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    Producing Quality Computer Tools for Racers and Engine Builders since 1986

 

 

 

 

 

Re: Performance Trends Newsletter (updates)

To: Visitors to Performance Trends Website

Subject: Product News/Updates, Feb 2008

 

  1. New 4 Link Calculator Plus Version
  2. DataMite III USBs are now in stock
  3. Cam Test Stand/Cam Analyzer v3.2 update
  4. New Cam Test Stand/Cam Analyzer Demo Movie Files
  5. DataMite Mini USBs have been pushed back
  6. New Swirl Meter ND (no direction/no display) and Other Info
  7. Suspension Analyzer Full Vehicle v2.0 A.022 Bug Fixed
  8. Kart Dyno Running A/F on Alcohol Motor
  9. Used Karting Inertia Dyno for Sale
  10. Last December's Newsletter

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1)  New 4 Link Calculator Plus Version  We've added a major "add on" to our popular 4 Link Calculator.  It is a set of options we call the Plus Version.  It adds the following features:

Allows for up to 15 holes on each bracket
Allows for generating several holes between 2 other holes on either a straight line or on an arc that you specify.
Allows for limits to be specified, to eliminate combinations you are not interested in, like instant centers below ground.
Allows for an 'Animate' mode where the program simulates some vehicle dynamics (squat and rise). This is to illustrate how the instant center location, % anti-squat, pinion angle, yoke slip CAN change as you go down the track. This animation may NOT be the same as what your car produces. It also does NOT change if you change the 4 link settings. Our Suspension Analyzer lets you import actual shock travel data to simulate what your car is doing.

We've also update the standard program to allow for faster and slower ETs and heavier and lighter vehicle weights to be used to obtain Dave Morgan's suggestion starting point for your 4 Link settings.

The Plus Version is $129.95 compared to the standard version's $79.95, a $50 price difference.  If you already own the 4 Link Calculator, you can add the Plus features for $35 until May 1, 2008.  After that date the price to add the Plus Version will be $60.  Note that if you purchase the 4 Link Calculator new, you save $10 going right to the Plus version, and not buying the Standard Version and then upgrading to the Plus Version later.

You can review all the updates for the 4 Link Calculator from the program's Readme.doc file at this link:  http://www.performancetrends.com/text-files/4L-Readme.doc

You can review all this program's features at:  http://www.performancetrends.com/4link.htm

You can download the latest version by reinstalling the complete program from this link:  http://www.performancetrends.com/download.htm#4link

Important:  After you download and install the demo, you can unlock this latest version yourself. Just be sure to use exactly the same Registered Name when you install this new version and then the same unlock number will unlock the update. You can view your Reg Name by clicking on Reg To: at the top of the main screen on your current version, before you download and install the new version. 

If you want to upgrade to the Plus version, call with your credit card and get your additional Unlock Code to add the Plus features.  You will click on File, then Unlock Plus Features to enter this code.

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2) DataMite III USBs are now in stock  We have now received our first shipment of production Data III USBs.  If you've been holding of purchasing a   DataMite III USB because they were in short supply, now's the time to buy.

These systems make great data loggers for:

Circle Track
Road Racing
Drag Racing 
Dyno Testing

Click on each category for more information.  Click here for pricing.  Systems start at $699.

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3)  Cam Test Stand/Cam Analyzer v3.2 update  We're working on our new Cam Analyzer v3.8, for release in the first part of 2008.  Our most up-to-date Cam Analyzer v3.2 B.091 is available on our website at this link:  http://www.performancetrends.com/download.htm#ca

This latest v3.2 B.091 is a free update to anyone who has purchased our Cam Test Stand.  We encourage you to download this, as it has some bug fixes and enhanced features for working with the Cam Test Stand.  It has more standard Cam Design Layouts for more types of engines.  

Important: After you download and install the demo, you can unlock this latest version yourself. Just be sure to use exactly the same Registered Name when you install this new version and then the same unlock number will unlock the update. You can view your Reg Name by clicking on Reg To: at the top of the main screen on your current version, before you download and install the new version. If you have the Plus version, unlock the standard version first.  Then click on File, then Unlock Plus Features and enter your Plus Unlock Code.

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4) New Cam Test Stand/Cam Analyzer Demo Movie Files  We've made 5 new Demo Movie Files for the Cam Test Stand.  Click on Support, then Demo Movie Files (or click here) to jump to our Demo Movie page to watch these movies, and several others about our products.  Even if you don't own the program covered by a demo movie, you can still learn a lot about your program by watching movies, because so many of the features work the same in all our programs.

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5) DataMite Mini USBs have been pushed back  We really thought we'd have the smaller, less expensive DataMite Mini USB out by now.  However, our electronics people have been very busy on other projects.  Therefore, we're now saying we likely won't have the Mini until April.  We're sorry about this delay.  Click here for info on the Mini. 

The proposed Mini has two (2) RPM channels and two (2) 0-5 volt analog channels, typically connected to an external thermocouple amp for temperature measurement.  It also has the option of adding a fan and internal temperature, humidity and barometer readings for automatic weather corrections. We've got a fairly long list of customers waiting for the Mini's to ship.  If you want to be added to the list, email us at feedback@performancetrends.com

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6)  New Swirl Meter ND (no direction/no display) and Other Info  We had a period where we were out of stock on our Swirl Meters which provide a direction indication (CW or CCW swirl) and have a separate readout.  During this time, we developed our Swirl-ND (swirl meter with no direction indication and no display).  This swirl meter provided only a cable and connector to be plugged into either a SuperFlow FlowCom or our Black Box flow bench interface.  Then these readouts and software could provide you the RPM reading, but no direction indication.  We offer this at a $300 savings over the full $899 Swirl-A swirl meter.  A couple of advantages of the Swirl-ND:

It requires no calibration, just tell the Port Flow Analyzer software the "ND" is your type of swirl meter. 
It can provide less clutter on your flow bench as there is no separate display.

The full $899 Swirl-A swirl meter does have direction, a stand alone display, and an analog output to be read by either a SuperFlow FlowCom or our Black Box flow bench interface.  These are now back in stock and can be shipped out within a few days of being ordered.

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7)  Suspension Analyzer Full Vehicle v2.0 A.022 Bug Fixed  We inadvertently introduced a "bug" into the Rear Suspension portion of our Suspension Analyzer Full Vehicle.  The bug prevents the program from drawing certain types of rear suspension types, even if you have provided all the information.  The latest version on the website is v2.0 A.027.  It has some additional enhancements to better read Motec data logger files for doing suspension animation.

If you own the Full Vehicle version of this program, click on Help at the top of the main screen, then About.....  If the complete version number (printed in blue) is 2.0 A.022, you have the version with the bug.  Download and install the latest version from this link:  http://www.performancetrends.com/download.htm#sa  When asked, do just a Refresh installation.  Then the program should not ask you to unlock it again.  If you make a mistake or have problems, call us at 248-473-9230 to help you correct it.

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8)  Kart Dyno Running A/F on Alcohol Motor  Using A/F Sensors (wide band oxygen sensors) on 4, 6 and 8 cylinder engines is now commonplace on most dynos.  However, when it comes to single cylinder motors, we've had customers who have had good luck and bad luck on Kart motors.  We believe the problem is due to the strong pulses in the exhaust of single cylinder engines, which pull room air back into the pipe, making the A/F read too lean.  Also, the strong vibration is hard on the sensors, and also makes the Exhaust System prone to leaks.

Bryan Pigg of PPE Motorsports in Yazoo City, Mississippi  bpigg@terraindustries.com has had good luck with his system.  He has ensured that the exhaust system is putting some backpressure on the system.  It's not enough to hurt power or change the tuning, but does ensure that air leaks do not get to the sensor.  Click here for details on what Bryan has done.

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9) Used Karting Inertia Dyno for Sale  Charles Perdue of Bolivar, TN has gotten out of karting and is selling his inertia dyno with our 4 channel DataMite.  The flywheel is 30" diameter x 1" thick, Charles says is good for engines up to around 30 HP.  Call him at 731-658-7577 or email at procarcarellc@bellsouth.net .  Note:  When you buy used electronics and software like the DataMite, Performance Trends does charge a $150 transfer fee to the new owner.  With this, you get the latest software update and are entitled to free tech support, unlocking codes for new computers, etc.

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10) Last December's Newsletter  Here are the topics covered in our previous newsletter.  If you would like another copy of December 2007's newsletter for detail on these topics, visit our website at: http://www.performancetrends.com/news.htm#newsletters

  1. Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show Recap
  2. Christmas Is Coming
  3. Last October's Newsletter

 

 

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