Cat Electronic Technician Course 2-6-1 Module Two

01/04 Lesson Six

Module Two

Lesson Six

Data Analysis and Storage

6-1

Lesson Six: Data Analysis and Storage

Introduction
The Data Log Recorder and Real Time Graphing functions are available
for all Cat ET applications. The Snapshot Recorder is currently available
only on truck engines.

• Data log recorder Data Log Recorder

The Data Log Recorder allows recording of real time data (as it occurs) of
parameters selected from the ECM. This data can be viewed later in a
spreadsheet program such as Excel or Lotus 123.

• Real time graphing Real Time Graphing

Real Time Graphing allows data to be seen graphically at once, within Cat
ET, whereas the Data Log Recorder stores a larger quantity of data to be
analyzed and graphed at a later time.

Real Time Graphing can be considered as an extension of the Status

Screen, it allows Status Screen information to be displayed graphically
while it is happening (in real time).
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• Snapshot recorder Snapshot Recorder

The Snapshot Recorder continuously records data like an aircraft flight
recorder. This tool allows data to be recovered after a failure for analysis.
The function also allows data to be recorded with the engine running
when the operator notices a problem like an intermittent loss of power.

This data can be played back in numerically as in a Status Screen, or in

graphically form as in the Data Log Recorder.

• Snapshot recorder The difference between The Snapshot Recorder and the Data Log
versus data log Recorder is that the Snapshot records after the event, even after the engine
recorder has stopped, and for a limited duration.

• Snapshot recorder At this time the Snapshot Recorder is only available on truck engines;
available on truck however, in the near future it will be available on new machine engines.
engines only
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• Accessing Data Log To access Data Log Recorder or Real Time Graphing functions, select the
Recorder and Real drop down menu as follows:
Time Graphing
Information / Data Log / Recorder or Viewer

Information / Real Time Graphing

• Starting Data Log To begin the Data Log Recorder session, click on the Recorder button as
Recorder seen above.

The screen, shown on the following page will appear.

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Data Log Recorder

• Data Log Recorder The Data Log Recorder Settings, General Tab screen display contains five
opening screens boxes:
Log File
Sample Rate
Duration
Pre-Trigger
ECM Parameter

• Log File box The Log File box displays the default name and the location of the sample
file. The default file name used is the date the log is taken. The name and
location of the file can be can changed by pressing the Browse push-
button. The Save As dialog box is displayed. In this dialog box the
directory or drive for storing the data file can be changed for personal
preference (next page).
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• Changing file name
• Sample Rate box
To change from the default to another file name, proceed as follows:
Click on the Browse button (shown on previous page)
Type in the new file name in the Save As screen (shown above)
Press the Save key
Highlight file path and name in the Log File box (Settings screen)
Observe the new file name (press the End key if necessary)
The Data Log Recorder screen displays with the new name in the Log File
area. To view the entire contents of the Log File box, place the curser on
the text and press the End key.

• Duration box Select the rate to be sampled in the Sample Rate drop down list. Select
either the Per Hour or Per Minute radio button.
The duration allows the user to specify the length of the sample in minutes
or hours. Enter how long the sample is to be collected in the Duration text
box. Select either the hour or minute radio button.

• Pre-Trigger The pre-triggering feature starts recording data before logging starts to
view the data values before the starting point. The default value for pre-
trigger is five seconds.

• ECM Parameter The ECM Parameter box allows the user to select the ECM and group to
be sampled. Highlight an ECM from the ECM Parameter area and select
Add. The Select Group dialog box displays.
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• Creating or selecting Highlight a group from the Select Group text box or create a new group.
a parameter list or
group This dialog box includes all the groups created in Status Screen and Data
Log Recorder functions. The Group column in the Log Definition box
displays the selected group.
Press OK to return to the Data Log Recorder Settings dialog box.
If data is required from the other ECMs, perform this process for each
ECM required. Press the OK button.

NOTE: Data from multiple ECMs can be sampled simultaneously.

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• Starting the Data Log
Recorder
• View data with Excel
spreadsheet
Select the Start button. If the sample rate is 30 samples per minute or
faster, a dialog box displays stating, "Data Log Recorder is running". To
switch to another tool, stop the recorder and run the recorder with a
sample rate less than 30 samples per minute." The sample rate selected
will not allow the user to leave Data Log Recorder. Select a rate slower
than 30 samples per minute if this feature is required.
If the sample rate is less than 30 samples per minute, other Cat ET
functions may be used while logging. The Status box in the Data Log
Recorder screen displays the remaining time.
The log can be stopped at any time by pressing the Stop Recorder push-
button.
Data logging takes place within Cat ET. For this reason, ET must be
running during the logging process. Data logging is complete when time
remaining in the Status box has counted down to zero minutes, zero
seconds.
The sample is saved automatically as an ".sdf" file in the location
specified on the Log File area shown above.
To create a graph of the data, click on the Graph button and select the
parameters (up to six). This screen can now be printed to a file.
To view the data in an Excel spreadsheet, either:
Click Export on the screen above or
Click Export on the Data Log Graph screen
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• Exporting the data to Creating an Excel spreadsheet with the data continued:
an Excel spreadsheet
Following the Export selection:

Click Open on the Open dialog box

Click Save on the Save As dialog box
Click Export on the Export box
Click OK on the Cat ET (successfully exported) box
Start the Excel Program
Cat Electronic Technician Course
01/04
• Viewing the data in an
Excel spreadsheet
• Creating an Excel
spreadsheet with data
2-6-9 Module Two
Lesson Six
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The Excel program is now running. Use the process tabulated below to
locate the data file from the Look In drop down menu. The path is shown
in the Log File box of the Data Log Recorder screen to assist in finding
this file.
Select Open from the File menu. The Open dialog box displays
Select All Files (*.*) from the Files of type drop down menu
Double click C: drive from Look In menu
Select Program Files
Select Caterpillar Electronic Technician
Select the Datalog folder
Double-click the file with a ".txt" extension
The Text Import Wizard, Step 1 is displayed
Select the Delimited radio button and press Next
Check the Comma * from the Delimiters box (shown above)
The Text Import Wizard, Step 2 is displayed
Uncheck all other boxes (delimiters)
Press Finish data displays in the Excel spreadsheet for viewing
* The comma determines where the numbers will be located and separates
the numbers on the spreadsheet.
The spreadsheet will now appear.
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• Viewing the data To make the column width fit the data, click the boundary to the right of
numerically in the the column heading and drag it to the desired width. The data should be
Excel spreadsheet
ready for viewing.

The view above shows a real situation, a printout for a diagnostic check
on an engine with low power. The parameters have been chosen to show
those readings best suited to the particular problem.

Save the changes before closing.

Cat Electronic Technician Course
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• Viewing the data
graphically in Excel
• Viewing the data
using Data Log Viewer
2 - 6 - 11 Module Two
Lesson Six
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The data can be put on a graph using Excel as shown here. Follow the
directions provided with the software.
The parameters to be viewed can be specified and the graph settings will
determine the X and Y axis range of the graph.
Remember only six parameters can be selected for viewing at one time.
This data shows a 3412E HEUI engine with a pressure differential of 261
psi between desired and actual pressure at the beginning of the test,
indicating a possible internal hydraulic leak or a pump problem. This
condition can cause a hard starting or low power situation.
To view the data graphically within Cat ET, select the drop down menu as
follows:
Information / Data Log / Viewer
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• Auto-Trigger Auto-Trigger
The Auto-Trigger tab within the Data Log Recorder Settings will allow
the Data Log to begin recording data under certain conditions.
Access the Data Log Recorder Setting screen as follows:
Information / Data Log / Recorder

Select the Auto-Trigger tab.

The trigger point in Auto-Trigger is when the condition is met; otherwise,
it is when the Start pushbutton is pressed.
Ensure that the box next to Enable Auto-Trigger is checked or Cat ET will
NOT record data automatically and the user will not be able to edit the
Condition boxes.
Once the auto-trigger is enabled, use the down arrow below Condition 1
to select the ECM desired. Select the parameters for the selected ECM
from the drop down list. Next, select the comparison action from the drop
down list.
Depending on the parameter selected, enter the value of the comparison in
the text box or select the value from the drop down list.
If two conditions are desired, select either the AND or OR radio button.
Set up the Condition 2 area in the same manner as the Condition 1 area
was set up.
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• Real Time Graphing
- An extension of the
Status Screen
• Real Time Graphing
dialog boxes
2 - 6 - 13 Module Two
Lesson Six
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Real Time Graphing
Real Time Graphing monitors ECM data and displays it in graphical form
as it occurs. It can be described as a graphical Status Screen.
The Real Time Graphing display contains two boxes:
Graphic Display area, defined by the Group name
(in this example "Temporary Set")
Error Status text box (in this example "No Error Present")
There are three buttons at the bottom of the screen:
Graph Sets - for Select Graph Set dialog box (group selection)
Settings - for Graph Settings dialog box (adjust settings)
Hold/Resume
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• Real Time Graphing When running Real Time Graphing for the first time a set of parameters
must be selected to view on the graph. To access Real Time Graphing
select the drop down menu as follows:
Information / Real Time Graphing

• Graph sets push The parameters are selected by clicking on New or Change.
button
If the New or Change or button are clicked, the Maintain Graph Sets
• Adding parameters dialog box will appear as shown on the following page.
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• Adding parameters To add a parameter:

Highlight the available parameter in the left column
Click the right arrow to move the parameter to the right column or
Double click the parameter
When the parameters are selected click OK

• Removing parameters To remove a parameter

Highlight the parameter in the right column

Click the left arrow with the mouse or
Double click the parameter
When the parameters are selected click OK

• 6 parameters Like the Data Log Recorder, only six parameters can be viewed at one
maximum time.
• Like customizing This process is very similar to creating a customized Status Screen.
Status Screens
Cat Electronic Technician Course
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• Real Time Graphing
settings push button
• Real Time Graphing
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The Settings button brings up the Graph Settings screen which determines
the time range for the test on the X axis (bottom line) and the range of
parameters for the Y axis (vertical line). The user can edit the minimum
and maximum values for the parameters to the right of each parameter.
Place the cursor over the value to change and type in the new value using
the keyboard. Ensure that the old value was highlighted and replaced with
the new value.
For example: it is desired to observe engine speed between 2000 and 2200
rpm. The minimum and maximum values could be set to 2000 and 2200
rpm respectively. Engine speed would be recorded when it is operating
between those speeds. This setting will give better resolution on the
graph, otherwise the adjustments could be set to 0 and 2200 rpm.
Check the Options box Show Symbols, in the upper right hand corner,
when printing in black and white. The symbols are useful to identify the
traces especially without the benefit of color. The grid lines would be
checked if an exact X or Y value needs to be determined.
The Default button will return the minimum and maximum values back to
the default setting in Cat ET.
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• Hold/resume By pressing the Hold button, shown with an arrow above, the data is
functions frozen. The Print button, either on the Toolbar or from the drop down
menu on the top of the screen allows the screen to be previewed, printed,
or printed to a file.
Once the user has saved the sample screen, press the Resume button and
the real time graphing will continue.

• Saving graphs in PDF NOTE: These Data Log Recorder and Real Time Graphing screens can
format be saved in PDF format using Adobe Acrobat software. Saving the files
in this format means that anyone with the Adobe Reader (free) software
can open the file on their computer. Cat ET or a spreadsheet program is
not necessary.
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Snapshot Recorder
• Snapshot recorder The Cat ET Snapshot program allows the technician to record and then
functions view data retrieved from the ECM. This is possible after a failure and the
engine has stopped.

The advantage of Snapshot is that the technician can perform a diagnosis

even after an engine has inadvertently shutdown due to a problem. The
technician can analyze the data pertaining to the conditions prior to and
• Snapshot logs data after the failure. Snapshot can provide information for a period of 10
for 13 seconds:
seconds before the event and 3 seconds after. A total of four snapshots
- 10 seconds before
- 3 seconds after can be recorded, t+hereafter, the previous recordings are overwritten.

The parameters can be recorded from the ECM when the user selects a
trigger point. Alternatively, the ECM will record the information when a
specific event has occurred.

NOTE: Triggering a Snapshot (pressing the Trigger pushbutton in the

service tool) causes the ECM to record a limited set of status parameters.
This set of status parameters depends on the ECM.

• Starting snapshot To access the Snapshot Recorder, select the drop down menu as follows:
recorder
Information / Snapshot / Recorder or Viewer

To select a Snapshot Recorder session, click on the Recorder button as

seen above. The screen, shown on the following page will appear.
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• Choosing snapshot There a number of choices of parameters available. Firstly there is the
screens choice of the fixed, preprogrammed screens available. Then just as with
the Status Screens and Real Time Graphing, a screen can be prepared to
suit the diagnostic test being conducted.

These parameters can be chosen after the event as a large number of

parameters are recorded.
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• Accessing snapshot This view shows screen Group number 1 in use. Just like the Status
Screen, the Active Code screen is also available for use. Notice the
Active Code and Trigger buttons on the lower part of the screen.

A typical example for the use of Snapshot could be an intermittent low

power situation. Immediately triggering the Snapshot would give the user
a numerical or a graphical playback of all the parameters for 10 seconds
before the trigger was selected.

The most common situations requiring the use of the Snapshot are:

Low Power
Misfire
Power "cut-out" or engine stall
High idle instability
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A typical example for diagnosis might be a low power complaint. The

following parameters could be checked:

Throttle position
AFRC and fuel position
Fuel Position and rated fuel
Boost and Atmospheric pressure
This illustration is a real example of an intermittent low power problem
Snapshot which will be described later.

Instructor Note: Have the class try to establish the cause of this
intermittent low power problem described on the Snapshot graph.
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If the graph gets "too busy" for clarity (as shown in the previous
illustration), it may be necessary to reduce the number of parameters
shown and print them separately, two of three parameters at a time (shown
here) to clarify the situation. Too many parameters selected may clutter
the screen for a detailed analysis. This slide is another view of the same
complaint from the previous page (with fewer parameters selected).

The question of what parameters to choose is directly linked to the

complaint.
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Troubleshooting with Snapshot

This portion of the presentation will show how to use Snapshot with real
diagnostic situations.

• Snapshot saves Using Snapshot can reduce the time for troubleshooting a difficult
troubleshooting time problem by being able to play back most parameters before or after the
failure, particularly when the engine has had a catastrophic failure.

Snapshot is the only way to reconstruct the series of events prior to the
failure - after the event.
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Snapshot is a valuable tool which is not always appreciated by a number

of otherwise qualified technicians.

This tool can save a significant amount of troubleshooting time with

difficult problems in particular where there is an intermittent fault or when
the engine has failed completely. The events previous to the failure can
be replayed, not unlike the aircraft flight recorder.
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• Picking snapshot In order to pick the parameters, it is necessary to examine the symptoms.
parameters For example; if the engine has seized, common sense dictates that one
would check the engine speed, oil pressure and coolant temperature prior
to the failure.
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When checking for low power, where does one start? After checking for
active and logged faults, the system could be tripped to record when an
intermittent problem occurs.

The parameters above could be checked to locate the problem.

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Once again, after checking for active and logged faults to eliminate
obvious problems like a loose injector or throttle position sensor wire,
these parameters can be selected as a starting point.
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If there is a problem with a Wastegate on a C15 causing low power.

Checking for Active and Logged Faults which may contain clues. If these
faults listed above appear, they will give vital clues to which parameters
to select within Snapshot.
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Interpretation of Snapshot Data

The scenarios listed above are described in the following illustrations.

There are snapshots traces for each scenario.

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The root cause of this problem was a loose boost (manifold) pressure
sensor connector causing an intermittent low power problem. This
condition caused the Air Fuel Ratio Control to restrict fuel and thereby
cause low power.
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• Fluctuating boost This view shows the trace for the intermittent low power problem. Note
pressure signal the fluctuating boost pressure reading. The following page shows the
pressure trace isolated on a separated printout.
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• Narrow down the This view shows the pressure trace more clearly by eliminating the normal
traces traces. Any time pressures are cycling as seen the the above trace, it can
be assumed that this condition is not normal. Disconnection of the
connector causes the ECM to assume that there is no boost for an instant
and will therefore derate the engine.
If this condition happens rapidly on and off, it is possible to mistake the
condition for an injector related misfire.
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• Loose connector The plug was found to be partially inserted into the receptacle, making
caused problem intermittent contact. This condition caused a fluctuating signal to the
ECM which in turn caused the Air Fuel Ratio Control to restrict fuel
intermittently.
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The engine had an occasional misfire under light load. This condition was
caused by a resonant vibration affecting the Speed/Timing Sensor output,
a very difficult problem to interpret. This problem would be even more
difficult without Snapshot.
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The snapshot shows that engine speed is unstable, a symptom only. Fuel
position or "rack" is unstable, a cause, but not a root cause. Rack is
chasing an unstable engine RPM. The root cause was a tire induced
torsional vibration. This problem was solved by new ECM software. The
problem was only found in one RPM range, on one make of truck with
one type of tire.
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Another snapshot of the same problem, this time showing boost pressure
also fluctuating. Also the throttle is moving with the other parameters,
due to the vibration.
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This misfire was due to a faulty valve in the fuel priming pump. This
fault allowed are to enter the fuel which caused the injectors to misfire.
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The air in the fuel supply caused the injectors to misfire and the boost to
fluctuate. This condition caused the engine to run roughly.
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This sudden power loss only happened as the engine was put under load
and would then correct itself as the load was removed.
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As can be seen on the graph, fuel is cut back sharply as the AFRC cuts
back on the fuel flow.

The problem was caused by an air shut down device which was restricting
the airflow to the engine at high load factors.
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The air shut down device orifice was too narrow for the engine to breath
properly which caused boost to fall and the AFRC to derate for a short
time.
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Cat Electronic Technician Course 2 - 6 - 47 Module Two
01/04 Lab Exercise

Lab Exercise
Using Cat ET Data Analysis and Storage Functions

The following exercises will reinforce the material introduced in this lesson and will allow questions to
be asked:

Part 1 Data Log Recorder

1. Access the Data Log Recorder, select four parameters and create a new group.

2. Save the log to a file, change the file name.

3. Operate the Data Log Recorder.

4. View the data in an Excel file.

5. Create a graph of the data using the Excel program.

Part 2 Real Time Graphing

6. Access the Real Time Graphing function, select six parameters and create a new group.

7. Save the graph to a file, close the Cat ET program.

8. Open Cat ET, access and print the file.

Cat Electronic Technician Course 2 - 6 - 48 Module Two
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Part 3 Snapshot Recorder

9. Access the Snapshot Recorder function, select six parameters and create a new group.

10. Save the graph to a file, close the Cat ET program.

11. Open Cat ET, access and print the file.

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 Printed in U.S.A.
01/04