MoTeC Global Forum

What actually is happening when using the zero sensor function in dash manager?

For example, if I have a non-linear calibration for a shock sensor, and with the car at ride height I zero the sensor, does it zero the voltage reading and then use the corresponding distance value at 0V? Does it then continue to use the calibration curve around the 0V value in the curve?

I'm a little confused because if I have a 20 point calibration curve, then I zero the sensor and use a caliper to check the shock displacement the values are off significantly when testing some data points. This does not seem to happen with a linear calibration curve.

Well, that depends on which method you have set in your zero sensors configuration.

The help covers this pretty well:


Zero Input Settings
This screen allows the Zero settings for the Input channel to be configured.

Overview
This system allows zeroing of any Analogue Voltage or Analogue Temp channel calibrated in the Display Logger.

Method
Zeroing is performed by either offsetting the table input values (Input Method) or by offsetting the table output values (Output Method)

If the calibration for the sensor is linear, either method will achieve the same result however if the calibration is non-linear then it is important to use the correct method in the correct situation.

The Input Method should be used to account for changes in the position of the sensor, i.e. if the sensor is remounted in a slightly different position (note that the sensor must be a linear type).

The Output method should be used to account for mechanical changes, for example if the suspension or damper position zero point has changed due a mechanical ride height change.

Using the correct button ensures that any non-linearity in the calibration is treated correctly.

Thank you for the response.

I've been a Motec user for 5 years now and never knew there was a zero input setting option. I'm going to explore that tomorrow when I'm back in the race shop.

I appreciate the information. This was very helpful.