HIGH TECH TOOL
While the narrowband sensor served a basic need of early factory ECUs, today’s factory ECUs and aftermarket ECUs require a more precise and detailed means of monitoring the exhaust contents. This is why today’s ECUs rely on wideband oxygen sensors. Wideband sensors can accurately measure a wide range of air-fuel ratios. Ratios as rich as 10.0:1 to ratios as lean as free air can all be measured by a wideband sensor. For a driver or tuner to see the values from the wideband sensor hooked up to a ECU, a computer interface is generally needed. As such, many owners of older vehicles using NB sensors and even newer vehicles using wideband sensors elect to install a wideband sensor and meter. While nearly all wideband meters will deliver the air-fuel ratio information in display form, some applications may require logging to use the information to properly tune the vehicle. The Zeitronix ZT-2 is one of the more popular wideband systems on the market tailored specifically to meet tuners needs.
DATA COLLECTION
It’s not always possible (or practical) to run a laptop for datalogging, especially when collecting information while running on the track. The ZT-2 offers additional options for recording data, including its Black Box Data Logger device. This palm sized unit plugs into the data port of the ZT-2 and records to any microSD memory card up to 2GB in size. A 2GB card will provide well over 100 hours of logs. A one-touch start and stop button simplifies logging. It can even be actuated by a gloved hand.
MORE THAN JUST A MONITOR
[pullquote]ONCE THE BOSCH LSU WIDEBAND BECAME READILY AVAILABLE, I DEVELOPED A NEW WIDEBAND CONTROLLER SPECIFICALLY FOR TUNERS[/pullquote]Zeitronix Inc. was founded by Zbigniew Szwalgin. This engineer/enthusiast realized the shortcomings of tuning tools and started working on solutions when programmable engine management systems were starting to gain momentum in the late 90s. Stated Szwalgin, “I designed my first wideband in 1999 using an NTK oxygen sensor. When racing and tuning cars, I quickly realized that AFR (air-fuel ratio) information by itself was useless. However, AFR simultaneously logged with engine speed and engine load provides the basic information needed to tune the engine properly. Once the Bosch LSU wideband became readily available, I developed a new wideband controller specifically for tuners. This controller logs throttle position, EGT, boost/vacuum and two user programmable channels to deliver the essential data needed. This is the ZT-2 design.”
ALL-IN-ONE-DATA PROCESSING
The Zeitronix ZT-2 Wideband Air-Fuel Ratio Meter delivers a fully digital, all-in-one wideband air-fuel meter and datalogging solution in a single, compact unit. With an exceptionally compact form factor weighing only 2.5 ounces, the ZT-2 processor adds negligible weight to the chassis. For larger engines with more than four cylinders or a second cylinder bank (like a boxer engine or a “V” configured block) a second ZT-2 can be daisy-chained and logged for more comprehensive air-fuel monitoring. The ZT-2 includes a Bosch LSU wideband O2 sensor along with the necessary flying-lead harness. This harness makes the connection to throttle position, RPM, two optional ancillary sensors, an optional boost pressure sensor, 12-volt power. The ZT-2 also features a warning output and a narrowband output (in case its needed by older factory ECUs). An optional EGT sensor port is available, as is a serial data port.