Is something like this easy to build - knock detector

llajumpvid · 12-19-2006, 07:39 PM

Not sure if this is the right forum to post or if it should be in the hardware section but here it goes. How hard would it be to build something like this?
http://www.rallysportdirect.com/shop...te-p-2178.html

I'm starting to get into tuning and I'm not sure I trust my ears to hear engine knock. Anyone know how I could tap the factory knock detectors and either integrate it into the PC or play it through the HU. I have aux input on the HU but I'm thinking it would be better if I could record it on the PC with maybe a time log so I can compare to the data I log with Cipher (uprev.com). I like the visual that the knocklite has though. Not that outrageously expensive so I might get one unless some knows how to make one for a fraction of their cost.

tz1 · 12-22-2006, 01:25 PM

"Factory" Knock detectors are accelerometers (basically fancy quartz strain-guages or microphones tuned to the frequency where they would find knock). If you can find an amplified engine "stethescope" you can plug into your sound input (and look for loud things using an FFT or some other audio processing) it might work.

llajumpvid · 12-22-2006, 08:58 PM

yea I found a few audio type do it your self things. I just went ahead and bought one of the knocklite's hopefully it works as nice as the ad makes it sound. The audio seems to "I think I heard something" this should be more dummy proof.