UNIT 2

Data View
DataView

Unit Objectives:
At the completion of this unit the student will be able to use
DataView for the purpose of performing On-Machine diagnostics.
The student will be able to:
1. Install DataView sensors using appropriate cabling.
2. Connect a PC to the DataView module and initiate the
appropriate software.
3. Perform a “setup” screen of sensors on the PC display.
4. Setup the logging program and acquire graphs of actual data
on a machine or training aid.

Unit References:
Student Worktext

DataView Software/Hardware Operating Instructions NEHS0662

DataView Software Program Operating Instructions JEBD3004

Unit 2 2-1-2 Machine Electronics
Lesson 1

Fig. 2.1.1

Introduction

DataView is a portable diagnostic tool that allows data, measured by

sensors installed on Caterpillar products, to be viewed on a Personal
Computer. Caterpillar DataView consists of a portable hardware
instrument which connects to a standard PC via the parallel printer
port and a Windows-based Software Program that runs on the PC.
The DataView hardware converts the electronic signals received by
Caterpillar sensors into information that the PC can communicate
with. The DataView software program provides setup, digital
displays, graphs, and data logging of the measurements being taken.

DataView is a complimentary program to Caterpillar Electronic

Technician (ET). Whereas ET communicates to Caterpillar
Equipment via the ECM, DataView communicates through the
sensors that the user installs on the equipment. This is especially
useful if information is needed that is not reported by the ECM.
DataView can also be used on equipment that do not use an ECM.

DataView has six analog inputs, three frequency inputs, and one
RS-232 Digital Multimeter input that allows you to measure: RPM,
temperature, pressure, blowby, position, frequency, pulse width,
hydraulic flow, diesel burn rate, AC & DC Volts, AC & DC Amps,
impedance, and engine set point.
Unit 2 2-1-3 Machine Electronics
Lesson 1

Fig. 2.1.2

DataView can be launched as a stand-alone system or through the

Service Technician Workbench (STW) desktop by selecting the
DataView icon as indicated by the arrow. DataView within STW
functions in the same manner as stand-alone DataView. The addition
of DataView within STW provides incorporation in the Service
Report, as well as the ability for future incorporation into CDA and
the entire STW process.

DataView does not yet have the capability of operating on PCs using
the Windows NT and Windows 2000 Operating System. Plans are
currently underway to incorporate both of these operating systems for
use with DataView. If STW is installed on a Windows NT operating
system, the DataView icon will not be available.
Unit 2 2-1-4 Machine Electronics
Lesson 1

Fig. 2.1.3

The DataView Setup screen allows you to specify what sensors are
connected to the DataView hardware. The setup tool screen displays
a list of available channels that you can setup. For each channel, you
specify what type of sensor is attached.

As you set up channels the current output of the channel's sensor is

visible on the setup screen. You can set up channels for immediate or
future use. Setups created for future use can be saved as a permanent
group.

Additionally, units may be assigned using metric or english and

assigned unique names for easy identification. Also, low and high
alarms, display rate, position probe polarity and filter levels may be
set for one or more channels.

To setup a channel, double-click it.

Unit 2 2-1-5 Machine Electronics
Lesson 1

Fig. 2.1.4

The Define Channel screen shows a list of available analog sensors

from which you can choose.

You assign units (Metric or English) to the channel, assign unique

names for easy identification, set low and high alarm values, set
display rate, choose a position probe polarity, and set the filter level
to one or more channels.

From the list of available sensors, select a sensor by clicking on it.

You can then select the units and change any of the names or values
in the boxes. When you select OK, that sensor will be installed on
the selected channel.
Unit 2 2-1-6 Machine Electronics
Lesson 1

Fig. 2.1.5

The DataView Status screen displays the output of all the setup
channels. DataView monitors each channel for viewing the real time
output of each sensor.

DataView allows the user to view the status of each sensor in a

numeric or bar chart format. The size of the display can be increased
to make viewing of the display easier from a distance.

The DataView must be set up before the status of the sensors can be
displayed.
Unit 2 2-1-7 Machine Electronics
Lesson 1

Fig. 2.1.6

The DataView Status screen displays bar graphs for the first six
channels.

The bar graphs display the value, unit of measure and sensor name.

To zoom in on the graphs you can click the Zoom button on the
Toolbar.
Unit 2 2-1-8 Machine Electronics
Lesson 1

Fig. 2.1.7

The Data Logger tool allows information from all channels to be

recorded on a PC memory card. The PC memory card provided with
DataView has a 2 MB capacity, but larger cards up to 16 MB can be
used. The recording can be started manually or automatically and
samples can be taken up to 1000 times per second. This allows the
recording of fast events such as transmission clutch shift times.

To setup the data logger, click on the Setup Logger Tool button on the
Toolbar.
Unit 2 2-1-9 Machine Electronics
Lesson 1

Fig. 2.1.8

The Setup Logger tool allows measurements to be made by the

DataView on any channel being recorded. This function allows user
to measure and view intermittent problems that cannot be observed in
real time. Before the DataView can log data, the logger must be set
up. The logger setup procedure defines the channels, logging time
before and after trigger, sample rate, and auto-trigger. The display
will show the current output of each sensor on the Setup Logger tool.

NOTE: Be sure the memory card is installed in the rear slot of

DataView before you set up to log data.
Unit 2 2-1-10 Machine Electronics
Lesson 1

Fig. 2.1.9

The Graph Viewer tool combines both Strip Chart and Histogram
(Bar Graph) tools. Choose between logged data files on the PC, real
time from the DataView hardware, or logged data files on the
DataView hardware. After a data source is selected, select either the
Strip Chart or the Histogram graph-type. A Graph Definition Wizard
allows for the user to select exactly how to set up the strip chart
graphs. Four separate strip charts (channels) can be seen on each
graph, each with a separate scale. Two of these graphs can be shown
at the same time for a total of eight individual channels displayed on
the screen.

The above Strip Chart graphs were recorded using the DataView Data
Logger function. With the graphing tool, graphs can also be viewed
in real time while performing a test or stored in the PC and viewed
later.

Graphs are stored on the DataView software program provided with

Service Technicians Workbench. To view these graphs, load the
DataView program and follow this procedure.

1. Start DataView program

2. Click on the Graph Viewer icon in the DataView software
toolbar. A window named "PC Log Selection" will appear.
3. In this window, click on the option labeled "426C
Performance" from the File box.
Unit 2 1-1-11 Machine Electronics
Lesson 1

4. Click on the 426C graph in the Documents box and click OK.
5. Select the stripchart button to view the graph type.
6. Add the channels to a graph by highlighting the channels (one
by one) in the Available Channels list box and press the
"Add>>" push button. The selected channel is moved to the
Selected Channels list box. Repeat this procedure to add
additional channels.
7. Press the "Finish" push button.
8. When the Graph Selector dialog box appears, press the "OK"
button. The Graph is displayed.
Unit 2 -1- Machine Electronics
Instructor Copy Lab 2.1.1

Lab Exercise 2.1.1

Machine(s):

Instructor Copy: Lab 2.1.1

Using a 950G WHL, D6R/D7R, 416C/426C BHL, 320B/325B HEX or a Challenger 45/55 install the
following sensors in the machine systems as described below.
Reference Materials:
Provide the student with a copy of the Power Train and Hydraulic Implement Testing and Adjusting
Service Manuals for the specific machine selected for the lab exercise. The appropriate service
literature will identify the various port locations for installing the sensors.
DataView Instruments:
Part No. 143-4065 Analog Sensor (Directional Clutch Pressure)
Part No. 143-4065 Analog Sensor (Speed Clutch Pressure)
Part No. 9U5140 LED Photo Pickup (Engine Speed)
Part No. 8T2700 Blowby Group (Crankcase Blowby Pressure)
Part No. 4C6265 RTD Temperature Sensor (Engine Coolant Bottom Tank)
Part No. 4C6264 RTD Temperature Sensor (Engine Coolant Top Tank)
Part No. 143-4066 Analog Sensor (Hydraulic Implement Oil Pressure)
Part No. 143-4062 Analog Sensor (Transmission Lube Pressure)
Part No. 153-9630 PWM/Analog Sensor (Engine Accelerator Pedal Sensor)
Connect the Caterpillar Digital Multimeter 146-4080 to the machine battery.
Connect the RS232 Cable 146-8488 to the multimeter and to the RS232 Input on the DataView.
Connect PC to the DataView Tool using the appropriate cable.
Step #1:
Perform the Setup Tool function as follows:
1. Real Time Input for the instruments connected to the machine
2. Use the display options to demonstrate:
- Pause and Resume - Change Bar Graph Ranges
- Zoom In, Zoom Out - Change Channel Order
- Show Graphic, Hide Graphic - Print Screen
- Use Zero Icon for pressure sensors
Unit 2 -2- Machine Electronics
Instructor Copy Lab 2.1.1

Step #2:
Perform the Setup Logger Tool function as follows:
1. Select the "Setup Logger" icon
2. Select channels to log (mark the channel check box with an X)
*Use "engine speed" as trigger channel
3. Enter a Sample Rate (set 10 as the desired rate)
4. Select either seconds, minutes or hours (use seconds for the setup)
5. Select log time BEFORE trigger ( use 30 seconds for setting)
6. Select time AFTER trigger (use 90 seconds for setting)
7. Select trigger level (Use 1500 RPM for setting)
8. Select trigger type (use SINGLE for type)
9. Select trigger ON (use RISE for trigger)
10. Press the "send configuration" button to download the logger setup to the DataView hardware.
11. Verify that the auto trigger and recording times are updated to the values entered above and the
"ready to log" message is displayed in the logging status box.
NOTE: Make sure that the PC memory card is installed in the rear slot on the DataView before
downloading.

Step #3:
Perform the Graph Viewer Tool function as follows:
1. Select the "Graph Viewer" icon
2. In the Data Source for viewer box, select "logged file - from Hardware"
3. Select Strip Chart icon
4. Using the Channel Select dialog box, select four channels from the Available Channels list box
and press the ADD>> button to move the selected channels to the Selected Channels list box.
Unit 2 -3- Machine Electronics
Instructor Copy Lab 2.1.1

Step #4:
Using the machine selected for this exercise, perform the following operations
(NOTE: This procedure is developed for a machine equipped with a transmission and
torque converter. If a different type machine is selected, adjust the operating parameters
to match the machine)
1. Start machine and run engine at low idle.
2. Depress the right brake pedal to hold machine during test.
3. Place transmission in Third Forward.
4. Slowly increase engine speed to maximum speed and then slowly decrease to minimum speed.
NOTE: Do not stall the torque convert for more than 30 seconds at maximum engine
speed.
5. Shut off engine and remove DataView from machine.

Step #5:
View the selected channels on the PC and discuss the following parameter information with
students. Using the graphs, answer the following questions.
1. What was the transmission pressure at torque converter stall? _______________psi
2. What was the engine speed at torque converter stall? ____________RPM
3. What was the temperature differential between the top and bottom cooling tanks?_______F
4. What was the system voltage during the period the data logger was running? ______Volts
5. Did the implement hydraulic pressure exceed 100 psi during this test?
Yes _____
No _____
If the answer is yes, then explain the possible conditions that would cause a parasitic load on
the hydraulic system.
Unit 2 -1- Machine Electronics
Student Copy Lab 2.1.1

Student Copy: Lab 2.1.1

Lab Exercise 2.1.1
Machine(s):
Using a 950G WHL, D6R/D7R, 416C/426C BHL, 320B/325B HEX or a Challenger 45/55 install the
following sensors in the machine systems as described below.
Reference Materials:
Provide the student with a copy of the Power Train and Hydraulic Implement Testing and Adjusting
Service Manuals for the specific machine selected for the lab exercise. The appropriate service
literature will identify the various port locations for installing the sensors.
DataView Instruments:
Part No. 143-4065 Analog Sensor (Directional Clutch Pressure)
Part No. 143-4065 Analog Sensor (Speed Clutch Pressure)
Part No. 9U5140 LED Photo Pickup (Engine Speed)
Part No. 8T2700 Blowby Group (Crankcase Blowby Pressure)
Part No. 4C6265 RTD Temperature Sensor (Engine Coolant Bottom Tank)
Part No. 4C6264 RTD Temperature Sensor (Engine Coolant Top Tank)
Part No. 143-4066 Analog Sensor (Hydraulic Implement Oil Pressure)
Part No. 143-4062 Analog Sensor (Transmission Lube Pressure)
Part No. 153-9630 PWM/Analog Sensor (Engine Accelerator Pedal Sensor)
Connect the Caterpillar Digital Multimeter 146-4080 to the machine battery.
Connect the RS232 Cable 146-8488 to the multimeter and to the RS232 Input on the DataView.
Connect PC to the DataView Tool using the appropriate cable.
Step #1:
Perform the Setup Tool function as follows:
1. Real Time Input for the instruments connected to the machine
2. Use the display options to demonstrate:
- Pause and Resume - Change Bar Graph Ranges
- Zoom In, Zoom Out - Change Channel Order
- Show Graphic, Hide Graphic - Print Screen
- Use Zero Icon for pressure sensors
Unit 2 -2- Machine Electronics
Student Copy Lab 2.1.1

Step #2:
Perform the Setup Logger Tool function as follows:
1. Select the "Setup Logger" icon
2. Select channels to log (mark the channel check box with an X)
*Use "engine speed" as trigger channel
3. Enter a Sample Rate (set 10 as the desired rate)
4. Select either seconds, minutes or hours (use seconds for the setup)
5. Select log time BEFORE trigger ( use 30 seconds for setting)
6. Select time AFTER trigger (use 90 seconds for setting)
7. Select trigger level (Use 1500 RPM for setting)
8. Select trigger type (use SINGLE for type)
9. Select trigger ON (use RISE for trigger)
10. Press the "send configuration" button to download the logger setup to the DataView hardware.
11. Verify that the auto trigger and recording times are updated to the values entered above and the
"ready to log" message is displayed in the logging status box.
NOTE: Make sure that the PC memory card is installed in the rear slot on the DataView before
downloading.

Step #3:
Perform the Graph Viewer Tool function as follows:
1. Select the "Graph Viewer" icon
2. In the Data Source for viewer box, select "logged file - from Hardware"
3. Select Strip Chart icon
4. Using the Channel Select dialog box, select four channels from the Available Channels list box
and press the ADD>> button to move the selected channels to the Selected Channels list box.
Unit 2 -3- Machine Electronics
Student Copy Lab 2.1.1

Step #4:
Using the machine selected for this exercise, perform the following operations
(NOTE: This procedure is developed for a machine equipped with a transmission and
torque converter. If a different type machine is selected, adjust the operating parameters
to match the machine)
1. Start machine and run engine at low idle.
2. Depress the right brake pedal to hold machine during test.
3. Place transmission in Third Forward.
4. Slowly increase engine speed to maximum speed and then slowly decrease to minimum speed.
NOTE: Do not stall the torque convert for more than 30 seconds at maximum engine
speed.
5. Shut off engine and remove DataView from machine.

Step #5:
View the selected channels on the PC and discuss the following parameter information with
students. Using the graphs, answer the following questions.
1. What was the transmission pressure at torque converter stall? _______________psi
2. What was the engine speed at torque converter stall? ____________RPM
3. What was the temperature differential between the top and bottom cooling tanks?_______F
4. What was the system voltage during the period the data logger was running? ______Volts
5. Did the implement hydraulic pressure exceed 100 psi during this test?
Yes _____
No _____
If the answer is yes, then explain the possible conditions that would cause a parasitic load on
the hydraulic system.
Unit 2 -1- Machine Electronics
Instructor Copy Quiz 2.1.1

DATAVIEW QUIZ 2.1.1

1. The DataView is a portable diagnostic tool that allows data, measured by sensors temporarily

Instructor Copy: Quiz 2.1.1

installed on Caterpillar products, to be viewed on any PC.
A. True
B. False

2. Analog sensors measure pressure, temperature, blowby and position.

A. True
B. False

3. Caterpillar DataView consists of:

A. A portable hardware instrument
B. Portable sensors
C. A software package
D. Personal computer
E. All the above

4. The RS232 connector, on the front of the DataView module, is necessary for the use of:
A. The DataView Module
B. The Digital Multimeter
C. The RTD sensors
D. The memory card
E. None of the above

5. The Setup Logger Tool allows information from all channels to be recorded on a PC memory card.
A. True
B. False
Unit 2 -2- Machine Electronics
Instructor Copy Quiz 2.1.1

6. What type of cable is needed to connect the DataView hardware to the PC?
A. Serial cable
B. AC power cable
C. Parallel cable
D. DC power cable
E. AC/DC power cable

7. Frequency sensors measure:

A. Speed
B. Position
C. Pressure
D. All the above
E. None of the above

8. Which one of the following sensors are analog?

A. Speed sensors
B. Blowby probe
C. Flow sensors
D. All the above

9. The hardware accepts up to nine ports containing six analog and and three frequency sensors.
A. True
B. False

10. Auto-ID cables only work with frequency sensors.

A. True
B. False
Unit 2 -1- Machine Electronics
Student Copy Quiz 2.1.1

DATAVIEW QUIZ 2.1.1

Student Copy: Quiz 2.1.1

1. The DataView is a portable diagnostic tool that allows data, measured by sensors temporarily
installed on Caterpillar products, to be viewed on any PC.
A. True
B. False

2. Analog sensors measure pressure, temperature, blowby and position.

A. True
B. False

3. Caterpillar DataView consists of:

A. A portable hardware instrument
B. Portable sensors
C. A software package
D. Personal computer
E. All the above

4. The RS232 connector, on the front of the DataView module, is necessary for the use of:
A. The DataView Module
B. The Digital Multimeter
C. The RTD sensors
D. The memory card
E. None of the above

5. The Setup Logger Tool allows information from all channels to be recorded on a PC memory card.
A. True
B. False
Unit 2 -2- Machine Electronics
Student Copy Quiz 2.1.1

6. What type of cable is needed to connect the DataView hardware to the PC?
A. Serial cable
B. AC power cable
C. Parallel cable
D. DC power cable
E. AC/DC power cable

7. Frequency sensors measure:

A. Speed
B. Position
C. Pressure
D. All the above
E. None of the above

8. Which one of the following sensors are analog?

A. Speed sensors
B. Blowby probe
C. Flow sensors
D. All the above

9. The hardware accepts up to nine ports containing six analog and and three frequency sensors.
A. True
B. False

10. Auto-ID cables only work with frequency sensors.

A. True
B. False