The V8 Owners Forum -

Are you experienced at electronics construction? The MS DIY kit isn't for beginners.

No but I know people who are. A fried of mine is into mechatronics and robotics. He's built his own megasquirt before.

I could always order assembled if need be too.

Cheers

Ah - good. It's not a difficult kit to build if you have some experience and can solder well - but it's a worry when a newbie does a Jeremy Clarkson and says 'how hard can it be'...

Other thing is to follow the MS external wiring diagram carefully especially with regard to sensor grounds. They must all be brought back individually to the MS, and the MS then grounded to the engine block. Sensors ain't like a bulb where grounding it anywhere on the car means it will probably light. They work on very small currents so you need to prevent stray currents flowing in their grounds. Which means grounding them all to the same point.

It's also well worth getting a Stim. This allows the MS to be tested off the car with a suitable PS - a cheap 12 volt wall wart will be fine. And to make sure it will talk to your PC. Many have problems at first getting the MS to talk to their PC - often down to the USB/serial adaptor. If you have a desktop with a dedicated serial port, that can be used to establish comms first, then move on to the laptop.

Finally, there is lots to learn with MS. So take your time.

My friend has a stim he will loan me long term, he is going to the US on a scholarship soon.

Thanks for the advice. I definitely wasn't thinking I would just hop in an assemble it myself without decent soldering skills

I will definitely take note with the grounds. I own french cars too so know all about how annoying crap wiring is

BTW, I'm not trying to put anyone off home building an MS. It's a very good way of learning how it does things. You just need to build other simpler things first - and make sure they work.

I find it quite sad that electronics as a hobby has fallen out of fashion with kids today. Especially since it is so much more affordable than when I started. Then a single transistor cost twice the price of a packet of fags. So say 12 quid in today's money. A much better spec one today costs pennies.

I would definatly recommend honing your soldering skills on a cheap solder kit like a DIY clock..etc.

It's not difficult by anymeans but I would get a good soldering iron with a nice small tip.

Tom.

If you're doing any serious electronics, a 50 watt low voltage temperature controlled is the way to go. One where you can get a selection of tips and change them easily.

A good second-hand Weller or Antex probably a better bet than a no name one.

I'll check it out. Would be good to have some electronics skills.