Official "SharkPlotter" thread
09-14-2009, 01:41 PM
#1
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Official "SharkPlotter" thread
As many of you know, I've been working on some companion software for John Speake's SharkTuner to make it easier to review log files and to provide some tools for further optimizating fuel and ignition tuning. The program is called "SharkPlotter" and it will be included with the ST2 (see below).
The basic Sharkplotter display provides plots of AFR vs. MAF load and RPM for the LH processor, also plots of knock retards vs. load and RPM for the EZK, and the ability to manually or automatically adjust the LH and EZK maps for the best "fit" with the data and review the results. A data-graph can be displayed, allowing specific portions of a log to be selected (e.g. a WOT run) and highlighted. The corresponding log data can also be shown in text format, and special map windows show the "before" and "after" LH or EZK maps.
The simplest use of Sharkplotter is to go for a drive and log data with the SharkTuner, then take the data home and review it. And then, if needed, make adjustments to the maps over the conditions that were encountered. Changes can either be made manually (in the same fashion as adjusting a SharkTuner map) with the effects shown on the plot, or automatically optimized against a table of desired AFR values. Knock retards can also be displayed and related to fuel status, and ignition timing can be retarded as necessary either manually or automatically.
The basic SharkPlotter window is shown below. The main window area is a color-coded AFR plot on a grid that matches the LH correction map, engine load (SharkTuner's "MAF signal/absolute") vs. RPM. Air/fuel ratio is shown as color, from yellow as too rich through green and blue (stoich) to purple and red as too lean. The plot is scaled to actual MAF and RPM values, with each grid-square representing a LH adjustment "cell" (hence the irregular grid).
There's a lot more, and I'll add some posts on specific topics if there is interest. The best way to get all the details however is to download the manual-- go to http://sharkplotter.com and click on "read the manual" (right-click to save a copy).
It is important to remember that SharkPlotter, and SharkTuner, are tools-- they are not "expert-tuner-in-a-box". Like most tools they can, if misused, cause damage. The hazards of some tools, like ball-peen hammers, are obvious. That is not the case with software tools, so please take the time to read the manuals carefully before taking on a tuning project. If you are not sure how to proceed then come back here and ask, there are no dumb questions.
The goal of this thread is to introduce the software but also to provide a forum for questions, issues and suggestions.
SP is work-in-process, ready for use now but will continue to be developed. Feedback is an important part of that.
I've been working on this for about six months now, first with Louie Ott's ST1 and then with a prototype ST2. I am very much indebted to both Louie and to John Speake for their support. I hope they will both be contributors here, as well as others who know a lot more about tuning than I do.
SharkPlotter is not "freeware", John has licensed it for the SharkTuner and is including it with ST2. A registration code is required, current ST2 owners should have gotten the info last week. It is also available to ST1 owners without charge, contact me directly for info via PM or support (at) sharkplotter (dot) com.
The basic Sharkplotter display provides plots of AFR vs. MAF load and RPM for the LH processor, also plots of knock retards vs. load and RPM for the EZK, and the ability to manually or automatically adjust the LH and EZK maps for the best "fit" with the data and review the results. A data-graph can be displayed, allowing specific portions of a log to be selected (e.g. a WOT run) and highlighted. The corresponding log data can also be shown in text format, and special map windows show the "before" and "after" LH or EZK maps.
The simplest use of Sharkplotter is to go for a drive and log data with the SharkTuner, then take the data home and review it. And then, if needed, make adjustments to the maps over the conditions that were encountered. Changes can either be made manually (in the same fashion as adjusting a SharkTuner map) with the effects shown on the plot, or automatically optimized against a table of desired AFR values. Knock retards can also be displayed and related to fuel status, and ignition timing can be retarded as necessary either manually or automatically.
The basic SharkPlotter window is shown below. The main window area is a color-coded AFR plot on a grid that matches the LH correction map, engine load (SharkTuner's "MAF signal/absolute") vs. RPM. Air/fuel ratio is shown as color, from yellow as too rich through green and blue (stoich) to purple and red as too lean. The plot is scaled to actual MAF and RPM values, with each grid-square representing a LH adjustment "cell" (hence the irregular grid).
There's a lot more, and I'll add some posts on specific topics if there is interest. The best way to get all the details however is to download the manual-- go to http://sharkplotter.com and click on "read the manual" (right-click to save a copy).
It is important to remember that SharkPlotter, and SharkTuner, are tools-- they are not "expert-tuner-in-a-box". Like most tools they can, if misused, cause damage. The hazards of some tools, like ball-peen hammers, are obvious. That is not the case with software tools, so please take the time to read the manuals carefully before taking on a tuning project. If you are not sure how to proceed then come back here and ask, there are no dumb questions.
The goal of this thread is to introduce the software but also to provide a forum for questions, issues and suggestions.
SP is work-in-process, ready for use now but will continue to be developed. Feedback is an important part of that.
I've been working on this for about six months now, first with Louie Ott's ST1 and then with a prototype ST2. I am very much indebted to both Louie and to John Speake for their support. I hope they will both be contributors here, as well as others who know a lot more about tuning than I do.
SharkPlotter is not "freeware", John has licensed it for the SharkTuner and is including it with ST2. A registration code is required, current ST2 owners should have gotten the info last week. It is also available to ST1 owners without charge, contact me directly for info via PM or support (at) sharkplotter (dot) com.
09-14-2009, 01:58 PM
#2
Supercharged
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Jim-
First off thanks to you for all your hard work. This community is so awesome!
I have used the SPer a little bit and it's a great tool. I was going to use it some more this past weekend, but just didn't have the time.
It really allows you to dial in the ignition timing and fuel. If you're trying to ST by yourself, I think you have to have this tool.
Adding this thread to my favorites.
First off thanks to you for all your hard work. This community is so awesome!
I have used the SPer a little bit and it's a great tool. I was going to use it some more this past weekend, but just didn't have the time.
It really allows you to dial in the ignition timing and fuel. If you're trying to ST by yourself, I think you have to have this tool.Adding this thread to my favorites.
09-14-2009, 02:04 PM
#3
Three Wheelin'
I can't thank John, Louie and Jim enough for helping guide me through this process. The SharkTuner and SharkPlotter are absolutely fantastic pieces of technology. Once you have your equipment properly calibrated, fueling can be dialed in lickety split.
https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...ess-story.html
https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...ess-story.html
09-14-2009, 07:22 PM
#6
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
SharkTuner can show the maps in 3d (ST2 at least, not sure about ST1).
That is also something that I am working on for SharkPlotter- along with a smoothing algorithm to take out the "lumpiness" that sometimes results from not having enough data points.
That is also something that I am working on for SharkPlotter- along with a smoothing algorithm to take out the "lumpiness" that sometimes results from not having enough data points.
09-14-2009, 07:49 PM
#7
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Crossed from https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...ml#post6903163 for general ST/SP interest:
Dan, good info on autotune and the WOT map, I was surprised but then checked the ST manual and it actually says that 
(Paragraph 3 under "AUTOTUNE WOT REMAPPING" in the "Autotune quick-start" section).
But is it necessary (or even desirable) to use the WOT map at all? For NA cars at least, it works quite well to zero out the WOT map and then do all the fuel tuning from the main map. There's nothing special about WOT other than higher loads, and the MAF (assuming it is not max'ed out) measures the load directly. So if you want a richer mixture at higher loads, just increase the fuel for those cells in the main map.
Wouldn't the same be true for SC engines, that all the fuel tuning could be done with the base map? Or am I missing something?
Sharkplotter doesn't provide a way to separately adjust the WOT map either. It could be done but adds another layer of complication.
(Paragraph 3 under "AUTOTUNE WOT REMAPPING" in the "Autotune quick-start" section).
But is it necessary (or even desirable) to use the WOT map at all? For NA cars at least, it works quite well to zero out the WOT map and then do all the fuel tuning from the main map. There's nothing special about WOT other than higher loads, and the MAF (assuming it is not max'ed out) measures the load directly. So if you want a richer mixture at higher loads, just increase the fuel for those cells in the main map.
Wouldn't the same be true for SC engines, that all the fuel tuning could be done with the base map? Or am I missing something?
Sharkplotter doesn't provide a way to separately adjust the WOT map either. It could be done but adds another layer of complication.
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09-14-2009, 07:51 PM
#8
Inventor
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Good work on that SW! Good thing I didn't connect the Jims when I met you for H's drive, I would have talked your ear off.
Smoothing is a big timesaver. Back in the day, I had to hand copy the entire map into TunerPro, smooth it, then copy it back.
Example:
Smoothing is a big timesaver. Back in the day, I had to hand copy the entire map into TunerPro, smooth it, then copy it back.
Example:
09-14-2009, 09:42 PM
#9
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
SP has the advantage of having lots of data available, it is able to do averaging and consider interpolation. The map comes out smoother particularly in the areas with lots of data, but there's always a few cells that can use help particularly where the data is sparse.
09-15-2009, 02:37 PM
#14
Rennlist Member
Been away a couple of days and found this thread.......
I would like to congratulate Jim on such an excellent companion tool to compliment the Sharktuner family :-) Brilliant work !!
As he says, six months of work to optimise the program.
I would keep the WOT switch to the LH, and that triggers the degree of transient enrichment. But certainly remove the EZK WOT wire (or in ST2 use the software switch provided).
This is certainly the preferred mode.
I would like to congratulate Jim on such an excellent companion tool to compliment the Sharktuner family :-) Brilliant work !!
As he says, six months of work to optimise the program.
I would keep the WOT switch to the LH, and that triggers the degree of transient enrichment. But certainly remove the EZK WOT wire (or in ST2 use the software switch provided).
This is certainly the preferred mode.
09-16-2009, 06:33 PM
#15
Rennlist Member
John,
Does that imply I am not getting transient enrichment given my WOT not working?
Best wishes to everyone else out there in ST land- the Sharktuner/sharkplotter combo is superb. Hope to get my plot sorted in the next week or so. If anyone out there is operating in 40C temperature and sharktuning particularly like to hear from you- not sure if my S4 motor has some weakness or it is just the effect of ambient temps [40C] out here in the Middle East.
Regards
Fred R
Does that imply I am not getting transient enrichment given my WOT not working?
Best wishes to everyone else out there in ST land- the Sharktuner/sharkplotter combo is superb. Hope to get my plot sorted in the next week or so. If anyone out there is operating in 40C temperature and sharktuning particularly like to hear from you- not sure if my S4 motor has some weakness or it is just the effect of ambient temps [40C] out here in the Middle East.
Regards
Fred R