Comments on the State of the Union MicroSquirt info

[djandruczyk]

It is verry good to have the 2 VR inputs but I think that in my case
the second one won't do me anny good.
You see there are 2 triggerwheels in my distributor one with 24 teeth and
one with 4 teeth.
I asume that the stock ecu uses the 24 wheel for the rpm and the 4 wheel
for position.
Now I already found out it will work fine with one VR input so wy complicate things when you don't need to.
Please set me straight when I'm wrong.
Perhaps it is possible to use the both VR inputs the same way the stock ecu does.

I hope that it is working fine so they can be sold soon.

I was ready to by the mega unit but now it seems worthwile to wait
for the micro "wonder" unit!!!

Ivan

Well, since the source code to the firmware is open (and in C which is easier than assembler) it could be changed. As to who does that, that depends, but if you were so inclined, you could learn the necessary skills and try your own hand at it.

[Vanhoe]

I would really like to know more about the code but unfortunally I dont even know what C stands for or what assambler does.
I have been looking at the firmware but don't see what is needde to alter
anything at all.

Maybe there is some info on the subject needed for stupid guys like miself.

I know how to work with a computer but never learnd anything about
program writing.

Ivan

[KGB]

I guess technically, with the hardware in place, it's now possible to write code to support dual triggers driving 2 coils based on those 2 triggers (instead of independent ignition). Makes me think again whether I should go after the new Microsquirt...

[djandruczyk]

I would really like to know more about the code but unfortunally I dont even know what C stands for or what assambler does.
I have been looking at the firmware but don't see what is needde to alter
anything at all.

Maybe there is some info on the subject needed for stupid guys like miself.

I know how to work with a computer but never learnd anything about
program writing.

Ivan

Here's a good place to start...
http://cplus.about.com/od/beginnerctuto ... blctut.htm

C is what's known as a high level programming language. Code is entered by a person (or group thereof). A program is ran over the code (usually several programs) which compile the human readable sourcecode into machine code or object code that the chip or CPU in the megasquirt-II can execute. Assembler or ASM is a low level language which is rather cryptic in it's notation. It is similar to C in tht it requires compilation into machine code, but in terms of writing code to accomplish a task, in Assembler you need to take into account a lot more things than you do in C. The advantages of ASM over C on small (low horsepower) cpu's is primarily in terms of speed and code compact-ness (less memory used) the disadvantage is it's crytpic-ness and the need to take care of many aspects of the processor manually which can be very difficult to achieve and requires a good creative open mind.

[PSIG]

There isnt room... hence the intension being to run an external map or am I missing somthing?

You are correct. They typical MAP sensor is, as you know, very large. There are some SMT devices (sold by the vendors, soldered to adapter cards) that might fit...
I think the point of MicroSquirt is to use it primarily in applications where it will be exposed to the elements. Running a hose into a non-potted box-o'-volts is bad juju. If the hose came off, sparky sparky, no worky.
-Brian

I know I've said this before but got no responses.

• There is LOTS of room in the box above the board - as small as it is.

• Bulkhead vac fittings are under a dollar and are weather sealable. No bad juju.

• The MPX4250 MAP sensor will fit easy. No unnecessary external pieces to have to find a spot for.

• Even a heatsink bar and a few VB921's should snuggle along in there as well. Answers additional output requests.

• With a little creative fitting, even cool options like Bluetooth could ride in there.

I'm not saying everyone should pay to have all those in there by default, but it would be an important choice for common installs. Why not go for the gold the first time 'round? Problems solved? Why not?

[Skiericski]

Why not go for the gold the first time 'round? Problems solved? Why not?

One good reason not to "go for the gold" the first run is because if you do then the "first time 'round" will NEVER end. I can attest to the fact that if you want a 100% optimized, do-all solution, you'll NEVER get there, because there's always more that can be done. At some point you have to stop adding features and just build the damn thing.

[Jim]

Motorcycle Coil Drivers

Have any of you guys considered using a Ford EDIS ignition
module ?

They have 4 , 6 and 8 cylinder versions , they will drive almost any
coil because they have built-in current limiting cicuitry ,
(the EDIS Coil Packs may be somewhat big and heavy for a Bike)
"Wasted Spark" Coils (2 spark plugs attach to each coil) are readily
availible from other bikes if you have single plug coils .

The only real drawback is they require a 36 minus 1 tooth wheel .
(you may be able to to simply drill 35 holes in your clutch drum ,
be sure to re-balance afterwards)
Wheel pickup coil is not critical , polarity of it IS .
(reverse wires if nessesary)

Big advantages , dirt cheap in the junkyard , small , doesn't need
a heatsink , waterproof , lots of documentation in the forums ,
also provides Tach Input for MS .

Demensions = about 2 x 3 inches x .5" thick

[Skiericski]

The other BIG drawback for bike motors is that EDIS is limited to around 8800 RPM. Lots of bike engines are just getting fun around there.

[PSIG]

Perhaps Skiericski misunderstood as I'm not looking for a 100% optimized version in the never-ending quest - just responding to the majority of potential users and installs as read from this list. My question still stands as a response to the call for more VB921 outputs and reliable internal MAP as basic requirements to a basic system package.

There would seem to be a majority of installs that would require a reliable MAP and multiple 921's without finding another spot on the bike/PWC/? to cram 1 or 2 boxes the size of μSquirt when it makes so much sense to just permit them in the box and so little sense to disallow that premise. It would also allow the 921 outputs or other functions on the previously planned MAP wires as well.

Hey, I don't personally care which, as I'll just mod it to suit my projects or use a competitive board - but the big drawback to general acceptance of MS already is the inherent requirement to modify from the very beginning. Overtly placing that burden on a SMD board is rejecting the larger number of potential users out there. That doesn't bode well for getting a return on the investment to produce the thing let alone the reputation that all other future versions will have to launch from. I would of course like to see μSquirt a resounding success and hobbyists collectively succeed where commercial ventures fail.

Or am I mistaken and it's just a quick and cheap guinea pig to be punted to see where it lands?

[78Spit1500Fed]

I know I've said this before but got no responses. There is LOTS of room in the box above the board - as small as it is...

How do you know how much room there is? Have you ever seen a MicroSquirt? Have you held one in your hand, measured the clearance between the board and the case?

Whether or not the bulkhead can be seald is irrelevant. An internal MAP sensor could be damaged by ice freezing in the unit, and if the MicroSquirt unit is sealed, you would have to break that seal to repair it. An external MAP can simply be replaced.

-Brian