I run a power commander in my Honda trx700xx quad. The unit gets spliced into the oem harness, and operates as a piggy back off of the oem computer. The unit requires a software download and connect via a laptop to change the fuel values throughout the entire rpm range. Once a proper fuel map is loaded into the PC, it would not need any further tuning unless a change is made to the motor or the exhaust. The unit basically allows for unlimted fuel map tuning.
For the BMW.... I dont know of anyone who can tune a ECM on a BMW. The Power Commander is only changing "sensor values inputs". In-line with the ECM. Just like my Power Controller i am assuming. the web site has no details at all! One can : modify the air temperature sensor (my Power Controller, Booster plug, or Accelerator plug) to the ECU. modify the throttle position sensor input to the ECU modify the O2 sensor input to the ECU Just dont cut the heated grips!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The install on the Power Controller (or booster plug - plugs in the same)
Here are the installation instructions. http://www.powercommander.com/downloads/12-009/install/pcv/eng12-009.pdf. I still don't understand how it works, though it appears it takes the place of the ECU. Obviously you remove the stock connections to the injectors and TPS. I do not understand what they mean when they speak of reinstalling in-line with the sensors. Replace or piggy back? If a replacement it should light up your fault meter. It appears to me that it replaces all sensor imput with a preprogrammed map, doing away with the oxygen sensor in the process. They do sell another componant called auto tune that uses a wide band oxygen sensor that automatically changes mapping on the fly. I changed my previous post to a reference for that device. If it is a replacement device it can't be as sophisticated as the stock ECU, using maps instead of sensors that select mapping based on the environment. Maybe some one who has installed one can speak up on how they work.
No, it can be looked at as more or less just a sophisticated, tunable version of the various booster plugs out there. It goes in line with the TPS to monitor throttle position, and 'replaces' the O2 sensor so it can provide its own inputs to the BMW ECU during closed loop (basically 'steady state') running. It also modifies injector outputs (dwell/firing duration) from the ECU to provide more or less fuel than the ECU is attempting to send for a particular situation. You tune it by telling it how much more or less fuel you want compared to the fuel map in the ECU at particular throttle positions and RPMs. I'm not sure exactly how many cells each map has, but the ones I've seen have tuning points every 250rpms and at 10 points on the throttle position. Basically, you say "at 2500 RPMs and 40% throttle, I need 8% more fuel than BMW wants to give me". Then do that a hundred times or so for other RPMs and throttle positions. The trick part with the PCV (over the PCIII) is that you can tune each cylinder separately (which probably isn't that useful for our p-twins, but certainly is for I4s or v-twins where some cylinders run hotter than others) plus you can create maps for each of the gears....not to mention you can load multiple maps and switch them on the fly. Also, the autotune feature is kind of snazzy (for another $250...), but I don't know how it works in real life. In theory, you just plug it in and it tunes itself based on a particular A/F ratio. Is it technically 'better' than the fixed units out there, like the booster, accelerator, and HTCA models? No question, and none of the proprietors of those products would argue. Is it better bang for the buck? At four times the cost of a HTCA unit, probably not. Not enough for me, at least. Its one of those 95% vs. 100% things, where you have to spend all the money to get that last 5%. Now, if it also had timing adjustment, and still cost $400, that might be a different story...
It also modifies injector outputs (dwell/firing duration) from the ECU to provide more or less fuel than the ECU is attempting to send for a particular situation. That makes sense, said the guy who who owns his first FI bike. From the photos and verbage, I could not see how the plugs from the Power Commander could be connected to stock injecter modules inline, but I guess I just had to be there. Still seems like there might be some situations where the sensors cause the ECU to dial up a leaner mixture, altitude for instance, where the Power Commander adds more fuel anyway because it is following a map that does not account for that. I guess they all do that. Maybe that is what Auto Tune is all about.
A few notes... some of the above is correct, some incorrect. Units like the PCV and Bazzaz FI module all go inline between the ECU and the fuel injectors. They allow you to change = magnify or reduce the fuel being injected. It is exactly like above ECU says X amount of fuel, PCV unit says for this TPS and RPM change that to X+__% which can be +/-. It has it for every TPS and every RPM from pretty low to redline. Auto Tune DOES NOT tune on the fly. It allows you to create map recommendations while riding but you then either accept or reject those suggestions when you look at it on a PC. I use the Bazzaz unit on my GSXR750 trackbike. Works amazingly well. If Bazzaz made a unit for the F800GS I'd use it. They make units for a few BMW bikes. I might just have to call a contact I have at Bazzaz and see if they might be willing to make one for the F800GS....
Great info here! Thanks for you insight! I see ....so these modules also (wired in series) to change outputs to injectors. More fuel? = add time (micro seconds) to the "injector On" command output.
So if anyone is interested Bazzaz makes a product called a Z-Fi fuel controller. It is very similar to the dynojet Power Commander V. I have the Bazzaz Z-fi on my GSXR-750 trackbike and really like it. I have a contact there through my trackday business (road racing). Bazzaz is looking to develop the Z-FI for the F800GS. They need a bike to get it working. If anyone in So. Cal (Bazzaz is located in Chino Hills) is interested in getting a free Bazzaz Z-FI unit and is willing to loan them your bike for about a week so they can dyno and set up the fuel maps send me a PM and I will get you the info of who to talk to. I was going to do this myself but it is too far from Reno, NV for it to make sense to take the bike there and back after. You loan them your bike and they will determine the connections, set it up, dyno it to get the maps right and you get the free Bazzaz Z-FI unit. Ideally the bike would have an after market slip on.
Forgot to mention that they already made units for 3 BMW bikes: S1000RR, G450X, and HP2 enduro so it should work without too much trouble. Here is info on the Bazzaz Z-fi unit from thier website - http://bazzaz.net/index.php Z-Fi Control your air/fuel ratio from fuel injectors to improve horsepower, torque, and throttle response. Correct fuel delivery for maximum performance, especially after modifications such as an aftermarket exhaust. The Bazzaz Z-Fi Fuel Control Unit takes operational command of all fuel injectors, not just half like our competitors. This is a significant advantage in realizing the perfect tune, resulting in significantly better throttle response and overall engine performance. Z-Fi is a plug and play unit that piggy-backs onto the stock ECU. Each unit comes with an application specific harness that utilizes OEM connectors for simple installation. Stores two modifiable fuel maps, one pre-programmed for specific bike with a slip-on exhaust. The two maps are switchable 'on the fly' with the Map Selection Switch (sold separately). Featuring a USB interface with industry recognized easy to use software, the Z-Fi can be tuned at the bike or, because the system can be USB powered, tuning can be done at a PC. Continue to get the best tune for all conditions by using the Z-AFM self tuning module with the Z-Fi unit. All Products are for Closed Race Course Use Only. MSRP: $379.95
Got a chance to visit the Coonass Controller production facility this afternoon. Really neat place, scooter and all. P.S. thanks for the jump!
What a difference the hightechcoonass plug makes! A dramatic difference between stock. Best $90 I've spent so far.
Just a follow up. Rode 150+ miles through country dirt roads. Did alot of low-speed, tight switchbacks, standing up, this thing has definitely made a difference control wise. Money well spent IMHO. Thanks HTCA!
Has anyone used the "The ACCELERATOR module" on a F650 twin or the f800 ? What's the performance like?
I have one on my F800. It runs smoother, is more controllable, same mileage (about 55) and more power. Money well spent!
I have the compact with the same results. Don't know where you are, but I don't think they are available in the US any more. Instead of ordering direct we go through a vendor and I do not believe he stocks them.
Allways opt for the extended version.... the under the cover temperatures are too hot. I have tested this extensively... thats why the Power Controller has the extended probe. It is cheaper and easier to build the internal unit but once the bike warms is the effect you are after may cancel out. The Accelerator must be bought thru the US dealer... last I hear he is not stocking ... pricing issues...
Just wanted to say thanks Jessehere...I bought a 'booster plug' last year and it helped but hesitated to put my new bike under the knife. Put the G2 throttle tube in as you suggested a month or so ago and really like it. Concerned about loosing grip heat I did put some high-temp fiberglass tape between the aluminum tube and the heater element for a bit of insulation but I think finding a thin, smooth grip is also important if you want to keep the factory heat output. Ride safe!