Welcome & Introduction

Automotive Dynamometers is a very strange subject for a web site on the face of it!   But since I get so many e-mails regarding Dyno's (or more correctly "Dynamometers") I decided to put up this site! 

Maybe you are interested because you own a dynamometer system, want to buy a dyno, or just want to get your own car dyno tested, this sites information should help be of help to you.

This subject seems to cause  so much more pain and misunderstanding than any other.  Even people that should know better such as engine tuners and racers talk complete rubbish!  
 

Dynamometers or dyno systems seem complicated but once a few basics are understood it all becomes clear!  A dynamometer is basically is just a measuring tool, in the same way as a voltmeter, scales or speedometer are.

And I am going to try to explain this without resorting to formulas and figures if possible!  I will try to use the KISS (Keep it simple Stupid) principle...

So here goes...

My own basic understanding is very good, since I designed, developed and built my own extremely accurate computerised inertial dynamometer system(s) in and around 1987 to 1998.

Because of this extremely stressful period in my life, I understand all the REAL problems and shortcomings of  "other  manufacturers" dynamometer systems, because We had to overcome them all properly!  I don't settle for second best...  

Now when I look at other dyno systems I can see all the "cover ups" and the problems!  I can see why they do certain things with software, because I UNDERSTAND the required parameters, and difficulties.
 

These pages will explain everything as far as I can.  If you are in the market to buy one, build one, use one, or just understand how they work - then you are in the right place!  And since I am no longer in business, and sell nothing I am completely unbiased.  But I will not name names! Just explain what to look for!

Photo, above! - I tested large bunches of bikes for various mainstream motorcycle magazines including MCN, Performance Bikes, etc, regularly over a 6 year period while my development was going on.  A Mobile dynamometer saved them days of their time and gave me free advertising in the editorial, way better than paying for advertising space!

A major motorcycle accident that left me in a wheelchair stopped me from competing with the likes of Dyno-Jet in the US, one of the few inertial dynamometers that was any good at the time.  All my development work had been completed by then and we were also working on a new fangled "Windows" version of this Dynamometer software!  Windows was just invented...  My Dyno software LOOKS like windows, but is actually DOS based since there was no Windows when we started this project!   But now I do not work any longer.

I hope some of this information on here helps someone, somewhere! 

John C Williamson  (Burgerman)

All content, design, images, text, information copyright DynoPower Dynamometer Systems & John C Williamson