Frequently Asked Questions
Tech questions.
Graphics and LCD Screen Questions.
Installation Questions.
Customer Service Questions.
Tech Answers.
Why would I want the M.1 Performance
Computer instead of traditional gauges?
The M.1 provides many features and benefits that traditional gauges cannot. It also easily adds gauges to your
interior without the hassle of bulky gauges, additional power
connections and finding ways to get the signals from the engine
compartment to a gauge. It doesn't use any dash space. You can connect it to an existing screen or purchase a touchscreen and have gauges at the touch of a finger. It also has a built-in data-logger.
You can customize your gauges by choosing a layout, skin and color choices. The M.1 platform is also designed for many more features to come. Back to top
How does the M.1 Performance
Computer work?
The M.1 reads the factory ECU data from the OBD-II port. This
information is then processed through the Magden Automotive
software and sent to your screen. What you see is the real data as
well as extraordinary graphics. The M.1 also has the capability to
data-log. You simply select the 5 data channels you would like to
record, insert a USB stick and tell it to start recording. After you
are done with your testing, you simply tap the screen to stop the
recording. Back to top
What data channels will I see in my car?
The M.1 will output 12 to 14 data channels, depending what your vehicle supports. These can include; Miles Per Gallon, Engine Coolant Temperature, Air Intake Temperature, Ignition Timing, Mass Air Flow, RPM, Speed, Manifold Air Pressure, Fuel Level, Barometric Air Pressure, Dynamic Horsepower, Dynamic Torque, Gear Position, G-Force, Lambda and Battery Voltage. Some vehicles will support certain channels if present, for example Lambda is present on a vehicle that has a factory wide-band lambda. The opposite is true too, you won't see Boost Pressure on a non-turbo or non-supercharged vehicle. Back to top
How accurate is the M.1 Performance
Computer?
The M.1 Performance Computer is more accurate than the traditional
gauge because it is reading data directly from the factory ECU.
There are no delays or mechanical assemblies that are converting the
signal or information. Back to top
Is the M.1 Performance Computer a
replacement for my factory ECU?
No, it is complimentary to your factory ECU. The M.1 is reading the
data from your factory ECU. The M.1 Performance Computer does not
allow Backward programming of the vehicles electronics systems,
nor can it alter factory settings in any way and is designed as an
interactive display system only. Back to top
Can the M.1 Performance Computer DATA-LOG and replay right afterwards?
Yes it can. You select the 5 data channels you want to DATA-LOG on the screen, insert a USB memory stick into the M.1 and select START LOG from the Main Menu. After your DATA-LOG session, you simply select REPLAY LOG from the Main Menu. The replay function will show you each one of the channels on a time
line. You can start, stop, reverse and even drag your finger on a touchscreen to place the report at exact values. If you want to further analyze the
data, simply take the USB memory stick out and take the data to
another computer. There you will be able to open the Comma Separated
Value (CSV) file in your favorite program for further review. Back to top
Does the M.1 have a limit for DATA-LOGGING?
No, since it uses a USB mass storage device, it can DATA-LOG as much as the USB memory stick can hold. Back
to top
How else does the M.1 utilize the USB memory sticks?
The USB memory sticks are used for installing software downloads from our website. Some of the downloads will include new graphic choices, upgrading software functions and unlocking more data channels on your vehicle. After transferring the downloads onto the USB sticks and inserting into your M.1, the M.1 will automatically scan the USB stick and ask if you would like to install the new software. It's that easy. Also, you can use the USB stick how you like, for your MP3s, pictures, personal files, etc. Back
to top
Graphics and LCD Screen Answers.
What kind of graphic choices do I get
with the M.1?
The M.1 Performance Computer comes with three gauge layouts; Datalab, Secants and Traditional.
Within each layout, there are multiple skin choices, such as, Carbon Fiber, Aluminum, Blue Glow, Chrome, Black Matte and more. On top of that, you can select the color choices
for the gauge text and indicators. You will be able to either match your factory color
scheme or come up with something totally different. Back
to top
Does the M.1 Performance Computer
need to be used with a Touch Screen?
No. You can connect the M.1 to virtually any
mobile video screen on the market. It has up to 5 video outputs to
accommodate most screens. It has VGA, Composite Video, S-Video
standard. As an upgrade, you can order the M.1 with the optional DVI
/ LVDS video card. If you are using a non-touchscreen, use a Trackball or other pointing device that connects via USB. Back to top
Can I use my existing LCD SCREEN in my car?
If your screen has any one of the following inputs, YES, it will work! The M.1 can connect to the Composite Video Input (yellow RCA type connector, usually matched with a red and white one for the audio signals), S-Video, VGA, DVI or LVDS. From our testing on some Alpine, Pioneer, Kenwood, Sony and Eclipse 2DIN and 1DIN slide out screens, all had the Composite Video Inputs. We have even seen the Composite Video Input on some factory Navigation units! One thing to keep in mind, you might have to use a trackball to make selections because those screens don't have a USB interface for use to connect to. They also use proprietary software to control their touchscreens and don't share that information. We are hoping one day they'll make them "user friendly" for new technology, like our M.1. Back to top
What resolution does the M.1 output?
The M.1 outputs VGA standard 640 x 480, VGA widescreen 800 x 480 (various settings), Composite Video standard 640 x 480, Composite Video widescreen 800 x 480 (various settings), Digital Video Interface (DVI) standard 640 x 480, DVI widescreen of 800 x 480 (various settings) and a Standard Dual Mode; VGA and Composite Video. To take advantage of the DVI performance, the DVI video card upgrade is needed. Back
to top
How do I set up my M.1 when my LCD screen is a different format than the default 640 x 480 resolution?
First, you will tap or click on the screen 10 times quickly to access the touchscreen calibration. This is necessary if using a non-touchscreen as well. Then you can touch or click outside the gauge area to access the main menu. Pick SETUP from that menu and then scroll to SCREENS. From there, you will have multiple screen resolution choices, as mentioned in the above FAQ. Choose the one that matches your LCD screen resolution best. Back
to top
Installation Answers.
How do I install the M.1 in my car?
You can mount the M.1 in various places, since it is compact in
size. Mounting under the seat, in the glove box or in the center
console are all possible places. There are only 4 simple
connections. One is the OBD-II cable, second is the VGA cable to
your touch screen, third is the USB cable for your touch screen and
the last is power (cigarette lighter adapter included). Be careful of heater vents, air bags cables and anything that can crush or break the unit or the cables connected to it. Back to top
What are the dimensions of the M.1
Performance Computer?
7 inches long x 7.325 inches wide and 2.3 inches tall. Back to top
Can I use a USB hub and extension with the M.1?
Yes and this is a great idea especially when the M.1 is mounted out of reach. You can mount the hub somewhere convenient, so plugging in your USB memory stick for data-logging is easy. Also, it doesn't matter what brand USB hub you use, so you are free to find one that looks good in your car. Back to top
Customer Service Answers.
I only saw the Quick Start Guide in the box when I got my M.1. Where is the full Owner's Manual?
The full Owner's Manual is loaded on the FREE USB memory stick included with the M.1. It is a PDF file, so all you need to read it is Acrobat Reader, which is free from adobe.com if you don't already have it. The full Owner's Manual is also here on our website, magden-auto.com/support. Back to top
I want to buy the M.1, but is it safe to purchase it on your website?
Yes it is safe and secure. We have the latest online transaction service available from a major bank that processes it for us. We don't even store your credit card information, so your account details don't contain this information. If you don't prefer to purchase it online, you are welcome to call in and have your order done over the phone. We also have some Value Added Dealers set up, which can help you with your order. Please call or email us at sales@magden-auto.com to find one that suits you. Back to top
What is a Value Added Dealer?
Our VADs, as they are called, are qualified resellers of the Magden product line. If you are new to upgrading your vehicle or even an experienced tuner, our VADs can help you expand the M.1 Performance Computer's usefullness. For example, when it is time to add sensors to your vehicle, they can make proper recommendations based on your vehicle, the kinds of performance upgrades you have, or want, and your goals. These VADs are well known and have had success in either building various race cars, engines and/or tuning vehicles. We are going to add a VAD section to our site soon, but please email if you have any questions, sales@magden-auto.com. Back to top
Are there any planned accessories
and/or add-ons?
Absolutely. The M.1 can connect additional sensors, above
and beyond the factory system. There is a main harness with three
break-outs. Each break-out will allow additional
sensors, making the system modular and truly plug-n-play.
See the products section for details on all the harnesses. The M.1 is
compatible with commonly available sensors
which can be purchased from Magden or your favorite store. As
mentioned earlier, the video card option is available too, enabling DVI
or LVDS signal output. Most of the other add ons will be graphics
upgrades and unlocking more features of the vehicle’s data-stream. Back to top
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