Radical idea for 'OPEN ECU' project ?

[S2central.net]

Does such a thing exist ?

I got to wondering / daydreaming on a flight yesterday that if there was the willing amongst the technically adept motorheads around the world that an open platform for engine tuning could be created. Kind of like linux for engines...

We'd need an agreed hardware platform, with the right real-time OS (oh that could be linux for starters) and a toolkit of truly easy to use tuning/mapping software (that runs on PCs or Macs).

This isn't a thing for the Audi S2 - it could be used for ANY car (within reason and by using adapter looms that connect to a generic physical interface). It would need the collaborative inputs from hardware and software engineers around the world - some with in depth knowledge of ECU technology - and many many others without any such prior knowledge that just want to make the process as simple as possible.

Obviously some investment would be needed to develop the right hardware platform - unless something off the shelf could be used (at higher cost with the advantage of timeliness and manufacturers support).

I won't waste time outlining the spec in my head for such an ECU - maybe some of the assembled techies here have heard about such a concept already in the works.


Paul

[porkkis]

Megasquirt, VEMS, etc etc

http://www.msefi.com/

http://www.megasquirt.info/

http://www.vems-group.org/

Someones have had the same idea long ago

I know several people using MS and VEMS

[tekkno435]

BTDT Costs about £125.00 to get yourself an actual real life working fully programmable ECU. It doesn't cope (the Megasquirt) with Air Con very well. It is however very well supported and plenty of people willing to help.

graham.

[S2central.net]

Okay - I'm not going mental then... After a very quick look at Megasquirt - its kinda like what I was thinking, but the lack of knock sensor inputs is a worry. I'd also like EGT inputs.

I have a wee modular Ford V8 project on the horizon (non turbo) that I'd like to make into an easily mappable monster. Don't ask ! Megasquirt is going to get some serious consideration for that 'little' project.

PAul

[robo]

Very, very good idea Paul.
I would be interested in one of DIY ecus and I know reserch cost time and money let me know if you need anything.
I am sure that's not so easy cos if it was we all be tuners.... :mischeif:

[AnLe]

Much more interesting open project would be gems type of integrated flash based adapter to put on ecu at the normal chip would go, and the adapter included online programmin and easy to use software.

Even simpler project would be software like winols but made for dummies, to look like any aftermarket ecu software, just dial in wanted adwance and fuel and of you go.

I have suggested this two times to our lord of the software mihnea, to sell this kind of softare and use some kind of copy protection (found several on the net) base for the chip, there would be huge market for this, mere 1000e / car and never leave home, just watch bank account fattening..


Of course tuning skills is needed but so is in megasqruit..

[S2central.net]

Mmmm that idea is interesting too, but it would require lots of customisation per ECU in order to make a 'WinOLS for dummies' that worked enough ECUs for a 'huge market'. Thats a big project...

This megasquirt stuff is interesting - reading a bit more tonight, and I see some more turbo calculators that I need to compare notes with - lots of good theory and practical advice so far.

Still don't see reference to proper sequential injection yet... and the lack of knock sensors is deffo a worry for turbo applications - their advice on tuning at high boost has the right warnings but relies entirely on being able to hear knock - which isn't always possible... and the plug inspection trick isn't as good as a reliable knock sensor that sets of alarm bells.

I don't see any 'safe mode' maps either - you know the luxuries we have in the world of Motronic ????


PAul

[Jas11n]

lack of knock sensor inputs is a worry.

Talking to a fans user ("Aspro") who is using Megasquirt on a 2.0 16v coupe with TB's, and he said that knock control is imminent from them.

[S2central.net]

OK - cool then - that's one website which is going to get pummelled by me for many an evening or lunchtime to come.

Paul

[Mark Halligan]

and the lack of knock sensors is deffo a worry for turbo applications

If your worried about lack of Knock sensors, is this any good?

http://www.jandssafeguard.com/index.html

[audiman]

So come on then Paul, what monstaer are you working on?? A huge V8 yank machine

[Sweeper]

Our country S2/S4 guru (the most knowledgable S man around in Latvia) use Megasquirt and sell it(kind of megasquirt dealer). He installed it in about 5 S2 and few other cars.

As far people say only good results.

P.S. Same guy that makes reverse IM , sport diffs , instal vacuum brakes instead of BOMB and s.o.

[S2central.net]

If your worried about lack of Knock sensors, is this any good?

http://www.jandssafeguard.com/index.html

Mmm nice toy for consideration that... Got to wondering if anyone has ever seen a simple 'knock detector kit' - you know something that conditions the signal coming from a knock sensor (or two) and simply flashes some LEDs on the onset of knock.

I think that would be a wonderful gadget for anyone dabbling in tuning - or playing with fuel additives. It would be equally useful as a simple indicator of fuel or ignition system faults that create knock on an engine that was previously healthy.

I can almost imagine how to make such a thing, but getting the sensitivity right could be tricky. It would need to have very impedance to avoid any unexpected interactions with the ECU.

My experience of knock is that it can be hard to hear and detect unless it gets sufficiently severe or that you 'feel' the ECU retarding the timing if it decides to do something about it.

My notion of knock detector lights are that you should be able to verify that your knock sensors are actually working and that you should then 'see' the ECU actively doing something about it - if and when you get some ropey fuel or very hot IATs.

Just a thought - hopefully its been done before !

[S2central.net]

I'm going off Megasquirt for S2 like applications cos of the lack of proper sequential fuel injection, support for direct ignition, active boost control, knock sensors and any sign of safety maps. Not saying it couldn't be used, just that I think its better suited to non turbo engines. I do like the very open nature of Megasquirt - with enough effort from like minded folk - it could be made to support the S2 better ! Still thinkin...

[Mark Halligan]

Got to wondering if anyone has ever seen a simple 'knock detector kit' - you know something that conditions the signal coming from a knock sensor (or two) and simply flashes some LEDs on the onset of knock.

Like this?

http://www.link-electro.co.nz/knocklink.html