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FAQ's about PERFORMAX
Why don't you plug into the OBD port instead of using sensors to gather data?
Many of the systems monitored by PERFORMAX do not have data available on the OBD system. In addition, some engine chip devices modify OBD data to alter engine performance parameters. Performax collects data at the source with ISSPRO's new enhanced accuracy sensors. What you see on your PERFORMAX gauges is the real deal.
I’ve picked out the gauges I want, what else do I need?
For your gauges to function properly, an Electronic Signal Processor (R82000) is required in each vehicle to provide the necessary signal and inputs to the gauge. One ESP is required to function up to 17 gauges at any one time. Also, a lead wire needs to be specified (5' R66055 or 8' R66088) for the Pyrometer to function. All other gauges include the necessary wire harness to connect the sending units (Included) to the ESP, as well as the connector necessary to connect to the daisy chain wiring in the cab of the vehicle.
I have heard of other gauge manufacturers having early failures of their new stepper motor lines of gauges. Since this is a brand new product, how can I be sure it will be reliable?
The PERFORMAX system was subjected to hundreds of hours of laboratory testing (electrical overload, temperature/humidity, and shock/vibration per SAE J1810 and J1455). Several dozen Alpha and Beta test systems were field tested and run for several months, tens of thousands of miles, and dozens of dragstrip passes and sled pulls. We tested to failure, then redesigned and tested again until we were satisfied.
Why isn't PERFORMAX less expensive?
For the same reason that a truck costs more than a bicycle. The honest truth is that PERFORMAX is more expensive to make than most gauge systems. PERFORMAX is a premium product, intended for the serious diesel performance enthusiast. It uses the best technologies available, even on the parts of the system that are not visible from the driver's seat, like sensors.
Where is PERFORMAX made?
PERFORMAX was designed by American engineers and is made in Portland, Oregon, right in the shadow of Mt. Hood. Most performance gauges sold in the USA are made in China or India. Not PERFORMAX.
What exactly is a temperature compensated pyrometer?
A temperature compensated pyrometer is not affected by the temperature in the cab. You can race in Death Valley in July and your pyrometer will still be right on the money. A conventional pyrometer only measures the difference in temperature between the exhaust and the gauge head, and that can result in errors. That gauge head could be 0°F on a cold day, and 200°F on a hot day (particularly with a dark colored truck and interior). Does it matter to you if you're running at 1250°F or 1450°F?
How does the plug and play function of the gauges work?
Gauges daisy chain together and snap into pods. They can be exchanged in minutes without tools. If you have a sensor connected to the ESP, and install the corresponding gauge, the gauge will recognize its signal and respond instantly. ISSPRO is the only gauge manufacturer to provide this level of functionality.
What parts come with a PERFORMAX gauge?
Each PERFORMAX gauge kit includes sensors, harnesses and all components required for a typical installation. The only exception to this is the pyrometers. A thermocouple is included with the gauge, but the lead wire needs to be purchased separately in order to get the right length. Lead wires come in 2 lengths, 5’(R66055) and 8’ (R66088) to allow for left or right bank installation without having too much extra wire.
How many gauges can I run at one time?
PERFORMAX is designed to allow up to 17 gauges to operate simultaneously with a single ESP. Now, does anyone really want view 17 gauges at one time? Probably not. However, once a sensor is connected the ESP, you can unplug one gauge and plug in the next whenever you please. You can literally change the vehicle systems you are monitoring according to the terrain, the way you are using your truck (freeway driving vs. racing, for instance) or your whim.
How can 3 wires run 17 different gauges AND their backlighting?
The 3 wires are 7V regulated power, ground, and data network. The PERFORMAX ESP reads the data from the sensors connected to it, then sends those messages out on the network. Each gauge has a unique ID, and knows which message to respond to.
Can I shorten the wiring to the ESP so that it is the exact length needed for my truck?
Yes. ISSPRO sells replacement wire terminals, which can be crimped with readily available crimpers. You can even shorten the thermocouple leadwire, as the high-impedance circuitry of the ESP is not dependent on a specific leadwire length.
Why aren't there any mounting studs on the back of the gauge cases?
We've noticed that many gauge pod designs do not allow conventional gauge clamps to be used, so we designed latches into the side of the case to allow them to "snap" into the pod. This also allows you to pop a gauge out and swap it for a different type, without removing the pod. It also allows you to readily rearrange your gauge positions.
Does performax provide data logging cabilities?
Yes, for an ongoing conversation, visit here.
Why is the lens flat, when the ISSPRO EV gauge lenses were curved?
The curved lenses were a styling idea from a few years ago. If you've ever run with both curved lens and flat lens gauges in your truck, you notice how much more glare the curved lenses show.
What is the difference between ISSPRO's new EV² and Peformax™ gauges?
The Performax and EV² series share many attributes: stepper motor movements, LED backlighting, and solid-state sensors. The EV² individual gauges cost more than the Performax counterparts, since the gauge must contain the processing power, while the Performax processing power is mostly in the ESP controller. The Performax series uses an underhood controller (the ESP) which connects to all the sensors (so you don't have to run all those sensor wires through your firewall). There are 3 common wires which run to all of your gauges (up to 17 total), simplifying your wiring and allowing you to move gauges around to any location. The Performax system also includes the Total Recall™ feature, which provides the ability to view the extreme values of all functions connected to the Performax system. For most functions, the stored value is the maximum value, but on fuel system pressures (Fuel, HPOP, and Rail Pressure), the lowest value while under load is recorded (requires the use of Performax boost gauge sensor). This allows you to focus on driving down the dragstrip or pulling track, keeping it in the groove instead of trying to see if your fuel pressure is dipping at the end.
The ISSPRO Performax PC Datalogger is an optional interface module and software package which allows your Windows-based PC to record all of the data being read from the sensors connected to the Performax ESP controller.
The module connects to the gauge wiring in place of one gauge (or you can wire in an additional gauge connector in a convenient spot for the module), then connects via the included cord to the USB port of your PC.
The software displays actual values for all sensors connected to the ESP while it is logging (there is a start/stop button on the screen). When logging, the software writes to a comma-separated-value (CSV) file to be opened up in Microsoft Excel (or a similar program). The data is logged for each channel at 5 samples per second. You can use your spreadsheet (e.g., MS Excel) features to analyze and graph the results.
The data is logged for all sensors connected to the Performax ESP, regardless of whether a corresponding gauge is installed. You can have all 17 channels connected to sensors for datalogging, even if you only have room for 3 gauges in your truck.
If you are not interested in the Total Recall or PC Datalogger features, then EV² is the likely choice when installing 3 or fewer gauges. For more gauges, the Performax system is more cost effective, especially when installation time is taken into account.
Performax™ Data Logger (PDL)
For those who need more than the peak values shown with the Total Recall™ function, ISSPRO is proud to introduce the Performax PC Datalogger Interface. This is a small interface module which plugs into the truck harness in place of a Performax gauge, and plugs into a standard USB port on your laptop PC. The included PC software will display the real-time values of each of the sensor inputs to the Performax ESP, and create a running file in a generic spreadsheet format which can be read directly into Microsoft Excel for graphing and printing. The values are sampled approximately 5 times per second. If you can find a way to secure a PC in your truck during a dragstrip or sled pull run, you can track your EGTs, boost level, backpressure, and more for the entire run.
FAQ:
1) My Total Recall function shows a lower minimum fuel pressure than I see on my PDL file. Why?
a) The Total Recall values are stored directly in the ESP at a very high sampling rate, while the PDL runs 5 samples per second. A very quick spike could show up on Total Recall but fall between the samples recorded by PDL.
What if I need help troubleshooting my PERFORMAX gauge installation?
We have individual installations instructions available here. We also have a general troubleshooting guide available for download here.
Other questions? Send us an e-mail at aftermarket@isspro.com
or call our Aftermarket Sales Manager at 1-800-888-8065.
Why don't you plug into the OBD port instead of using sensors to gather data?
Many of the systems monitored by PERFORMAX do not have data available on the OBD system. In addition, some engine chip devices modify OBD data to alter engine performance parameters. Performax collects data at the source with ISSPRO's new enhanced accuracy sensors. What you see on your PERFORMAX gauges is the real deal.
I’ve picked out the gauges I want, what else do I need?
For your gauges to function properly, an Electronic Signal Processor (R82000) is required in each vehicle to provide the necessary signal and inputs to the gauge. One ESP is required to function up to 17 gauges at any one time. Also, a lead wire needs to be specified (5' R66055 or 8' R66088) for the Pyrometer to function. All other gauges include the necessary wire harness to connect the sending units (Included) to the ESP, as well as the connector necessary to connect to the daisy chain wiring in the cab of the vehicle.
I have heard of other gauge manufacturers having early failures of their new stepper motor lines of gauges. Since this is a brand new product, how can I be sure it will be reliable?
The PERFORMAX system was subjected to hundreds of hours of laboratory testing (electrical overload, temperature/humidity, and shock/vibration per SAE J1810 and J1455). Several dozen Alpha and Beta test systems were field tested and run for several months, tens of thousands of miles, and dozens of dragstrip passes and sled pulls. We tested to failure, then redesigned and tested again until we were satisfied.
Why isn't PERFORMAX less expensive?
For the same reason that a truck costs more than a bicycle. The honest truth is that PERFORMAX is more expensive to make than most gauge systems. PERFORMAX is a premium product, intended for the serious diesel performance enthusiast. It uses the best technologies available, even on the parts of the system that are not visible from the driver's seat, like sensors.
Where is PERFORMAX made?
PERFORMAX was designed by American engineers and is made in Portland, Oregon, right in the shadow of Mt. Hood. Most performance gauges sold in the USA are made in China or India. Not PERFORMAX.
What exactly is a temperature compensated pyrometer?
A temperature compensated pyrometer is not affected by the temperature in the cab. You can race in Death Valley in July and your pyrometer will still be right on the money. A conventional pyrometer only measures the difference in temperature between the exhaust and the gauge head, and that can result in errors. That gauge head could be 0°F on a cold day, and 200°F on a hot day (particularly with a dark colored truck and interior). Does it matter to you if you're running at 1250°F or 1450°F?
How does the plug and play function of the gauges work?
Gauges daisy chain together and snap into pods. They can be exchanged in minutes without tools. If you have a sensor connected to the ESP, and install the corresponding gauge, the gauge will recognize its signal and respond instantly. ISSPRO is the only gauge manufacturer to provide this level of functionality.
What parts come with a PERFORMAX gauge?
Each PERFORMAX gauge kit includes sensors, harnesses and all components required for a typical installation. The only exception to this is the pyrometers. A thermocouple is included with the gauge, but the lead wire needs to be purchased separately in order to get the right length. Lead wires come in 2 lengths, 5’(R66055) and 8’ (R66088) to allow for left or right bank installation without having too much extra wire.
How many gauges can I run at one time?
PERFORMAX is designed to allow up to 17 gauges to operate simultaneously with a single ESP. Now, does anyone really want view 17 gauges at one time? Probably not. However, once a sensor is connected the ESP, you can unplug one gauge and plug in the next whenever you please. You can literally change the vehicle systems you are monitoring according to the terrain, the way you are using your truck (freeway driving vs. racing, for instance) or your whim.
How can 3 wires run 17 different gauges AND their backlighting?
The 3 wires are 7V regulated power, ground, and data network. The PERFORMAX ESP reads the data from the sensors connected to it, then sends those messages out on the network. Each gauge has a unique ID, and knows which message to respond to.
Can I shorten the wiring to the ESP so that it is the exact length needed for my truck?
Yes. ISSPRO sells replacement wire terminals, which can be crimped with readily available crimpers. You can even shorten the thermocouple leadwire, as the high-impedance circuitry of the ESP is not dependent on a specific leadwire length.
Why aren't there any mounting studs on the back of the gauge cases?
We've noticed that many gauge pod designs do not allow conventional gauge clamps to be used, so we designed latches into the side of the case to allow them to "snap" into the pod. This also allows you to pop a gauge out and swap it for a different type, without removing the pod. It also allows you to readily rearrange your gauge positions.
Does performax provide data logging cabilities?
Yes, for an ongoing conversation, visit here.
Why is the lens flat, when the ISSPRO EV gauge lenses were curved?
The curved lenses were a styling idea from a few years ago. If you've ever run with both curved lens and flat lens gauges in your truck, you notice how much more glare the curved lenses show.
What is the difference between ISSPRO's new EV² and Peformax™ gauges?
The Performax and EV² series share many attributes: stepper motor movements, LED backlighting, and solid-state sensors. The EV² individual gauges cost more than the Performax counterparts, since the gauge must contain the processing power, while the Performax processing power is mostly in the ESP controller. The Performax series uses an underhood controller (the ESP) which connects to all the sensors (so you don't have to run all those sensor wires through your firewall). There are 3 common wires which run to all of your gauges (up to 17 total), simplifying your wiring and allowing you to move gauges around to any location. The Performax system also includes the Total Recall™ feature, which provides the ability to view the extreme values of all functions connected to the Performax system. For most functions, the stored value is the maximum value, but on fuel system pressures (Fuel, HPOP, and Rail Pressure), the lowest value while under load is recorded (requires the use of Performax boost gauge sensor). This allows you to focus on driving down the dragstrip or pulling track, keeping it in the groove instead of trying to see if your fuel pressure is dipping at the end.
The ISSPRO Performax PC Datalogger is an optional interface module and software package which allows your Windows-based PC to record all of the data being read from the sensors connected to the Performax ESP controller.
The module connects to the gauge wiring in place of one gauge (or you can wire in an additional gauge connector in a convenient spot for the module), then connects via the included cord to the USB port of your PC.
The software displays actual values for all sensors connected to the ESP while it is logging (there is a start/stop button on the screen). When logging, the software writes to a comma-separated-value (CSV) file to be opened up in Microsoft Excel (or a similar program). The data is logged for each channel at 5 samples per second. You can use your spreadsheet (e.g., MS Excel) features to analyze and graph the results.
The data is logged for all sensors connected to the Performax ESP, regardless of whether a corresponding gauge is installed. You can have all 17 channels connected to sensors for datalogging, even if you only have room for 3 gauges in your truck.
If you are not interested in the Total Recall or PC Datalogger features, then EV² is the likely choice when installing 3 or fewer gauges. For more gauges, the Performax system is more cost effective, especially when installation time is taken into account.
Performax™ Data Logger (PDL)
For those who need more than the peak values shown with the Total Recall™ function, ISSPRO is proud to introduce the Performax PC Datalogger Interface. This is a small interface module which plugs into the truck harness in place of a Performax gauge, and plugs into a standard USB port on your laptop PC. The included PC software will display the real-time values of each of the sensor inputs to the Performax ESP, and create a running file in a generic spreadsheet format which can be read directly into Microsoft Excel for graphing and printing. The values are sampled approximately 5 times per second. If you can find a way to secure a PC in your truck during a dragstrip or sled pull run, you can track your EGTs, boost level, backpressure, and more for the entire run.
FAQ:
1) My Total Recall function shows a lower minimum fuel pressure than I see on my PDL file. Why?
a) The Total Recall values are stored directly in the ESP at a very high sampling rate, while the PDL runs 5 samples per second. A very quick spike could show up on Total Recall but fall between the samples recorded by PDL.
What if I need help troubleshooting my PERFORMAX gauge installation?
We have individual installations instructions available here. We also have a general troubleshooting guide available for download here.
Other questions? Send us an e-mail at aftermarket@isspro.com
or call our Aftermarket Sales Manager at 1-800-888-8065.
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