Megasquirt Info Thread

[Whizbang]

Alright so starting tonight or tomorrow im starting my Megasquirt wiring. Figured i would give out some general info as i work through it all. Might come in handy for some others. For starters, i am only using it for fueling, so some of the things i do would not apply if you wanted to have ignition control.

Below are two similiar wiring diagrams. One is specifically for the Rx7 running the CAS, the other is if you are planning on using the Dizzy. I am using the dizzy with a CDI box to make the signal usable. Now, if you are planning on using ignition control, you can not just use the "tach out" from the CDI as a signal for the megasquirt. But for fueling, it will work just fine.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/Tsunami_Bomb/TMazdaWiring.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/Tsunami_Bomb/extwir.gif

[Whizbang]

As far a sensors go, there are several ways you go about things. There is plenty of info on the megasquirt web forums related to sensors, but for the Rx7 almost everything is useable. The IAT (intake air temp) sensor will read off by 10 degrees. You can use a resister and figure it back to correct reading, but i just elected to drill and tap for using a GM sensor (which reads true). Mostly because i have an after market manifold and i have to drill and tap for it anyway.

The TPS, coolant temp sensor, etc will all work with the megasquirt.

[NoDOHC]

How about the stock MAP sensor, will it work? Are you using an S5 TPS?

[TheDriver216]

Mega squirts come with a 2bar map with most of the kits... i have mine with a 4bar... you can use a gm 3bar as well...

[RotaryProphet]

Mega squirts come with a 2bar map with most of the kits... i have mine with a 4bar... you can use a gm 3bar as well...

The normal units come with a 2.5 bar (~22psi boost) map sensor. 3 and 4 bar units are also available in the same form factor.

Also, it should be noted that the top wiring harness (for using the stock cas) requires internal mods to the Megasquirt to fire spark. It's also possible to build a second VR input sensor and use both inputs on the stock unmodified CAS.

[vex]

My question is however: how many inputs/outputs can you have max?

[RotaryProphet]

My question is however: how many inputs/outputs can you have max?

Just two fuel injection outputs, but up to 4 spark outputs, plus a bunch of other random stuff. Unfortunately, a lot of the other stuff requires mods to the board.

[jamespond24]

Does the CAS only need the Ne- & Ne+? What about the G- & G+?

[RotaryProphet]

Does the CAS only need the Ne- & Ne+? What about the G- & G+?

To use the CAS on the standard (unmodified) MS board requires grinding two opposing teeth off of the 20 tooth wheel in the CAS, then disregarding the 2 toothed wheel.

The "better" solution is to build a second VR input circuit on the MS board, and use both wheels in the CAS without modification. Honestly, either way works just fine in most circumstances.

[jamespond24]

Ok I bought an MS1 V2.2 and I'm having problem finding the right software and firmware. I tried the MT 2.25p3 and couln't get the COM to work on my laptop.

[Whizbang]

im still confused on how to run the injectors. since it has two outs, would i have the injectors that are firing at the same time run one rotor at a lower pulse width?

[RotaryProphet]

Ok I bought an MS1 V2.2 and I'm having problem finding the right software and firmware. I tried the MT 2.25p3 and couln't get the COM to work on my laptop.

www.diyautotune.com has a software section that should be able to help you out. They have a big package with pretty much anything on it.

[RotaryProphet]

im still confused on how to run the injectors. since it has two outs, would i have the injectors that are firing at the same time run one rotor at a lower pulse width?

That depends on what you're using for your intake & injectors.

The MS default is to pulse both injector drivers at the same time off the same map. On most non-rotary cars (or rotaries using the non-oem intake setup) where all the injectors are the same size, you can set it to alternate the two banks off of the same map.

So for instance, if you were running an IDA throttle body like I was for a while, you would wire both of the outboard injectors to one driver, and both of the inboard injectors to the other, and run them in alternating mode. You can set it up with one driver per rotor, but you lose a hidden benefit. In alternating mode you are basically running the engine off of two injectors, but as the load increases the injectors will start to overlap; one bank is still firing when the next starts. Eventually at 200% (calculated) pulsewidth, both banks are firing all the time. This gives you a very good dynamic range, and makes it easier to idle on big injectors.

Now the tricky part comes in when you have differently sized (staged) injectors, or when you have an intake setup with secondary throttle blades that don't open immediately (sound familiar? Both of these are true in various 13b configurations).

At this point you have to run dual table. Wire the small/primary injectors to one bank, and the large/secondary injectors to the other. Then you have to map out both injector banks individually. One thing to note is that you can't put a zero into a VE table bin to stop the injector from firing at all (under most firmwares; check local listings). Instead, when you want an injector to not fire (ie, secondary injectors before the secondary throttle opens) put a "1" in the VE bin, and it'll put out -almost- no fuel. Close enough to get the job done, at least.

[Whizbang]

so i would then have one injector on each rotor firing at the same time?

[RotaryProphet]

so i would then have one injector on each rotor firing at the same time?

Yes. Even in boingers the injector is firing against the closed valve more often than not, in a rotary where the intake is almost always open to one rotor face or another, it doesn't have any negative effect to fire both rotor's injectors at once.

[Whizbang]

works out then. Ill wire it like that.

[Whizbang]

I have a DIYAutoTune built MS unit. I thinks its an MS2. I am also using a USB to serial adapter (eek).

I have the FIFO off so there is no buffer. I have tried both sets of rates (matching on each end). Com ports should be correct as well. I still wont rule out the cable but i have no access at the moment to anthing else.

Getting "no response".

When i turn the key to "on" i get a quick flash from the LEDs but none of them stay on. Should any of them remain on without the engine running? I have the wiring in the rear as per the mega manual with only the one voltage source from a switched ignition.

So...any thoughts? I have heard of having to flash the ECU with firmware (this has never been used prior nor have i had it communicated). But i can't connect to begin with.

[vex]

Just two fuel injection outputs, but up to 4 spark outputs, plus a bunch of other random stuff. Unfortunately, a lot of the other stuff requires mods to the board.

So there's no way to increase the total input/output count? say, have 4 spark out, 4 inj out, 18 aux out, bunch of inputs, etc.? Could I do it if I soldered in some more components or something?

[Whizbang]

i downloaded the newest DIYautotune package and am going to try it tomorrow.

One question i have that is how does the whole "project" selection thing work when i open megatune. Seems more like versions of the program than a "project". I had a car1 option on the laptop im using right now, but the tuning laptop lacked this. car1 had a similar interface as the FAQ on the Rx7club's megasquirt forum for the constants. But most of the other listing i do have, like MS-2 Extra 2.1.0 from the list, is different.

[RotaryProphet]

So there's no way to increase the total input/output count? say, have 4 spark out, 4 inj out, 18 aux out, bunch of inputs, etc.? Could I do it if I soldered in some more components or something?

Aux outputs and inputs can be had by using the general purpose IO board, but not for spark or injector outputs.

There's also a router board that lets you do sequential fuel/spark control.

Both of the boards are still in beta testing, and both talk to the MS unit via the CAN bus.

Being a programmer myself, I've been working on various stuff of my own. My overall project is a modular ECU, but I've been testing with smaller scale projects. Right now on my desk I have a little computer designed to read two MAP sensors and control four actuator outputs designed to control a sequential turbo setup & electronic wastegate.

I might be in a position to offer aftermarket programmable sequential control soon, but a full ECU is a long way off.

[vex]

Aux outputs and inputs can be had by using the general purpose IO board, but not for spark or injector outputs.

There's also a router board that lets you do sequential fuel/spark control.

Both of the boards are still in beta testing, and both talk to the MS unit via the CAN bus.

Being a programmer myself, I've been working on various stuff of my own. My overall project is a modular ECU, but I've been testing with smaller scale projects. Right now on my desk I have a little computer designed to read two MAP sensors and control four actuator outputs designed to control a sequential turbo setup & electronic wastegate.

I might be in a position to offer aftermarket programmable sequential control soon, but a full ECU is a long way off.

Please keep us posted on this. I don't mind having to write code, but writing machine code is a new territory for me so I may not be in a good position to help in any sorts, but knowing that it is possible to control aux inputs/outputs is good knowledge, as is the ability to do sequential fuel/spark is a big plus to me and may cause me to sway my previous decisions on ecu.

[Whizbang]

Got the car started! Ill attempt a good write up on this plus some base information that someone could use to get their car running (ie map and settings)