ECU Part Number
This is the main window of the NDS software which shows the Nissan Identification part number. Basic and Advance Functions can be selected by clicking on the buttons or using the shortcut keys (F1 - F12). Most functions except Data Replay and Log Analyser are disabled until communication with the ECU is successfully established.
Progress bar at the bottom indicates data being send between the ECU and PC. If the bar is not moving there is no data being send from the ECU.
Data Display
Modern design gauges
Data Display window uses 12 gauges and 12 registers to display a real time information about the running engine as measured or calculated by the ECU. Parameters are assigned to gauges in the Data Display Setup window.
O2 Sensor - oscillates between 10 to 90 when engine is running in closed loop. This is normal and desirable for fuel economy. ECU will switch to open mode while accelerating hard. This is a narrow band sensor and should never be used for tuning. O2 Sensors B1 and B2 are used on OBDII complaint cars and is located after the catalytic converter.
Duty Cycle - is calculated from Injector time. Injector opening time is calculated by the ECU based on an engine load. It's not a measured value and it might not be achievable given the RPM. It's not uncommon to see Duty Cycle above 100% because of that.
A/F Base - is a percentage of a fuel map setting currently used to run engine in closed loop, also called Short Term Fuel Trim.
A/F Base SL - is an A/F Base value learned by the ECU, also called Long Term Fuel Trim or Self Learn.
AAC valve - is a percentage of Auxiliary Air Control valve opening (idle speed).
RH parameters only apply to V configuration engines.
Data Display Setup
Parameters to be monitored on each gauge in Data Display are assigned in this window. If a parameter not supported by the ECU is selected all gauges will constantly show 0. Gauges are counted from left to right, top to bottom. Multiple gauges can monitor the same parameter. Test for live registers button queries the ECU for active parameters.
Data Display Colors Setup
This window allows users to customise colours in the Data Display window. Settings are automatically saved.
Data Logging
Information shown in the Data Display window can at the same time be logged to a file. Data Logging can also be run on it's own without the Data Display window.
Self Diagnostics
Self Diagnostics function allows users to read and reset ECU error codes. The number of engine starts with the fault is also shown when available.
Speed Trial
Speed Trial is a unique function for measuring car's acceleration performance. Predefined or user specific trials can be used. Due to the low resolution of Nissan speed sensors, measurements should only be used as a guide and not a true reflection of car's performance.
Note: This function should not be used while driving on public roads.
Dashboard
Modern design gauges
Dashboard function displays 2 user assignable gauges with RPM and Speed alerts. It was specifically designed for car PC users.
Parameters are assigned to dashboard gauges in Dashboard Settings window.
Alerts can be disabled by entering unachievable values.
Data Replay
Modern design gauges
Data Replay allows users to replay previously saved data logs. Replay can be speeded up or slowed down using the Replay speed scroll bar. The Positionscrollbar moves the currently diplayed record up and down the log file.
Data Log Analyser
Data Analyser is a simple log analyser capable of reviewing data logs of up to 32000 lines long. Graphs are drawn by ticking the box next to parameter value. Graph colours match the parameter value colours.
Active Test
Active Test allows users to temporary modify some of the engine parameters for testing purposes. They return to their original values when a function is stopped, PC disconnected or engine restarted.
Base Idle Adjustment temporarily disables ECU idle correction for mechanical idle speed adjustment.
Clear Self Learn - clears the A/F Base SL map learned by the ECU.
Note: It is possible to damage the engine if Base Timing and A/F Base functions are used to excessively modify ignition and fuel delivery. Stay away from those functions if you don't know what you are doing.
ROM Data
ROM Data downloads ECU program data from specified memory location. Depending on ECU model, a ROM data containing fuel and ignition maps can be downloaded using this function. It's not possible to upload the ROM data without modifying ECU.
Address Watch
Address Watch function is used for monitor specific ECU memory addresses. By monitoring a memory address extra information can be retrieved that is not normally available using Consult I protocol. A knock sensor reading can be obtain using this method if knock sensor memory address is known.
Map trace
Map Tracing function can be setup to work on any Nissan Consult I ECU. Specific information about inner workings of the ECU is required though.
RPM MSB and LSB Address - memory address for real time RPM
Map Address - address of the map location to be traced
RPM Scale Address - RPM scale for the map
TP MSB Address - memory address for the real time TP value as calculated by the ECU
TP Scale Address - TP scale for the map
Real time TP memory address is the hardest to identify. It differs between Nissan models and even ROM versions. Usually requires disassembling ECU program and many hours of work. TP memory addresses for VG30DETT, RB20DET and SR20DET identified by current NDS users are already pre-programmed.
The green box represents a current position on the map.
Live Register Test
Live Register Test queries the ECU for supported engine parameters. It's important to only monitor supported parameters otherwise the ECU will decline the data monitoring request. Some parameters on your ECU might not be supported by the NDS software.
Update Gauge Selection button populates the drop down list for each gauge with only supported parameters.
Tyre Size Speed Correction
The Preferences window allows users to correct the Speed reading presented by the Nissan DataScan I software. This function is intended for user with aftermarket wheels installed. The OEM tyre size and Currently installed tyre size needs to be entered by the user. The software then calculates the correction value and applies it to the Speed reading presented by the software.
This window also allows users to select the preferred Speed Unit (KPH or MPH) and Temperature Unit (Celsius or Fahrenheit).
HICAS
Data Display window displays HICAS parameters and registers. The data can also be logged to be analysed later.
Air Bag
Self Diagnostic results show current error codes.
Past Self Diagnostic results show past error codes.
Please note. Past error codes can not be erased.
ECU Discriminated Number displays the specific Air Bag ECU number.
Wideband O2 sensor
Nissan DataScan also supports wideband Air/Fuel ratio meters from TechEdge and Innovate Motorsports. A second serial port is used to connect to the controller and collect data.
The data from the wideband meter can be displayed using gauge and historical graph or logged in conjunction with other engine parameters using the Data Logging function.