A couple of Megasquirt questions

Otter74 · 08-08-2016, 01:05 PM

After a year of enjoying my car, and after having knocked some items off of my want-to-do list, I figure that between now and winter I will get to some Megasquirt to-dos. I have a couple of questions:

1)Since my 9-year-old Macbook is rather crotchety and my iPad does not have any non-wireless data connectivity for external devices, I figured I'd pick up a cheap (~$100) PC-based tablet with a keyboard to use to interface with the software. Any problems with this hardware choice that I'm not seeing? I can't think of any.

2)Does anyone have an 87-octane-based tune for an SC that they wouldn't mind sharing a copy of? My car was tuned on 91 (I've occaisonally used 89 in it but I'm not willing to go below that), and I'd kind of also like to have a regular-gas tune for things like long road trips where I don't care about losing 5% across the power band or something like that. My car uses v2 (if that matters) and EDIS ignition and has a stock SC motor with, I think, an Elgin 964 cam grind (I have to look it up to be sure).

The PO put a lot of work into the current tune on the car, but there's a slight surge on throttle tip-in at walking speeds in 1st gear that I'd like to get rid of, and a little bit of idle oscillation on cold starts, too.

Pazuzu · 08-08-2016, 01:19 PM

They just came out with a new Tunerstudio (3.0) with some new ways to connect to the MS box.

I don't know of a Android based tuner for that, I've never used MSdroid so I don't know how powerful it actually is.

'76 911S 3.0 · '76 911S 3.0's Garage

Get a netbook and keep it in the car with you...they are ~$150 and the batteries last a long time. I use one for my tuning and it stays charged for a month or so with it off and about 7+ hours of battery life when used.

jpnovak · 08-08-2016, 02:05 PM

The issue with the PC tablets is serial communication support. Even if you are connected through bluetooth, usb or wifi dongle the protocol is still serial. I have an Asus netbook and it has worked great for about 10 years now. Best option. BTW, touch screens suck for tuning and tablet based laptops don't actually sit upright on your pass seat for tuning. Don't bother.

The MSDroid and EFI analytics android tune platforms work well for datalogging and minor adjustments. They are not well equipped for facile tuning and setup.

You need to retune your particular car for the change in fuel quality. The biggest issue will be advance level at part throttle, mid-load. If tuned for economy you may have a high degree of advance along with lean fuel mixture. Sorry, but you can't tune those areas on the internet.

lean tip-in and cold idle oscillations can be caused by a few things. Hard to say exactly without knowing more about the installation and file setup. first gear tip-in could be lean fuel or timing issues. cold start oscillation is likely due to setup of the IAV (don't know if its still stock) and how large the steps are on your fuel/ignition maps.

Tippy · 08-08-2016, 02:20 PM

If you're on Facebook, there's a group called "MegaSquirt/MSExtra Engine Management Owner's Club". Ask to join. If you don't like FB due to social media, this group is nothing like that. Just hardcore 'squirters. There's some really knowledgeable dudes there and always impress me with their depth of understanding.

Was just reading last night that Google tablets are great for tuning and Android are more novelty. Timely post as I'm thinking about a tablet myself since they're so cheap.

Wouldn't believe how many in the group use tablets for full race dashes.

Tippy · 08-08-2016, 02:25 PM

I'd think pulling a couple degrees would be OK for the timing.

Lean tip-in was something I battled a lot only to find I had vacuum leaks! Check those absolutely 1st!!!!!

Otter74 · 08-08-2016, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpnovak

The issue with the PC tablets is serial communication support. Even if you are connected through bluetooth, usb or wifi dongle the protocol is still serial. I have an Asus netbook and it has worked great for about 10 years now. Best option. BTW, touch screens suck for tuning and tablet based laptops don't actually sit upright on your pass seat for tuning. Don't bother.

The MSDroid and EFI analytics android tune platforms work well for datalogging and minor adjustments. They are not well equipped for facile tuning and setup.

You need to retune your particular car for the change in fuel quality. The biggest issue will be advance level at part throttle, mid-load. If tuned for economy you may have a high degree of advance along with lean fuel mixture. Sorry, but you can't tune those areas on the internet.

lean tip-in and cold idle oscillations can be caused by a few things. Hard to say exactly without knowing more about the installation and file setup. first gear tip-in could be lean fuel or timing issues. cold start oscillation is likely due to setup of the IAV (don't know if its still stock) and how large the steps are on your fuel/ignition maps.

I think I was mentally conflating tablets and netbooks - noted that netbooks are the way to go. I have no idea how I'd use the interface with a touch screen, and I wouldn't want to try. Doesn't sound friendly.

I was hoping to have at least a baseline for a low-octane / fuel economy tune without starting either from scratch or from my existing one, but it doesn't sound like that is reasonable.

My IAV is off of a Jeep 4.0L straight six, IIRC.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tippy

If you're on Facebook, there's a group called "MegaSquirt/MSExtra Engine Management Owner's Club". Ask to join. If you don't like FB due to social media, this group is nothing like that. Just hardcore 'squirters. There's some really knowledgeable dudes there and always impress me with their depth of understanding.

Was just reading last night that Google tablets are great for tuning and Android are more novelty. Timely post as I'm thinking about a tablet myself since they're so cheap.

Wouldn't believe how many in the group use tablets for full race dashes.

Thanks - I am on Facebook already, so I'll ask to join.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tippy

I'd think pulling a couple degrees would be OK for the timing.

Lean tip-in was something I battled a lot only to find I had vacuum leaks! Check those absolutely 1st!!!!!

Will do, though the PO was really on top of details so I think it's relatively unlikely.