Greetings.

A number of years ago, I started a project to design an interface which wires into the PowerFC ECU without the use of a DataLogIt. Back then, I made little progress since I lacked the appropriate tools to get any meaningful results. Also, other projects such as FastHatch's FC Tune already seemed to be quite a bit ahead.

Once again, there's a vacuum for a comprehensive data acquisition/auto-tuning package for the PowerFC, and I figured I could develop something for my own use. If it proves effective (and reliable), I would consider some sort of distribution for it.

I started this thread mainly for feedback on the project's progress. It also wouldn't hurt to have a little incentive to continue working on it if other people were interested.

 

First thing's first.

I am currently decoding the communication protocol between the PowerFC and Commander. Progress on this front is going VERY quickly.

I whipped an application together to demonstrate. Currently it spies on my activity and updates the forms with information from the PowerFC.

First screenshot (and yes, this is live):

 

Subscribed! Good luck!

 

Sensor check

 

cool

 

Nice.

 

Here's what I got so far.

 

I do not have a DataLogIt and I'm wondering about some of the features not available in the Commander.

Could someone attach a excel file with the base map of a PowerFC that has been initialized?

 

i could send you the file that comes from the factory (the base map lets say). The datalogic software, you can download the demo version from their website.

pm me if u need it

 

looks like you're coming along. Are you able to make changes to the tables and save them to the PFC or just view?

 

It's a trivial task to make changes to the maps (I see the bytes and they update one cell at a time). I can test this tonight.

I just tested having the software initiate a transaction and it worked without the Commander.

So, the only remaining work is to find the "hidden" settings.

-Edit-

Is this it?



I found an old post of yours.

 

I wanted to use the base map #'s from an initialized PFC, so that I can compare it to what my unit outputs to ensure the data conversion algorithms are working right.

Without a datalogit, I can't be sure what I get is correct.

 

Confirmed.

 

good work. Do you have access to the datalogit software? If so I can send you the basemap that comes with it. Then you can confirm other information is the same. One nice feature of the datalogit software is that you can "recalc" the inj map which adds all the changes from it into the basemap, and resets the inj map to all 1.00's. I don't know if this is a normal function of the pfc or if this is something they integrated into their software.

 

My bet is the software recalcs the maps.

From the looks of the guts in the PFC, I'm thinking that most of the numbers have no literal meaning. The processor just compares A to B then triggers C. It just so happens that the output wires are hooked up to injectors and spark plugs.

I don't have any of the DataLogit software. I was able to get by without changing the base map, but it's time to exploit as much as possible for this app.

I want to put together something to make tuning more manageable. The last time I was on a dyno, it was difficult trying to definitely determine the effect of changes to the maps. I would try one setting, take a run, watch the wideband and try again for a more desired result.

That was very time consuming and limited to dyno performance. There must be a better way. The O2/EGT readings are delayed compared to combustion which is also delayed compared to fuel injection and the intake manifold pressure sensor. There should be an algorithm I can put together to log that information and phase it to overlap.

 

well it looks like your making progress pretty quickly. When you were on the dyno were you using the PFC commander or the datalogit?

 

Commander.

I was using Innovate's software to build tables so that I knew which correction cells to manipulate.

 

I am able to make changes to the Injector correction map.

 

Timing:

 

wow, that is looking good.
what have you been testing this with?

 

that's awesome, are you able to make changes to the ignition maps? if so if you make an adjustment to the split will it change the trailing timing?

 

Any changes you make to the leading/trailing maps will automatically change the split map.

The split map is read-only for the obvious reasons.

-Edit-

Well, the split map could be made to adjust trailing. I have to look into that.

 

I have the PowerFC here next to my PC. This makes development/testing much easier than sitting in the car.

At some point, I'll want to test this stuff with the car on, but that must wait until the car is in one piece again.

Actually, I could just use a spare harness adapter and simulate sensor pulses.

 

wow, unbelievable.....

i cant wait till the software is released, i'd buy it instantly....

then again i may be getting ahead of myself....

:P

 

I am working on the engine this week.

I'll be back on this project in the next few days as I'm reorganizing the main engine harness.