Digatron DT-50S - User Manual

Table of Contents
Welcome to Digatron..........................................................................................1
Instrument Functions.................................................................................... 2 - 3
Batteries Not Needed..........................................................................................4
Setting Limits and Warning Lights.....................................................................4
Setting the Engine Limits and Delay Time ........................................................4
About Delay Time ..............................................................................................4
Tach Calibration Number (RPM1).....................................................................5
Jackshaft Calibration Number (RPM2) ..............................................................5
Setting the LED Warning Lights .......................................................................5
PC Software: Set Up & Analysis........................................................................5
Recording ...........................................................................................................6
Moisture ............................................................................................................6
Erratic Readings .................................................................................................6
Button Functions ................................................................................................7
Designators Defined...........................................................................................8
Repairs and Warranty.........................................................................................8
Welcome to Digatron
This manual covers the operation of your DT-50S instrument. This includes any 52, 53 or 54 instrument. All 50 series instruments
function the same; the only difference is the number of displays.
Both racers and recreational riders can use this instrument. Racers may be interested in recording in time segments, either laps or
sections of the strip or course. Recreational drivers will usually be interested in recording without laps.
This book provides the information you need to quickly set up and use your instrument. It is a great reference guide.
If you are interested in learning more about how your Digatron instrument can help you analyze your engine functions and driving
techniques, please visit our website, www.digatronusa.com, or phone (509) 467-3128.
Note: These instructions cover current versions. If you have an older version, and
find the instructions don’t exactly match, please contact Digatron at
support@digatronusa.com
or toll free at 866.344.2876.

Summary

Instrument Functions

Power;Record Operation

Instrument turns on and starts recording automatically when a tach signal is received.

Overall Maximums Display

Allows cycling through up to three sets of engine data to view maximum values.

Best Lap Time Viewing

Displays lap time and allows viewing the best lap time for DT-52/53/54 instruments.

Lap Times and Time Segments

Shows lap time for the last recorded lap, created with beacon or manual store switch.

Maximums by Lap Display

Displays engine and lap data, showing maximum values for selected laps.

Playback Functionality

Allows playback of selected laps, stepping through data or fast forwarding/reversing.

Resetting Instrument Memory

Erases recorded data by pressing specific buttons simultaneously.

Instrument Power Off

Turns the instrument off manually or automatically if no signal or button presses are detected.

Batteries Not Needed

Setting Limits and Warning Lights

Engine Limits and Delay Time Setup

About Delay Time (Optional, for Racing)

Explains delay time setting for ignoring extra beacon signals at the track.

Tach Calibration Number (RPM1)

Jackshaft Calibration Number (RPM2)

Setting LED Warning Lights

PC Software Setup and Analysis

Recording Events and Segments

Moisture Considerations

Erratic Readings and Troubleshooting

Button Functions Overview

Designator Definitions

Repairs and Warranty Information

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features
5. Warranty and Repair

This document serves as a comprehensive manual for the Digatron DT-50S series instrument, including models 52, 53, and 54. All 50 series instruments share the same core functionality, differing only in the number of displays. The device is designed for both racers and recreational riders, offering features for recording in time segments (laps or sections) or continuously without laps.

Function Description

The Digatron DT-50S instrument is an engine analysis and data logging device. It automatically powers on and begins recording when a tach signal is received, continuing for up to two hours before overwriting the oldest data. The instrument provides a range of functions for monitoring engine performance and tracking lap times.

Instrument Functions:

• Power/Record: Automatically starts recording upon receiving a tach signal. Records for 2 hours, then overwrites oldest data.
• Overall Maximums: Allows users to cycle through and view up to three sets of engine data maximums.
• Best Lap Time: Displays the best lap time recorded. For DT-52 and DT-53 models, pressing and holding allows viewing of the best lap time.
• Lap Times (Time Segments): Shows lap time for the last recorded lap. Laps are created using a beacon transmitter/receiver or a manual store switch. Users can navigate backward or forward through laps, with the display flashing when the best lap is shown. Pressing and holding allows viewing of the best lap time.
• Maximums by Lap: Displays engine data showing maximum values for a selected lap. Users can also view lap data and event numbers.
• Playback: Allows playback of selected lap data. Users can pause, step through data in 0.1-second increments, or fast forward/reverse.
• Reset (Clear Memory): Erases all recorded data. This is initiated by pressing "Play/Pause" and "Set Up" simultaneously, then confirming within 10 seconds when the display flashes.
• Power Off: The instrument turns off automatically if it is not recording, not receiving a tach signal, or if no buttons are pressed for a period. It can also be manually turned off using the "Exit/Power" button if not recording or receiving a tach signal.

Button Functions:

• Time (top, side button): Displays lap/segment time and number. Press and hold to show best lap/segment time.
• Engine (bottom, side button): Cycles between three sets of data. Press and hold to show maximums and designators.
• Power/Exit: Turns the instrument on and off. Exits Set Up and Playback modes.
• Light: Press and hold to dim warning lights and turn backlight on/off. Decreases values in Set Up.
• Set Up: Enters Set Up mode. Increases values in Set Up.
• Play/Pause: Displays lap/segment times, lap maximums, and playback. Pauses and resumes playback.
• Reset Instrument: Erases recorded data.

Important Technical Specifications

• Power Source: The DT-50S series instruments draw power from the vehicle's lighting coil when running. For extended use without the engine, super capacitors (similar to rechargeable batteries) provide power for approximately 20 minutes without backlight and warning lights after a 10-minute recharge while the engine is running. "LC" is displayed when super caps need recharging.
• Tach Calibration (RPM1): Requires two parameters: maximum RPM for safe operation and a calibration number (1-16) to display correct RPM. The instrument divides the Tach input signal by this number. Common values are 2 or 4 for 2 cylinders, 3 or 6 for 3 cylinders, and 4 or 8 for 4 cylinders.
• Jackshaft Calibration (RPM2): Requires entering the number of pulses per revolution picked up by the sensor. If using the Digatron collar, the number is two.
• Delay Time (Optional, for Racing): Allows the instrument to ignore extra beacon signals for a specified duration (in seconds) after receiving a signal. This time must be less than the best possible time between beacons to avoid missing signals. For non-racers, a setting of .1 is recommended.
• Data Storage: Records in "Events" (sessions) and "Laps" (time segments). Events start with recording, and laps are created by beacon or store switch. Events end when the engine is off, "Exit" is pressed, or Tach drops below 200 RPM.

Usage Features

• Setting Limits and Warning Lights: Limits and warning lights can be set directly on the instrument or via PC software. These warnings alert the user to conditions that could harm the engine.
  • On-Instrument Setup: Accessed via the "Set Up" menu. Users can adjust Delay Time, various temperatures (C1, C2, C3, Water), Tach (RPM1), Tach calibration, Jackshaft (RPM2), and Jackshaft calibration. If a function is not used, its limit should be set above 200.
  • LED Warning Lights: Multiple warning lights can be assigned to the same function, but each light can only correspond to one function. Setup is done through the "Set Up" menu, allowing users to select the function for each light and adjust its value.
• PC Software: Digatron offers configuration software for PC, allowing users to set all limits and warning lights, change displayed functions, and define beacon signals as lap and splits. Recorded data can be downloaded to a PC. The instrument must be in Monitor/Record mode without a tach signal when connected to the computer. Sensors are not required for PC connection.

Maintenance Features

• Water Resistance: The instrument is designed to be water resistant. It is recommended to keep it as dry as possible, covering or removing it when washing the vehicle. Digatron offers tach bags for protection. If moisture enters, the endcap should be removed, and the instrument allowed to air dry in a dry environment (a hairdryer on low power can accelerate drying).
• Troubleshooting Erratic Readings:
  • Electrical Interference: If "ERR" is displayed, it indicates excessive electrical interference, and stored data may be invalid. Erase data using the "Reset" function.
  • Incorrect Installation/Settings: "ERR" can also signal incorrect instrument or sensor installation. Check Set Limits and calibration numbers (page 5).
  • Resistance Plug Boot: Installing an NGK boot (#LB05EMH) can often resolve electrical interference.
  • Lead Separation: Keep temperature and Tach leads separated by at least 3 inches.
  • Lead Routing: Route leads as far away from the coil as possible.
  • Tach Lead Placement: Install the Tach lead on the plug wire at least 2 inches back from the plug boot. Experiment with different locations if problems persist.
  • Sensor Replacement: Replacing one or all sensors can resolve persistent issues.
  • Contact Support: If problems continue, contact Digatron for assistance.

Warranty and Repair

The instrument comes with a two-year warranty covering factory defects and electronic failure from the date of purchase. Physical damage from normal usage is not covered. Users should fill out and return the warranty card. If no card is on file, proof of purchase date is required for warranty claims. For repairs, users should use the repair form from the Digatron website or include a note with their return address, phone number, and a detailed problem description. Sending the instrument and sensors together is recommended for a complete system check.

Contact Information for Repairs: Digatron LLC 120 N. Wall St. Ste 300 Spokane, WA 99201 Website: www.digatronusa.com Phone: (509) 467-3128 Fax: (509) 467-2952

Digatron DT-50S Specifications