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megasquirt
Posted: Mon May 30, 2011 2:38 pm
by mgrv8
Hi all, i just been offered a v3 megasquirt ecu that has never been used.... it was brought for a zetec 4 pot but the guy couldnt get it to run??. he says it must have been a 'software'problem??,, how easy would it be to 'reprogram' this to be able to run my rv8???
where can i get it tested..... or should i leave it alone? (its £150 with leads and a old laptop thats suitable this ecu?) Thanks in advance Steve
Posted: Mon May 30, 2011 3:35 pm
by DaveEFI
V3 refers to the PCB which is the latest one using discrete components. The processor could be either an MS 1 or MS 2. The MS 1 is a single chip - the MS2 a daughter board which fits the same slot.
To re-program for a different engine you simply load in an MSQ file that's suitable - or you can start from scratch. I'm sure someone here will give you one that would be a decent starting point - if you give the full spec of your engine and ignition and the MS.
Pretty well any PC Win95 or later will run the software. (and Macs - but dunno them) It needs a serial port or a USB to serial adaptor. Many have problems with this adaptor rather than with the MS itself, when they can't establish communication.
It's well worth while getting a Stim. This simulates the ignition tach signal and all the sensors. Using either a battery or a wall wart PS, you can then establish the MS is working properly off the car, and check your computer is talking to it ok, etc.
Most problems are caused by a faulty engine loom. Wrong grounding of sensors, etc. The MS itself is pretty reliable - and easily fixed if the worst happens by anyone with some electronic knowledge. Being a DIY device, it has no special chips etc that you can only get from the vendor - they are all 'stock' devices.
Re: megasquirt
Posted: Mon May 30, 2011 8:06 pm
by bobtail84
mgrv8 wrote:Hi all, i just been offered a v3 megasquirt ecu that has never been used.... it was brought for a zetec 4 pot but the guy couldnt get it to run??. he says it must have been a 'software'problem??,, how easy would it be to 'reprogram' this to be able to run my rv8???
where can i get it tested..... or should i leave it alone? (its £150 with leads and a old laptop thats suitable this ecu?) Thanks in advance Steve
I would send Phil Ringwood a PM he is daxtojeiro on here
or E-mail him. Have a look
here He will put you straight as you will probably need some mods to make it right for your RV8.
Jeff