Megasquirt - Advanced Electronic Fuel Injection Computer

reddevil · 14th June 2006, 13:47

Hello guys just found this forum

Ok I need to know if any of you guys are familiar with the DIY Megasquirt EFI system. I am planning to make this for a racecar. If anyone has any experience with this please let me know. I would be glad if you could provide me with some tips and most importantly things that can go wrong.
I am willing to travel to anywhere in India just to get to know how this system is working. I have all the reading materials with me but I need to meet someone who has experience in this field so that I dont blowup

So please any info regarding this megasquirt efi???

BTW link to MS is: http://www.megasquirt.info/ms2/

I shall be using MSII v3 board.I ll provide more details if you want.

Rehaan · 14th June 2006, 15:38

Do a search for Megasquirt on the forum and you will get 2 other threads where it is mentioned.

Your best bet would be rdkartik as this stuff is what he does!

Please tell us a little more about this racecar you are building....

cya
R

madhunm · 9th July 2007, 08:50

All,

have just taken delivery of a MS - II kit. Shall be posting a VLOG of the entire process. stay tuned!!!

~Madhu.

dinar · 9th July 2007, 11:05

madhunm how much did the kit cost you, and from which site did u order it, I am working on getting the parts on my own, still stuck with the MAP sensor. Am planing to order from freescale directly. do have any source in b'lore where I can get the sensor and the microcontroller from.

dinar · 9th July 2007, 11:19

hey redevil you planning to buy the kit or making it your self? as getting parts is not that easy, I have been collecting the parts for quit some time now [initially the cost was a problem and now time is] but I do not want to buy the kit, I like doing this kind of stuff on my own [can improve the design]. also try the AVR based efi system, except for the map sensor most of the parts are available in india.

mclaren1885 · 9th July 2007, 15:51

Contact Rdkarthik from the forum. He will help you with anything MegaSquirt related.

ananthkamath · 9th July 2007, 21:46

if you are using MS for spark as well, the project is going to be a little more complicated. you have to use the MSnS-extra firmware and find a way to trigger the ignition using a toothed wheel. Usually I think they use a 32-1 (32 minus 1 teeth) wheel and these are available pretty easily. Adapting that to your engine is the tough part.

The other issues to consider are what parts you will use for throttle bodies. A compatible TPS has to be used. Half the headaches will be solved if you use the throttle body assembly w/TPS from a different engine or the same engine if the TB matches your intended flowrate.

With this much done, you are good to setup everything and start tuning. Now I dont know much about this part, but if you dont have a base fuel map things are going to get tough. If you dont have a base map I suggest you get a wideband O2 sensor w/datalogger so you wont cause any engine damage thru a leanout.

Although I am new to MS, my to-do list for a typical fuel-only MS install would be the following in order of priority:

1) Buying suitable set of throttle bodies (with TPS to make things easier) and finding means of mounting them.
2) Buying Off-the-shelf GM IAT & CLT sensors (because they work with MS without any calibration), and finding means of mounting them.
3) Buying Innovate Motorsports LC-1 wideband O2 datalogger, and finding means of mounting the O2 sensor on the collector.
4) Deciding if its possible to run hybrid alpha-n with ITBs. If possible, then buying microsquirt; if not possible, buying MS-I v3.0 main board.
5) Buying all the other hardware like stimulator, relay board, cables and wiring harnesses.

This is for a motorcycle. For a car I think it would be a little more complicated and you'd have to talk to rdkarthik about that.

madhunm · 10th July 2007, 23:20

hi all,

@ananth -

Quote:

if you are using MS for spark as well, the project is going to be a little more complicated. you have to use the MSnS-extra firmware and find a way to trigger the ignition using a toothed wheel.

the MegaSquirt 2 (MS2) doesnt need any firmware change. it comes with both fuel and spark management at the hardware level.

Quote:

Usually I think they use a 32-1 (32 minus 1 teeth) wheel and these are available pretty easily. Adapting that to your engine is the tough part.

I have a ford Ikon, and that comes in with a 32-1 wheel as OE. please correct me if im wrong.

Quote:

The other issues to consider are what parts you will use for throttle bodies. A compatible TPS has to be used. Half the headaches will be solved if you use the throttle body assembly w/TPS from a different engine or the same engine if the TB matches your intended flowrate.

The software for the MS2 - MegaTune comes with a TPS calibration tool, with which i can calibrate the endpoints. in case the polarity has to be changed, i dont think thats too much of a problem.

Quote:

With this much done, you are good to setup everything and start tuning. Now I dont know much about this part, but if you dont have a base fuel map things are going to get tough. If you dont have a base map I suggest you get a wideband O2 sensor w/datalogger so you wont cause any engine damage thru a leanout.

again, MegaTune to the rescue... using the engine capacity, redline RPM and RPM points for peak RPM and torque, the software makes a preliminary map which we may use as a starting point.

@dinar -

Quote:

madhunm how much did the kit cost you, and from which site did u order it, I am working on getting the parts on my own, still stuck with the MAP sensor. Am planing to order from freescale directly. do have any source in b'lore where I can get the sensor and the microcontroller from.

the kit was ordered from DIYAutoTune.com and as regards collecting the parts yourself, i really must appreciate your patience. for a little extra money, the company above puts them all in a box and sends it to you.

havent gotten to unpack the thing yet, just moved house and am busy setting up. should start this weekend prolly.

will be hard at work on this when you guys are pardying at the meet.

i cant make it...

cheers,
Madhu.

ananthkamath · 11th July 2007, 00:51

Maybe I should have made it clear that I was talking about the whole MS thing from the point of view of using ITBs and for fuel management only. For this purpose you cant beat a MS1 for value.

Ford engines are definitely easier cause MS was designed using off-the-shelf Ford and GM EDIS parts, but if you are going to do something like an esteem its going to be a bitch cause they dont come with a 32-1 wheel. Nor does a multi-cylinder motorcycle.

Of course people have modified the code to use other wheels but you wont do that if you dont know programming.

Regarding the TPS I was talking about the difficulties in mounting the TPS and then getting the right calibration. Sometimes your throttle plate movement wont give you the right range of adjustment, even with the built-in calibration feature.

oh yes, you can use a base map but it aint any good if you dont have an O2 sensor. Unless you are an expert tuner and you know how the engine behaves when it is too rich or too lean. Only the old-school carb guys can tune by ear like that. And that too not with excellent results.

highwayblaze · 11th July 2007, 02:01

ananth isn't this what you mentioned during the meet?

madhunm · 11th July 2007, 08:44

Hi All,

@ananth - why biased toward TPS? I understand you can create some very aggressive maps based on TPS, however, doesnt MAP make your life easier?

as regards Suzi and bike engines, im sure that thee will be some form of either crank / cam sensor, even if it is not the 32-1 wheel type - which is, incidentally, used in the Ford EDIS.

MS2 gives a lot of freedom to choose what sensors you need.

~M

ananthkamath · 11th July 2007, 08:52

yes absolutely. same thing.

madhunm · 14th July 2007, 10:25

Hi all,

i cant believe the Indian postal system and the customs department. my kit reached India (Mumbai) on the 7th and i still havent recieved the kit yet!!!

I have had to make 3 trips to the customs office till now and that moron there wanted to charge me 168% duty!!! after explaining to him what it was and he prompty failing to understand, we settled on 400 bux + change duty and 1200 bux tips (read bribe)...

I am still waiting on it... will keep you guys posted.

ananthkamath · 14th July 2007, 19:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by madhunm

Hi All,

@ananth - why biased toward TPS? I understand you can create some very aggressive maps based on TPS, however, doesnt MAP make your life easier?

as regards Suzi and bike engines, im sure that thee will be some form of either crank / cam sensor, even if it is not the 32-1 wheel type - which is, incidentally, used in the Ford EDIS.

MS2 gives a lot of freedom to choose what sensors you need.

~M

You need both MAP & TPS to make things work. How will MS know how much the throttle is open without a TPS?

You're right, in a carbed multi cyl bike engine you can get the tach signal (only thing needed for fuel only control) off of the CDI unit.

BTW how much did it cost you for the kit? What is included - stim, relay board, O2 datalogger?

madhunm · 17th July 2007, 11:30

Hi all,

i FINALLY fot the kit in hand. and as promised, i eanted to include some pics out of box... but then am kinda lost. can any one help me please?

Quote:

BTW how much did it cost you for the kit? What is included - stim, relay board, O2 datalogger?

I ordered the ECU itself, ther stim and relay board. i shall be ordering the WB O2 sensor shortly... ir after i pay my credit card out... whichever is early.

it cost me $489.90 for the parts, Rs 1200 for bribe to customs official, and Rs. 471 as customs duty.

i know this is on the higher side, however, i think i know the loopholes now... hence will avoid them in future.

anyways, am hitting the workbench now... will keep you posted.

thanks,
Madhu.

14th June 2006, 13:47	#1
reddevil Newbie Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 4 Thanked: 0 Times	Megasquirt - Advanced Electronic Fuel Injection Computer Hello guys just found this forum Ok I need to know if any of you guys are familiar with the DIY Megasquirt EFI system. I am planning to make this for a racecar. If anyone has any experience with this please let me know. I would be glad if you could provide me with some tips and most importantly things that can go wrong. I am willing to travel to anywhere in India just to get to know how this system is working. I have all the reading materials with me but I need to meet someone who has experience in this field so that I dont blowup So please any info regarding this megasquirt efi??? BTW link to MS is: http://www.megasquirt.info/ms2/ I shall be using MSII v3 board.I ll provide more details if you want.
	() Thanks

14th June 2006, 15:38	#2
Rehaan Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 24,046 Thanked: 34,076 Times	Do a search for Megasquirt on the forum and you will get 2 other threads where it is mentioned. Your best bet would be rdkartik as this stuff is what he does! Please tell us a little more about this racecar you are building.... cya R
	() Thanks

9th July 2007, 08:50	#3
madhunm Newbie Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 21 Thanked: 4 Times	Megasquirt VLOG All, have just taken delivery of a MS - II kit. Shall be posting a VLOG of the entire process. stay tuned!!! ~Madhu. Last edited by Rehaan : 9th July 2007 at 10:37. Reason: Only 2 smileys please, looking forward to the review!
	() Thanks

9th July 2007, 11:05	#4
dinar Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: goa Posts: 1,066 Thanked: 57 Times	madhunm how much did the kit cost you, and from which site did u order it, I am working on getting the parts on my own, still stuck with the MAP sensor. Am planing to order from freescale directly. do have any source in b'lore where I can get the sensor and the microcontroller from.
	() Thanks

9th July 2007, 11:19	#5
dinar Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: goa Posts: 1,066 Thanked: 57 Times	hey redevil you planning to buy the kit or making it your self? as getting parts is not that easy, I have been collecting the parts for quit some time now [initially the cost was a problem and now time is] but I do not want to buy the kit, I like doing this kind of stuff on my own [can improve the design]. also try the AVR based efi system, except for the map sensor most of the parts are available in india.
	() Thanks

9th July 2007, 15:51	#6
mclaren1885 BANNED Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Bangalore (the city of modded cars) !! Posts: 4,820 Thanked: 45 Times View My Garage Infractions: 0/1 (10)	Contact Rdkarthik from the forum. He will help you with anything MegaSquirt related.
	() Thanks

9th July 2007, 21:46	#7
ananthkamath Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Mangalore Posts: 1,209 Thanked: 80 Times View My Garage	if you are using MS for spark as well, the project is going to be a little more complicated. you have to use the MSnS-extra firmware and find a way to trigger the ignition using a toothed wheel. Usually I think they use a 32-1 (32 minus 1 teeth) wheel and these are available pretty easily. Adapting that to your engine is the tough part. The other issues to consider are what parts you will use for throttle bodies. A compatible TPS has to be used. Half the headaches will be solved if you use the throttle body assembly w/TPS from a different engine or the same engine if the TB matches your intended flowrate. With this much done, you are good to setup everything and start tuning. Now I dont know much about this part, but if you dont have a base fuel map things are going to get tough. If you dont have a base map I suggest you get a wideband O2 sensor w/datalogger so you wont cause any engine damage thru a leanout. Although I am new to MS, my to-do list for a typical fuel-only MS install would be the following in order of priority: 1) Buying suitable set of throttle bodies (with TPS to make things easier) and finding means of mounting them. 2) Buying Off-the-shelf GM IAT & CLT sensors (because they work with MS without any calibration), and finding means of mounting them. 3) Buying Innovate Motorsports LC-1 wideband O2 datalogger, and finding means of mounting the O2 sensor on the collector. 4) Deciding if its possible to run hybrid alpha-n with ITBs. If possible, then buying microsquirt; if not possible, buying MS-I v3.0 main board. 5) Buying all the other hardware like stimulator, relay board, cables and wiring harnesses. This is for a motorcycle. For a car I think it would be a little more complicated and you'd have to talk to rdkarthik about that.
	() Thanks

11th July 2007, 00:51	#9
ananthkamath Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Mangalore Posts: 1,209 Thanked: 80 Times View My Garage	Maybe I should have made it clear that I was talking about the whole MS thing from the point of view of using ITBs and for fuel management only. For this purpose you cant beat a MS1 for value. Ford engines are definitely easier cause MS was designed using off-the-shelf Ford and GM EDIS parts, but if you are going to do something like an esteem its going to be a bitch cause they dont come with a 32-1 wheel. Nor does a multi-cylinder motorcycle. Of course people have modified the code to use other wheels but you wont do that if you dont know programming. Regarding the TPS I was talking about the difficulties in mounting the TPS and then getting the right calibration. Sometimes your throttle plate movement wont give you the right range of adjustment, even with the built-in calibration feature. oh yes, you can use a base map but it aint any good if you dont have an O2 sensor. Unless you are an expert tuner and you know how the engine behaves when it is too rich or too lean. Only the old-school carb guys can tune by ear like that. And that too not with excellent results.
	() Thanks

11th July 2007, 02:01	#10
highwayblaze BHPian Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Chicago/Mumbai/Pune Posts: 771 Thanked: 2 Times View My Garage	ananth isn't this what you mentioned during the meet?
	() Thanks

11th July 2007, 08:44	#11
madhunm Newbie Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 21 Thanked: 4 Times	Hi All, @ananth - why biased toward TPS? I understand you can create some very aggressive maps based on TPS, however, doesnt MAP make your life easier? as regards Suzi and bike engines, im sure that thee will be some form of either crank / cam sensor, even if it is not the 32-1 wheel type - which is, incidentally, used in the Ford EDIS. MS2 gives a lot of freedom to choose what sensors you need. ~M
	() Thanks

11th July 2007, 08:52	#12
ananthkamath Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Mangalore Posts: 1,209 Thanked: 80 Times View My Garage	yes absolutely. same thing.
	() Thanks

14th July 2007, 10:25	#13
madhunm Newbie Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 21 Thanked: 4 Times	Hi all, i cant believe the Indian postal system and the customs department. my kit reached India (Mumbai) on the 7th and i still havent recieved the kit yet!!! I have had to make 3 trips to the customs office till now and that moron there wanted to charge me 168% duty!!! after explaining to him what it was and he prompty failing to understand, we settled on 400 bux + change duty and 1200 bux tips (read bribe)... I am still waiting on it... will keep you guys posted.
	() Thanks