Wideband Oxygen Sensor Resources

[gamiller]

Since I just installed a wideband O2, wired it to an A/F gauge, and connected it to an Xcal, I thought I would share the instructions I found helpful. I will organize this and say a few more words when I can find the time.

How to Install the Wideband
PLX Sensor Install Guide
Innovate LC-1 Quick Start Guide Note: I actually found the LC-1 Manual below to be more useful.

How to Connect the Wideband to an Air/Fuel Gauge
AutoMeter A/F Gauge Install Guide
PLX A/F Gauge Install Guide
Innovate LC-1 Gauge Kit Quick Start Guide

How to Connect the Wideband to the XCal
Logging Wideband Data with the SCT XCal 2

Technical Specs
PLX Wideband Oxygen Sensor Technical Data
Innovate LC-1 Manual

[fordrule]

what kit did u all get and also what gauge are you using

[gamiller]

Most people get the Innovative LC1, which was recently featured in a Group Buy. I got the PLX M300 and wired it to an AutoMeter A/F gauge.

[FastCougar]

stickied

[gamiller]

Originally Posted by justa2pt5L

I have a question for you. If both the analog wires go to the Xcal then how did you wire up the gauge? Splice into one of the analog connections? I have the LC-1...

Before answering this question, let's get our bearings:

Originally Posted by Standalone Gauge Kit Quick Start Guide

The LC-1 has 6 stripped wires. The RED wire should be connected to a switched 12V power source, make sure the connection is fused with a minimum fuse size of 5A. The BLUE and WHITE wires should all be grounded to the same ground source. Optionally, the YELLOW (Analog out 1) and/or BROWN (Analog out 2) can be connected to the analog inputs of other devices such as data loggers, gauges, etc. The BLACK wire, calibration wire, will not be used in conjunction with the XD-16 in this application and should be taped off and tucked away.

So we have two analog outputs, just as Justin mentioned. The instructions for datalogging with an XCal state that both analog outputs are to be wired to the XCal. So if one of these must be connected to the PURPLE signal wire for your A/F gauge, the question becomes which one? Let's lookup the difference between Output 1 (YELLOW) and Output 2 (BROWN):

Originally Posted by LC-1 Integration with XCal

By default, Analog Out 1 is set up to simulate a narrowband oxygen sensor. Analog Out 2 is set up for 0V = 7.35 AFR and 5V = 22.39 AFR.

According to the above spec, the YELLOW wire is the narrowband signal and the BROWN wire is the wideband signal. You'll want to wire the narrowband signal to the A/F gauge. Initially, the wideband signal will be used for datalogging. Later, the narrowband could be used instead for fine tuning. See the following illustration:

Originally Posted by Innovate LC-1 Manual

[gamiller]

There seems to be a discrepancy over what pins the XCal actually uses for logging analog data from an external sensor, such as a wideband. The documentation is clear enough:



Now for the image on the left to match up with the table on the right, the following diagram must correctly illustrate the pin numbering for the cable.



However, experience suggests otherwise! After confirming that I was getting 2.2V on the signal wire from my wideband, I plugged the cable into my XCal and watched in horror as brown smoke wafted out of every hole and crevice! It's time to take matters into our own hands!

With trusty multi-meter in hand, and using the mini-DIN cable as a break out for the XCal comm port, I obtained continuity, or a low-resistance connection, on each of the following pins: 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 9.

That proves that pins 3, 4, and 6 are either open circuit (i.e. not connected to anything) or are connected to components with a resistance greater than 30 ohms. The resistance and voltage measured for each of these pins is as follows:

3 = 89k 2.5V
4 = 89k 2.5V
6 = 53k 0V

Yikes! We have live wires! I was told by SCT support that no pins other than the analog inputs were functional or even connected.

[gamiller]

The next logical step was to again try to capture data on the analog inputs of the Xcal. Analog Input #2 still failed to register the full voltage applied to it; however Analog Input #1 registered the full voltage. See the screen capture below:



The voltage of both a household battery and the wideband were read on the expected pin for Analog Input #1, confirming that the above diagrams are indeed correct, and leaving me without an explanation for the malfunction of Analog Input #2.