Using the Caterpillar Electronic Technician (ET) Data Log{0785, 7610} Caterpillar

Using the Caterpillar Electronic Technician (ET) Data Log{0785, 7610}

Usage:

On-highway Truck Engines:: 3126B (S/N: 8YL1-UP; 7AS1-UP); 3126E (S/N: 9SZ1-UP); C7 (S/N: KAL1-UP; SAP1-UP; C7S1-UP; WAX1-UP); C9 (S/N: C9S1-UP); C11 (S/N: KCA1-UP); C13 (S/N: KCB1-UP; LEE1-UP); C15 (S/N: SDP1-UP; B5R1-UP; BXS1-UP; MXS1-UP; NXS1-UP); C-15 (S/N: MBN1-UP)

Introduction

Do not perform any procedure in this Special Instruction until you have read this information and you understand this information.

This Special Instruction provides guidance on using the data log on Cat ET. The data log collects and the data log stores the values of status parameters while the product is operating. The information in the data log can help troubleshoot difficult problems.

The data log is stored in a file on the disk drive of the PC. The file can be attached to an e-mail message or to a warranty report. The file can be opened with Cat ET. Cat ET can display a data log without being connected to an Electronic Control Module (ECM).

Configuring the Data Log

Establish communication between Cat ET and an ECM. Click on the following menus in order to view the "Data Log Recorder Settings":

Information
Data Log
Recorder

Illustration 1 shows the "General" tab of the settings.

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Illustration 1	g01421681
The "General" tab

Settings on the "General" Tab

The following information describes the settings on the "General" tab:

Log File - The data log is stored in the "Datalog" folder of the "Caterpillar Electronic Technician" folder on the hard disk drive of the PC by default. The folder may be changed, if necessary.

The name of a data log consists of several elements. For example, the "logAug07_00.sdf" name provides the following information:

"log" - This is a data log.

"Aug07" - This data log was recorded on the seventh day of the month of August.

"_00" - This data log was the first data log that was recorded on that day. The number is incremented as additional data logs are recorded.

Sample Rate - Enter a sample rate of 240 samples per minute.

Duration - Enter a duration of one hour.

Pre-Trigger - The value of this setting determines the amount of time that the data log will record data prior to an "auto-trigger". Typically, a value of five seconds is entered. This setting has no effect unless the "auto-trigger" is enabled.

Click the "Add..." button in order to add a group. All of the available groups will be displayed. Illustration 2 shows an example of the groups.

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Illustration 2	g01421679
Groups

You may select an existing group or you may create a new group. The decision depends on the parameters that are in each group.

Click on a group. The parameters that are inside the group are displayed on the right hand side of the screen. Review the parameters that are in the group. If the parameters that are displayed are needed to troubleshoot the problem, click "OK" in order to select the group. If the parameters that are displayed are not needed to troubleshoot the problem, a new group must be created. Perform the following procedure in order to create a new group:

Click the "New" button.

Type a name for the new group.

Click the "OK" button.
All of the available parameters will be displayed. A group can contain a maximum of twelve parameters.

Double click on a parameter in order to add the parameter to the group. Use the arrow buttons in order to add parameters to the group and remove parameters from the group, if necessary.

Click the "OK" button in order to create the new group.

Settings on the "Auto-Trigger" Tab

The "auto-trigger" feature allows the data log to start recording data when the value of a parameter becomes equal to a value or the value of a parameter exceeds a value. For example, the data log can be configured to begin recording data when the engine speed becomes greater than 1100 rpm. Two parameters may be configured, if necessary. Illustration 3 provides an example of an "auto-trigger". In this example, the data log will begin to record data when both of the following conditions are met: engine speed exceeds 1200 rpm and the clutch pedal is depressed. Data will also be recorded for five seconds prior to the "auto-trigger".

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Illustration 3	g01422009
Example of an "auto-trigger"

Verify that all of the settings are correct. Then, click the "OK" button.

Starting the Data Log

Verify that all of the settings are correct.

Click the "Start" button in order for the data log to begin collecting data. The time that is remaining will be displayed at the top of the screen. If the "auto-trigger" is enabled, the data log will begin recording data when the conditions are equal to the settings that have been programmed. If the "auto-trigger" is not enabled, the data log will begin recording data when the "Start" button is clicked.

Operate the product until the problem occurs. Click the "Stop Recorder" button in order to stop recording the data.

Viewing a Data Log

Cat ET can display a data log without being connected to an Electronic Control Module (ECM). Click on the following menus in order to select a data log:

"Open"
"Data Log File"

All of the data logs will be displayed. Click on the appropriate data log. Then, click the "Open" button. A screen that lists the parameters that are in the data log will be displayed. Illustration 4 is an example of the screen.

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Illustration 4	g01421682
Parameters in the data log

Double click on a parameter in order to move the parameter to the right hand side of the window. Use the arrow buttons in order to add parameters or remove parameters, if necessary. A maximum of six parameters may be selected.

Click the "OK" button in order to view the data log. Illustration 5 is an example of a data log.

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Illustration 5	g01421971
Example of a data log

The scale of each parameter is automatically determined by the values of the data. The scale of each parameter may be changed. Click the "Settings" button in order to change the scale of the parameters. Illustration 6 shows the screen for changing the scale of the parameters. Enter the desired value into the appropriate "Y Min" field or "Y Max" field in order to change the scale of a parameter.

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