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DPIC Characteristics & Features
In addition to the gauges mentioned above, we also installed Auto Meter's new performance oriented D-PIC guage. The D-PIC gauge, which stands for Dynamic Performance Information Center, calculates Real Time G forces, Reaction times, 1/4 mile ET and Speed, 0 to 60 acceleration time and 60-0 braking distance. Best of all it offers an ultra clean installation by fitting all that information in a standard 2 1/16" gauge pod allowing you to have real time data at your fingertips in a compact high tech guage cluster.
Currently the D-PIC is offered in the Ultra-Lite and Cobalt series of gauges. However, Auto Meter is designing a D-PIC for the Phantom/Phantom II series for release early in 2007. Mounting options are not just limited to standard gauge PODs. There is a mobile accessory mount available which includes a suction cup swivel mounting base for versatility, and a 12v accessory plug to make it easy to transfer the D-PIC from vehicle to vehicle.
Setup Mode:
1. Roll Out: This function affects the ¼ mile function. Roll Out is the distance that the vehicle travels before the ET timer starts. At a dragstrip this distance is how far a vehicle must move before it "rolls out" of the starting beams and starts the timer. By dialing in the Roll Out distance on the D-PIC to match the roll out distance at the dragstrip, the D-PIC calculation should be very close to the timing equipment at the strip.
2. Vehicle Weight: Accurate vehicle weight entered in pounds should be the total weight of the vehicle and driver for the most accurate horsepower reading. Vehicle weight with driver can be obtained at the local track or any fuel station with truck scales.
3. Reaction Time: Enabling this function allows the D-PIC to test reaction time while in the ¼ mile mode. With reaction time on, the D-PIC will perform a dragstrip "Christmas Tree" start and then measure the time it takes between the display "GO" and when the vehicle starts to move.
4. Start G's: The D-PIC is designed to work on a wide variety of vehicles from "mild" to "wild". For each vehicle, the level of performance modifications to the engine can have an effect on the vibrations that are transmitted through the vehicle. By adjusting the starting G setting, the best combination of sensitivity without false starting can be achieved.
5. Vehicle Calibration: Performing this operation will be necessary in order to obtain correct readings from the D-PIC while operating in Real Time Mode. The vehicle calibration function allows the D-PIC to determine its angle, pitch, and general location in the vehicle and to compensate accordingly, allowing it to be mounted virtually anywhere and still get accurate readings.
Performance Modes:
1. ¼ Mile Mode: During ¼ mile mode operation, the D-PIC will calculate the vehicles ¼ mile time (ET) and speed (MPH), reaction time (if activated in setup mode), and peak G's in all four axes.
2. 0-60 MPH Mode: During 0-60 MPH mode, the D-PIC will determine the vehicle's 0-60 MPH acceleration time in seconds and also G-Force.
3. 60-0 MPH Mode: During 60-0 MPH mode, the D-PIC will determine the vehicle's 60-0 MPH braking distance in feet.
4. Horsepower Mode: -Note: In order to obtain the most accurate numbers possible from this mode it will be necessary to input precise vehicle weight with driver. The D-PIC measures Dynamic Wheel Horsepower which means measurements are taken when the vehicle is in motion. Wind speed/direction, aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance can all slow a vehicle down. The D-PIC measures the absolute acceleration of the vehicle, including the affects of these factors. Dynamic wheel horsepower is a true representation of the vehicles acceleration ability. The D-PIC accounts for all the real world forces that aren't accounted for on a chassis or engine dyno and is the most comprehensive overall indicator of the vehicles performance on a race track.
5. Real time G-Forces: During real time operation, the D-PIC will display the operator's choice of acceleration/deceleration or lateral G-Forces on an LED bar graph array and alphanumeric display. The default mode of operation for real time is the front/rear axis display. Acceleration forces will be displayed on the bar graph array to the right of center. Deceleration forces will be displayed on the bar graph array to the left of center. The default mode of operation can be changed to the lateral axis with a simple push of a button.
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