SECS (and similar alternatives)
Pros: Ability to monitor parameters that are difficult/impossible to read via standalone meters, as well as peak recording and data logging
Nice, compact unit that won't make your interior look messy
Data input is mainly via the ECU, so you see exactly what the ECU sees.

Cons: Not as responsive or easy to read at a glance as a good analog gauge.
Data input is mainly via the ECU, so you see exactly what the ECU sees - including any erroneous sensor inputs.

Separate gauges:
Pros: Ultimate ease of readability. Ability to datalog and peak record with some units.
Usually directly driven, so not reliant on standard fit sensors that may be prone to failure or lack sensitivity.

Cons: Can't monitor as wide a range of parameters as available via the ECU diagnostic stream
Can prove expensive if a large number of high-end gauges are bought
Can make interior of car look messy if many gauges used
Usually directly driven so you don't necessarily "see what the ECU sees".

Under ideal circumstances a mix of "conventional" and electronic gauges works best. I have a separate boost gauge, AFR meter and KnockLink, as well as a SECS-type monitor.

The three standalone devices (although the AFR and KL LEDs are integrated into the dash) give me the information I really need to be able to see at a glance while I'm pressing on. The analog boost gauge in particular is much easier to relate to quickly, and gives a much better idea of turbo response to throttle - and particularly things like boost spiking - than the ECU driven display.

The KnockLink is also worth keeping separate, as with the separate sensor it's a lot more sensitive than the OE setup, and also gives you a real time indication that you're getting det. All the SECS can do is tell you whether the ECU is running any knock correction at a given engine speed, which only tells you that the OE sensor has detected knock in the past. Nowhere near as useful.

Incidentally, while these funky in-car PC displays look really trick, and "look analog", many such devices suffer relatively slow data and display refresh rates, so under certain conditions a "proper" gauge will still have advantages.

[Edited by greasemonkey - 10/5/2003 1:28:49 AM]

as titled, I know the defi's look good in a triple pod , but it seems that the secs monitor does the same( probably more) than 3 gauges at a saving of at least £150.

not sure what to get now ?


pros and cons for both please

Phil

LMAO the old Dial's or Dig read out...

Defi's for the dash with loads of dials on or the dig units - Now i went through same thing mmm spend £700 on pod and dials or £359 on pod and dig readout. It is really good the read outs are on screens 1,2,3,4,5 with max recordings on next 4 pages etc. One benefit above all is that the unit alarms quite obvously when any of the set levels are broken by a low setting or high setting being breached(ie low oil presure or high boost). Dont need to keep looking at all dials during a track day..

Personal choice at the end of the day - like the look of the defi's but like the practicality of the digi units. Maybe a dig unit with dials on an LCD...mmmmm i'd buy that..

i'd go for defi's for the looks :D

but if your gona be driving hard Alot then i guess digi would be best :)

FWIW I went through the same decision and chose the Defis.

I couldn't decide so i got both!!!!

Defis v useful for keeping an eye on boost levels in-gear etc. You can't beat a big 60mm dial :D

SECS is good for more technical monitoring, shift light, ecu fault codes and reset etc.

Or get an incar PC, and TFT touch screen, and use Delta Dash diagnostic software, which now has virtual gauges, fully customiseable, and im sure (as its still beta release) many more features will be added :)

Thats my project for the new year

This is an example of what someone has already created and made freely available through Delta Dash

Oh, and you can watch DVD's, play MP3's etc too

http://white-elephant.homeip.net/pics/dials01.jpg

Steve

Got SECS and not disappointed its a great system with built in alerting, as for gauges I'm building a in car pc system atm and hope to use Delta Dash as *Sonic* has mentioned but not %100 sure yet if I can split the ODBII signal from the ECU, but working on it!

Maddy :D

just got delta dash and must say its verry good.as well as data logging and dash screens you also get road dyno to dyno run your car on the road.having lots of fun with it and cant wait to get the carputer sorted.:D
must be the most flexible solution but not cheap when you have sourced the carputer.

thanks for the replys

Still not sure what to go for as I didnt really want both as i thought it mite be too much "clutter" , but I'm sure it will help in my decision

thanks again

Phil

Just to add also

I do have seperate Knock Link, AFR, Boost, Oil Pressure gauges/devices

And even when the in car pc goes in (if i ever get round to it :)) it will be as a supplement to the above

Steve

where does one get the software for the delta dash to produce those gauges?

They would be very useful in proucing dials for the edash software for the pectels.

Hi Sonic

Please could you tell me where you get that beta delta dash software from. That looks really :).

Cheers

you can get the software from www.ecutek.com

and if you go to their forums, and register you will be able to download the beta release

it does only work with 99/00 classics & all new age models

Cheers Sonic :)

I think I will be buying a delta dash tomorrow.