dotted lines in the Trip
Speed Plot.

•

CarChip / Set Braking Thresholds - Enter the rates of deceleration that define hard braking and
extreme braking.

•

CarChip / Set Acceleration Thresholds - Enter the rates of acceleration that define hard
acceleration and extreme acceleration.

•

CarChip Parameter Report - Displays the vehicle data parameters the CarChip has been set to
record, if any are available.

Welcome to CarChip

•

CarChip/Choose Other Parameters - Set vehicle data parameters that the CarChip records. You
can select up to four different parameters in addition to vehicle speed to record.

Note: This dialog box displays only for CarChip models E/X or higher.

•

Parameter Thresholds - Set thresholds for parameters monitored in the Summary Log view.

Note: This dialog box displays only for CarChip models E/X or higher.

•

Anomalous Vehicles - Specify the vehicle in which the CarChip will be used. Some vehicles have
special OBDII communication properties. By selecting a vehicle name from the list, you are
configuring the CarChip data logger to adjust to that vehicle's unique communication features.

CarChip software features:

•

Plots - Select the options for displaying plots and graphs.

•

Select Units - Select the units of measure to be used for displaying data and information.

•

Miscellaneous - Select an option for clearing your CarChip's memory.

•

Driver ID - Add, delete, or edit the list of drivers using the CarChip data logger.

•

Vehicle ID – Add, delete, or edit the list of vehicles using the CarChip data logger.

•

CarChip ID - Edit the CarChip data logger names.

•

CarChip Download - If the CarChip already has available data, lets you download the data now.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

•

Clear CarChip Memory - Click Yes to delete CarChip memory after download. Click no to keep
memory on CarChip after download.

•

CarChip / Set Clock - Set the CarChip data logger's internal clock to match your computer's clock.

Walkthrough - Express Setup
The CarChip software includes an express walkthrough that steps you through the dialog boxes and
screens in the software that are essential for configuring your CarChip data logger and CarChip software
as a first time user. After installing the CarChip software on your computer and opening the program, the
Walkthrough Selection dialog box automatically displays. By clicking Express Setup, the express
walkthrough process begins. The Express Walkthrough command is included in the Setup menu so that
you can access the express walkthrough at any time. You can alternately configure your CarChip data
logger and software by separately selecting all of the necessary setup options from the Setup menu.

Note: The CarChip data logger does not have to be connected to your computer to use the Express Setup
option. Without the CarChip connected, the Express Setup displays the essential software features only.
When the CarChip data logger is connected, the other setup commands pertaining to the CarChip are
available.
By selecting the express walkthrough process, the software displays a series of dialog boxes listed below.
At each step in the walkthrough process, confirmation boxes are provided to perform or skip the next step
in the walkthrough. To continue, click OK. To skip a step and move to the next step, click Skip. To cancel
the entire walkthrough process, click Cancel.

Welcome to CarChip

Walkthrough Sequence
The dialog boxes included in the express walkthrough vary depending on the CarChip model you have and
whether your CarChip is connected to your computer.
Available when CarChip is plugged in:

•

CarChip Parameter Report - Displays the vehicle data parameters the CarChip has been set to
record, if any are available.

•

CarChip/Choose Other Parameters - Set vehicle data parameters that the CarChip records. You
can select up to four different parameters in addition to vehicle speed to record.

Note: This dialog box displays only for CarChip models E/X or higher.

•

CarChip software features:

•

Add Driver/Vehicle ID - Add, delete, or edit the list of drivers and vehicles using the CarChip data
logger.

•

CarChip Download - Lets you download the CarChip if it already has available data.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

•

Clear CarChip Memory - Click Yes to delete CarChip memory after download. Click no to keep
memory on CarChip after download.

•

CarChip / Set Clock - Set the CarChip data logger's internal clock to match your computer's clock.

Anomalous Vehicles
The Anomalous Vehicles dialog box lets you configure your CarChip data logger to meet any unique
specifications present on the ODBII port of your vehicle. This dialog box displays as part of the
Walkthrough Setup. This dialog box also displays if a vehicle from the Anomalous Vehicle list has been
detected by the CarChip data logger once the CarChip is connected to the software.
To select your vehicle:
1.

Click OK on the Special OBDII Communication Properties dialog box from the Walkthrough Setup.
The Anomalous Vehicle dialog box displays.

Click the Specific Exceptions radio button if your vehicle is present in the list and select the
vehicle name, or click the Vehicle with Standard OBD II Capabilities radio button if your
vehicle is not present on the list.

Click OK to save the anomalous vehicle information, or click Cancel to exit the dialog box
without saving the information.

Caution: Most vehicle have standard OBD II capabilities. If CarChip is set to work with an
exception vehicle, it will not work with a vehicle that has standard OBD II capabilities.

Welcome to CarChip

Communications Port
The Communications Port dialog box lets you manually select the port connection that is used to
communicate with your CarChip data logger. This command can be accessed from the Walkthrough Setup
or the Setup menu.
Note: If your CarChip data logger has been connected to a serial port or USB port and has been detected
by the CarChip Software, this dialog box does not display in the walkthrough process.
To select the communications port connection manually:
1.

Select Communications Port from the Setup menu. The Setup / Communications Port dialog box
displays.

Select one of the listed ports or enter the name of the desired port.
Select USB if the CarChip is connected to a USB port. Select one of the available COM ports if the
CarChip is connected to a Serial or COM port, or type in the name of the COM port if it is not on the
available list.

Click OK to save the new port selection, or click Cancel to exit the dialog box and retain the previous
port selection.

Plots
Use the Plots dialog box to configure your Trip View and Accident View plot options.
To configure the plot display options:
1.

Select Plots from the Setup menu, select this option during the Walkthrough Setup process, or click
the Options button when a Trip Log view or Accident Log view is displayed. The Setup / Plots dialog
box displays.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

Check the box next to each plot option to turn it on. A checked box indicates the option is turned on.
De-select a box to turn a plot option off. Multiple options can be turned on or off at a time. The plot
options are:

•

Draw Speed Bands - Displays your selected speed band settings in the plot.

•

Draw Braking Events - Marks braking events that exceed your preset braking thresholds.

•

Draw Acceleration Events - Displays acceleration events that exceed your preset acceleration
thresholds.

•

Draw Plots using Lines Rather than Areas - Displays a line graph of the measured data. Turning
this option off turns the area under the measured data black in the plot.

•

Draw Plot Coordinates Only When Ctrl Key is Pressed - Display the cursor's plot coordinates
only when the Control key is pressed. The plot coordinates are the elapsed time of the trip and the
data value associated with that time. If not checked, the cursor's coordinates on the plot are
displayed continuously when the cursor is within the plot area.

•

Normalize vertical axes to ___ MPH / KPH - Set the upper limit of the vehicle speed plot to the
speed of your choice. You can change the speed used to normalize the axes by highlighting the
current speed setting with your cursor and then entering the new speed. If not checked, the upper
limit of the vertical axes will be the maximum speed achieved by the vehicle during the current trip.

Click OK to save the new plot options. Click Cancel to exit the dialog box and retain the previous
plot options.

See Also:
Draw Speed Bands
Draw Braking Events
Draw Acceleration Events
Draw Plots Using Lines
Draw Plot Coordinates
Normalize Vertical Axis

Draw Speed Bands
The Draw Speed Bands check box in the Setup / Plots dialog box displays the speed limitations set in
Set Speed Bands dialog box in the plots displayed in the Trip Log Plot view.
By selecting this option in the Setup/Plots dialog box, the speed bands are drawn in the plot. These
speed bands are represented in the plot by horizontal dotted lines. The two intermediate speed bands are
black dotted lines. The maximum speed band is a red dotted line.
To display speed bands in the plots:
1.

Select Plots from the Setup menu. The Setup / Plots dialog box displays.

Welcome to CarChip

Click on the Draw Speed Bands check box to toggle the function on and off. A check indicates that
the Draw Speed Bands function has been enabled.

Click OK to save the new plot setup. Click Cancel to exit the dialog box and retain the previous plot
setup. Click Apply to make the change without exiting the dialog box.

See Also:
Speed Band Right-Click Commands

Draw Braking Events
The Draw Braking Events check box in the Setup / Plots dialog box displays any hard and extreme
braking events in the Trip Log Plot view when selected. The thresholds for hard and extreme braking are
set in the Set Braking Thresholds dialog box.
If the Draw Braking Events box is selected from the Setup / Plots dialog box, the braking events are
represented by red vertical lines. A hard braking event is a dotted red vertical line. An extreme braking
event is a solid red vertical line.
To display acceleration events in the plots:
1.

Select Plots from the Setup menu. The Setup / Plots dialog box displays.

Click the Draw Braking Events check box to toggle the function on and off. A check indicates that
the Draw Braking Events function has been enabled.

Click OK to save the new plot setup. Click Cancel to exit the dialog box and retain the previous plot
setup. Click Apply to make the change without exiting the dialog box.

Draw Acceleration Events
The Draw Acceleration Events check box in the Setup / Plots dialog box displays any hard and
extreme acceleration events in the Trip Log Plot view when selected. The thresholds for hard and extreme
accelerations are set in the Set Acceleration Thresholds dialog box.
If the Draw Acceleration Events box is selected from the Setup / Plots dialog box, the acceleration
events are represented by blue vertical lines. A hard acceleration event is a dotted blue vertical line. An
extreme acceleration event is a solid blue vertical line.
To display acceleration events in the plots:
1.

Select Plots from the Setup menu. The Setup / Plots dialog box displays.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

Click the Draw Acceleration Events check box to toggle the function on and off. A check indicates
that the Draw Acceleration Events function has been enabled.

Click OK to save the new plot setup. Click Cancel to exit the dialog box and retain the previous plot
setup. Click Apply to make the change without exiting the dialog box.

Draw Plots As Lines
The Draw Plots As Lines check box in the Setup / Plots dialog box displays the trip and plot
information in lines in the Trip Log Plot view when selected.
If the Draw Plots As Lines box is selected from the Setup / Plots dialog box, the plot information is
displayed as a black line. If the Draw Plots As Lines box is toggled off, the area under the plot line is
filled black.
To display lines in the plots:
1.

Select Plots from the Setup menu. The Setup / Plots dialog box displays.

Click the Draw Plots Using Lines Rather Than Areas check box to toggle the function on and off.
A check indicates that the Draw Plots Using Lines function has been enabled.

Click OK to save the new plot setup. Click Cancel to exit the dialog box and retain the previous plot
setup. Click Apply to make the change without exiting the dialog box.

Plot Coordinates Options
The Setup \ Plots dialog box contains the Draw Plot Coordinates Only when Central key Is Pressed
check box. When selected, the plot coordinates, which include the time and speed of the coordinate
display when the Control key is pressed with the cursor over a coordinate in the plot. When the check box
is not selected, the plot coordinates are displayed any time the cursor is active over a plot.
To display plots with a normalized axis:
1.

Select Plots from the Setup menu. The Setup / Plots dialog box displays.

Welcome to CarChip

Click the Draw Plot Coordinates... check box to toggle the function on and off. A check indicates
that coordinates display only when the Control key is pressed in a plot view. When the function is
turned off, coordinates are displayed anytime the cursor is active over a plot.

Click OK to save the new plot setup. Click Cancel to exit the dialog box and retain the previous plot
setup. Click Apply to make the change without exiting the dialog box.

Normalize Vertical Speed Axes
The Normalize Vertical Speed Axes check box in the Setup / Plots dialog box displays the plot vertical
axis based on a set speed in the Trip Log Plot view when selected.
If the Normalize Vertical Speed Axes check box is selected from the Setup / Plots dialog box, the top
limit of the plot is the speed limit displayed in the text box. If this check box is not selected, each plot is
displayed based on the maximum speed reached in the plot.
To display plots with a normalized axis:
1.

Select Plots from the Setup menu. The Setup / Plots dialog box displays.

Click the Normalize Vertical Speed Axes check box to toggle the function on and off. A check
indicates that the plots display normalized speed axis.

Type the speed that represents the top limit displayed in all the Trip Log Plot views.
The default vertical axis value is 90 mph, 153 kph, or 42.5 meters per second, based on the unit
system selected from the Units dialog box. The maximum allowable vertical axis speed is 158 mph,
255 kph, or 70.8 m/s.

Click OK to save the new plot setup. Click Cancel to exit the dialog box and retain the previous plot
setup. Click Apply to make the change without exiting the dialog box.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

Units of Measure
You can select the units of measure used by CarChip software to display the CarChip data. You can even
create custom unit systems.
Three Unit Systems are included with the CarChip software:

•

U.S. - Displays measurements and units based on the U.S. measurement system.

•

Metric - Displays measurements and units based on the metric system.

•

S.I. - Displays measurements based on the International System of Units.

To select a measurement system:
1.

Select Units from the Setup menu.
The Setup / Units dialog box displays.

Select the desired unit system from the Unit System drop-down box.
The new unit system selection displays. To see the unit used for every unit type in the selected
system, click a unit type name from the Unit Type drop-down box. The unit of measure for the
selected unit type displays in the Units dialog box.

Click OK when you are satisfied with the unit system selection.

To create a custom measurement system:
You can define a custom unit system for CarChip if you have specialized units-of-measure requirements.
1.

Select Units from the Setup menu. The Setup / Units dialog box displays.

Click New on the Setup / Units dialog box. The New Unit System dialog box displays.

Type the name of the new unit system in the Name box.

Select the unit system the new customized measurement system uses as a template from the Based
On drop down box.

Click OK to add the new unit system, or click Cancel to exit the dialog box without making any
changes. The Setup / Units dialog box displays with the customized unit system.

Select a unit type whose value you want to change from the Unit Type drop down box. The available
units for the unit type display in Units drop down box.

Welcome to CarChip

Select the unit you want and click OK to save and display your unit changes. Click Cancel to exit the
Units dialog box without saving your changes.

To rename a custom unit system:
1.

Select Units from the Setup menu. The Setup / Units dialog box displays.

Select the custom unit system that you want to rename.

Click Rename on the Setup / Units dialog box. The Rename Unit System dialog box displays.

Type the new name for the custom unit system in the Name box.

Click OK to rename the custom unit system, or click Cancel to exit the dialog box without making
any changes. The Setup / Units dialog box displays with the new custom unit name.

To delete a custom unit system:
You can delete any custom unit system you have defined for CarChip. The standard unit systems cannot
be deleted.
1.

Select Units from the Setup menu. The Setup / Units dialog box displays.

Use the drop-down list to select the custom unit system you want to delete.

Click Delete on the Setup / Units dialog box. The Delete Unit System dialog box displays.

Click Yes to delete the selected unit system, or click No to cancel the command.

Parameter Thresholds
Use the Parameter Thresholds dialog box to set monitors on your vehicle's activities.
Note: This dialog box in the Setup Menu is for advanced CarChip data logger models, E/X for higher. The
dialog box can be accessed from the Setup menu for basic CarChip models, but any parameter changes
made are not recorded by the basic CarChip model.
The Parameter Thresholds dialog box allows you to set thresholds for multiple areas of your vehicle. The
information that is downloaded from the data logger based on these selected thresholds displays in the
Summary Log view in the View menu.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

To set parameter thresholds:
1.

Select Parameter Thresholds from the Setup Menu. The Parameter Thresholds dialog box
displays.

Set the maximum threshold for each parameter.
The maximum threshold is the value that a vehicle can safely work under for each parameter. The
thresholds should be set based on your vehicle's specifications. Consult your vehicle's owner's
manual for safe limitations of these parameters. See Vehicle Data Parameters for the list of data
parameters you can monitor.

Click OK to save your parameter threshold changes, click Cancel to exit the dialog box without
saving your changes or click Default to display the default parameter threshold values.

Vehicle Data Parameters
There are several data parameters that you can configure your CarChip data logger to monitor by using
the Parameter Thresholds and Choose Other Parameters dialog boxes. The data parameters that you
select are displayed in the Summary Log, and the Trip Plot and Table Views. The data parameters that are
available are:

•

Vehicle Speed

•

Engine Speed

•

Throttle Position

•

Coolant Temperature

•

Engine Load

•

Intake Manifold Pressure

Welcome to CarChip

•

Air Flow Rate

•

Intake Air Temperature

•

Timing Advance

•

Fuel Pressure

•

Fuel System Status

•

Short Term Fuel Trim (B1)

•

Short Term Fuel Trim (B2)

•

Long Term Fuel Trim (B1)

•

Long Term Fuel Trim (B2)

•

O2 Sensor Voltage (B1, S1)

•

O2 Sensor Voltage (B1, S2)

•

O2 Sensor Voltage (B1, S3)

•

O2 Sensor Voltage (B1, S4)

•

O2 Sensor Voltage (B2, S1)

•

O2 Sensor Voltage (B2, S2)

•

O2 Sensor Voltage (B2, S3)

•

O2 Sensor Voltage (B2, S4)

•

Battery Voltage

Driver ID
The Driver ID dialog box lets you configure the drivers that have logged trips on the CarChip data logger.
You can add, delete, and edit Driver IDs. The Driver IDs are used to associate a driver with trip
information.
To view all the Driver IDs:
1.

Select Driver ID from the Setup Menu.
The Driver ID dialog box displays with a list of the available Driver IDs.

Scroll the list of Driver IDs using the scroll bar.

To create a new driver, from the Driver ID dialog box:
1.

Click Add.
The New Driver dialog box displays.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

Enter a unique driver name or ID in the ID box.

Enter a name in the Name box and click OK.
You do not have to enter a name in the name box. Click OK if you want the information displayed in
the ID box to display in the Name box. The new driver information displays in the Driver ID table.

Click OK to add the Driver ID, or click Cancel to exit the Driver ID dialog box without saving
changes.

To delete an existing driver, from the Driver ID dialog box:
1.

Select a driver name from the Driver ID table.

Click Delete. The selected driver ID is deleted from the list.

Click OK to delete the Driver ID, or click Cancel to exit the Driver ID dialog box without saving
changes.

To edit existing driver information, from the Driver ID dialog box:
1.

Double-click the Name field for the driver name you want to change.
The selected driver name is highlighted.

Edit the driver name.

Click OK to accept the changes to the Driver ID, or click Cancel to exit the Driver ID dialog box
without saving changes.

Note: You can not edit the ID field for the Driver IDs. If you would like to change the Driver ID of an
existing driver, delete the driver ID and add a new driver ID.

Driver ID Column
Each driver in the CarChip database is primarily identified by a driver ID. Once a Driver ID has been
created, it can not be renamed or edited.

See Also:
Hard Acceleration Threshold

Set Clock
The Set Clock dialog box lets you set the CarChip data logger's internal clock to match your computer's
clock.
To set the CarChip's internal clock:
1.

Select Set Clock from the CarChip menu. The CarChip / Set Clock dialog box displays.

Welcome to CarChip

Click Yes to set the clock on the CarChip to match the clock on your computer, or click No to exit the
dialog box and retain the CarChip's previous clock settings.

Time Difference Adjustment
When data is downloaded, the software automatically compares the internal clock on the CarChip data
logger against the clock on your computer. The data that has been downloaded can display the time
recorded from the CarChip data logger or can adjust to display the times according to your computer.
To display time recordings based on your computer's clock:
1.

Select Computer from the drop down box when the Time Difference dialog box displays.

Click OK to download data, or click Cancel to abort the CarChip download.

To display time recordings based on the CarChip data logger's internal clock:
1.

Select CarChip from the drop down box when the Time Difference dialog box displays.

Click OK to download data, or click Cancel to abort the CarChip download.

To synchronize clocks (set the CarChip clock to the computer clock):
1.

Click the Synchronize Clocks check box.

Click OK to download data, or click Cancel to abort the CarChip download.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

Time Difference Warning
The Warning Clock Setup dialog box displays if the software finds a difference between the internal clock
on the CarChip and the clock on your computer. See Time Difference Adjustment for more information on
clock differences.

Choose Other Parameters
Use the Choose Other Parameters dialog box to select up to four additional vehicle data parameters to
be logged in addition to vehicle speed and allows you to choose the sampling intervals for the parameters.
To choose other parameters:
1.

Select Choose Other Parameters... from the CarChip menu. The CarChip / Choose Other Parameters
dialog box displays.

(This is the CarChip / Choose Other Parameters dialog box that displays for CarChips with firmware
2.18 or later. The Sampling Interval for the Vehicle Speed Parameter is selectable.)

Welcome to CarChip

(This is the CarChip / Choose Other Parameters dialog box that displays for CarChips with firmware
2.17 or earlier. The Sampling Interval for the Vehicle Speed Parameter is not selectable.)

Use the drop down list to select up to four additional vehicle data parameters.

For each parameter including the Vehicle Speed Parameter, select a sampling interval. Note that the
sampling interval for Vehicle speed is not selectable for CarChips with firmware versions 2.17 or
earlier but is selectable for CarChips with firmware versions 2.18 or later. To check your CarChip's
firmware versions, select About CarChip from the Help menu while the CarChip is connected to
your computer. The CarChip's firmware version displays.

Click OK to save the parameter settings, or click Cancel to exit the dialog box and retain the
previous settings.

Note: A parameter can not be logged more than once. Please review your parameter selections and
remove any duplicate selections.
See also:
List Of Data Parameters
Sampling Interval

Tools Menu Commands
The Tools menu contains various commands for organizing and categorizing the trip data downloaded
from your CarChip, such as fuel entry and viewing readiness code records. The Tools menu commands
are:
Fuel Entry - Lets you enter fuel usage for each vehicle associated with the CarChip software.
Emissions Readiness - Displays all the records for the readiness code tests a vehicle performs at startup
and the resulting status of those tests.
Trip Type Entry - Lets you select and categorize trips by type and creates a mileage analysis based on the
categorized trips.

Fuel Entry
The Fuel Entry dialog box lets you enter information about fuel usage and costs for every vehicle you have
added to the CarChip software. Fuel entry information is used to calculate the fuel efficiency and fuel
expense and is displayed in the CarChip Home Page and Vehicle Summary View.
To add a fuel entry:
1.

Select Fuel Entry from the Tools menu. The Fuel Entry dialog box displays.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

Select the vehicle from the Vehicle box.

Select the date the fuel was purchased from the Date box.

Enter the amount of fuel purchased in the Amount box.

Enter the price paid for the fuel purchase in the Bill box.

Click OK to close the Fuel Entry dialog box without saving the fuel entry information, or click Save
to save the fuel entry information. Select a date from the Fuel Entry list box and click Delete to
delete fuel entries.

Emissions Readiness
The Emissions Readiness dialog box displays the last recorded status of the emissions readiness codes
for every vehicle in the CarChip Database. Use this dialog box to view whether or not a particular
readiness code is supported for the vehicle and whether or not the monitor completed its test for each of
the available readiness codes. A readiness code is used to indicate whether or not monitored emissions
control systems have been tested by the OBDII system. Each emissions control system has its own
monitor and related code. Some emission control components are tested continuously throughout a trip
and others are tested intermittently when predetermined operating conditions are met.
Note: The readiness code database displays readiness codes from the last recorded trip for every CarChip
and assigned vehicle in the database. One readiness code record is available for each assigned vehicle.
To organize trip type information:
1.

Select Emissions Readiness from the Tools menu. The Readiness Code dialog box is displayed.

Welcome to CarChip

Select a Vehicle from the Vehicle drop-down box.
The Readiness Code dialog box displays the eleven possible readiness codes, whether or not the
readiness code is supported for the vehicle and if the monitor completed a test or did not complete a
test of its systems at the time the codes were recorded (usually at time of vehicle start-up) for each
of the available readiness codes for the selected vehicle.
The readiness codes monitored are:
Catalyst
Heated Catalyst
Evaporative System
Secondary Air System
A/C System Refrigerant
Oxygen Sensor
Oxygen Sensor Heater
EGR System
Misfire
Fuel System
Comprehensive Component
Not all eleven monitors displayed on the list may be supported, or monitored by your vehicle's
systems. If "Not Supported" displays in the supported column, it simply means that the monitor does
not exist or is not monitored by your vehicle. See your vehicle's manual or supporting documentation
for emission monitors that your vehicle does support.
The Status column displays "Complete" or "Not Complete" for the readiness codes that are supported
in your vehicle and "--" for all the readiness codes that are not supported. A "Complete" means a test
of that emissions monitor was completed at the time of CarChip recorded the readiness codes. A "Not
Complete" could mean that the OBD system has not yet completed testing of that component or
system or that a component failure may exist, but has not been identified because system testing
has not been complete. Most states allow for two "Not Complete" readiness codes during OBD or

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

smog check testing. If three or more "Not Complete", non-continuous codes are present, the vehicle
may be deemed as "Unable to complete OBD Testing". See your state's rules and regulations for
more details.
3.

Click OK to exit.

Trip Type Entry
The Trip Type Entry dialog box lets you categorize the all the recorded trips by trip type and provides a
mileage analysis of the types of trips taken. The trip information is displayed in summary report.
To organize trip type information:
1.

Select Trip Type Entry from the Tools menu. The Trip Type Entry dialog box displays.

Select the a driver from the Driver box or select All.

Select a vehicle from the Vehicle box or select All.

Select the Search All Dates check box or enter a date range for the trips you want displayed in the
Date Range __ To __ box. Selecting a date range is especially helpful if you do not want to display
all the trip entries or if you want to limit the number of trips displayed based on the last download.

Select a trip type for each trip listed in the Trip Box. There are four trip types to choose from:
"Business", "Personal", "Commute", "Other". "Other" is the default setting for all the trips listed.

Click View Data. The triptype.txt file opens up in a text editor, displaying a mileage summary for the
vehicle and driver you selected, between the date ranges you selected. If you wish to save this
mileage summary, save the file under a different name. Every time new trip type information is
added, the triptype.txt file is reopened displaying the new summary, which means the previous data
is no longer present.

Close the file and return to the dialog box.

Welcome to CarChip

Click OK to close the Trip Type Entry dialog box.

CarChip Home Page
The CarChip Home Page displays summary information about the CarChip data loggers, vehicle IDs, and
driver IDs listed in the CarChip software. From the Home Page you can access the monthly vehicle and
driver summaries as well as detailed monthly summaries for every vehicle and driver listed in the home
page.
To view the Home Page:
1.

Click on the Home icon or select Home from the View menu. The Home Page view displays with a
summary of usage for every CarChip data logger associated with the CarChip software and a monthly
summary of vehicle and driver information.

The CarChip Home Page contains the following information:

CarChip Table
The CarChip table contains information about the CarChip data logger(s) associated with the CarChip
software. The information displayed in this table is:

Table Row:

Description:

CarChip

Displays the CarChip data logger serial number or unique name.

Last Downloaded

Displays the date the CarChip data was last downloaded.

Vehicle

Displays the vehicles that have been associated with connection events to the
CarChip data logger. If there is more than one vehicle associated with the
CarChip, the word Multiple displays.

Driver

Displays the drivers that have been associated with connection events to the
CarChip data logger. If there is more than one driver associated with the
CarChip, the word Multiple displays.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

Monthly Summary
The Monthly summary displays vehicle and driver statistics available for the current month. To display
vehicle information for other months, click Previous or Next.

Vehicle Summary
The Vehicle Summary table contains vehicle information for the current month. The information displayed
in this table is:

Table Row:

Description:

Vehicle

Displays the VIN number or unique name for the vehicle. Contains a hyperlink for
displaying detailed information about the vehicle.

Distance

Displays the total distance the vehicle was driven with the CarChip data logger
connected to the vehicle for the selected month.

High Speed

Displays the highest speed the vehicle logged for the selected month.

Fuel Efficiency

Displays the average miles per gallon, or liters per 100 Km for the vehicle for the
selected month. The Fuel Efficiency for your vehicle is determined by the
information you enter in the Fuel Entry dialog box.

Fuel
Expense/Mile

Lists the price per mile or KM it costs to fuel the vehicle for the selected month.
The Fuel Expense/Mile for your vehicle is determined by the information you
enter in the Fuel Entry dialog box.

Driver Summary
The Driver Summary table contains driver information for the current month. The information displayed in
this table is:

Table Row:

Description:

Driver

Displays the unique name for the driver. Contains a hyperlink for displaying
detailed information about the driver.

Distance

Displays the total distance the driver drove with the CarChip data logger
connected to the vehicle for the selected month.

High Speed

Displays the highest speed the driver logged for the selected month.

Acceleration
Events /100
miles or 100km

Displays the number of all hard and extreme acceleration events that took place
over the most recent 100 miles or 100 kilometers.

Deceleration
Event /100 miles
or 100km

Displays the number of all hard and extreme acceleration events that took place
over the most recent 100 miles or 100 kilometers.

Top Speed Band

Displays the total time the driver spent driving over the top speed band limit for
the selected month.

Welcome to CarChip

Home Page Driver Summary View
The Home Page Driver Summary view displays when you select a Driver hyperlink from the Driver
Summary table in the CarChip Home page. The Driver Summary displays detailed information about the
selected driver for the selected month on the CarChip Home page.
Driver Summary Table
The Driver Summary table contains driver statistics for selected time intervals. The information displayed
in this table is:

Table Row:

Description:

Time Interval

Displays the periods of time that cover the driver statistics. The time intervals are:
This Month
Last Month
Last 3 Months
Last 6 Months
Last 12 Months

Distance

Displays the total distance the driver covered with the CarChip data logger
connected to the vehicle.

High Speed

Displays the highest speed that was recorded for the driver for the time interval.

Acceleration
Events /100
miles or
100km

Displays the number of all hard and extreme acceleration events that took place
over the most recent 100 miles or 100 kilometers.

Deceleration
Event /100
miles or
100km

Displays the number of all hard and extreme acceleration events that took place
over the most recent 100 miles or 100 kilometers.

Top Speed
Band

Displays the total time the driver spent driving over the top speed band limit during
the displayed time periods.

Home Page Vehicle Summary View
The Home Page Vehicle Summary page displays when you select a Vehicle Hyperlink from the Vehicle
Summary table in the CarChip Home page. The Vehicle Summary displays detailed information about the
selected vehicle for the month displayed in the CarChip Home page.
Vehicle Use Overview Table
The Vehicle Use Overview table contains vehicle usage statistics for selected time intervals. The
information displayed in this table is:

Table Row:

Description:

Time
Interval

Displays the periods of time that cover the vehicle statistics. The time intervals are:
This Month

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

Last Month
Last 3 Months
Last 6 Months
Last 12 Months
Distance

Displays the total distance the vehicle was driven with the CarChip data logger
connected to the vehicle.

High Speed

Displays the highest speed the vehicle logged for the time interval.

Fuel
Efficiency

Displays the average miles per gallon, or liters per 100 Km for the vehicle for the
selected month. The Fuel Efficiency for your vehicle is determined by the information
you enter in the Fuel Entry dialog box.

Fuel
Expense/Mile

Lists the price per mile or KM it costs to fuel the vehicle for the selected month. The
Fuel Expense/Mile for your vehicle is determined by the information you enter in the
Fuel Entry dialog box.

Parameter Summaries
The Parameters summary displays available parameter statistics for you car based on the time intervals
displayed in the Vehicle Use Overview table. The information displayed in these tables are:

Table Row:

Description:

Parameter

Displays the name of the parameter that was monitored for the time
period.

Threshold

Displays the maximum threshold value set for the selected parameter for
the time period being displayed.

Time Over Thresh
(Threshold)

Displays the total time the vehicle spent over the maximum threshold.

Time Under Thresh
(Threshold)

Displays the total time the vehicle spent under the maximum threshold.

High Above Threshold

Displays the highest value recorded above the threshold, if any exists for
the time period being displayed.

Low Below Threshold

Displays the lowest value recorded below the threshold.

Trip Log Views
The Trip Log Views allow you to look at the vehicle data recorded by your CarChip. Select a topic below to
learn more about the Trip Log Summary, Trip Log Report View, Trip Log Plot View, and the Trip Log Table
View.

Trip Log Summary
Trip Log Report View
Trip Log Plot View
Trip Log Table View

Welcome to CarChip

Trip Log Plot View
The Accident Log Plot View displays line graphs of all the available trip data.
Note: The trip data that displays in the plot view depends on CarChip data logger model. The basic
CarChip plots only the vehicle speed. The CarChip E/X or higher model plots the data for any additional
parameters you have selected.
To view the Trip Log Plots:
1.

Click on the Trip Log View icon or select Trip Log from the View menu. The Trip Log Summary view
displays.

Click on the Trip Log drop-down box to display a list of all the trips recorded in the Trip Log. The
drop-down list box always begins with the Summary view, with each recorded trip listed in order
below the Summary.

Select one of the Trips records listed in the drop-down list by placing the cursor over it to highlight
the stop, then clicking with the left mouse button. You can also select trip records by using the up
and down cursor keys to move up and down the list, then pressing Enter when you have highlighted
the desired stop.
The Trip Log Report view displays.

Use the Right or Left cursor key to select the Plot view of the record, or click the Plot button. The
Trip Log Plot view displays.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

Click the Left Arrow button or press the Up cursor key to display the previous Trip Log record.

Click the Right Arrow button or press the Down cursor key to display the next Trip Log record.

Use the Left and Right cursor keys to select the Report or Table views of the record.

Click the Down Arrow button to display the next plot available for the selected trip.

Click the Up Arrow button to display the previous plot for the selected trip, or use the scroll bar to
display the different plot views.

10. Click Comments to either view or edit a comment for the current record.
11. Click Options to change the Accident Log Plot View setup options.
See Also:
Plot View Mouse Commands
Trip Log Summary View
Trip Log Report View
Trip Log Table View
Comments
Options
Plot View Navigation Buttons:

Trip Log Plot View Mouse Commands
The following mouse commands are available in Trip Log Plot view:
Left Button Commands:
The following commands are available using the Left Mouse button:
Zoom

Welcome to CarChip

Right-Click Menu Commands:
The Right-Click Menu commands are available in the Trip Log Plot view:

•

Unzoom

•

Copy As

•

Save As

•

Speed Bands - Select to include horizontal lines indicating speed band settings.

•

Braking Events - Select to draw vertical lines indicating braking events that exceed a braking
threshold.

•

Acceleration Events - Select to include vertical lines indicating acceleration events that exceed an
acceleration threshold.

•

Line Plot - Select to draw plots using plain lines. If not selected the area under the lines is filled in
with black.

•

Plot Coordinates - Select to display the cursor coordinates inside the plot view window.

•

Normalize Axes - Select to use the same upper speed range for all Speed Plots. The upper end of
the speed range is set in the Setup / Plots dialog box. Click the Options button in the plot window
to change the upper speed range.

•

Help F1

Trip Log Table View
The Trip Log Table view displays the all the values, including vehicle speed and any other selected
parameters, that were sampled by the CarChip data logger through the duration of the trip.
Note: The trip data that displays in the table view depends on CarChip data logger model. The basic
CarChip displays only the vehicle speed in the table view. The CarChip E/X or higher model displays the
data for any additional parameters that have been selected.
To view the Trip Log Table:
Click the Trip Log View icon or Select Trip Log from the View menu. The Trip Log Summary view
displays.
1.

Click on the Trip Log drop-down box to display a list of all trips recorded in the Trip Log. The dropdown list box always begins with the Summary view, with each recorded trip listed in order below the
Summary.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

Select one of the trip records listed in the drop-down list by placing the cursor over it to highlight the
trip, then clicking with the left mouse button. You can also select trip records by using the Up and
Down cursor keys to move up and down the list, then pressing Enter when you have highlighted the
desired trip. The Trip Log Report view displays.

Use the Right or Left cursor key to select the Table view of the record, or click the Table button.
The Trip Log Table view displays.

Click on the Right Arrow button or press the Down cursor key to display the new Trip Log record.

Click on the Left Arrow button or press the Up cursor key to display the previous Trip Log record.

Use the Right and Left cursor keys to select the Plot and Report views of the record, or, just click
the Plot or Report button.

Click on Comments to either view or edit a comment for the current record.

Click on Options to change the Trip Log Plot View setup options.

Welcome to CarChip

See Also:
Right Click Menu Options
Trip Log Summary View
Trip Log Plot View
Trip Log Table View
Trip Record Comments
Plot Setup Options
Trip Log Navigation Buttons

Trip Log Report
The Trip Log Report view displays expanded summary trip information for each trip recorded on the
CarChip data logger.
To view the Trip Log Report:
1.

Click on the Trip Log View icon or select Trip Log from the View menu. The Trip Log Summary view
displays.

Select one of the trip records listed in the drop-down box by clicking enter once you have selected
the desired trip. You can also scroll through trip records by using the Up and Down cursor keys.
The Trip Log Report view displays.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

Click on the Right Arrow button or press the Down cursor key to display the next Trip Log report.

Click on the Left Arrow button or press the Up cursor key to display the previous Trip Log report.

Use the Left and Right cursor keys to select the Plot or Table views of the record.

Click on Comments to either view or edit a comment for the current record.

Click on Options to change the Accident Log Plot View setup options.

Click on Comments to either view or edit a comment for the current record.

10. Click on Options to change the Trip Log Plot View setup options.

See Also:
Right Click Menu Options
Trip Log Summary View
Trip Log Plot View
Trip Log Table View
Trip Record Comments
Plot Setup Options
Trip Log Navigation Buttons

Trip Log Summary
The Trip Log Summary view displays basic trip information.
To view the Trip Log Summary:
1.

Click on the Trip Log View icon or select Trip Log from the View menu. The Trip Log Summary view
displays.

Welcome to CarChip

See Also:
Right Click Menu Options
Trip Log Report View
Trip Log Plot View
Trip Log Table View
Trip Record Comments
Plot Setup Options
Trip Log Navigation Buttons

Activity Log View
The Activity Log View displays all the activity events recorded by your CarChip. Select a topic below to
learn more about the Activity Log Summary and the Activity Log Event View.

Activity Log Summary
Activity Log Event View

Activity Log Event View
The Activity Log Event view displays the activity information including any comments.
To view an Activity Log Event:
1.

Click the Activity Log icon or select Activity Log from the View menu. The Activity Log Summary
view displays.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

Click the Activity Log drop-down box to display a list of all events recorded in the Activity Log. The
drop-down list box displays the Summary view when the Activity Log is displayed, with each
recorded event listed in order below the Summary.

Select one of the event records listed in the drop-down list by placing the cursor over it to highlight
the event, then clicking with the left mouse button. Also, use the Up and Down cursor keys in the
drop down box to display each event.
The selected Activity Log Event view displays.

Click Comments to either view or edit a comment for the current record.

The Activity Log Plot View displays a line graph of the vehicle speed data recorded during the 20 seconds
prior to the stop.

See Also:
Right Click Menu Options
Activity Log Summary View
Comments

Welcome to CarChip

Activity Log Summary View
The Activity Log Summary displays all the activities recorded for the currently loaded CarChip database.
To view the Activity Log Summary:
1.

Click the Activity Log View icon or select Activity Log from the View menu. The Activity Log
Summary view displays.

See Also:
Right Click Menu Options
Activity Log Event View
Comments

Accident Log Views
The Accident Log Views allow you to look at the accident data collected by your CarChip. CarChip defines
an accident as a stop in which the rate of deceleration exceeds either the hard braking or the extreme
braking thresholds.
Select a topic below to learn more about the Accident Log Summary, Accident Log Report View, Accident
Log Plot View, and the Accident Log Table View.
Accident Log Summary
Accident Log Report View
Accident Log Plot View
Accident Log Table View

Accident Log Plot View
The Accident Log Plot View displays a line graph of the vehicle speed data recorded during the 20 seconds
prior to the stop.
To view the Accident Log Plots:
1.

Click the Accident Log View icon or select Accident Log from the View menu. The Accident Log
Summary view displays.

Click the Accident Log drop-down box to display a list of all stops recorded in the Accident Log. The
drop-down list box always begins with the Summary view, with each recorded stop listed in order
below the Summary.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

Select one of the stop records listed in the drop-down list by placing the cursor over it to highlight
the stop, then clicking with the left mouse button. You can also select stop records by using the up
and down cursor keys to move up and down the list, then pressing Enter when you have highlighted
the desired stop.
The Accident Log Plot view displays.

Use the Right or Left cursor key to select the Plot view of the record, or click the Plot button. The
Accident Log Plot view displays.

Welcome to CarChip

Click the Left Arrow button or press the Up cursor key to display the previous Accident Log record.

Click the Right Arrow button or press the Down cursor key to display the next Accident Log record.

Use the Left and Right cursor keys to select the Report or Table views of the record.

Click Comments to either view or edit a comment for the current record.

Click Options to change the Accident Log Plot View setup options.

See Also:
Plot View Mouse Commands
Accident Log Summary View
Accident Log Report View
Accident Log Table View
Accident Record Comments
Plot Setup Options
Accident Log Navigation Buttons

Accident Log Plot View Mouse Commands
The following mouse commands are available in Accident Log Plots.
Left Button Commands:

•

Zoom

Right-Click Menu:

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

•

Unzoom

•

Copy As

•

Save As

•

Line Plot

Select to draw plots using plain lines. If not selected the area under the lines will be filled in.

•

Plot Coordinates

Select to display the cursor coordinates inside the plot view window.

•

Normalize Axes

Select to use the same upper speed range for all Speed Plots.
The upper end of the speed range is set in the Setup / Plots dialog box - Click Options button in plot
window.

•

Help F1

Accident Log Report View
The Accident Log Report view displays the accident event information such as CarChip ID and speed.
To view the Accident Log Report:
1.

Click on the Accident Log View icon or select Accident Log from the View menu. The Accident Log
Summary view displays.

Click on the Accident Log drop-down box to display a list of all stops recorded in the Accident Log.
The drop-down list box always begins with the Summary view, with each recorded stop listed in
order below the Summary.

Welcome to CarChip

Select one of the stop records listed in the drop-down box by placing the cursor over it to highlight
the stop, then clicking with the left mouse button. You can also scroll through stop records by using
the Up and Down cursor keys.
The screen displays the Accident Log Report view .
To display the next Accident Log record, click on the Right Arrow button or press the Down cursor
key.
To display the previous Accident Log record, click on the Left Arrow button or press the Up cursor
key.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

Use the Left and Right cursor keys to select the Plot or Table views of the record.

Click on Comments to either view or edit a comment for the current record.

Click on Options to change the Accident Log Plot View setup options.

See Also:
Right Click Menu Options
Accident Log Summary View
Accident Log Plot View
Accident Log Table View
Accident Record Comments
Plot Setup Options
Accident Log Navigation Buttons

Accident Log Summary View
The Accident Log Summary view displays the date and time, the CarChip ID, and the maximum speed
recorded for each stop in the Accident Log.
To view the Accident Log Summary:
1.

Click on the Accident Log View icon or select Accident Log from the View menu. The Accident Log
Summary view displays.

Welcome to CarChip

Click on the Accident Log drop-down box to display a list of all stops recorded in the Accident Log.
The drop-down box always begins with the Summary view, with each recorded stop listed in order
below the Summary. From the Summary View you can click on the Summary drop-down list box to
display a list of all stops recorded in the Accident Log.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

Select a stop record by placing the cursor over it to highlight the stop, then clicking with the left
mouse button. You can also scroll through stop records using the Up and Down cursor keys or using
the wheel on your mouse.

The selected record is displayed in the Accident Log Report view.

See Also:
Right Click Menu Options
Accident Log Report View
Accident Log Plot View
Accident Log Table View
Accident Record Comments
Plot Setup Options
Accident Log Navigation Buttons

Accident Log Table View
The Accident Log Table view displays the vehicle speed over the 20 seconds prior to the stop.
To view the Accident Log Table:
1.

Click the Accident Log View icon or Select Accident Log from the View menu. The Accident Log
Summary view displays.

Welcome to CarChip

Select one of the stop records listed in the drop-down list by placing the cursor over it to highlight
the stop, then clicking with the left mouse button. You can also select stop records by using the Up
and Down cursor keys to move up and down the list, then pressing Enter when you have
highlighted the desired stop. The Accident Log record view displays.

Use the Right or Left cursor key to select the Table view of the record, or click the Table button.
The Accident Log Table view displays.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

Click on the Right Arrow button or press the Down cursor key to display the new Accident Log
record.

Click on the Left Arrow button or press the Up cursor key to display the previous Accident Log
record.

Use the Right and Left cursor keys to select the Plot and Report views of the record, or, just click
the Plot or Report button.

See Also:
Right Click Menu Options
Accident Log Summary View
Accident Log Report View
Accident Log Plot View
Accident Record Comments
Plot Setup Options
Accident Log Navigation Buttons

Vehicle Trouble Log View
The Vehicle Trouble Log View displays all the internal vehicle problems detected by your CarChip. Select a
topic below to learn more about the Vehicle Trouble Log Summary and the Vehicle Trouble Log Problem
View.

Vehicle Trouble Log Summary
Vehicle Trouble Log Problem View

Welcome to CarChip

Vehicle Trouble Log Summary View
The Vehicle Trouble Log Summary displays a summary of all the problems and trouble codes that were
logged while the CarChip data logger was connected to a vehicle or vehicles.
To view the Vehicle Trouble Log Summary:
1.

Click the Vehicle Trouble Log View icon or select Trouble Log from the View menu.
The Vehicle Trouble Log Summary view displays.

Click on the Vehicle Trouble Log drop-down list box to display a list of all problems recorded in the
Vehicle Trouble Log. The drop-down list box always begins with the Summary view, with each
detected problem listed in order below the Summary.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

3. Select one of the trouble log records from the drop-down list by placing the cursor over the record and
clicking the left mouse button. You can also scroll through the records by using the Up and Down
cursor keys.
The vehicle trouble log problem view displays.

See Also:
Right Click Menu Options
Vehicle Trouble Log Problem View
Comments

Vehicle Trouble Log Problem View
The Vehicle Trouble Log Problem View displays any problems detected with the vehicle or vehicles the
CarChip data logger has been connected with. Any problem that is detected includes a trouble code and a
brief description.
To view the Vehicle Trouble Log Problem View:
1.

Click the Vehicle Trouble Log View icon or select Vehicle Trouble Log from the View menu.
The Vehicle Trouble Log Summary displays.

Welcome to CarChip

Click the Trouble Log drop-down list box to display a list of all problems recorded in the Vehicle
Trouble Log. The drop-down list box always begins with the Summary view, with each detected
problem listed in order below the Summary.

Select one of the problem records listed in the drop-down list by placing the cursor over it to
highlight the event, then clicking with the left mouse button. You can also scroll through the Problem
records by using the Up and Down cursor keys.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

The Vehicle Trouble Log Problem view displays. The Problem View may include a "freeze frame"
snapshot of the vehicle data at the time the problem was detected, depending on the behavior of the
vehicle.

Select Comments to either view or edit the comments for the problem.

See Also:
Right Click Menu Options
Problem View Freeze Frame
Vehicle Trouble Log Summary View
Comments

OBDII Freeze Frame
The Trouble Log Problem View displays the date and time the problem was detected, the trouble code, and
also a description of the problem. Some vehicles will also include a detailed OBDII freeze frame, which
reports the vehicle status at the time the problem was detected.
The OBDII Freeze Frame includes some or all of the following information, depending on the make, model
and year of the vehicle:

•

Time and Date

•

Vehicle ID

•

CarChip ID

Welcome to CarChip

•

Trouble Code

•

Problem Description

•

Fuel Pressure

•

Intake Manifold Pressure

•

Engine Coolant Temperature

•

Calculated Load Value

•

Engine Speed

•

Vehicle Speed

•

Fuel Trim Status

•

Fuel System Status

See Also:
Trouble Log Summary View
Comments

Summary Log
The Summary Log displays the vehicle parameter data recorded by the CarChip data logger for every
trip. View the summary log available for each trip, go directly to a summary log, or delete all summary
logs from this dialog box.
Note: This menu command is only available for CarChip Models E/X or higher.
To view the Summary Log:
1.

Select Summary Log from the View Menu. The Summary Log dialog box displays.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

The Summary Log contains the following fields and boxes:
Field

Description

Record

Displays the number of summary records that currently exist in the
summary log

Driver

Displays the unique name for the driver.

Vehicle

Displays the unique name for the vehicle.

CarChip

Displays the CarChip data logger serial number or unique name.

Start Time

Displays the trip's start time.

End Time

Displays the trip's end time.

Duration

Displays the trip's duration.

Distance

Displays the total distance of the trip.

Avg. Speed

Displays the average speed.

Max Speed

Displays the maximum speed, or highest speed that was recorded during
the trip.

Parameter Name

Displays the name of the parameter that was selected for monitoring.

Threshold

Displays the maximum threshold value for the parameter.

Max Value Above

Displays the value the CarChip recorded that was over the set threshold

Welcome to CarChip

Threshold

value.

Time Above Threshold

Displays the total time the vehicle spent over the threshold value.

Min Value Below
Threshold

Displays the value the CarChip recorded that was the lowest value under
the set threshold.

Time Below Threshold

Displays the total time the vehicle spent under the threshold value.

Click to close the summary log view.

Delete All

Click to delete all the records present in the summary log.

Go To

Click to display a specific record number.

Click to view the previous record.

Click to view the next record.

Help

Click to receive context sensitive help for this dialog box.

Click OK to close the Summary Log dialog box.

To Delete all records:
1.

Click Delete All. All the available records are deleted.

Click OK to close the Summary Log dialog box.

Note: Deleting all the records displayed in the Summary Log may impact the information displayed in the
CarChip Home Page and corresponding pages. Review the statistics and data displayed in these pages
before deleting all the summary log information.

Comments
The Comments dialog box provides functionality for adding comments to each individual trip, activity,
accident, or trouble record.
To display or edit the comments for a record:
1.

Display the trip, activity, accident or trouble record that requires a comment. Use the drop down box
containing all the records for the current log view to display the record.

Select the Comments button when the record displays. The Comments dialog box displays.

Enter new comments or edit existing comments.

Click OK to save the comments or click Cancel to exit the dialog box without saving the comment
changes.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

Help Menu Commands
The CarChip Help menu lets you access the CarChip Help and CarChip Version Information. The Help
menu contains the following:

•

CarChip Help - Opens the CarChip Help window. See Using CarChip Help for more information about
using the Help window.

•

About CarChip - Displays version information for the CarChip hardware, firmware, and software.

To display the CarChip Help Window:
1.

Select CarChip Help from the Help menu or click Help from the toolbar. The Help window displays.

To display the About CarChip Window:
1.

Select About CarChip from the Help menu. The About CarChip window displays.

Click the window to close it and re-display the CarChip software.

Information on Discontinued and Older Model
CarChips
Davis Instruments continues to improve and update our CarChip product and software. Among these
changes are vehicle compatibility and product enhancements. The following product numbers show the
features for discontinued versions of CarChip.
Use CarChip (# 8210, 8211) for:

•

Troubleshooting your car - Records trouble codes and displays freeze frames of sensor readings.

•

Logging your car's performance - Records acceleration, deceleration, and speed.

•

Recording trip information - Records dates, starts and stops, and distance.

•

Clearing your car's check engine light - Checks your car's sensors and turns off the check engine
light.

Use CarChip E/X (# 8220, 8221) for all the features of the CarChip plus:

•

Engine performance data logging - Log up to 4 of 23 available data parameters.

•

Creating an Accident Log for every hard and extreme stop.

Use CarChip E/X with Alarm (# 8225) for all the features of CarChip E/X plus:

•

Announcing to driver when speed, braking, and acceleration thresholds have been
exceeded - Gives off an audible alarm when thresholds have been broken.

Use CarChip Fleet (# 8240, 8241, 8244, 8245) for all the features of CarChip plus:

•

Downloading car information to both the CarChip software and the DriveRight Fleet
Management Software (# 8186)

See Also:
Connecting an Older Model CarChip to a Computer
Older Model CarChip Specifications

Welcome to CarChip

CarChip, CarChip E/X, and CarChip E/X with Alarm,
CarChip Fleet, CarChip Fleet with Alarm Specifications
The following specifications pertain to the CarChip (# 8211) and CarChip E/X (# 8221) CarChip E/X with
Alarm (# 8225), CarChip Fleet (# 8241)and CarChip Fleet with Alarm (# 8245) models of the CarChip.
See CarChip Pro Specifications for specifications on the CarChip Pro (# 8226) and CarChip Fleet Pro (#
8246) models of CarChip.
General
Operating Temperature

-40° to +185°F (-40° to +85°C)

Primary Power, Connected to Vehicle

12 VDC

Primary Power, Connected to
Computer

USB powered

Backup Power

Internal battery, 10-15 year life in normal use

Memory

128KB for CarChip, 512KB for CarChip E/X

Memory Storage

75 hours for CarChip, 300 hours for CarChipE/X)

Time & Date

Accurate to +/- 2 seconds per day

Vehicle Interface

16-pin OBDII connector

Computer Interface

USB

Computer Cable Length

5' (1.5 m)

Indicator Lamp

LED, pulses to indicate unit status

Dimensions

1.8" wide x 1 " tall x 1.25" deep" (46 mm x 25.4 mm x 32
mm)

Weight

0.9 oz. (2.55g)

OBDII Compatibility
Supported Protocols

J1850-41.6, J1850-10.4, ISO9141, KWP2000 (ISO 14230),
CAN (Control Area Network ISO 11898)

CarChip Compatible Vehicles:
US-Market

Most domestic and import vehicles, 1996 or later.

European-Market

Some 1996 and later vehicles and most 2000 and later
vehicles compliant with the supported protocols listed above.

Elsewhere

Undetermined. Some 1996 and later vehicles that are
compliant with the supported protocols may be CarChip
Compatible.

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

Incompatible US Market Vehicles *

CarChip meets and complies with most of the supported
protocols used with US market vehicles. Despite this,
incompatibilities still exist. Review the General CarChip
Exclusions List to see the known exceptions, exclusions and
anomalies.
See the Incompatible Vehicle List for more information.

* As of publication date.
Software Requirements
Operating System

Windows 95, 98, ME, NT 4.0, 2000, XP, Vista

Disk Space

5 MB free disk space

Display

Windows-compatible VGA minimum

Data Display
Trip Log Summary View

Start date and time, duration, distance, max speed, time in
top speed band, number of hard braking events, number of
extreme braking events, number of hard acceleration events,
number of extreme acceleration events, vehicle ID

Trip Log Report View

Vehicle ID, CarChip data logger ID, start time, end time,
duration, time spent at idle, time spent in first speed band,
time spent in second speed band, time spent in third speed
band, time spent in fourth speed band, distance, average
speed, maximum speed, number of hard braking events,
number of extreme braking events, number of hard
acceleration events, number of extreme acceleration events,
list of logged parameters (speed only for CarChip, up to 5
parameters for CarChip E/X), comments

Trip Log Plot View

Line graph for vehicle speed. CarChip E/X includes line
graphs for up to four additional parameters

Trip Log Table View

Elapsed time for trip and speed up to every second. Up to
four other parameters every 5, 10, 20, 30 or 60 seconds for
CarChip E/X only

Activity Log Summary View

Date and time, CarChip ID, description

Activity Log Event View

Date and time, CarChip ID, description, comments

Accident Log Summary View (CarChip
E/X only)

Date and time, CarChip ID, maximum speed in log

Accident Log Stop View (CarChip E/X
only)

Date and time, CarChip ID, maximum speed in log,
comments

Accident Log Plot View (CarChip E/X
only

Date and time, line graph of vehicle speed for 20 seconds
prior to stop.

Accident Log Table View (CarChip E/X
only)

Vehicle speed for each of the 20 seconds prior to the stop.

Welcome to CarChip

Trouble Log Summary View

Date and time, vehicle ID, trouble code, problem description

Trouble Log Problem View

Date and time, vehicle ID, CarChip ID, trouble code, problem
description, comments, OBDII freeze frame info (parameters
included in freeze frame vary from car to car)

Data Options

Supported Unit Systems

U.S., Metric, S.I., custom

Vehicle Speed Sampling Interval

1, 5, 10, 20, 30 or 60 seconds

Other Parameters Sampling Intervals
(E/X only)

5, 10, 20, 30, or 60 seconds

Vehicle Speed Bands

4, user configurable, use to identify typical vs atypical
vehicle operation

Calculated Data

Hard and extreme braking, hard and extreme acceleration

Data Parameters for CarChip and CarChip E/X
Parameter

Range*

Resolution*

Vehicle Speed

0 to 158 mph, 0 to 255 kph, 0 to 70
m/s

0.6 mph, 1 kph, 0.3
m/s

Trip Distance Traveled

0 to 10,000 miles, 0 to 16,000 km

0.1 m, 0.1 km

Acceleration/Deceleration
Threshold

0 to 3 G, 0 to 30 m/sec2

0.03 G, 0.3 m/sec2

*Range and resolution of sensor measurements only. Accuracy is dependent on the accuracy of the
vehicle’s sensors.
Data Parameters for CarChip E/X Only
Parameter

Range*

Resolution*

Engine Speed

0 to 16,384 rpm

1 rpm

Throttle Position

0 to 100%

Coolant Temperature

-40° to +420°F, -40° to +215°C

2°F, 1°C

Engine Load

0 to 100%

0.1%

Air Flow Rate

0 to 8714 lb/min, 0 to 655.35
gm/sec

0.1 lb/min, 0.01
gm/sec

Intake Air Temperature

-40° to +420°F, -40° to +215°C

2°F, 1°C

Intake Manifold Pressure

0 to 75 in. hg., 0 to 255 kPaA

0.3 in. hg., 1 kPaA

0.1%

CarChip Online Help Printable Version

Fuel Pressure

0 to 110 psiG, 0 to 765 kPaG

0.5 psiG, 3 kPaG

O2 Sensor Voltage (B1-2, S1-4,
8 total)

0 to 1.275 V

0.005 V

Ignition Timing Advance

-64° to 63.5°

0.5°

Short Term Fuel Trim

-100% to 99.22%

0.8%

Long Term Fuel Trim

-100% to 99.22%

0.8%

Battery Voltage

6 to 16 VDC

0.1 VDC

*Range and resolution of sensor measurements only. Accuracy is dependent on the accuracy of the
vehicle’s sensors.

Davis Instruments Car Chip 8221 Users Manual Carchip_content_new

8241 to the manual c847f20b-5608-4742-afe3-86d0bafdcd91

Navigation menu

Versions of this User Manual:

Views

Navigation