Megasquirt2 Setting Up-3.4

Megasquirt-2 Setting up
Megasquirt-2 Product Range

MS2/Extra 3.4.x
Dated: 2018-08-19
Instructions for setting up your Megasquirt-2 ECU.
This version of the documentation applies to the Megasquirt-2 range of products which includes:
• MS2 on V3.0 or V3.57 mainboard;
• MicroSquirt;
• Products derived from the MicroSquirt Module (e.g., DIYPNP and MSPNP2).
and running firmware MS2/Extra 3.4.x. (See section 2.10.3 for more detail on version numbers.)
Not covered:
• Megasquirt-2 products running "Bowling and Grippo" firmware.
• Megasquirt-2 products on a V2.2 mainboard.
• MegaSquirt-1;
• EMS-Pro
• MegaSquirt-3;
• MS3-Pro or products using MS3-Pro module
• MS3-Gold
(c) 2014-5 James Murray

Megasquirt-2 Setting Up 0:QuickStart Guide - in brief
0: QuickStart Guide - in brief

This list is provided as the bare essentials that you must read. Full details of each step are provided within
the body of the manual.
1. Buy or build your Megasquirt!

2. Select and assemble your fuel and ignition systems.
3. Setup your vehicle wiring harness ensuring it is fused.
4. Connect MAP hose to full vacuum source. (Speed Density only.)
5. Install TunerStudio and Megalogviewer software onto you computer.
6. Connect your Megasquirt to a 12V fused supply either in the vehicle or on the bench.
7. Get the serial comms set up.
8. Install the firmware if required.
9. Get your tuning computer to talk to the ECU.
10. Setup sensor calibrations to match hardware. (TPS, O2 sensor, temp sensors.)
11. Check all sensor inputs are reading sensibly in TunerStudio.
12. Set the base settings (engine type, ignition setup, toothed wheel type.)
13. Use the test mode to confirm injectors and coil(s) are functioning.
14. Check for RPM input.
15. Check the cranking timing with fuel disabled.
16. Start the engine and start tuning.
All manuals are available to download as PDFs from www.msextra.com/manuals

Your supplier may have included them on a USB pen drive or CD-ROM.
All parts are sold for OFF ROAD RACE-ONLY ground-vehicle use only - see section 1.1 for more details.
(c) 2014-8 James Murray 2018-08-19 Page 2/117

Megasquirt-2 Setting Up 0:Contents
0: Contents
Table of Chapters
0: QuickStart Guide - in brief.................................................................................................2
0: Contents............................................................................................................................3
1: Introduction.......................................................................................................................9
2: QuickStart Guide - expanded..........................................................................................13
3: Tuning the engine............................................................................................................45
4: Advanced topics..............................................................................................................64
5: Troubleshooting...............................................................................................................85
6: Appendix A: Firmware upgrade notes.............................................................................96
7: Appendix B: Fuel calculations.......................................................................................103
8: Appendix C: Megasquirt Glossary of Terms..................................................................105
9: Appendix D: Text-based firmware loader......................................................................112
10: Revision history...........................................................................................................117

Contents
0: QuickStart Guide - in brief.................................................................................................2
0: Contents............................................................................................................................3
1: Introduction.......................................................................................................................9
1.1 Emissions and disclaimer...........................................................................................9
1.2 Required tools.............................................................................................................9
1.3 How to use the manuals.............................................................................................9
1.4 Products Covered.....................................................................................................10
1.4.1 MS2 on V2.2 mainboard....................................................................................10
1.4.2 MS2 on a V3.0 mainboard.................................................................................10
1.4.3 MS2 on a V3.57 mainboard...............................................................................11
1.4.4 Microsquirt.........................................................................................................11
1.4.5 Microsquirt-module............................................................................................12
1.5 Copyrights.................................................................................................................12
2: QuickStart Guide - expanded..........................................................................................13
2.1 Buy or build your Megasquirt!...................................................................................13
2.2 Select and assemble your fuel and ignition systems...............................................13
2.3 Setup your vehicle wiring harness (loom) ensuring it is fused.................................13
2.4 Connect MAP hose to full vacuum source................................................................13
2.5 Install TunerStudio and Megalogviewer....................................................................13
2.6 Power up your ECU..................................................................................................13
2.7 Get the serial comms set up.....................................................................................13
2.8 Turn off "Hide extensions for known files types" (Windows Only)............................16
2.9 Install the firmware if required..................................................................................17
2.10 Get your tuning computer to talk to the ECU..........................................................18
2.10.1 TunerStudio basics..........................................................................................23
2.10.2 Firmware, TunerStudio, tune files (MSQ) - what's all that?.............................24
2.10.3 Version numbers..............................................................................................24
2.10.3.1 Mainboard version.................................................................................................24
2.10.3.2 Firmware Version..................................................................................................24
2.10.3.3 TunerStudio Version..............................................................................................25
2.10.3.4 MegaLogViewer Version.......................................................................................25
2.10.3.5 Operating system version......................................................................................25
2.11 Setup sensor calibrations to match hardware........................................................25
2.11.1 Calibrate TPS...................................................................................................25
2.11.2 Calibrate MAP/Baro.........................................................................................26
2.11.3 Unlock calibrations...........................................................................................27
2.11.4 Calibrate CLT and MAT sensor........................................................................27
2.11.5 Calibrate AFR table (O2 sensor).....................................................................28
2.11.6 Lock calibrations..............................................................................................29
2.12 Check all sensor inputs are reading sensibly in TunerStudio.................................29
2.12.1 MAP sensor check...........................................................................................29
2.12.2 TPS check.......................................................................................................29

2.12.3 CLT sensor check............................................................................................29

2.12.4 MAT sensor check...........................................................................................29
2.12.5 O2 sensor check..............................................................................................29
2.12.6 MAF sensor check...........................................................................................29
2.12.7 Battery voltage check......................................................................................29
2.13 Set the base settings..............................................................................................30
2.13.1 Control Algorithm choice.................................................................................31
2.13.2 Engine and Sequential settings.......................................................................32
2.13.3 Injector dead-time............................................................................................32
2.13.4 Ignition setup...................................................................................................33
2.13.5 Idle Valve.........................................................................................................33
2.13.6 Other inputs/outputs........................................................................................34
2.13.7 Gauge/Setting Limits.......................................................................................34
2.13.8 Power Cycle Required.....................................................................................34
2.13.9 Configuration Error..........................................................................................35
2.14 Use the test mode to confirm injectors and coil(s) are functioning........................36
2.14.1 Injector testing.................................................................................................36
2.14.2 Coil testing.......................................................................................................36
2.14.3 Fuel pump testing............................................................................................37
2.14.4 Idle Valve Testing.............................................................................................37
2.14.4.1 Using the test mode to determine stepper homing steps.......................................38
2.15 Check for crank/cam tach-in signals.......................................................................39
2.16 Check for RPM input...............................................................................................41
2.17 Check sensors during cranking..............................................................................41
2.18 Sample datalog.......................................................................................................41
2.19 Check the cranking timing with fuel disabled.........................................................41
2.20 Start the engine and start tuning............................................................................42
2.21 Run engine up to temperature................................................................................43
2.22 Setting running timing.............................................................................................43
3: Tuning the engine............................................................................................................45
3.1 How it works - fuel....................................................................................................45
3.1.1 Cranking mode..................................................................................................45
3.1.2 Run mode..........................................................................................................45
3.2 How it works - ignition...............................................................................................47
3.2.1 Cranking mode..................................................................................................47
3.2.2 Run mode..........................................................................................................47
3.3 Tables and curves.....................................................................................................48
3.4 Tuning fuel................................................................................................................48
3.4.1 Tuning fuel - Speed Density..............................................................................48
3.4.1.1 AFR table (SD)........................................................................................................48
3.4.1.2 VE table (SD)..........................................................................................................49
3.4.2 Tuning fuel - Percent Baro.................................................................................51
3.4.3 Tuning fuel - Alpha-N.........................................................................................51
3.4.4 Tuning fuel - MAF..............................................................................................51
3.4.4.1 MAF transfer curve.................................................................................................51

3.4.4.2 AFR table (MAF)....................................................................................................52

3.4.4.3 VE trim table (MAF)...............................................................................................52
3.4.4.4 MAFload.................................................................................................................53
3.4.5 Tuning fuel - ITB................................................................................................53
3.4.5.1 ITB Load TPS Switchpoint Curve..........................................................................54
3.4.5.2 ITB Load at TPS Switchpoint Curve.......................................................................54
3.4.5.3 AFR Table (ITB)......................................................................................................54
3.4.5.4 VE Table (ITB)........................................................................................................54
3.4.5.5 ITB technical...........................................................................................................54
3.4.6 Basic acceleration enrichment (AE) tuning.......................................................56
3.4.6.1 Main accel enrich settings menu.............................................................................57
3.4.6.2 Time-based Accel....................................................................................................57
3.4.6.3 Getting it dialed in...................................................................................................57
3.4.7 Startup / warmup fueling...................................................................................59
3.4.7.1 Priming pulse...........................................................................................................60
3.4.7.2 Cranking pulse.........................................................................................................60
3.4.7.3 Afterstart (ASE) percentage adder...........................................................................60
3.4.7.4 Afterstart (ASE) taper..............................................................................................60
3.4.7.5 Warmup enrichment percent multiplier...................................................................60
3.4.7.6 Putting it all together...............................................................................................60
3.5 Tuning spark.............................................................................................................61
3.6 Getting a good idle....................................................................................................62
3.6.1 Correct Fuel (mixture).......................................................................................62
3.6.2 Correct Timing...................................................................................................62
3.6.3 Correct Airflow...................................................................................................62
3.7 Datalogging...............................................................................................................63
3.7.1 Starting a datalog..............................................................................................63
3.7.2 Stopping a datalog.............................................................................................63
4: Advanced topics..............................................................................................................64
4.1 Sequential Fuel.........................................................................................................64
4.1.1 Configuration.....................................................................................................65
4.1.2 Injector timing....................................................................................................65
4.1.3 Sequential/Semi-sequential Timing...................................................................65
4.2 EGO Control.............................................................................................................67
4.2.1 Simple Algorithm with Narrowband Sensor.......................................................67
4.2.2 Simple Algorithm with Wideband Sensor..........................................................67
4.2.3 PID Algorithm with Wideband Sensor...............................................................67
4.3 Wankel Rotary Engines............................................................................................68
4.4 Closed-Loop Idle.......................................................................................................68
4.5 Enhanced Accel Enrichment (EAE)..........................................................................70
4.5.1 Tuning EAE........................................................................................................71
4.6 Boost Control............................................................................................................72
4.6.1 Solenoid connection..........................................................................................72
4.6.2 Open-loop Tuning Tips......................................................................................74
4.6.3 Closed-loop Tuning Tips....................................................................................74

4.7 Nitrous Oxide (N2O).................................................................................................75

4.7.1 System types.....................................................................................................75
4.7.2 Connection........................................................................................................76
4.7.3 Tuning considerations.......................................................................................76
4.8 Variable Valve Timing (VVT, VCT, VTEC, VANOS)..................................................77
4.9 CAN Bus Expansion.................................................................................................77
4.9.1 CAN protocol.....................................................................................................77
4.9.2 Device-to-device................................................................................................77
4.9.3 Passthrough......................................................................................................78
4.9.4 CAN wiring.........................................................................................................79
4.9.5 CAN settings and data types.............................................................................79
4.9.5.1 PWM polling...........................................................................................................79
4.9.5.2 Digital ports.............................................................................................................79
4.9.5.3 PWM outputs...........................................................................................................79
4.9.5.4 CANADCs...............................................................................................................79
4.9.6 CAN Broadcasting.............................................................................................80
4.9.7 Example Settings - JBperf IOextender..............................................................80
4.9.8 Example Settings - other devices......................................................................81
4.10 Reading and Datalogging an Additional Sensor.....................................................81
4.10.1 Wiring...............................................................................................................81
4.10.2 TunerStudio custom.ini....................................................................................81
4.10.3 Lookup table .inc.............................................................................................82
4.11 Programmable On/Off Outputs...............................................................................83
4.11.1 Bitwise operations............................................................................................83
5: Troubleshooting...............................................................................................................85
5.1 Resets.......................................................................................................................85
5.2 RPM-Sync issues.....................................................................................................85
5.2.1 Lost sync reasons..............................................................................................86
5.3 Noise Filtering...........................................................................................................88
5.3.1 Noise filter..........................................................................................................90
5.3.2 Tach interrupt masking......................................................................................90
5.3.3 Tach period rejection.........................................................................................91
5.3.4 Polarity Check...................................................................................................91
5.4 Communications issues............................................................................................92
5.4.1.1 Windows device.......................................................................................................92
5.4.1.2 Mac OS X device....................................................................................................92
5.4.1.3 Linux device............................................................................................................93
5.4.2 Loopback test for serial or USB-serial cable.....................................................93
5.4.3 Loopback test to Megasquirt board (not Microsquirt)........................................94
5.4.4 Comms test to Megasquirt / Microsquirt............................................................94
6: Appendix A: Firmware upgrade notes.............................................................................96
6.1 Firmware versions....................................................................................................96
6.2 Alpha, beta, release code? What's the difference?..................................................96
6.3 Upgrading from 3.3.x................................................................................................96
6.4 Upgrading from 3.2.x................................................................................................97

6.5 Upgrading from 3.0.x or 3.1.x...................................................................................99

6.6 Upgrading from 2.1.0................................................................................................99
6.7 Upgrading from MS2/BG........................................................................................100
6.8 Upgrading from MS1/Extra.....................................................................................101
6.9 Upgrading from MS1 (base)...................................................................................101
7: Appendix B: Fuel calculations.......................................................................................103
7.1 Terms Used.............................................................................................................103
7.2 Speed Density........................................................................................................103
7.3 B.2 Alpha-N (pure)..................................................................................................103
7.4 Alpha-N (hybrid)......................................................................................................103
7.5 %baro......................................................................................................................104
7.6 MAF........................................................................................................................104
8: Appendix C: Megasquirt Glossary of Terms..................................................................105
9: Appendix D: Text-based firmware loader......................................................................112
9.1 Windows / general..................................................................................................112
9.2 Mac / Linux..............................................................................................................116
9.3 Steps after loading firmware...................................................................................116
10: Revision history...........................................................................................................117

Megasquirt-2 Setting Up 1:Introduction
1: Introduction
This manual covers general setup and configuration information that applies to the whole Megasquirt-2
product range, it should be used in conjunction with the TunerStudio Reference Guide and the Hardware
Manual for your product.
1.1 Emissions and disclaimer

All parts are sold for OFF ROAD RACE-ONLY ground-vehicle use only, or vehicles that pre-date any
federal and state emissions control requirements. Aftermarket EFI/EMS systems are not for sale or use on
pollution controlled vehicles. Alteration of emission related components constitutes tampering under the US
EPA guidelines and can lead to substantial fines and penalties. Your country/state/district may also have
specific rules restricting your tampering with your vehicle’s emissions system.
Race parts are inherently dangerous and may cause injury or damage if improperly modified or altered
before use. The publishers of this manual will not be held liable for and will not pay you for any injuries or
damage caused by misuse, modification, redesign, or alternation of any of our products. The publishers of
this manual will not be held in any way responsible for any incidental or consequential damages including
direct or indirect labor, towing, lodging, garage, repair, medical, or legal expense in any way attributable to
the use of any item in our catalog or to the delay or inconvenience caused by the necessity of replacing or
repairing any such item.
1.2 Required tools

Tuning laptop
Stroboscopic timing light
Multi-meter (volts, ohms)
Screwdrivers
Wire cutters
Terminal crimpers
Soldering iron and solder
Heat-shrink tubing
Fire extinguisher
Although not essential, the following are highly recommended:

Oscilloscope or scope-meter or soundcard scope
Test light
Power probe
1.3 How to use the manuals

The documentation for the Megasquirt-2 product family is split across a number of manuals. The Setting up,
TunerStudio and MegaLogViewer Guides are general and apply to all Megasquirt-2 products. The Hardware
manuals focus in detail on just one product to keep the specifics clear. Be sure to check that you are using
the manual that applies to your product!

Megasquirt-2 Setting Up
Microsquirt MS2/V3.0 MS2/V3.57 Microsquirt-Module Other ECU variants
Hardware Hardware Hardware Developers Hardware Manual from
Guide supplier
Megasquirt-2 TunerStudio Reference
MegaLogViewer Reference (Planned)
As an absolute minimum, ensure that you have followed all of the steps in the Quickstart Guide.
Customers new to EFI or less experienced with Megasquirt are strongly advised to read the manuals in
greater detail.
This guide includes a number of notes which are indicated as follows:
This symbol indicates an “Information” note.
This symbol indicates a “Caution” note.
This symbol indicates a “Warning” note.

Installing or tuning your Megasquirt/Microsquirt incorrectly can potentially cause damage to your engine, the
ECU or external hardware. Warning notes indicate specific areas where you need to exercise extreme care.
Do not rely on these warnings as your only criteria for taking care !
For additional help and support, visit the website www.msextra.com
1.4 Products Covered

The Megasquirt-2 range of products all use the same processor at the core but are packaged differently for
different markets. The core configuration and setup is almost identical. There are minor differences in ignition
settings and wiring.
It is important to understand exactly which product you have.
1.4.1 MS2 on V2.2 mainboard

Although technically possible, the combination of a Megasquirt-2 daughtercard and a V2.2 mainboard is not
recommended. Hardware and wiring are not covered in these manuals.
Archive copies of the old web-manuals available at http://www.msextra.com/manuals/ms2manuals/ that do
give some information on using MS2 on a V2.2 mainboard.
1.4.2 MS2 on a V3.0 mainboard

This combination uses a self-assembled V3.0 mainboard and a Megasquirt-2 daughtercard. This is aimed at
the DIYer that wants the challenge of self-assembly and gives flexibility for future extension and modification.
By customizing, more inputs and outputs are available than the Microsquirt. Supports low-impedance

injectors. Includes an internal MAP sensor.

Not recommended in kit form for customers afraid of a soldering iron.
The MS2/V3.0 combination is often assembled by sub-suppliers and re-sold to end-users as a completed
ECU.
V3.0 mainboard (inside)
MS2 plug-in daughtercard (inside)

Hardware and wiring are covered in the MS2/V3 Hardware Manual.
1.4.3 MS2 on a V3.57 mainboard

This combination uses a factory-assembled V3.57 mainboard and a Megasquirt-2 daughtercard. This is
aimed at the customer that wants a cased Megasquirt-2 but prefers to buy pre-assembled. The V3.57
mainboard has less flexibility for future extension and modification. By customising, more inputs and outputs
are available than the Microsquirt. Supports low-impedance injectors. Includes an internal MAP sensor.
V3.57 mainboard (inside)
MS2 plug-in daughtercard

Hardware and wiring are covered in the MS2/V3.57 Hardware Manual.
1.4.4 Microsquirt

The Microsquirt is a fully factory-assembled ECU and uses an automotive grade AMPSEAL connector. This
is aimed at the cost conscious customer that wants a Megasquirt-2 type product in a professional case.
There is no provision for internal modification and low impedance injectors are not directly supported.
External MAP sensor required for most installs.
Hardware and wiring are covered in the Microsquirt Hardware Manual.
1.4.5 Microsquirt-module
The Microsquirt-module is a component circuit board that allows manufacturers to create their own custom
ECUs such as DIYautotune's MSPNP2 range.
Module (inside your ECU)

As there are variations in implementation between ECUs utilizing the module. You need to refer to the
manufacturer's supplied documentation for wiring and ignition settings in particular.
Details of the module card are covered in the Microsquirt-module guide for developers.
Hardware and wiring for complete ECUs based on the module are covered in your suppliers
documentation.
1.5 Copyrights
This manual contains content copyright 2014 James Murray, Bruce Bowling, Al Grippo, Ken Culver, Jerry
Hoffmann, Matt Cramer and Jean Belanger. You may share this file in its unaltered form or print out copies
for your own personal use.

Megasquirt-2 Setting Up 2:QuickStart Guide - expanded
2: QuickStart Guide - expanded

This section expands on the bare bones quickstart guide with more detail in each step.
2.1 Buy or build your Megasquirt!

Before you can begin your installation, you need to have purchased your Megasquirt/Microsquirt.
In the case of a kit you need to assemble it. Kit assembly is covered in the Hardware Manual for your
product.
2.2 Select and assemble your fuel and ignition systems.

Refer to the hardware manual for your product for fuel and ignition system details.
Ensure that you have resistor type spark plugs. Non-resistor plugs are not suitable for use with EFI systems.
2.3 Setup your vehicle wiring harness (loom) ensuring it is fused.

Wiring and wiring diagrams are covered in the Hardware Manual for your specific product.
Any unused sensor inputs (MAP, CLT, MAT, TPS, O2) should be connected to sensor ground to prevent the
signal 'floating'.
2.4 Connect MAP hose to full vacuum source.

Most installs use the Speed-Density method for fuel calculation and require a MAP sensor. Ensure that the
MAP sensor hose is connected to a source of full intake vacuum. i.e. fully downstream of the throttle plate.
Engines with individual throttle bodies will want to tee into each throttle runner to gain an averaged signal.
In cases where MAF or TPS (Alpha-N) are used exclusively for load measurement, then the MAP sensor
connection can be omitted.
2.5 Install TunerStudio and Megalogviewer

You ECU is tuned using TunerStudio on a Windows, Mac or Linux computer.
If your ECU came with an install CD or pen drive, run it now to install the software.
The latest versions can be downloaded from www.msextra.com/downloads
For Linux, your current user needs to be a member of the 'dialout', 'lock' and/or 'uucp' groups in order to
access your comms port.
2.6 Power up your ECU

Now it is time to power up the ECU. Either in the vehicle or on the bench, apply a fused 12V supply to power
and ground inputs. Refer to the Hardware Manual for your product for wiring details.
2.7 Get the serial comms set up

MS2 and Microsquirt use RS232 serial communications for tuning with a standard DB9 female connector.
Some older or "industrial" type laptops will include a true serial port, most computers only have USB and a
USB-serial adapter will be required. FTDI based cables are recommended.

MS2 serial port.
Microsquirt serial cable.
Standard DB9 male connector on computer.
Standard DB9-DB9 straight through serial cable.
Computer USB socket

Typical USB-serial adapter

Before inserting a USB-serial adapter, follow the manufacturers' instructions for driver configuration.
(Windows only) Having found your true serial port or plugged in your USB-serial adapter, it is desirable to
opening up Device Manager and identify the COM port number. The method to open Device Manager
changes with each Windows version, so will not be documented here.
The above is a screenshot from Windows XP, showing the Device Manager and the sub-panes showing that
this USB-serial adapter has been assigned COM1 - remember that number!
If you DO NOT see "Ports" listed in the devices then you do not have any ports setup. This would usually
indicate either you forgot to plug in your USB-serial cable or there is a driver problem. Usually the best
solution to the driver problem is to unplug the cable, uninstall the driver and then re-install the driver.

Alternative (Windows only) - download and run portcheck.exe from www.msextra.com/downloads
Take a note of the COM port number listed above. In this case it was COM1.
Should you encounter problems getting your serial connection working, refer to the fault finding section.
2.8 Turn off "Hide extensions for known files types" (Windows Only)
Windows has a feature to hide part of the filename. It is strongly advised that this is disabled to prevent
confusion.
Go to Folder Options (Use Search to find it if required.)
Ensure that "Hide extensions for known files types" is not ticked.

2.9 Install the firmware if required

Plug'n'play ECUs will usually be supplied with the firmware loaded and a tune ready for your engine. In these
case there is no reason to load new firmware and you can skip to step 2.10.
For most other situations it is desirable to load in the current firmware version to the ECU before you begin
tuning.
The latest versions can be downloaded from www.msextra.com/downloads save the zip file to a known
location as shown in the next steps.
By default your web browser will save the downloaded zip file to "Downloads" or similar. Make sure you can
find the file you have downloaded! Your web browser may have a "show in folder" option for the download or
open up the file explorer and find it.
You are looking for a file similar to ms2extra-release-3.4.2.zip (If you don't see the ".zip" on the end, re-
read section 2.8.)
Open up this zip file to see the contents, it includes the firmware files and default tune files (i.e. the 'base
map' that you get when you reload the firmware.)
The ms2extra directory contains the sourcecode, this is only needed for advanced customers that want to
modify the operation of the ECU way beyond normal tuning. Most customers can safely ignore this.

2.10 Get your tuning computer to talk to the ECU

i. Start TunerStudio
ii. Create a new project.
(More details on this step can be found in the TunerStudio Reference manual in section 2.1)
From the Start Screen select File > New Project
or from the Main Screen select File > Project > New Project.

In the Project Name box you can give the project a meaningful name if wish.
Double check that your Megasquirt is powered up and connected to your computer by serial.
iii. Click on Detect
When you click the “Detect” button a “Detect Device” screen will appear and TunerStudio will attempt to find
your Megasquirt and its firmware version. If successful it will list your Megasquirt, firmware version and baud
rate. Check to see that these appear to match your Megasquirt and then click “Accept” to continue. If the
“Detect Device” screen reports “No controller found” check the connection between your computer and your
Megasquirt and ensure that your Megasquirt has power and try again. If this still does not resolve the
problem move on to the “Other / Browse” method described below to set the firmware up manually.

Note that TunerStudio may find a connection as both a D2XX device and an RS232 device; the D2XX
connection is simply a newer driver version for USB adapters and is the preferred method if connecting over
USB.
If your Megasquirt is identified correctly, click “Accept”. Click Next on the 'Create New Project' screen and
you can now move on to step v.
If your Megasquirt is identified correctly but clicking “Accept” displays a message that reports “TunerStudio
does not have a configuration to support the found hardware” then you will need to use the “Other / Browse”
method described below to set up communications with your firmware manually.
On a first time install, you may get the following message that your ECU has no firmware loaded:
That's ok, but you will need to load firmware that you downloaded in section 2.9. Click Accept.
Click Yes.
See section 6.2 in the TunerStudio reference guide that covers the firmware loading process. When asked
for a firmware file, you should point at the ms2extra-release-3.4.2.zip (or later) file that you downloaded
earlier. Then return to section 2.10 when completed and re-start creating a project.
For information: the old text-based firmware loader is covered in section 9.
iv. Other / Browse
This method is recommended only if TunerStudio is not able to detect your Megasquirt, or if you are using a
beta version of the firmware.
The firmware on your Megasquirt may have been provided on a disk or downloaded as a .zip file from the
www.msextra.com website. If you have downloaded your firmware and haven't done so already extract the
contents of the .zip file to a directory of your choice.
Clicking in the box next to “Other / Browse” opens a screen which lets you browse to your firmware folder.
From here you should be able to select the .ini file that you want to use. It is essential that you use the .ini file
that is appropriate to your Megasquirt. There are four .ini files to choose from:

1. megasquirt2.ini – used for MS2.

2. microsquirt.ini – used for Microsquirt.
3. mspnp2.ini – used for the DIYautotune MSPNP2.
4. microsquirt-module.ini – used for the generic Microsquirt Module. (If you have purchased a
proprietary Megasquirt-2 product based on the Microsquirt Module it is worth contacting the
manufacturer to confirm which firmware/ini version you should use).
Select the file that is appropriate to your Megasquirt and then click Next.
v. Project Settings
The settings available on this list may vary based on your firmware. Verify that what they are configured to
match your set up. If you are unsure, the default values are likely to work well. These settings can be
changed after your project has been created.
vi. Comms parameters

Generally these can be left alone. Click Next.

vii. Dash
Click Finish.
The standard dash should display.

2.10.1 TunerStudio basics

Be sure to read Section 1.5 in the TunerStudio Reference Guide - this covers the user interface in detail.
Two items are worthwhile repeating here. Throughout the software you will find Tooltips - clicking on the [?]
will bring up explanatory text.

On most settings screens, you will also find a Help menu - click on this will open up the TunerStudio
Reference Guide at the appropriate page so you can read about all of the settings on this particular screen.
(You may need to be connected to the internet the first time you use this feature, so the PDF can be
downloaded.)
2.10.2 Firmware, TunerStudio, tune files (MSQ) - what's all that?

The Megasquirt ECU is a self contained computer which runs a program to control your engine. This
embedded computer program is called the firmware. Changing firmware versions can give you new engine
control features. When you "load firmware" you are erasing the program from the chip and installing a fresh
version. This process also wipes out your tune, so be sure to use Save Tune As to save a copy of it first!
Your tuning computer runs another program, called TunerStudio, that allows you to tune your Megasquirt. Be
sure to understand that TunerStudio is not running the engine! Changing TunerStudio version may give you
new tuning or display features, it does not change what can or cannot be controlled on the engine. Typically,
just use the latest TunerStudio version, there's no reason not to.
The tune file (MSQ file) is a copy of your engine's tune, saved onto your tuning computer. Typically you can
load in tunes that were saved from older versions of Megasquirt firmware. The file format is designed to allow
conversion of the data and a relatively smooth transition.
2.10.3 Version numbers

The various hardware and software components within a Megasquirt system have their own version
numbers, it is useful to have an understanding of what they are so you can get support for the current
product.
2.10.3.1 Mainboard version

The mainboard versions V2.2, V3.0, V3.57 are covered in section 1.4.
2.10.3.2 Firmware Version

This is the most critical version number. The firmware (e.g. megasquirt2.s19) is the computer program that
runs inside your Megasquirt and actually controls the engine.
Also supplied with the firmware is the "ini" file (e.g. megasquirt2.ini) which defines all of the tuning
parameters and tuning menus for the tuning software.
It is important that you use the "ini" file that matches your firmware. Normally, TunerStudio will automatically
detect and figure this out. If it doesn't have the correct file in its local library, it will attempt to download it over
the internet. In unusual cases where this doesn't work (e.g. development versions of firmware), you can
"browse" and point TunerStudio to the correct matching file.

The title-bar in TunerStudio shows both the TunerStudio version and the firmware version.
The Firmware variant must match your particular hardware:

• MS2 = MS2 card in traditional Megasquirt ECU
• uS = Cased Microsquirt - metal case V1, V2 or plastic cased V3
• uSM = Microsquirt module and ECUs based on the module.
• PNP = DIYAutotune MSPNP2
Note that there is also a "serial format" that is used internally between the firmware and TunerStudio, this
looks similar to "MS2Extra comms ...." this is not the firmware version and is generally not useful - use the
firmware version number from the TunerStudio title bar.
2.10.3.3 TunerStudio Version

At time of writing, the current TunerStudio (TS) version is 2.6.19. Most of the tuning user interface (menus
etc.) are in fact determined by the firmware version. The TunerStudio version may impact the use of tuning
features such as auto-tune or the dashboard displays.
2.10.3.4 MegaLogViewer Version

At time of writing, the current MegaLogViewer (MLV) version is 4.0.18. This will only impact the viewing of
datalogs, it does not alter direct tuning or engine operation.
2.10.3.5 Operating system version

e.g. Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 7, Mac OS X, Ubuntu Linux. Each operating system has its own way
to find the version number.
2.11 Setup sensor calibrations to match hardware

Now that the tuning software and ECU are communicating, the next step is to start calibrating the sensor
inputs.
These steps are covered in greater detail in the TunerStudio reference manual in section 6.
2.11.1 Calibrate TPS

The Calibrate TPS option allows you to calibrate your throttle position sensor. Clicking Calibrate TPS will
display the Calibrate Throttle Position Sensor as shown below:

To calibrate the throttle position sensor do the following:

1. Ensure that your Megasquirt is connected and the engine is not running (i.e., KOEO).
2. Ensure that the throttle is closed;
3. Click the “Get Current” button to the right of “Closed throttle ADC count”;
4. Fully open the throttle;
5. Click the “Get Current” button to the right of “Full throttle ADC count”;
6. Click Accept and your throttle sensor will be calibrated.
2.11.2 Calibrate MAP/Baro

The Calibrate MAP / Baro option allows you to calibrate your MAP (Manifold Absolute Pressure) and
Barometric Pressure sensors.
Clicking Tools > Calibrate MAP / Baro will display the Calibrate MAP/Baro screen as shown below:
The Common MAP Sensors gives a list of the commonly used MAP Sensors. If you are using one of these
sensors select it from the drop down list, otherwise select “Custom” and enter the required numbers.
Megasquirt kits are usually supplied with a MPX4250AP sensor.
Repeat for the Baro sensor settings.

2.11.3 Unlock calibrations

The calibration settings for Thermistor Tables, AFR Tables and MAF Tables can be locked or unlocked to
prevent them from being changed accidentally.
Clicking Tools > Un/Lock calibrations will display the Un/Lock calibrations screen as shown below:
Select Unlocked and then Close.
Ensure that the calibrations are re-locked once you have made your calibrations.
2.11.4 Calibrate CLT and MAT sensor

Megasquirt ECUs are supplied loaded with the correct calibrations for GM temperature sensors. You only
need to go through this calibration process if you are using different sensors.
A process for determining the calibration numbers is shown in the Hardware Manual section 3.4.
Sensor Table
Select whether you are using a “Coolant Temperature Sensor” or an “Air Temperature Sensor”.
Table Input Solution
This value will normally be set to “3 Point Therm Generator”.
Common Sensor Values

From this option you can select your sensor type. You can select from a predefined list of common sensors
from the drop down list, or leave this option unselected if you are using custom settings specific to an
unlisted sensor.
Bias Resistor Value (Ohms)
This is 2490 ohms unless you or your vendor have changed the resistors inside the Megasquirt.
Temperature Settings (°C or °F)
Again, if you have selected one of the common sensors these values should be set for you. If you are using
a custom sensor enter the three measured temperature and resistance value pairs.
Write to Controller
Once you have completed the settings in this screen click the “Write to controller” button to burn these
settings to your Megasquirt.
Repeat for both sensors if required.
2.11.5 Calibrate AFR table (O2 sensor)

Clicking Tools > Calibrate AFR Table will display the Calibrate AFR Table screen as shown below:
From this screen you can set the AFR (air fuel ratio) calibration if needed. The options for these settings are
described below:
EGO Sensor
This option allows you to select an exhaust gas oxygen sensor. You can either select from the predefined
list, select “Custom Linear WB” (wideband) or select “Custom Inc File”.
Volts / AFR Values
If you have selected an EGO sensor from the predefined list these values will be set for you. If you have
selected “Custom Linear WB” then you will need to enter the voltage/AFR pairs from your sensor or
controller manual.
Write to Controller

Once you have completed the settings in this screen click the “Write to controller” button to burn these
settings to your MS2.
2.11.6 Lock calibrations

Open Tools > Un/Lock calibrations, select Locked and then Close.
2.12 Check all sensor inputs are reading sensibly in TunerStudio.

Now that your have communication and have the sensor inputs calibrated, it is time to check that the sensor
inputs make sense.
During these steps you may need to change a gauge on the dashboard within TunerStudio. To change an
existing gauge, right-click on it and then select an alternate gauge from the popup menu. You will find the
relevant gauges on "Sensor inputs 1".
2.12.1 MAP sensor check

Ensure that the gauge "Engine MAP" is displayed.
If you are near sea-level a value close to 100kPa should be displayed. At high elevations, expect to see a
reading closer to 80kPa. Note: These numbers are with the engine not running.
2.12.2 TPS check

Ensure that the gauge "Throttle Position" is displayed.
The gauge should read 0% when the throttle is closed, smoothly sweeping to 100% when the throttle is full
open.
2.12.3 CLT sensor check

Ensure that the gauge "Coolant Temp" is displayed.
Within a few degrees of the outside temperature is fine. If the sensor is removed from the engine you can
heat it up with a typical hair drier and check that the readout changes.
2.12.4 MAT sensor check

Ensure that the gauge "Manifold Air Temp" is displayed.
Within a few degrees of the outside temperature is fine. If the sensor is removed from the engine you can
heat it up with a typical hair drier and check that the readout changes.
2.12.5 O2 sensor check

The O2 sensor will not read anything useful without the engine running.
2.12.6 MAF sensor check

Ensure that the gauge "Mass Air Flow" is displayed.
The MAF sensor will read zero with the engine not running, a leaf blower or similar could be used to simulate
air-flow to check that it is reading.
2.12.7 Battery voltage check

Ensure that the gauge "Battery Voltage" is displayed.

This should display 12-13V.
2.13 Set the base settings

The first rule of tuning is that you do not want to tune from a blank file. You can either connect to the
Megasquirt and automatically retrieve the tune on it or open an existing tune file, but stop if you see this
message:
This means that you have no tune loaded. This is OK if you are just having a look, but do not try to start a
tune like this. TunerStudio will default to a table full of zeroed out values - or in some cases, the numbers will
be set to their lowest possible value. It’s not worth chasing down all the nonsense values to turn this “blank
file” into a real tune. Start with either the tune in the ECU or one of the sample tunes provided in the software
package.
We recommend that you do not have the ignition coils hooked up while doing a basic setup on the
Megasquirt. During the setup stage, you will define what type of ignition hardware that you are using, but if
the ignition you have doesn’t work with the default settings, you may overheat your ignition module and
damage it before you are done with your setup.
The following sections skim through some of the required setting screens - be sure to refer to the
TunerStudio Reference Manual which gives an expanded view of each and every setting.

2.13.1 Control Algorithm choice

There are a number of different methods to estimate the airflow into an engine. These depend on the
available sensors and their accuracy at predicting flow.
Use Speed-density unless you have a good reason to choose otherwise.
At the most basic level:
• Speed Density uses the MAP (Manifold Absolute Pressure) sensor to determine load. In this case,
the vertical axis of any fuel table lookups is in kilopascals (kPa). The maximum value reported by the
MAP sensor (in non-turbo applications) will be the same as the barometric pressure.
Relatively easy to configure, works on boosted engines and familiar to most tuners.
• Alpha-N uses the TPS (throttle)
The TPS can be a poor estimator of airflow, but it can be useful if a MAP/MAF signal is unavailable
or unreliable. Bypass-type idle-valves will not work correctly with alpha-N, use a kicker-type.
Be sure to calibrate the throttle range using Tools->Calibrate TPS before using this setting.
• MAF uses an actual mass air-flow sensor and related calculations to directly determine the amount
of fuel to inject. In this mode, the VE table is not usually used to determine the amount of fuel to
inject.
• ITB uses a combination of MAP and TPS
This mode was created specifically for naturally aspirated engines running with independent throttle
bodies. It combines alpha-n (at high engine loads) with speed density (at low engine loads), using
the load calculation that makes the most sense at each RPM. For example, most ITB set-ups do not
have good vacuum at idle or low RPM, and slightly touching the throttle makes them lose all
vacuum, but at higher RPM start to respond more like a traditional single throttle body engine. This
mode allows the use of speed density set-ups at low engine loads and switches to alpha-n at high
loads, with an adjustable switchpoint curve over RPM.
• %baro uses a combination of MAP and a barometer reading.
This setting is similar to the Speed Density setting in that the MAP sensor is used to determine load.
However, instead of directly using the manifold pressure, the manifold pressure is divided by
barometric pressure to give a percentage of barometric pressure. This setting can be useful for those
who regularly drive at high altitudes. It ensures that regardless of barometric pressure, all table
lookups operate over 0-100%. For example, if barometric pressure is 80kPa, and the engine is
operating at 50kPa, the actual value used for table lookups is 50kPa/80kPa or 62.5%.
All have pros and cons. Radical engines may need to use a combination of algorithms. Many engines will get
good results with Speed Density or MAF.

2.13.2 Engine and Sequential settings
The most critical settings are on the left. Complete the Control Algorithm through to Injector size settings. If
unsure, leave alone!
Then click on the "Required Fuel" button to calculate the "ReqFuel" number.
2.13.3 Injector dead-time

It is important to select the correct dead-time setting for your injectors and hardware.
Typical dead-times at 13.2 volts:
• High impedance injectors - dead-time = 0.8-1.0 ms
• Low impedance injectors with resistors - dead-time = 0.8-0.9 ms
• Low impedance injectors with PWM (MS2 only) - dead-time = 0.6-0.8 ms
• Low impedance injectors with external peak/hold - dead-time = 0.6-0.8 ms
2.13.4 Ignition setup

Wiring and configuring your ignition setup covers the tach input (how Megasquirt gets an RPM signal) and
how the ignition coil or coils are controlled.
The exact details depend on which Megasquirt-2 product you have, so this section is covered in the
Hardware Manual for your product.
Each setting needs to be reviewed and set appropriately, however, if unsure, leave alone!
2.13.5 Idle Valve

The specific wiring for your idle valve is covered in the Hardware Manual for your product.
Bypass-idle valves are unlikely to work well with Alpha-N because the airflow changes without the
TPS moving. Use a kicker-type valve or use a different fuel algorithm.
During initial startup it is strongly advised that the open-loop (warmup) algorithm is selected. Do not try to
use closed-loop until the engine can maintain a steady idle speed on its own.

Stepper idle users need to configure the number of homing steps - this is covered in the section on idle valve
testing - 2.14.4.1. For now, set the homing steps to 250 and ensure that all values in the warmup curve are
less than 180.
For both PWM idle and stepper idle, a larger duty or steps number means more air i.e. higher idle. The
warmup curve will start at larger numbers on a cold engine and smaller numbers on a hot engine.
Bosch rotary idle valves (two wire and three wire) often have a failsafe position (0% duty) that allows a high
idle. For these valves, the "off" or minimum duty % is 20-30%. Use the idle valve test mode to confirm this.
For predictable operation you must use the valve in the "more duty = more RPM" zone.
2.13.6 Other inputs/outputs

During the initial startup it is advised that other, optional inputs and outputs are left disabled (shift lights, fan
control, launch control, nitrous control etc.) - so long as they are not required for engine operation.
2.13.7 Gauge/Setting Limits

By default, the RPM settings within TunerStudio are set to display an RPM range suitable for most car
engines. If your engine has a higher RPM range, be sure to adjust the Basic/Load Settings -> Gauge and
Settings Limits to set the limits that suit your install.
Changing these settings does not alter the behavior of your engine in any way, they ONLY change the limits
which can be displayed on the screen and set the threshold limits for your tune.
Once these settings have been changed it is necessary to close and restart TunerStudio for the
changes to be reflected in the gauge cluster.
2.13.8 Power Cycle Required

When you change some settings or enable a new feature, this message will pop up.
Typically, you should complete the settings changes on that page and Burn. Then turn the power off (key off),

pause, then power on (key on.)

If you are making multiple changes during intitial setup, you can wait until you have made all of the changes
before cycling the power.
Make sure that you clear this warning message before trying to start the engine.
2.13.9 Configuration Error

During the configuration of your Megasquirt-2 you might make a mistake and set an impossible combination
of settings. Common mistakes are selecting the same output to two different features or trying to enable an
ignition output type that is not possible with your tach input.
You will see this message popup when you turn on the Megasquirt-2
and this message will show across the Gauge Cluster.
The other tell-tale signs are bogus high RPM is reported
and a config error indicator lit up

The final warning message is the fuel pump - at power-on the pump will run three times.
How to fix it?
1. Read the message - it tells you what to do.
2. If you have a pin conflict, take a look at Basic/Load Settings -> Feature List Showing I/O Pins
you should be able to spot where you have set two features to use the same connection.
3. Change the setting that you are being warned about.
4. If you are really stuck, then load in an old tune file (MSQ) that you previously saved using "Save Tune As".

This message has NOTHING to do with wiring or any internal fault.

It is solely a setting mistake that you have made.
2.14 Use the test mode to confirm injectors and coil(s) are functioning
Output Test Mode (select it under the CAN bus / Test Modes menu) is used to check the outputs. The test
mode allows direct control of the coils and injectors. Used by accident, the test mode could cause flooding of
the engine and potential damage. Test mode should NOT be used on a running engine.
Full details are available in the TunerStudio Reference Guide.
The Enable Test Mode button is locked out unless the RPM reading is zero. Click this button to enter test
mode, and when you are done, click the Disable Test Mode to go back to normal operation.
2.14.1 Injector testing

The injector test mode can be used both to confirm the injectors are wired correctly and to use the
Megasquirt as a controller for an injector test bench. If your injectors are fitted to the engine, you must not
run the test mode with fuel pressure or you will fill your engine with fuel! Remove the fuse from your fuel
pump and de-pressurize the line first.
To enable injector testing:
• Select Injectors in the Test mode drop down.
• Choose your pulsewidth time in milliseconds. (To just make them click for this test, 3 to 5 ms is fine.)
• Set the interval (e.g. 10ms)
• Choose which injector to test.
• Set Injector testing mode to One.
• If your injectors are powered via the fuel pump relay as is recommended, set the fuel pump to On.
• For functional testing, set the total number of injections to 65535 (the maximum) or for flow
pulsewidth testing use your chosen number.
• Click Start
2.14.2 Coil testing

The coil test mode is useful to confirm you have the coils wired correctly and to check dwell settings. (Do be
careful as ignition coils put out a potential lethal voltage. Typically 30,000V or more.)
Often it is best to remove the spark plugs from the engine and lay them onto something conductive and
grounded, such as the top of the engine.
To enable coil testing:
• Select coils in the Test mode drop down.
• Choose your dwell time in milliseconds. Start low. e.g. 2.0ms.
• Set the interval (e.g. 50ms)
• Choose which coil to test
• Set Coil testing mode to One
• If your coils are powered via the fuel pump relay as is recommended, set the fuel pump to On.

• Click Start
With wasted spark or coil-on-plug installs, make sure that "Spark A" operates the spark plug for cyl#1.
Note that coil testing will not work with EDIS, TFI, HEI7/8 or GMDIS as the external module controls the coils
internally.
2.14.3 Fuel pump testing

Testing the fuel pump is straightforward; just click the buttons under Fuel Pump to turn it off and on. Reinstall
the fuse that you removed before injector testing. You will notice that "Ready" lights up on the TunerStudio
dash when the fuel pump is enabled. If you get no activity, try starting again. However, if Ready lights up but
the pump doesn’t run, you need to check you fuel pump relay and pump wiring. If this is a new fuel system,
make sure that the fuel system doesn’t leak and that it holds pressure. Note that some aftermarket fuel
pressure regulators will hold pressure for only about 30 seconds or so after shutdown even if the
fuel system has no leaks. Most OEM fuel pressure regulators will hold pressure for much longer.
If you have a pressure gauge, check the static pressure (engine off.) For most port-injection systems this
should be around 3 bar (43.5psi.) Throttle-body injection systems may require a lower pressure.
2.14.4 Idle Valve Testing

The idle valve test mode can be used with the engine running or stationary. Note that with a PWM idle valve
you may need to run a temporary fused 12V supply to the valve if you normally take power from the fuel
pump relay and are testing with the engine off. You need to have enabled idle control before this is available.
This test mode can be found on CAN Bus/Testmodes > Output test mode - Idle valve
Idle Valve Homing Steps - This only applies to stepper idle valves. This setting determines how many steps
the motor should move during homing to ensure it has reached the home position. The number needs to be
large enough to close the valve from any unknown starting position. (This is because there is no position
feedback - in non-automotive control applications there is often a feedback encoder.)
• Idle Valve Step - the desired valve position - larger numbers should give a more open valve and
higher RPM. (For stepper motors)
• PWM idle duty% - the desired valve position - larger numbers should give a more open valve and

higher rpm. (For PWM valves)

(Note that some Bosch rotary PWM valves valves feature a fail-safe mode so that zero flow is at say 20%
duty, above that the valve operates as expected where more duty gives more airflow. Below this specific
point is a fail-safe mode that allows airflow even if there is no control signal. This is readily observed during
test mode.)
There are three control buttons:

• Enable Test - Home Position - for stepper idle valves, this moves the valve through the number of
homing steps back to the home position. (If it doesn't get all the way back to the stop, increase the
number of homing steps.) The valve will move to the run position shortly afterwards.
• Enable Test - Run Position - enable test mode where the steps or duty setting controls the valve
position
• Stop Testing - disable test mode and allow normal idle control to operate.
Here is an example of a fixture used to measure stepper operation on the bench, although very few users will
need one of these.
2.14.4.1 Using the test mode to determine stepper homing steps

In the initial setup, rough values were given for the homing steps and maximum number of steps to use in
the curves. Once the engine will start and run and after you have performed some initial tuning, you can
return here to validate these settings. The engine may reach 3000RPM or so with a wide open idle valve, so
do not attempt this procedure until you are ready to do that. This procedure assumes that you are homing to
the closed direction.
• Start the engine and run up to temperature.
• Open CAN Bus/Testmodes > Output test mode - Idle valve.
• Set 'Idle Valve Homing Steps' to 300.
• Click 'Enable Test - Home Position' (You may need to open the throttle to prevent a stall.)
• The idle valve should move to the fully closed position and the revs will drop.
• Set 'Idle Valve Step' to 100.
• Click 'Enable Test - Run Position'
• The idle valve will open somewhat and the revs will increase, note the revs.
• Set 'Idle Valve Step' to say 150.
• The idle valve will open some more and the revs will increase, note the revs.
• Continue to increase the steps number until the revs stop increasing.
• Re-home the valve and check 10 steps either side.

The steps number you have found is the number of steps from fully closed to fully open. Say it was 185. The
"homing steps" setting on the idle control page should be set around 10 steps higher than this - to ensure
that the idle valve always reaches the closed stop fully at key-on. Ensure that your warmup curve or closed-
loop idle settings are a maximum of around 10 steps less than this number.
If you mistakenly try to open the valve more steps than full open, the overrun clutch in the stepper idle valve
will prevent damage as the pintle hits the full open stop, but the ECU will lose track of where the valve is.
This would most likely result in random idle speeds depending on what temperature you first started the
engine.
2.15 Check for crank/cam tach-in signals

Before cranking the engine:
• pull the fuses for fuel pump, injectors and coils
• check that the engine has sufficient oil of the correct grade
• check that any trans cooler lines are connected.
• check that the transmission is in neutral
• check parking brake is firmly latched on
We do not want the engine to start yet.
Key-on the engine, then open up the "Diagnostics & High Speed Loggers" tab, then select the "Composite
Logger" from the dropdown and click Start.
Crank the engine for 10-20 seconds.
You should see a pattern show up looking something like this:
This example includes a cam signal. If your install only uses a crank signal then the green trace will correctly
be missing.
If the turquoise "crank" signal is missing, you have a problem and need to fix it.
Next, repeat the process using the "Tooth Logger"

The screenshot here shows a real 60-2 crank pattern at cranking speed, the "missing tooth" is the single long
bar in the middle. The cyclic pattern is due to the compression effect as the spark plugs were in.
Here is an example of an incorrect pattern - the missing tooth shows as two long bars instead of one. This
won't work. Swap the +/- on the sensor or change the "Ignition Input Capture" from Rising to Falling or vice-
versa.
These are just a few examples or the patterns you might see. The Megasquirt product range supports a large
number of different trigger input patterns which all look different. Count the number of bars (including the long
one) in the repeating pattern on the tooth logger and see if it looks reasonable. 36-1 wheels will have 35
bars total, 60-2 will have 58 total.

2.16 Check for RPM input

Once you have completed the previous step and have the "crank" and "cam" (if used) inputs showing
something sensible you can check for RPM.
Switch back to the "Gauge Cluster" tab in TunerStudio.
Once again, before cranking the engine, be sure to pull the fuses for fuel pump, injectors and coils.
Crank the engine and watch the "Engine Speed" gauge and indicators section.
You need to see sensible and stable RPM and the green "RPM Synced" indicator. Expect to see RPMs of
200-600RPM depending on the engine and outside temperature.
If the RPMs are bouncing up and down (e.g. 400, 0, 400) or the RPM Synced indicator is flashing between
green and red you have a problem. Refer to section 5.2 for information about common causes for sync-
losses.
Do not proceed any further until you have stable RPM and RPM-sync.
2.17 Check sensors during cranking

With the RPM now reading OK, it is worth checking that sensors are still reading correctly during cranking.
Crank the engine and watch the "Coolant Temp" and "Manifold Air Temp" gauges. The gauges should not
change during cranking. If they do change significantly, you almost certainly have a sensor ground wiring
fault. Fix that before continuing.
During cranking the "Engine MAP" gauge should drop from around 100kPa to say 80kPa. This will depend
on the engine, altitude and throttle position. Some drop is required. If it doesn't move, make sure that the
hose is connected from the sensor to the intake manifold. If you aren't using the MAP sensor (Alpha-N or
MAF) then you can skip this.
2.18 Sample datalog

With the RPM now reading OK, it is worth checking that sensors are still reading correctly during cranking.
Start a datalog (Datalogging -> Start Datalogging)
Crank the engine for about 10 seconds.
Stop the datalog (Datalogging -> Stop)
Open the datalog to view (Datalogging -> View with MegaLogViewer)
In Megalogviewer, the field selectors are on the left, ensure that you have MAP, TPS, RPM, CLT, MAT, BattV
enabled.
The log should start with BattV at about 12V, MAP at about 100kPa, TPS around 0%. CLT, MAT should
reflect outside temperature, RPM will be 0.
At the start of cranking you will see the BattV drop to 8-10V, along with a small drop in MAP. Then the RPMs
should register a reading. CLT, MAT, TPS should not change.
Once you have had a look, you can close MegaLogViewer.
2.19 Check the cranking timing with fuel disabled

Having confirmed that the coils work as expected and that we can get stable RPM it is time to check the

timing. You may need an assistant.

Yes, this step is really needed - correct timing is very important.
(If you feel like skipping this step, please ask yourself whether you would rather check your timing now or
rebuild your broken engine soon.)
If you are running wasted spark you need to ensure your strobe is compatible. "Dumb" timing lights are fine;
some dial-back lights can be awkward. Use a "2-stroke" setting for wasted-spark or wasted-COP if you have
a dial-back light. With a coil-on-plug pencil type coil you will need to remove the coil from the engine and
install a short length of regular spark plug wire from the COP to the spark plug, and possibly ground the COP
if it was bolted on. Connect your timing light over this temporary plug lead.
If there are no timing marks on your engine, you will need to add some sort of marks and a pointer. You need
to mark where the pointer lines up with the damper when the engine is at TDC#1. You can establish TDC
with a piston stop and add timing marks with either paint or timing tape.
Once again, before cranking the engine, be sure to pull the fuses for fuel pump and injectors. Re-install the
fuse for the coils.
Temporarily set the cranking advance (Ignition Settings -> Ignition Options / Wheel Decoder -> Cranking
Advance) to 0.
Crank the engine and confirm that #1 timing is somewhere close TDC.
(In Fuel Only mode, Megasquirt isn't controlling your timing, so you will need to adjust whatever is controlling
it as required.)
Adjust the Tooth #1 Angle setting (if running Toothed Wheel) or Trigger Angle / Offset (if running any other
spark mode besides Fuel Only). If the timing is too far advanced, increase this number. If the timing is
retarded, decrease this number. If adjustments of more than 10 degrees are required, make the change, click
Burn, turn the key off and check again. Very large changes don’t take effect until you turn the Megasquirt off
and back on again.
Once the timing lines up during cranking you should return the Cranking Advance setting to its previous
value (e.g. 10 BTDC) and Burn.
During this step you should also check that the engine is developing oil pressure.
2.20 Start the engine and start tuning

Now that you’ve confirmed sensor inputs, coil and injector outputs, have good RPM and cranking timing is
close you are ready to start the engine.
Double check the oil level and that the coolant system is filled.
Replace the fuses for fuel pump, injectors and coils (since we removed them in previous tests.) Ensure that
the battery is charged, spark plugs are fitted, plug leads are in place and all hoses are secure. We
recommend starting a data log as well. While the engine will usually start if you’ve gone through all the
previous steps for setting up, sometimes you’ll need a couple more tweaks, and the data log can be very
valuable if it comes to that. Go to the Data Logging menu and select Start Logging. The log starts when you
click Save, and stops when you either close TunerStudio or go to the Data Logging menu and select Stop.
Now, hit the starter, and hope the moment for the big payoff has arrived.
It is common to need to give the engine a little throttle to keep it alive on the first start. If all sounds well, then
keep the engine running and warm it up. Check for oil pressure, coolant temperature etc. If anything sounds
wrong - stop and investigate.
Take your time! If things aren’t working out, then take a breather and come back another day. Come to the
www.msextra.com forum and ask for help. When posting, please include full details of your install: engine

type, make, model, ignition setup. The forum is global and we might not be familiar with your engine, so just
quoting an engine code is not sufficient. Don’t use the forum to vent your frustration, keep it calm...
If your engine does not start in spite of having a functioning fuel and ignition system and timing that appears
to be correct, here are several things we recommend checking that commonly will cause a no start condition.
• If you are running full sequential fuel and / or coil on plug ignition, try changing these settings to
semi-sequential fuel and wasted-COP ignition. This will rule out the possibility that the cam sensor
hasn’t been set up correctly, and you’re firing on the exhaust stroke instead of the intake stroke.
These changes will make it fire on both, which can be very useful for debugging startup problems.
• It may be refusing to start because the fuel isn’t quite right. If the engine does not go above start-up
cranking RPM, try adjusting the cranking pulse width (the Cranking Pulse menu under Startup /
Idle). If the engine catches but dies immediately, try adjusting the afterstart enrichment (ASE
Percentage under Startup / Idle). Both of these are temperature dependent, so be sure you’re
adjusting them at your actual coolant temperature. There’s a couple rules of thumb you can use
here:
• Start at what you think may be a lean value, then work your way up in small increments.
• Pull a spark plug after a failed start and check the electrode. If it’s wet with fuel, decrease the
amount of fueling. If it’s dry, increase it. And if the electrode is covered with crud, your
problem may just be that you need new spark plugs.
• If the engine responds better if you give it a bit of throttle, you probably have too much fuel (because
the extra air helps get your air/fuel ratio closer to what it should be). So you need less fueling.
Conversely, if giving it the throttle makes things worse, you probably need more fuel.
• Check for various physical problems. Some examples I’ve seen include coil packs or distributors
with one or two spark plug wires run to the wrong cylinders, a broken keyway on the crankshaft
pulley causing the timing marks to be 60 degrees off, and even a zip tie that got pinched in the
intake manifold gasket next to a coolant passage, which nearly hydrolocked the motor.
2.21 Run engine up to temperature

Once you have got the engine to start, keep it running and bring it up to temperature. It is normal to need to
use some throttle to keep it alive. Step 2.18 can be performed during warmup.
While the engine is warming up, check for oil and coolant leaks.
If possible, check the exhaust temperatures on each cylinder. Expect to see a variation between cylinders.
Differences of up to 180F (100C) are fairly normal. Beyond that you need to investigate why. There could be
an air leak, a faulty injector, a damaged valve seat or other mechanical issues with the engine. If cylinders
are very cold, stop the engine and check for a fouled plug.
Pay attention to the engine: if something looks, sounds or smells wrong - STOP!
2.22 Setting running timing

Now that the engine is running, we can come back and make the final timing adjustments. This step can be
performed while the engine is warming up.
Hook up your timing light and start your engine. In TunerStudio, on the Ignition Options / Wheel Decoder
menu, set Fixed timing to "Fixed Timing" and click Burn.

This locks the timing to the advance you specify in the "Timing for Fixed Advance" box. You do not need to
alter your spark table.
• Enter say 15 degrees (or another angle that your engine will idle easily at.)
• Using your timing light, confirm that the timing on the crank matches the fixed advance at low RPMs
• If it does not, then adjust your tooth#1 angle (trigger wheel) or trigger angle/offset (other spark
modes.)
• If the actual timing is more advanced than Megasquirt thinks, then increase the trigger angle/offset. If
adjustments of more than 10 degrees are required, make the change, click Burn, turn the key off,
and restart the engine.
• Once your idle timing is matching up with your fixed angle, increase the engine revs and confirm that
the timing does not drift.
If you get a large timing advance with increased rpms on a VR sensor distributor then it is likely that your
ignition input capture is backwards.
For a few ignition configurations, it is also possible that your spark output setting is wrong - however,
exercise caution in changing this, as the wrong setting can damage your coils or ignition module. Most
configurations should use "Going High" but this does depend on the product and coils.
If the timing retards a little as rpms increase you can make a correction by adjusting the Spark Hardware
Latency setting. The larger the number, the more compensation it will apply.
Do not proceed any further with your install if you cannot get stable timing. Note that “stable timing” is
a matter of degree - a small block Chevy with an HEI distributor and a worn timing chain, for example, may
have 2 or more degrees of timing jitter in normal operation. And many dial-back timing lights will have
problems keeping up with rapid changes in RPM. But if you are seeing the timing bouncing around by 10
degrees or more, stop and investigage what’s wrong.
When finished, be sure to turn off the Fixed Timing and return to Use Table and click Burn.

Megasquirt-2 Setting Up 3:Tuning the engine
3: Tuning the engine

3.1 How it works - fuel
The amount of fuel injected into the engine is controlled by the fuel pulsewidth "PW". This pulsewidth is
calculated by the Megasquirt from a number of factors. It is important to understand what these are to know
what settings, curves and tables need to be tuned.
3.1.1 Cranking mode

When the engine is in cranking mode (i.e. before it is has started and is below the "Cranking RPM" setting)
there are a limited number of settings that influence the fuelling.
The primary setting is:
• Cranking Pulse curve
Sensor inputs:
• RPM input
• Throttle Position
• Coolant Temperature
The RPM input is used to determine whether the engine is trying to start and should be in cranking mode.
The Throttle Position only takes effect at full throttle - this can be used to disable fuel to clear a flooded
engine. If the TPS is broken or malfunctioning, it could enable flood-clear by accident and the engine will not
start.
The Coolant Temperature is used as a lookup on the Cranking Pulse curve to determine how much fuel to
inject.
(A future revision may also use the ReqFuel number, but that is not used at this time.)
Note that none of the other fuel tables and curves are used during cranking.
3.1.2 Run mode

Once the engine has fired and the RPMs exceed the "Cranking RPM" setting, the run mode calculations are
used. Now all of the available settings are used.
The primary settings are:
• ReqFuel
• VE table
The secondary settings are:
• AFR table (only with Incorporate AFR)
• Accel enrichment
• VE Trim
• MAF flow curve
• WarmUp Enrichment curve
• AfterStart Enrichment curve

Sensor inputs:
• RPM input
• MAP sensor
• MAF sensor
• Air Temperature
• Flex fuel sensor
The exact tables and sensor inputs used varies depending on the selected fuel Algorithm and are covered in
the appropriate tuning section.
Of particular note is the AFR table. When 'incorporate AFR' is off, the AFR table is a reference table only and
is not used for fuel calculations. When 'incorporate AFR' is on, this table is included in the fuel calculation.
The Fuel Calculations Summary screen shows many of the factors that are used to arrive at the final
pulsewidth.
More detail on the way the fuel calculations work internally may be found in Appendix B.

3.2 How it works - ignition

The final ignition timing (spark advance) is calculated by the Megasquirt from a number of factors. It is
important to understand what these are to know what settings, curves and tables need to be tuned.
3.2.1 Cranking mode

When the engine is in cranking mode i.e. before it is has started and is below the "Cranking RPM" setting.
There is just one setting that influences the advance.
The primary setting is:
• Cranking Advance setting
Sensor input:
• RPM input
The RPM input is used to determine whether the engine is trying to start and should be in cranking mode.
When in cranking mode the "Cranking advance" setting only is used.
Note that none of the other ignition tables and curves are used during cranking.
3.2.2 Run mode

Once the engine has fired and the RPMs exceed the "Cranking RPM" setting, the run mode calculations are
used. Now all of the available settings are used.
The primary settings are:
• Ignition table
The secondary settings are:
• Cold Advance
• MAT Retard
• Rev/launch limiter retards
• Nitrous retards
Sensor inputs:
• RPM input
• MAP sensor
• MAF sensor
• Air Temperature
• Flex fuel sensor
• Launch/nitrous switch inputs
The exact tables and sensor inputs used varies depending on the selected fuel Algorithm.
The Spark Calculations Summary screen shows many of the factors that are used to arrive at the ignition
(spark) advance.

3.3 Tables and curves

The TunerStudio Reference Guide section 1.5 gives an overview of settings screens, curves and tables.
3.4 Tuning fuel

As outlined in section 3.1, there are a number of curves and tables that are used to tune fuel. Now we will
cover them in more detail.
Remember that all initial tuning should be on a warmed up engine. (Tune Warmup and Afterstart only once
the main tune is good.)
The Primary Fuel Load (Algorithm) determines how fuelling works, these algorithms will be handled in their
own sections to keep the details clear. You should have already set this is section 2.12.1
The Engine Load gauge shows the value of the selected load input.
3.4.1 Tuning fuel - Speed Density

Speed Density uses a MAP (pressure) sensor as the Load input.
3.4.1.1 AFR table (SD)

The AFR table can be used in different ways.
• If you set “Incorporate AFR Target” under the General Settings menu to “include AFRtarget,” it will

scale the pulse widths based on the numbers entered.

• It can be used for closed loop O2 correction with a wideband O2 sensor.
• It can be used purely as a reference table for external tuning. In this case it is not used internally at
all.
Now, let’s take a look at how you use this particular table.
You’ll enter the AFR you want at each RPM and load point. Most sequential fire engines will run best at
14.7:1 at idle. Batch-fire engines will likely need to run richer. At cruising RPM and low load, you can run
14.7:1 or sometimes leaner depending on the engine. Most naturally aspirated engines tend to run best at
13.2 to 13.5 at full throttle, while engines running forced induction may need to run as rich as the mid 11’s
under boost.
If you set “Incorporate AFR Target” under the General Settings menu to “include AFRtarget,” this table is
used to scale the fueling. A table entry of 14.7:1 will mean no fuel scaling. Numbers less than that will
increase the fuel, and numbers higher will decrease the fuel. When using this mode, you’ll tune your VE table
to hit your AFR targets, then adjusting the AFR target table will directly adjust the fuel to the desired AFR
number.
Before having your engine dyno tuned - make sure the dyno operator is clear about your selection for
"Incorporate AFR Target" and whether the AFR table is being used. Otherwise the operator may aim for his
own AFR target and ignore the table causing later confusion.
3.4.1.2 VE table (SD)

The VE table is your primary tuning table. At its simplest, bigger numbers equal more fuel.

In any mode that uses this table, the numbers in the VE table are a percentage. The fueling equation takes
the base pulse width from Required Fuel, scales it by the percentage in the VE table, and then applies any
other corrections, enrichments, and the like, such as air density correction and warmup enrichment. If you
have the tuning set to incorporate the AFR target, theoretically, the VE table will match the engine’s actual
volumetric efficiency. Don’t be alarmed if you need to enter numbers above 100, particularly in boost. The
maximum number is 255.
We recommend first setting up an appropriate AFR table, then adjust the numbers in the VE table (upwards
to add fuel, downwards to take it away) until your actual air/fuel ratio hits the target table.
Before starting to tune the VE Table, it is recommended that you turn the Acceleration Enrichment (AE) off so
you can see whats happening to the mixture as a direct result of the table rather than having fuel added from
Acel Enrichment. See the next section on how to switch this off. You may find that you’ll need to be light on
the throttle, as the AE is needed to fill ’holes’ that occur when the throttle opens quickly. Remember to tune
the AE when you have a tuned VE Table.
Another item to turn off during tuning is the Overrun settings as the PW may drop to 0.0mS causing lean
spots. You’ll find this by going to the Fuel Settings menu -> Overrun fuel cut. The default tune has this turned
off.
Tuning the VE table involves richening (by increasing the VE) or leaning (be decreasing VE) at each point in
the VE table. Most of your driving will occur in a diagonal strip of the VE table, from low rpm, low kPa (i.e.
idle) to high rpm, high kPa (i.e. WOT). You can adjust these values using the O2 sensor, data logs, VE
Analyze Live in TunerStudio, and/or the seat of your pants. Low rpm and low kPa (say less than half of the
max rpm and max kPa) might be able to use stoichiometric or leaner.
Richer mixtures would be used at high rpm and high kPa.
However, the low rpm/high kPa and high rpm/low kPa are not seen as often driving your vehicle.
Basically, if the engine never runs in certain parts of the MAP, then the numbers there should not matter.
However, since you may not be able to guess where you will run under every possible set of conditions, you
put estimated VE numbers that make sense into the little used areas.
From this frequently used diagonal strip of the VE table, you will be able to see how much the VE rises from
one rpm bin to the next, and use these differences to estimate the low rpm, very high kPa numbers and the
high rpm, very low kPa numbers. Since you rarely (if ever) run in these parts of the table, the actual numbers
will not make much difference, but they will be there "just in case". You are looking to create a smooth VE
map wherever possible.
It is a good idea to set either a row of kPa bins in the VE Table to the idle MAP value. The engine may not

always idle at the same MAP value when under load, but it’s worth trying to set this up for unloaded idle.
Most of the time, an engine will idle best if you flatten out the cells above and below where it idles; it’s rare
for an engine to need large changes in VE at idle.
3.4.2 Tuning fuel - Percent Baro

Percent Baro works very similarly to Speed-Density. The only difference is that barometric pressure is taken
into account for the VE table lookup. Instead of MAP being used on the Y axis, MAP/Baro is used instead.
Tuning works similarly to Speed-Density - see section 3.4.1
3.4.3 Tuning fuel - Alpha-N

Alpha-N uses the TPS (throttle) as the Load input. It can be a poor estimator of airflow, but may be useful if a
MAP signal is unavailable or unreliable.
Tuning works similarly to Speed-Density - see section 3.4.1
3.4.4 Tuning fuel - MAF

MAF uses an actual mass air-flow sensor as the Load input. It can be a more accurate estimate of airflow,
but is sometimes more complex to configure.
Tuning works quite differently from Speed-Density, take note of the following explanations.
Before having your engine dyno tuned - make sure the dyno operator is clear about how MAF mode is tuned.
3.4.4.1 MAF transfer curve

The MAF transfer curve is used to convert the voltage input from the MAF sensor into an actual air-flow
number in grammes per second. You need to obtain the actual curve for your sensor or the best estimate.
This curve is found on the Basic/Load Settings menu, once you have wired up and configured your MAF
sensor. See the TunerStudio Reference Guide.

3.4.4.2 AFR table (MAF)

In MAF mode, the AFR table is your main fuel tuning table. If you do not hit the actual AFR targets, you will
need to adjust the MAF flow curve under the Basic / Load Settings menu.
Now, let’s take a look at how you use this particular table.
You’ll enter the AFR you want at each RPM and load point. Most sequential fire engines will run best at
14.7:1 at idle. Batch-fire engines will likely need to run richer. At cruising RPM and low load, you can run
14.7:1 or sometimes leaner depending on the engine. Most naturally aspirated engines tend to run best at
13.2 to 13.5 at full throttle, while engines running forced induction may need to run as rich as the mid 11’s
under boost.
3.4.4.3 VE trim table (MAF)

In MAF mode, the VE table can be used to 'trim' the fuelling. Before starting, you MUST set the table to
100% in all cells. (Highlight all cells, press =, type in 100, then OK.)
The table will apply a percent trim to the fueling calculated from the MAF sensor curve and AFR table.
Before enabling this table, make your best effort to dial-in the fuel with the MAF transfer curve.

3.4.4.4 MAFload
In MAF mode, the primary fuel load is set to "MAF" because fuel required is directly related to mass air flow.
However, ignition and other load based tables are not directly related in the same way. While it would be
possible to use MAF volts as the Y-axis on other tables, it would mean that only a very narrow band of the
table was used and tuning would suffer. So instead of that, the code calculates a synthesised load value
called MAFload. This behaves similarly to MAP in a speed density system and should give a repeatable load
value and allow tuning of those tables in the conventional manner. Do not be too concerned about the exact
values of MAFload, but do make sure the axes on the table are set to cover all MAFload values and RPMs.
When live tuning, the active cell will be highlighted.
A MAF only install will need to use "MAFload" for spark and AFR table lookups. But, if you have a MAP
sensor installed you could optionally choose to set "Speed Density" for spark and/or AFR which will then use
MAP as the Y-axis in the table.
3.4.5 Tuning fuel - ITB

ITB tuning mode builds on the capabilities of the dual table blended tuning approach but solves one of the
more significant drawbacks to that tuning mode: it provides the blended Speed-Density/Alpha-N behavior of
the blended dual tables in just a single table. This single table approach is a significant improvement as all
the automatic tuning tools available through TunerStudio now work correctly with the single table. These
tools are not easily used on the blended tuning approach as TunerStudio does not understand the
multiplicative coupling between the two tables.
This tuning mode creates a load type called "ITB". This "Primary Fuel Load" (algorithm) is selected in
Basic/Load Settings -> General Settings. ITB load is also available for the other tuning settings including
AFR, Ignition, and Enhanced Accel Enrichment.
The ITB Load is derived from a combination of MAP and TPS values as well as other ITB-related tuning
curves that all work together to create a calculated value that is used as the "ITB Load" and applied to the Y
axis of the tuning tables.
ITB mode uses two additional curves as part of the initial setup before the VE table is used for main tuning.
Once these curves have been set, you can leave them alone and focus on tuning the VE table in the
conventional manner.
On the left is the ITB Load TPS Switchpoint curve, on the right is the ITB load at TPS Switchpoint

3.4.5.1 ITB Load TPS Switchpoint Curve

This curve defines the TPS value where the MAP load reaches 90kPa %baro switchpoint. (This is fixed at
90Kpa in Megasquirt-2.) This curve will be different for each engine and should be set up using values
obtained from log files from your engine.
The curve tends to be fairly linear so you only need a few data points to plot the curve. A data point at low,
medium, and high RPM from a log file is usually enough. A spreadsheet or just graph paper can then be
used to establish enough data points to fill in the table for this curve.
On a new install, start with the default curve, then carefully run the engine under load to find out what %TPS
is required to reach 90kPa at different RPMs. You will likely need to rough in the tune for this step. Then
update the TPS switchpoint curve and recommence tuning.
ITB Load tuning requires that the MAP signal be above the %Baro switchpoint and that the TPS value be
above the value defined on this curve to switch from Speed-Density tuning to Alpha-N tuning. Therefore, you
want this curve to be relatively accurate and you may even want to set the values on the curve a few percent
low to ensure that the TPS value has been met when the MAP reaches the %Baro switchpoint.
Besides defining the switch point to Alpha-N tuning, this curve also establishes the lower TPS value that will
be used to interpret the range of VE bins allocated to Alpha-N tuning in the VE table.
3.4.5.2 ITB Load at TPS Switchpoint Curve

This curve is used to allocate the bins on the VE table to either Speed-Density or Alpha-N tuning. The area of
the VE table below the curve will be used for Speed-Density tuning and the area above the curve will be
used for Alpha-N tuning. The shape of this curve defines how much of the VE table will be allocated for use
between Speed-Density and Alpha-N tuning for each RPM column. You want to allocate the largest portion of
the VE table at each RPM to the tuning mode that has the most non-linear response. The lower RPM region
typically requires a little more Speed-Density definition range than the upper RPMs.
The current defaults are 50% at all points, so the top of the VE table is Alpha-N and the bottom is the Speed-
Density region.
Unless you have good reason to change it, leave the curve at 50% load at all RPM points.
3.4.5.3 AFR Table (ITB)

In ITB mode, the AFR table works similarly to Speed-Density mode, but using ITB load as the Y axis. See
section 3.4.1.1
3.4.5.4 VE Table (ITB)

In ITB mode, the VE table works the similarly to Speed-Density mode, but using ITB load as the Y axis. See
section 3.4.1.2
The aim of the ITB mode is to seamlessly switch between Speed-density and Alpha-N with the single tuning
table.
3.4.5.5 ITB technical

Here are some of the technical details behind the ITB mode, you may want to skip these.
The ITB Load VE table is defined as ITB Load vs. RPM. The ITB Load should not be confused with MAP or
TPS, it is neither. What the ITB Load tuning algorithm does is calculate a load value based on MAP, TPS,
and the two ITB Load curves. This calculated load value is the Y axis of the ITB Load VE table; it can also be
applied to the ignition advance and AFR tables as well.
ITB Load Calculation in Speed-Density Mode

When the throttle position is less than the value defined in the ITB load TPS switchpoint curve or the MAP
value is less than the %Baro switchpoint, the tuning algorithm will take the array of cells from the VE table
below the ITB load at TPS switchpoint curve and interpret this array within the context of 0% to %Baro
switchpoint load.
In all cases we take %Baro switchpoint = 90
If you have allocated the region between 0% ITB Load and 60% ITB Load on your VE table for use in Speed-
Density tuning and your %baro is 50% then the VE value for 30% ITB load will be used. In this same
example, a MAP value of 0kpa would use the 0% ITB load bin and a MAP value of just less than %Baro
switchpoint would use the VE value just below the 60% ITB Load value on the VE table.
ITB Load Calculation in Alpha-N Mode

When the throttle position is greater than or equal to the ITB load TPS switchpoint curve and the MAP value
is greater than or equal to the %Baro switchpoint, the tuning algorithm will take the array of cells from the VE
table above the ITB load at TPS switchpoint curve and interpret this array within the context of TPS position.
The lower TPS value used for this interpretation is taken from the ITB load TPS switchpoint curve and the
upper TPS value is always 100%.

For example, if you have allocated the region between 60% ITB Load and 100% ITB Load on your VE table
for use in Alpha-N tuning and also assigned a value of 10% TPS on your ITB load TPS switchpoint curve
then a TPS value of 55% would yield an ITB Load value of 80% and the VE bin for 80% ITB Load would be
used. In this same example, a TPS value of 10% would use the 60% ITB Load bin on the VE table and 100%
TPS would use the 100% ITB Load bin.
3.4.6 Basic acceleration enrichment (AE) tuning

Megasquirt-2 has basic acceleration enrichment, plus model based acceleration enrichment that we’ll
discuss later.
The basic time based accel enrichment uses variables called TPSdot and MAPdot. The “dot” is a calculus
notation that indicates rate of change with respect to time. Don’t worry, you don’t need to know calculus to
tune this. The amount is expressed as a percent of change over time. With TPSdot, it is percent opening
versus time; a TPSdot rate of 100 %/sec would be opening from closed to wide open throttle in one second,
or the equivalent speed, such as going from 25% to 75% throttle in 1/2 second. The MAPdot is measured in
kPa per second. Megasquirt-2 can use either one, or a combination of the two, to trigger acceleration
enrichment.

3.4.6.1 Main accel enrich settings menu
This menu allows wall-wetting accel enrichment to be optionally enabled and determines whether the %WOT
table is used with TPSdot.
3.4.6.2 Time-based Accel
The two curves are the primary tuning tools. They set the pulse width to add as a function of the rate of
change of MAP and TPS readings. The adder is the raw milliseconds pulsewidth adder. Under these charts,
you can set a percentaget to blend MAP and TPS driven acceleration enrichment. 100% is entirely TPS
driven, and 0% is entirely MAP driven. In between, the percentage will scale the MAP driven pulse width
adder down and the TPS driven pulse width adder up. Changing injector size will require the AE number to
be changed.
Once triggered, the acceleration enrichment will be active for a defined time period.
3.4.6.3 Getting it dialed in

Regardless of which of the two settings you use, many of the aspects of acceleration enrichment tuning will

be the same. Before you start tuning the acceleration enrichment, make sure your VE tables are dialed in.
Adding a correctly tuned amount of acceleration enrichment to an incorrectly tuned fuel table is still going to
result in an incorrect amount of fuel. Since the acceleration enrichment is stacked on top of the fuel the ECU
is commanding based on the VE table, you’ll want to tune AE last, after you’ve got the solid foundation of a
well tuned VE table under you.
The standard AE can be thought of like the accelerator pump on a carb, which shoots in some extra fuel
when you suddenly hit the throttle to compensate for the massive influx of air when you open the throttle
blades. The goal is to compensate for this influx of air for an instant during that transient until the the
transient is over and the VE tables are again providing the proper amount of fueling. If your background is
tuning carburetors, you can think of this as a very powerful fully adjustable/tunable accelerator pump that lets
you compensate for more than one rate of throttle position change. Slow ’tip-in’ can be adjusted with a
certain PW adder, medium with another larger PW shot, mid-fast with another size PW squirt, and very fast
throttle movements with another.
MAP based or TPS based AE? If you have a variable Throttle Position Sensor, we’d recommend 100% TPS
based AE as a starting point. MAP based AE does the trick if you’re running an engine without a usable TPS,
but TPS based AE is generally easy to tune to the proper sensitivity level such that it activates when you
want it to, and not when you don’t.
Setting the TPSdot/MAPdot Threshold Levels First up, you need to determine what your TPSdot or
MAPdot threshold will need to be. Below the line graph charts, you’ll see a TPSdot threshold and a MAPdot
threshold. These are the minimum amount of change of TPS position or MAP pressure reading, respectively,
that are needed to trigger acceleration enrichment. Your goal is to set these high enough that the
acceleration enrichment won’t accidentally trigger at steady throttle, but low enough that it’s sensitive enough
to catch small or slow throttle movements as well. Setting it too high can mean the AE won’t kick in when you
need it.You want it as low as you can get it without it causing AE to trigger when it’s not supposed to, such as
during steady throttle.
Getting this dialed in can be done methodically, or by trial and error. Here’s the methodical method.
You’ll need to have a safe way to accelerate from the bottom to the top of a gear, preferably your 1:1 ratio
gear, and you’ll want to datalog your engine idling, as well as these WOT pulls with your Megasquirt-2 and
TunerStudio. Ideally this is done on a dyno. Two to three pulls is better than one, but there’s no need to get
carried away. Then you can stop the datalogging and load this log up into MegaLogViewer.
In MegaLogViewer, on the left using the drop-down boxes that let you select what data you are viewing in
your logs, set one of these to TPSdot, and/or MAPdot. You can set another to TPS to show you what throttle
position you were at as well. Additionally, monitoring injector pulsewidth (select PW in the log to view that
data) is helpful too, as you’ll be able to see the commanded injector pulsewidth including the extra fuel added
duing an AE event. Lastly, near the bottom right corner of MegaLogViewer you’ll see four indicators. TP AE,
TP DE, MAP AE and MAP DE. If either AE is active, that’s a Accel event and AE is adding fuel. If either DE is
active, that’s a Decel event and AE is pulling fuel if configured to do so.
Next, look at the datalog section of the car idling. The TPS signal should be rock solid, no movement. If it’s
jumping around, you have a noise issues on your TPS signal. This can be caused by ECU sensor signal
wiring that’s been routed too close to high voltage sources such as ignition coils, plug wires, the distributor,
etc. Re-routing those wires away from those high-voltage sources is always a good idea. Additional
possiblities for noise to get in the TPS signal could be a bad sensor ground (be sure you’ve grounded it the
Megasquirt-2 sensor return wire ONLY), or a faulty throttle position sensor. Similarly noise on the MAP signal
could be electrical, but is more likely to actually be real movement in the manifold pressure, at least at the
source you’re grabbing the vacuum signal from, meaning the port on your intake manifold that’s connected to
the MAP sensor.
If you’re seeing AE events at idle, your TPSdot or MAPdot threshold is set too sensitive (too low of a
number). You’ll see the pulse width bounce around when this happens as well; AE is just doing what you told
it to do.

Now look at the datalog sections for the WOT pulls, step through these in the logs and look for any time AE
activated (Accel or Decel). It shouldn’t be active at all on WOT pulls, because you’re at Wide Open Throttle,
you’re not moving the throttle around, so AE is not needed. Again, if you are seeing AE activate during WOT
pulls, your threshold is too sensitve.
In either case if you’re triggering AE when you shouldn’t be, you’ll want to increase the threshold value a bit
above the highest TPSdot (or MAPdot) value you see it reach in the logs. This is the lowest you can set your
threshold in order to be a sensitive as possible while not triggering at steady state throttle (or idle, which is
also steady state throttle, it’s the steady state of NO throttle).
Note this setting is also the same setting you should use for your lowest (slowest rate of change) TPSdot or
MAPdot field in the next section.
Tuning the tables Now that you have these, it’s time to tune the PW adder line graphs. To tune these, start
with the lowest speed throttle change position, and practice ’tipping in’ at that rate of speed. Use the real-time
line graph at the bottom of the page to see how fast you’re tipping in.
When you’ve become used to applying the throttle at the right rate of speed to be close to the TPSdot
number you’re using in the ’slow’ setting, watch your wideband O2 sensor readout. You want to be able to
determine what’s happening when you stab the throttle at that rate of speed. Is it going lean or rich? Note
that it’s hard to see this on a gauge, as often it will go one then the other really fast. You want the first
response; if it goes lean then rich you’ll usually see it hit 20:1 or maybe 22:1 for just an instant, and then as it
goes back to running purely the table it may go to 13:1 or whatever... you want to watch that initial response,
and if the first response is to go lean, then you want to add fuel; if the first response is to go rich, you want to
reduce fuel (pw).
A wideband O2 sensor is immensely helpful here, but don’t get too caught up in seeing perfect AFR numbers
through the whole transient event. Adjust it until it feels right, snappy and responsive with no hesitation. The
feel is more important than looking for perfect numbers. If you want perfect numbers, you may want to try the
model based acceleration enrichment. Setup basic AE first as described here. Next you’ll adjust the other set
points you’ve setup for faster throttle rate changes.
Repeat the process for the medium speed tip in, then the mid-fast, then the fast.
3.4.7 Startup / warmup fueling

On the first couple starts, you’ll want to use whatever combination of fuel and throttle can nurse the engine
along until it is warmed up, and dial in the fuel at idle while hot. The reason is that the main fuel tune will
affect startup behavior, and you will want to have good, solid values in the VE table (at least at idle) before
you can get final values for the startup sequence. Here is the sequence that Megasquirt-2 fueling goes
through while starting.
1. When the key is on, the Megasquirt-2 will turn the fuel pump on for 2 seconds and fire one priming pulse
to clear air from the lines. (You can disable this feature by setting the priming pulse to zero, this will also stop
the fuel pump priming.)
2. When the engine starts turning, the Megasquirt-2 will run off the cranking pulse width table until the RPM
rises above the cranking RPM threshold.
3. Once the RPM rises above the cranking threshold, the Megasquirt-2 transitions to the main fuel table. It
will initially multiply the pulse width from this table by the warmup enrichment (WUE) and afterstart
enrichment (ASE) combined.
4. The ASE tapers off based on a user defined curve. After the ASE tapers away, the Megasuirt-2 will run on
the main fuel table multiplied by WUE.
5. When the engine reaches normal operating temperature, as defined by the WUE curve, the engine will run
on the main fuel table, and the warmup cycle is over.

3.4.7.1 Priming pulse

This curve allows you to specify an initial pulse, in milliseconds, that is fired on the first turn of the key. You
can set the pulse width as a function of coolant temperature.
3.4.7.2 Cranking pulse

This curve allows you to specify an initial pulse, in milliseconds, that is fired during cranking. There is one
pulse per cylinder "event." You can set the pulse width as a function of coolant temperature.
As this curve is in raw pulsewidth, if you swap injectors you will need to retune it.
3.4.7.3 Afterstart (ASE) percentage adder

This is a curve of percentage adder versus time. The Megasquirt-2 will apply the full amount (looked up
against temperature) immediately after RPM climbs past cranking RPM and then taper it off linearly through
the ASE taper time. This number is added to the WUE number and then the combined number is multiplied
by the number the main fuel loop calculates. 0% is no afterstart enrichment.
3.4.7.4 Afterstart (ASE) taper

Specifies how long in engine events (cycles) to apply afterstart enrichment.
3.4.7.5 Warmup enrichment percent multiplier

Specifies the percentage multiplier for fuel during warmup. At cold temperatures 200-300% may be required.
At fully warm (the final row in the table or point on the curve) 100% MUST be specified.
3.4.7.6 Putting it all together

If the engine isn’t starting, pay attention to the RPM it runs through.
If the engine does not catch, but cranks at a steady RPM, you will need to adjust the cranking pulse width. If
the engine fires up, but then stalls in a few seconds, you will need to adjust the afterstart enrichment. You
cannot rely on an O2 sensor feedback for cranking, but here are some rules of thumb you can use.
• It’s better to start off at a point you expect to be lean and add fuel in small increments, to avoid
flooding the engine.
• If giving the engine a small bit of throttle helps, you probably have too much fuel. Conversely, if this
makes it worse, you probably have too little.
• You can pull a spark plug and check if it’s wet with fuel or dry
• Wet - you need to reduce the fueling at the point where it stalled
• Dry - you need to add more fuel.

3.5 Tuning spark

Ignition is tuned on a 3D table.
This table specifies the spark advance in absolute numbers in degrees BTDC (before top dead center) as a
function of RPM and load. The timing you see with a timing light should match the timing table, unless there
are spark trim tables in effect that make changes to it. We ordinarily recommend tuning the spark map on a
dyno, but here are a few general pointers for an initial setup.
The idea is that the idle and low speed areas are set to around 8-20deg. Usually idle will be around 8-15°,
but this depends on your engine’s design. If you set the first row in the RPM range as a little under your
usual idle (e.g. 600 if your engine idles at 800ish) and add some advance here this can help stabilize the
idle, so if the engine stumbles into this area the slight increase in advance will help it to speed up a little so it
doesn’t stall. The cruising area of the map should have a reasonably high advance, (low to high 30’s) as the
mixture will be reasonably lean and therefore will give a slower burn.
The overrun area can have an even greater advance, this will allow you to run lean in that section. At Wide
Open Throttle (WOT) the spark map needs to be RPM based (analogous to centrifugal advance on an old
style distributor) coming in at the right rate relative to engine RPM. Typically, you want it "all in" by about
2800-3200 RPMs for a street performance motor, although many engines will benefit from even more
advance after the torque starts decreasing, something you can’t do with a mechanical advance.
Note the the optimum amount of total advance is not necessarily the most that doesn’t cause detonation. For
example, with a modern cylinder head design, you might get maximum power at 32°BTDC on a large V8, but
might not experience any detonation until 38°- 40°. However, you will still want the advance to come in as
quickly as possible (without knocking) up to 32°. This number won’t be 32 degrees for all engines; for
example, we’ve found that the new Chrysler Hemi can have problems at more than 22 degrees of timing at
full throttle, and many small bore engines with pent-roof combustion chambers run numbers in the mid 20
degree range.
When going into boost (above 100kPa), values will need to be lower than when out of boost. A common rule
of thumb is that 1 degree of advance should be removed for every 2 psi (13kPa) of boost; this is simply a
rough guide, and lots of things can depend on how much to remove. Advance below 100% load is often
simply the flip side of retarding the timing under boost; as cylinder filling decreases, you will need more
timing.
Tuning timing under boost is safest on the dyno where the operator can listen out for knock and dial in the
advance for best safe power.

3.6 Getting a good idle

Idle tuning has several components. One is how far the throttle is open - if you have an idle valve, this can be
adjusted with the Idle PWM Duty Table or Idle Steps which lets you specify the valve opening amount in
terms of temperature. If you don’t have an idle valve, you can use a set screw to adjust the throttle blade
angle. There is also closed loop idle tuning, which we will cover later in the manual. Closed loop idle tuning
targets a specific idle speed. But first, you need to get a stable idle without closed loop tuning. If your idle is
already hunting because of a bad tune, putting closed loop on an idle that already has trouble will make it
worse. Start with "Open-loop (warmup)".
We’ll take some time here to explain how to tune your Megasquirt-2 for a smooth idle. The first key may
surprise many novice tuners: The idle control settings are not the most important thing to adjust to get
a smooth idle.
This may seem counter-intuitive, but consider this: If the engine is idling at constant load with the throttle held
at a constant opening, shouldn’t you have a constant idle speed? If your idle surges or hunts under these
conditions, and your idle control valve is staying at one opening value, the idle control settings are not the
problem. To get a steady idle, you need three things in place: correct fuel, correct timing, and correct airflow.
These problems should be addressed individually.
3.6.1 Correct Fuel (mixture)

Engines don’t like to idle lean; a lean air/fuel ratio is one of the biggest causes of a surging idle. On an
engine with sequential injection, this is simple enough - get the engine idling at 14.7:1 for gasoline, and
you’re good to go. Batch fire engines, however, have issues at idle with intake pulse reversion sending some
of the fuel into an adjacent cylinder. So, if your setup only allows batch fire, you’ll need to add a little more
fuel so all the cylinders can stay at 14.7:1 or richer. Batch fire engines typically idle best in the mid 13’s, so if
you’re leaner than that, put in some more fuel and see if that stabilizes the idle.
You’ll need to make sure the air/fuel ratio is maintained during cold start. If your idle hunts when the engine is
cold, but stabilizes when it warms up, try more warm up enrichment.
3.6.2 Correct Timing

Timing is a very useful tool for controlling your idle speed. Ideally, you’ll want the timing to be set to slightly
below the timing that would give it the most power - on most piston engines, this typically works out to
somewhere in the 10 to 18 degree range. Then you can add a row around 300 RPM below your target idle
speed. The timing in this row can be bumped up by around 2 to 4 degees over the idle timing. The 3d view
below shows a spark table set up this way.
Setting up your timing like this has a stabilizing effect on the idle. When the idle speed drops, the timing
advances, increasing torque and moving the idle speed back up. The result is an automatic feedback loop
that helps maintain a constant idle speed. Not every engine really needs this. However, you need to look out
for timing curves that do the opposite. If you’ve specified less timing below the target idle speed than you
have at the idle speed, this often makes for an unstable idle as the ECU pulls timing while the idle speed
falls. This can make a slight disturbance in idle RPM amplify itself into an idle speed that cycles up and down
rapidly.
Too much timing can be trouble. If the timing at your regular idle speed already puts you at the most power
output, you have nowhere to go but down. Over-advanced timing will hurt power as well - beyond a certain
point, adding more timing will not bump up the idle, and taken to extremes, it can do the exact opposite. So
you want to "hold back" a little timing at your idle RPM and run less than the amount of timing that would give
it the most power.
3.6.3 Correct Airflow

You’ll need to get the right amount of air to maintain a good idle speed.

How to do this depends on what sort of idle valve you have.

No idle valve at all? Yes, you can run without an idle valve. Just use your idle speed set screw to adjust it
open enough that the engine doesn’t stall on cold starts. Sure, your idle speed with the engine warmed up
will be higher than it could be, and you’ll have no way to adjust for stuff like the A/C or electrical loads, but it’ll
work.
The wiring of idle valves is covered in the Hardware Manual for your product.
3.7 Datalogging
Recording datalogs and reviewing them is a key part of ongoing tuning for most vehicles.
See section 4 in the TunerStudio Reference Guide and the (planned) MegaLogViewer Reference Guide.
3.7.1 Starting a datalog

Clicking Data Logging > Start will display the Start New Data Log dialog as shown below:
This will prompt you to save a TunerStudio (.msl) file which will contain the data that is logged from your
Megasquirt. By default the file will be saved in the DataLogs directory within the current project directory,
although you can choose to browse and save it elsewhere if you prefer. As soon as you save the file the
software will start to log data from your Megasquirt into that file.
When data logging is running the “Data Logging” indicator label at the bottom of the Gauge Cluster will
turn green.
3.7.2 Stopping a datalog

Data Logging > Stop will cease data logging and the collated data file selected in the above section will be
closed. Your data is now ready to be reviewed using MegaLogViewer.
At this stage the “Data Logging” indicator label at the bottom of the Gauge Cluster will return to its usual
color.

Megasquirt-2 Setting Up 4:Advanced topics
4: Advanced topics
The settings for all topics here are covered in the TunerStudio Reference Guide, the aim here is to add some
background and tuning information beyond the basic settings description.
4.1 Sequential Fuel

Frequently the Megasquirt-2 operates fuel in a batch-fire mode, but some variants support sequential fuel as
well. The different products in the range have different capabilities for sequential fuel.
• MS2 - supports up to 4 injector outputs - DIY hardware modifications are required.
• Microsquirt - supports up to 2 injector outputs, so 2-cyl sequential only.
• Microsquirt-module - supports up to 4 injector outputs with suitable external circuits.
• Microsquirt-module within DIYPNP, MSPNP2 etc. - consult your supplier for options
Consult the Hardware Manual for your product for specific details on wiring or any modifications required.
The following descriptions cover the whole range and may not be available on your hardware.
There are options for sequential and semi-sequential injection, which allow the use of two additional injector
channels.
The code will do sequential injection for engines with up to 4 cylinders (with the additional injector channels)
and semi-sequential injection for engines with up to 12 cylinders. The number of injection pulses per engine
cycle is automatically computed by the code based on the number of cylinders, the number of injector
channels, the presence of a cam sensor, and the use of staged injection. Sequential injection has a single
injection pulse per engine cycle and semi-sequential has up to 6 pulses per cycle depending on the
configuration.
The table below shows the number of injection pulses per engine cycle computed by the code.
Engine configuration Without Staging With Staging
# Cyl Cam trigger # Inj # Squirts per # Inj # Squirts per

720 deg 720 deg
1 1 2 2 2
1 * 1 1 2 1
2 1 2 2 2
2 * 2 1 4 1
3 * 1 3 2 3
3 * 3 1 - -
4 - - 2 4
4 2 2 4 2
4 * 4 1 - -

5 * 1 5 2 5
6 1 6 2 6
6 * 2 3 4 3
6 3 2 - -
6 * 3 2 - -
8 - - 2 8
8 2 4 4 4
8 4 2 - -
10 1 10 2 10
12 2 6 4 6
12 3 4 - -
There are two injection modes specifically designed for siamese-port engines such as the A-series engine of
the classic Mini and the B-series engine of the MGB. Since these engines have 2 intake ports for a 4-cylinder
engine with the cylinders paired having 180 and 540 crankshaft degrees between the firing events, there is a
need to have injection timed in a very specific manner and two modes are provided to do semi-sequential
injection which does not require a cam sensor and full sequential injection which requires a cam sensor.
More information on the peculiarities of port injecting a siamese-port engine can be found via web searches.
4.1.1 Configuration
The menu items to configure the sequential injection are located on Basic/Load Settings -> Engine and
Sequential Settings. The settings on the right are used to configure all the general aspects of sequential
injection. The VE, trim and injection timing tables are available on the Fuel menu.
4.1.2 Injector timing

For sequential mode, the timing value is with respect to TDC on the power stroke when both valves are
closed (same as ignition).
For sequential siamese mode, the timing is with respect to TDC on the intake stroke which is the start of the
injection window for the outer cylinders. And the timing 2 values are only used in sequential siamese mode
with the first timing value being for the outer cylinders (1 and 4) while the second is for the inner cylinders (2
and 3).
4.1.3 Sequential/Semi-sequential Timing

The image below shows how the timing values relate to the engine cycle. The timing value of 0 degrees
corresponds to TDC between the compression and power stokes. (The same as ignition timing.)
Positive values are for timing in advance of this point up to 360 degrees which corresponds to TDC between
the exhaust and intake strokes with 180 degrees being BDC between the intake and compression strokes.

Negative values are for timing retarded from the 0 degree point with -360 degrees being TDC between the
exhaust and intake strokes and -180 degrees being BDC between the power and exhaust strokes.
Siamese-port Timing
The siamese-port modes use a different reference point in the cycle due to the position of the injection
window. The image on the right shows how the timing values relate to the engine cycle. The timing value of 0
degrees corresponds to TDC between the exhaust and intake strokes.
Positive values are for timing in advance of this point up to 360 degrees which corresponds to TDC between
the compression and power stokes with 180 degrees being BDC between the power and exhaust strokes.
Negatives values are for timing retarded from the 0 degree point with -360 degrees being TDC between the
compression and power strokes and -180 degrees being BDC between the intake and compression strokes.

4.2 EGO Control

First, configure the basic settings with reference to the TunerStudio Reference Guide.
4.2.1 Simple Algorithm with Narrowband Sensor

A narrowband sensor is only accurate at exactly stoichiometric mixtures for the fuel being used (14.7:1 for
gasoline). At around 0.5 volts, the mixture is stoichiometric. For leaner mixtures (above 14.7:1 for gasoline,
above 1.0 lambda) the voltage dips slightly below 0.5 volts. For richer mixtures, the voltage goes above 0.5
volts. This behavior means that it is not possible to hold an exact mixture when running closed-loop with a
narrowband sensor.
Because of this, the best algorithm to use with a narrowband sensor is the "simple" algorithm.
The simple algorithm adjusts the mixture richer if the sensor reads lean, and leaner if the sensor reads rich. It
adjusts Controller Step Size percent every Ignition Events per Step. This can lead to a small oscillation in
O2-based correction once the AFR reaches close to stoichiometric. This oscillation can be desirable to keep
a 3-way catalyst operating correctly.
The following steps are recommended when tuning the simple algorithm with a narrowband sensor:
Ignition Events per Step - When first tuning the engine, this should be set to a fairly low number (4-8) so that
if the AFR is very far off, it is corrected quickly. Once the engine is better tuned, this number can be switched
to a higher number to gain more stable correction behavior (8-16 or more).
Controller Step Size - When first tuning the engine, this should be set to 2% so that when correcting, the
engine reaches stoichiometric quickly. Once the engine is well tuned, this should be reduced to 1% to gain
more stable correction.
Controller Auth - When first tuning the engine, this should be set to 20% or higher. Care must be taken to
watch how the algorithm is correcting. In some situations, it is possible for the sensor to read very lean when
really the engine is running very rich. Once the engine is tuned, this should be set between 5% and 10%.
Engagement Settings - Most of the remaining settings control how and when the closed loop algorithm is
engaged. Engagement with a narrowband sensor should happen when the engine is nearly fully warm, 500-
1000 rpm above idle, below 80% throttle, below about 80% load, just above the lowest load seen when
barely pressing the throttle, and at least 30 seconds after the engine starts. These settings are because the
sensor must be hot to operate, must not be used at high load due to the fact that the engine should be
operated rich of stoichiometric, and must not be used at very low load because the oscillations will cause the
engine speed to oscillate.
4.2.2 Simple Algorithm with Wideband Sensor

Tuning the simple algorithm with a wideband sensor is essentially the same as tuning it with a narrowband
sensor with the caveat that the AFR target table is used to set the AFR target. It is still recommended that the
EGO algorithm not be used at high throttle position/load due to the fact that the accuracy of the wideband
sensor decreases dramatically with pressure and temperature changes caused by high load.
4.2.3 PID Algorithm with Wideband Sensor

It is recommended to start by tuning the 'I' term until the target is reached with minimal oscillation.
Additionally, since the response of most wideband controllers and sensors is linear with AFR, a larger 'P'
term can be used to help correct for fast changes in AFR. Caution must still be used however since there is a
significant delay between the amount of fuel being injected changing and Megasquirt registering an AFR
change as a result.
Finally, a small amount of 'D' term can be used to help slow response during very fast changes. This helps
reduce overshoot of the target.

4.3 Wankel Rotary Engines

Two-rotor engines only are supported on Megasquirt-2 at this time.
Typical settings:
Squirts per Engine Cycle = 1
Injector Staging = Simultaneous
Engine Stroke/Rotary = Rotary
No. Cylinders/Rotors = 2
Number of Injectors = 2
Engine Type = Even fire
Engine Size = 1300cc (true engine size)
Injector Size Each = size of one primary injector
Sequential Injection = Untimed Injection
Staged Injection will be used.

Typical settings:
Staged Injection First Parameter = Table
Primary Injector Size (already set)
Secondary Injector Size = size of one secondary injector
See the TunerStudio Reference for more details of these settings.
The tach input and spark output will need configuring also, see the Hardware Manual for your product for
Rotary specific details.
The oil metering pump is not presently supported, use pre-mix.
4.4 Closed-Loop Idle

Before trying to tune closed loop idle speed control, you must configure open-loop (warmup) idle speed
control. With open-loop control, a higher step-count or duty should yield higher RPM. Make sure that this is
the case, and that smooth idle speed can be attained with open-loop before moving on to closed loop
control.
There are two main things to tune when tuning closed-loop idle speed control:
• Conditions for entering PID control
• PID gains
It is recommended that tuning is done in stages. For example, PID cannot be tuned if the code is never
entering the PID loop. Because of this it is a good idea to start by tuning the conditions for entering PID
control.
These settings include:
• Idle Activation TPS threshold - Set as low as possible. If the TPS has a bit of noise, set it to around
1%, otherwise set it to 0.3%-0.5%.

• RPMdot threshold - Use this setting so that the code can tell the difference between decelerating
with closed throttle (engine braking) and sitting at one RPM. Set this as low as possible without
being below what is normal RPMdot jitter with the engine RPM not changing. Typical values will be
between 50 and 75 RPM/sec.
• Max decel load - The code assumes that if MAP is lower than this setting, the driver must be
decelerating, and not "locked out" of the PID loop. Set this to a value just under the load seen with
an idle slightly higher than the current target RPM + the Idle Activation RPM Adder. This can be done
with the idle test mode, and setting the valve position manually.
• PID delay - This should be set so that the RPM dropping on throttle lift can come to a rest slightly
higher than the target RPM, and become stable there. Between three and five seconds normally
works the best.
• Crank to Run Taper - This setting controls how long after starting the code will delay before entering
PID. Between three and five seconds works well for this setting.
• PID disable RPMdot - A good value for this setting will typically be in the 200-400 RPM/sec range. If
the engine speed suddenly accelerates with no throttle input (like if the clutch is engaged while the
car is rolling and in gear), it must accelerate at a rate greater than this setting before the PID code
will be disengaged. Setting this value too high can lead to stalls after engaging the clutch in this
manner.
To tell whether the code is entering PID idle control, the "CL Idle" indicator in TunerStudio must be used. If
the current gauge cluster in TunerStudio does not include this indicator, temporarily switch to a cluster that
does.
The idle speed control algorithm was designed to emulate OEM car idle speed regulation. The sequence of
events that the code was designed to follow are listed below:
1. Throttle Lift - On throttle lift, the code opens the valve to the value learned in the last iteration of the
PID loop + the dashpot adder. The logic here is that the last learned value should result in an RPM
close to the target RPM. The dashpot adder is added so that when RPM settles, it settles to an RPM
slightly higher than the target. This is in case the air conditioning was turned on or IAT increased or
anything else that might make RPM lower than the last time the PID code ran.
2. RPM settles - After throttle lift, eventually the clutch is pushed in and RPM drops to wherever it will
settle given the learned value + the dashpot adder. Hopefully the idle has settled to an RPM that is
less than the commanded target + the Idle Activation RPM adder. If so, then the code will wait for the
amount of time specified by the PID delay, and then enter PID control. If RPM settles above the
commanded target + Idle Activation RPM adder, the code then starts checking the PID lockout
detection conditions. Assuming those condtions are met, the code will still enter the PID loop after
the amount of time specified by the PID delay.
3. PID control activates, RPM starts dropping to target - After the PID delay expires, the PID code will
be activated. RPM will slowly drop to the target over the number of seconds specified by the PID
ramp to target time.
4. Normal idle speed reached - RPM reaches the commanded target. PID continues regulating RPM
until the throttle is pressed.
Once the code is reliably entering PID on every throttle lift, it is time to actually tune the PID code to reach
and hold the RPM target.
The settings that are associated with or affect the operation of the PID algorithm are listed below:
• Idle Open Duty/steps and Idle Valve closed duty/steps - These should be set to the minimum and
maximum values that should be used during PID loop and driving operation. In addition, having
these set further apart results in the PID loop being more sensitive (making changes to the output
given much smaller changes in input).

• Min duty/steps for PID - This is the lowest duty/number of steps that the PID loop is allowed to
command. Set this low enough to result in an RPM slightly lower than the lowest target RPM.
• RPM with valve open/closed - These should be set to the RPM with the valve closed and the RPM
with the valve opened respectively. If using these settings makes the code unresponsive to changes
in idle speed, the upper RPM value can be set lower.
• PID Control Interval - This controls how often the PID code runs. Setting this too high can result in
sluggish response to sudden changes in load, such as the Air Conditioning being turned on. Setting
it too low can result in the loop being overly sensitive to RPM changes. Typically 100ms works well.
• PID controller gains - These control the actual response of the code to changes in RPM, as well as
how well the code will reach the target. Tips for tuning these are listed below.
The following basic steps should be used for tuning the PID controller gains:
1. Zero all the gains - Set all the gains to 0%. This is so that the effects of tuning the I-term in the next
step are not confused with the effects of any other setting.
2. Tune the Integral (I) gain - The Integral gain is the only term that controls whether the code actually
reaches its target. Higher values for Integral gain will result in the code being able to get closer to the
commanded target; however, a value that is too high will result in oscillation. The easiest way to
determine a good value for the I term is to keep increasing it until oscillation occurs, then slightly
lower it. If this value is increased to 200% without reaching a point where oscillation occurs, then the
RPM with valve opened setting can be decreased as far as necessary, and the open duty/steps
setting and closed duty/steps setting can be made further apart to make the PID loop more sensitive.
3. Tune the Proportional (P) gain - After tuning the I gain so that the RPM reaches the commanded
target without oscillation, the P gain can be tuned. The best way to tune this is to set it as high as
possible without getting any oscillation. After setting this, try turning on the air conditioning or other
accessories that normally lower RPM or increase load. When these accessories are turned on, the
RPM should dip a bit then recover (the valve position should increase significantly). Using longer PID
ramp to target times can also make it so that when the PID algorithm engages, a higher P gain can
be set without causing oscillation.
4. Tune the Derivative (D) gain - For most users, use of the D gain should not be necessary. It
substantially dampens the response of the loop.
Some final tips:
• Idle Fuel Tuning - Before even attempting to tune Closed-loop Idle speed control, tune the area
around idle so that if RPM goes up or down or load goes up or down, the AFR stays close to the
same value. Changing AFR can affect idle speed, which can then cause the PID code to try to
correct, getting into an unrecoverable oscillation.
• Spark Advance - Ensure that the ignition timing around idle is fairly smooth. Large changes could
lead to oscillation.
4.5 Enhanced Accel Enrichment (EAE)

The Enhanced Acceleration Enrichment feature is based on the concept that the fuel injected does not all
enter the engine on every injector squirt. Instead, a portion of the fuel collects on the port and/or intake
runner walls. The fuel collected there forms a puddle, from which some fuel enters the engine on every
intake event.
During steady-state conditions (such as cruise or idle), the amount of fuel entering the puddle, the amount of
fuel leaving the puddle, and the amount of each injector squirt going directly into the engine reach a state of
equilibrium. However, during throttle opening or throttle closing transient conditions, the amounts of fuel
entering the puddle, leaving the puddle, and going directly into the engine change. Until equalibrium is
reached again, the amount of injected fuel must change to ensure that the intended amount of fuel (from the

normal fuel equations and VE table lookup) still enters the engine.
For reference, the accelerator-pump on a carburettor is a rudimentary method to cope with this same wall-
wetting issue.
The EAE algorithm tracks the various quantities and adjusts the amount of fuel injected accordingly, but does
so based on several adjustment curves and settings. These are detailed in the next section.
The EAE curves are described in the TunerStudio Reference Guide.
4.5.1 Tuning EAE

Since EAE's main purpose is to ensure that the proper amount of fuel specified by the VE table (and other
enrichments) actually gets into the engine, it is essential that the VE table as close as possible to correct
before tuning EAE.
Since EAE must track the amount of fuel collected on the port walls in order to function, it is also necessary
for EAE to be enabled at all times.
The following procedure should be followed to tune EAE:
1. Tune VE, Warmup enrichments, and all other fuel-related features.
2. Turn off normal Acceleration enrichment by setting the TPSdot and MAPdot thresholds to extremely
high numbers.
3. Make sure that the VE table covers all the way down to Cranking RPM and to extremely low kPa
values.
4. Enable EAE in the Acceleration Enrichment dialog box.
5. With the engine at a steady RPM in a high gear, step on the throttle SLOWLY, and note the response
feel and the AFR.
6. At the same RPM, lift off the throttle, and note the response feel and the AFR.
7. Tune the EAE Adhere-to-walls curve and EAE Sucked-from-walls curve until AFR and response are
smooth and stable.
8. Make sure that the throttle movements used are small and slow, allowing the AFR to reach steady-
state before moving the throttle again. Make sure that the whole load range is covered, and that
every load seen during engine operation is covered by each of the curves.
9. Choose a few other RPM ranges, and slowly step on and release the throttle. Tune the EAE Adhere-
to-walls RPM correction and EAE Sucked-from-walls RPM correction curves until the response and
AFR are correct at the RPMs chosen. Typically Idle and high cruise RPMs should be chosen. High
cruise RPMs for example are when speed is maintained but the gear selection is reduced by one or
two gears.
10. Shut off the engine, and allow it to cool completely. Start the engine; as the coolant temperature
increases, adjust the EAE Adhere-to-walls CLT correction and EAE Sucked-from-walls CLT
correction curves so that response and AFR are stable.
11. Once small, slow throttle movements are tuned, larger ones can be verified, as well as normal
driving with gear shifts
12. Finally, try to quickly blip the throttle while free-revving. If response is slower than desired, a very
small amount of TPSdot or MAPdot acceleration enrichment may be re-enabled. Take care to only
use it for high TPSdot values and use very little. Just enough to get EAE to respond is all that is
required.

4.6 Boost Control

The most basic boost setup uses spring pressure only and connects the manifold (or turbo outlet) directly to
the wastegate actuator. For systems that require more control, the Megasquirt software offers options for
electronic boost control.
There are two algorithms for controlling boost:
• Open-Loop - Solenoid duty comes from an 8x8 duty table (TPSxRPM).
• Closed-loop - A Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) loop controls solenoid duty to match the actual
boost to the boost target. An 8x8 target table (TPSxRPM) is used to determine the boost target.
In addition to the algorithm selection, you must configure overboost and several other settings in order to use
the boost control feature.
4.6.1 Solenoid connection

The wiring of your solenoid is covered in the Hardware Manual for your product.
Solenoid and wastegate plumbing are common across the range. There are many different plumbing
schemes available, just one is presented here. If the wiring to the solenoid breaks, it should fail safe and run
the engine at minimum boost (spring.)

What the solenoid does in different conditions:

4.6.2 Open-loop Tuning Tips

With open-loop boost control, the wastegate solenoid output duty is directly set in a table looked up against
TPS and RPM.
Ensure that more duty = more boost. 0% should give least boost (spring) and 100% should give maximum
boost. If it does not, check your plumbing or flip the Output Polarity setting.
Try out different frequency settings and find the settings that work the best for the particular solenoid being
used.
To tune the actual boost levels, just adjust the duty table so that boost reaches the desired level at each point
in the table.
4.6.3 Closed-loop Tuning Tips

This section reviews some tips for tuning closed-loop boost control. Tuning closed-loop boost control should
be done in three steps:
• Tune open-loop boost control - In order to make sure that you have the proper polarity set for your
valve, and to get a feel for the boost that certain duty cycles yield, it is recommended that open loop
boost control is tuned first.
• Set Up Overboost Protection - The closed-loop boost control code uses the maximum boost set in
Overboost Protection for some of its internal calculations. This was done purposely so that during the
tuning process for boost control, if the settings are wildly incorrect, boost will still not climb any higher
than the Overboost Protection allows it.
• Set the Boost Control Targets. These are the target (desired) boost level at various RPM and TPS
points. Typically lower throttle positions will have lower boost targets.
• Tune Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) gains - The PID gains are the main controls for how
quickly the boost will reach the target, and how close it will remain to the target through the RPM
range. Steps for tuning this can be found below.
Closed-loop settings
Typically, the defaults for the following settings can be used:
• Control Interval - The default for this setting is 20 ms. This is typically a good place to start. Lower
settings can be used if overshoot cannot be tuned out when tuning the PID parameters.
• Closed Duty - A closed duty of 0% is the default. This should be tuned to the value that starts to open
the wastegate, but typically 0% works well.

• Open Duty - An open duty value of 100% is the default. This should be tuned to the value that fully
opens the wastegate, but typically 100% works well.
• Boost Control Lower Limit - Boost pressure must be within this many kPa of the target boost before
closed loop control will activate. Outside of this range the valve is held wide open (keeping the
wastegate shut) for fastest spooling.
NOTE: The output polarity setting only changes the actual duty on the output. Regardless of this setting, the
boost control algorithm is designed to operate on the assumption that more duty = more boost.
Tune the PID gains:
1. Set Integral and Differential Gains to 0% - To make tuning the Proportional gain easier, set the
Integral and Differential gains to 0%.
2. Set Proportional gain to 100% and slowly lower - While tuning Proportional gain, higher numbers
mean slower boost climb and lower final boost. For safety, start with a very high gain (100% should
be sufficient). Find the RPM that typically spools quickly, and fully and quickly depress the
accelerator. Note how much boost is reached. If boost overshoots the target dramatically, increase
the Proportional gain. Otherwise, reduce the Proportional gain and try again. Do this until boost
reaches the target with a small amount of overshoot.
3. Tune the Integral Gain - The next step after the target is reached consistently is to tune the Integral
gain. Starting from the RPM used to tune the P-gain, fully depress the accelerator and watch the
boost as the engine climbs through the RPM range. As the engine accelerates through the rev
range, the boost will probably creep away from the target. Keep increasing the I gain until the
controller adequately maintains the target with minimal oscillation. It may be necessary to increase
the P gain a bit after tuning the I gain since the two gains tend to counteract each other.
4. Tune the Derivative Gain - Increase the D gain until the overshoot is minimized. Care must be taken
when increasing the D gain as too much D gain can over-dampen the effects of the P and I gains.
4.7 Nitrous Oxide (N2O)

Nitrous oxide is a power-adder frequently used in drag racing to add 50-100% power to an engine for short
durations. Used incorrectly it can melt pistons and destroy engines in seconds.
The nitrous system within Megasquirt allows control over the nitrous and optional fuel solenoid to enable the
nitrous injection when desired and also retard the ignition timing. The system supports two stages of on/off
control.
Fully tuning nitrous is a topic beyond the scope of this manual, we shall just cover some basics.
4.7.1 System types

There are two main categories of nitrous systems - wet and dry.
Wet
A wet system injects fuel into the manifold ahead of the injectors (e.g. under the throttle body,) this can result
in fuel distribution problems and mixture varying between cylinders.
The simplest example of a wet system is a "plate" system that installs unders the throttle body (or carb)
above the intake manifold and utilises spray bars for nitrous and fuel. Other variations exist where single or
multiple nozzles are utilised.
A standalone wet nitrous system has the advantage that when used with the suppliers' suggested jetting it
will typically install and work. (More hardware, less tuning.)
Dry

With a dry system the additional fuel required for the nitrous is injected by increasing the pulsewidth on the
existing fuel injectors. In a port-injection system this minimises the fuel distribution problems. A dry system
can also have fewer system components as the pre-existing fuel system is utilised. However, because the
fuel and nitrous can be controlled independantly, the software settings are critical to getting the mixture
correct. (Less hardware, more tuning.)
On/Off
With On/Off control the nitrous/fuel solenoids are either On or Off. This is the standard operating mode.
Progressive / pulsed
Megasquirt-2 does not implement progressive control
Multi-stage
Note! - you are advised to always start with a simple system using small jets. Big hits with multiple stages are
significantly more difficult to install and tune correctly.
With a single on/off stage using fixed jetting the flow of nitrous (and fuel) is approximately constant under all
conditions. This means that if you are getting a claimed 100hp at 3000rpm when you activate the system, by
6000rpm the engine is turning twice as fast and each intake event will only receive half the nitrous/fuel so
you will get half the torque benefit.
One answer might be to use two stages based on rpm. The first stage is still jetted at 100hp, but at 4500rpm
you bring in a second stage of say 25hp. This will make up for some of the "lost" torque.
4.7.2 Connection
Wiring of the solenoids / relays is covered in the Hardware Manual for your product.
4.7.3 Tuning considerations

In general, applying up to 50% extra hp to your engine with a kit manufacturers' jetting and suggested retard
works well and will not cause problems to your engine. However, it is very important to take plug readings
and check for any signs of lean-ness or detonation. As mentioned already, it is quite easy to destroy your
engine with nitrous given the wrong combination.
Easy mistakes to make with bad consequences:
• Mixed up fuel/nitrous jets.
• Fuel pressure too low (mismatched to fuel jet size)
• Incorrect dry fuel pulsewidth
• Insufficient timing retard
• Too hot a spark plug
• Faulty fuel solenoid or wiring
• Blocked fuel lines or jets
• System activated at too low an rpm

4.8 Variable Valve Timing (VVT, VCT, VTEC, VANOS)

The Megasquirt-2 can support on/off type variable valve timing systems, these are typically earlier OEM
systems.
On/off systems can be configured using one of the Programmable on/off outputs. Set the conditions so that
the output is enabled above a set RPM and Load. See the TunerStudio Reference Guide.
Wire up the solenoid similarly to a boost solenoid - see the Hardware manual for your product.
Fully variable VVT is not supported by Megasquirt-2. Most later OEM systems are fully variable. The ECU
monitors the position of the cam and operates the solenoid(s) to adjust the exact position. If your engine
uses one of these systems, you may be able to mechanically lockout the VVT to a fixed position, but
generally you are advised to upgrade to Megasquirt-3 for full control.
4.9 CAN Bus Expansion

CAN is a two wire in-vehicle communications system that allows different vehicle computers to "talk" to each
other. In essence it is an expansion wiring system.
Megasquirt comes with CAN and allows it to communicate with other (Megasquirt) CAN enabled devices
such as 3rd party dashes, CANEGT, GPIO, JBperf's IO-x and likely other add-on boards.
Benefits:
• Simple connection. Just connect the two wires.
• Connect additional sensor inputs or control outputs.
• Multiple Megasquirt devices can share sensor and other data over the CAN network.
• You can tune multiple Megasquirt devices concurrently with your computer plugged in to one.
There are two main modes used over CAN

• Device-to-device - where the ECUs exchange data with each other autonomously
• Passthrough - where TunerStudio is used to tune a device remotely over the CAN network
4.9.1 CAN protocol

The Megasquirt system as standard uses a proprietary messaging system using 29bit headers. This makes it
incompatible with many other third party CAN devices.
A small number of standard 11bit header broadcast messages are supported in firmware 1.3.x
In firmware 3.4.x greater support is added to broadcast standard 11bit header messages for greater
interoperability. Release is planned for Q1 2015 as a free upgrade for Megasquirt customers.
Further details of the internals of the Megasquirt-CAN system are available in a technical note.
4.9.2 Device-to-device
In this mode two devices on the CAN network exchange data independent of the tuning computer.
e.g. A transmission controller fetching engine data from the Megasquirt, or the Megasquirt polling devices on
the network and datalogging the results.
Once configured the data transmission will happen as and when required with no user intervention.

The two devices request and receive data on their

own, independent of any tuning computer
4.9.3 Passthrough
In this mode messages from your tuning computer are relayed to remote devices over the CAN network.
e.g. tuning the remote device from your laptop.
This can be really useful when you have more than one Megasquirt device on your vehicle, with a single
connection point for your tuning computer you can "connect" to any of the devices on the network and view
data, tune etc. You could also use the computer to datalog from multiple devices concurrently. The logging
speed will be reduced the more devices you try to log from.
TunerStudio allows CAN devices to be added to the main project so you can view and tune multiple CAN
devices concurrently. Megasquirt-2 has limited CAN data capture options (compared to Megasquirt-3) so
mostly you will be datalogging data captured from remote expansion boards.
The tuning computer is connected to the Megasquirt either by serial or USB-serial.

The Megasquirt and remote device are connected by the two wires of CAN.
Step 1. Step 3.
Tuning computer sends USB/serial request to Remote device answers request and sends back data
Megasquirt (addressed to remote device.) over CAN.
Step 2. Step 4.
Megasquirt recognizes this as a passthrough Megasquirt receives data and forwards it on to tuning
request and relays it on to the remote device over computer by USB/serial.
CAN

4.9.4 CAN wiring
Key points to note.

• CANH to CANH,
• CANL to CANL
• One 120 ohm termination resistor at each end of the "bus" - this will almost always be inside the box.
The Megasquirt 3 comes with the resistor already in place, so no action is required.
• Note that neither wire is connected to ground.
• If your Megasquirt-3 is pre-assembled, ensure that the CAN connections are actually present inside
the box.
Otherwise - complain to your vendor!
If you assembled the board yourself, then make sure that YOU installed the jumper wires.
On V3.0 and V3.57 boards you need the following jumpers
• JS6 - SPR1/CANH
• JS8 - SPR2/CANL.
• If you only have two devices connected then the "bus" will simply be two wires running from one box
to the other, as shown in the example diagram above.
• If you are connecting three or more devices you will need to connect them as above and ensure only
the two end devices have terminators and the middle ones do not.
• For short runs of cable a simple pair of wires is likely ok, for large runs it may be advisable to use
twisted pair or twin core screened cable.
4.9.5 CAN settings and data types

The Megasquirt-CAN network typically works by passing along sections of memory tables. As a result, many
of the settings will deal with telling the Megasquirt where the table is in memory and how to retrieve it.
4.9.5.1 PWM polling

Allows frequency data to be collected from an expansion device.
4.9.5.2 Digital ports

This allows the MS2 to use up to eight remote on/off inputs and up to sixteen remote on/off outputs.
4.9.5.3 PWM outputs

Allows PWM/frequency outputs to be used on an expansion device. e.g. PWM Idle.
4.9.5.4 CANADCs
Allows analogue data to be collected from an expansion device. The captured data can then be datalogged

as gpioadc0-7.
4.9.6 CAN Broadcasting

This allows a handful of pre-defined standard 11bit CAN messages to be broadcast for specific customer
applications. (More could be added - please ask.)
4.9.7 Example Settings - JBperf IOextender

The Extender from JBPERF makes use of the Megasquirt CAN system and allows the MS3 to collect the
data from the Extender's inputs. The Extender has up to:
8 general or thermistor inputs
8 thermocouple EGT inputs
3 axis accelerometer
Realtime clock
Global Positioning System
Refer to the Extender documentation on the JBPERF site for initial configuration.
ADC inputs
Up to 24 analog channels are available from the IO-Extender. Up to 8 can be collected by the MS2 and
recorded in a datalog as a raw ADC value. (MS3 can do more.)
Enable ADC polling = Enabled
MS2 gpioadc Can id Table Offset Extender ADC Function
gpioadc0-3 5 7 2 ADC0-3 general ADC inputs
gpioadc4-7 5 7 10 ADC4-7 general ADC inputs
- 5 7 18 ADC8-11 EGT inputs
- 5 7 26 ADC12-15 EGT inputs
- 5 7 34 ADC16-19 Battv, accelerometer inputs
- 5 7 42 ADC20-23 3v3 ref, general ADC inputs
NOTE: Be sure to set the Extender to 10bit ADC for compatibility with Megasquirt.
Digital ports
You can configure ports 1 and 2 as digital output ports (16 channels) and port 3 as a digital input with the
following settings.
CAN device = 5
Table = 7
Enable input port = Enable
Offset = 77
Enable output port = Two

Offset = 75
4.9.8 Example Settings - other devices

Information request - if you have settings that work with other standard Megasquirt devices, please post on
the www.msextra.com forum, so that information can be included here.
4.10 Reading and Datalogging an Additional Sensor

The Megasquirt-2 ECUs typically have two 'spare' ADC (analog) inputs that you can use to read and datalog
an additional analog sensor. e.g. pressure, temperature. (For reference, the configuration in Megasquirt-3 is
far simpler.)
4.10.1 Wiring
Refer to the Hardware Manual for your product for details on how to wire in an additional analog sensor. The
processor requires a 0-5V signal.
4.10.2 TunerStudio custom.ini

The additional sensor signal is converted to a digital number (0-1023) by the Megasquirt-2. To convert that
raw number into something more meaningful, you need to create or edit a file called "custom.ini" that
instructs TunerStudio to process that number. You can then display a gauge on your tuning computer and
record the value in datalogs.
Before you start, make SURE that you turned off the option to "Hide known file extensions" in Windows.
Use a text editor (e.g. Notepad on Windows) and create some custom configuration. The 'custom.ini' file
uses a kind of programming language. The equations are case sensitive and can silently fail if you get the
case wrong!
e.g.
The above example reads from the two spare analogue inputs:
adc6 = JS5 / SPAREADC
adc7 = JS4 / SPAREADC2
The variables 'adc6' and 'adc7' are already defined in the main 'ini' file and are equal to the raw ADC count
from the analogue inputs.
The [OutputChannels] section gives definitions of new variables. Here 'OilTemp' is defined as a table lookup
from a provided lookup table file "ntcbosch.inc". 'Oilpress' is a linear equation.
The [Datalog] section specifies what additional fields should be added to the datalog.

(Not shown) the [GaugeConfigurations] section defines addtional gauges that you can add to the
TunerStudio dash.
[GaugeConfigurations]
oiltempGauge = oilTemp, "Oil Temperature", "°F", -40, 110, -15, 0, 200, 300, 0, 0
Having created the file, File-> SaveAs custom.ini in the TunerStudioProjects/<your project>/projectCfg
directory.
4.10.3 Lookup table .inc

The ntcbosch.inc file is a lookup table of 1024 rows that converts the raw ADC value into a useful actual
value. The two columns are TAB separated.
#ADC Value MSVal volts
0 180.00
1 180.00
...
823 10.45
824 10.22
825 9.98
826 9.75
827 9.52
828 9.29
829 9.05
...

1022 180.00
1023 180.00
For temperature tables such as this one, it is typical to have the very end points as a default tempertature
(180°F in this case) so that if the sensor wiring fails or shorts to ground, a known 'failsafe' value will be
displayed.
This '.inc' file needs to be saved to the 'inc' sub-directory under your project folder.
e.g. Documents/TunerStudioProjects/<your project>/inc/
These include (.inc) files can be created by editing a log file generated by the TunerStudio thermistor table
generator and stripping out un-needed rows and columns.
4.11 Programmable On/Off Outputs

This screen is for setting up generic on/off outputs for features like shift lights, variable intake control
solenoids, and other items that don’t need complicated control settings. These settings are not required
when the outputs are used for other built-in features.
(e.g. do not try to configure a spare port FIDLE if you want to use FIDLE with the idle-control system. If you
have configured an output to be used for two features the code will report a 'configuration - fix the mistake in
your settings.)
Typically the output will be wired to a relay, a small lamp or a solenoid.
All of the MS3 realtime data channels can be used as parameters. Bit-field variables can be used also with
the '&' operator. e.g. you could configure a lamp to light up if you hit the rev limiter.
4.11.1 Bitwise operations

The bitwise AND operation requires some further explanation and an example. Take the "engine" data
channel. From the TunerStudio Reference manual, you can see the definition:
128 64 32 16 8 4 2 1
MAP decel MAP accel TPS decel TPS accel WUE active ASE active Cranking Ready
enrichment enrichment enleanment enrichment (active tach
signal and
pump
running)
If you are unfamiliar with bits, bytes and binary, then some background reading may be required.
For bitwise operations,
result = ((value & THRESHOLD) == HYST)
Say you wanted an output to activate when you are in WUE (warmup) mode, but not TPS accel.
TPS accel has a value of 16. WUE has a value of 8.
We want to check both of these bits, so need to set the "threshold" (bitmask) to 16 + 8 = 24.
We then want to check that TPS accel is clear and WUE is set, so set the "hyst" (match) = 8.
128 64 32 16 8 4 2 1
Field name MAP decel MAP accel TPS decel TPS accel WUE active ASE active Cranking Ready
enrichment enrichment enleanment enrichment
Example value 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1

Bitmask 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0
(threshold)
Answer 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
Match 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
(hysteresis)
In a given column (bit) a bitwise AND operation is performed - if the value and the mask are both '1', then the
answer is '1'. In this example,
TPS accel has 0 & 1 -> 0
WUE has 1 & 1 -> 1
All 8 bits of the answer row are then compared to the match value row. In the example it is equal, so the
on/off output is enabled.

Megasquirt-2 Setting Up 5:Troubleshooting
5: Troubleshooting
5.1 Resets
A reset is when a disruption in power or a spike in voltage causes the processor to briefly shut down. This
will cause the engine to hiccup while running, and will display a couple other symptoms. The Megasquirt-2
will reset when it is powered up, and this is the right time for it to reset. Having it reset on a running engine,
however, is something you’ll want to fix right away.
• The Megasquirt-2 will briefly disconnect from the laptop or other devices on USB or RS232.
• Data logs will indicate a “Mark (number) - RESET”.
• The SecL count will drop to zero.
The last item is a key part for spotting true resets in a data log. If the engine hiccups, but the SecL count
does not drop back to zero, you’ve got something else, such as a fuel cut, loss of RPM signal, or other issue.
If it’s a real reset, here are the items we recommend checking first.
First, make sure the Megasquirt-2 has all ground wires used, and grounded to the engine block or cylinder
head. Chassis grounds can have issues caused by rust or points where current runs through nothing but a
thin spot weld.
Check where the Megasquirt-2 is getting power from a clean source - ideally, you’ll want it to be powered off
the battery, with no devices that draw significant current getting power from the same feed. Many resets
come not from EMI / RFI interference, but from something like an ignition coil, fuel pump or wideband
controller injecting voltage spikes into the power feed.
Make sure that you are using resistor type spark plugs, good spark plug wires (if you’re not running coil on
plug), and that the spark plug wires are not within one inch of any wires going to or from the Megasquirt-2.
5.2 RPM-Sync issues

Certain conditions such as electrical noise can cause the Megasquirt-2 to lose sync with the engine position.
This is called a sync loss event or a sync error. The "RPM-sync" indicator on the dash will briefly turn red.
Common symptoms of this include:
• Feels like a misfire or a false rev limiter
• RPM in datalog suddenly drops to zero
• RPM in datalog suddenly spikes up
• "Lost sync count" increments while "SecL" counts up normally. (NB. If SecL suddenly drops to zero
this is a "reset"; see section 8.1.)
Taking and reviewing a datalog is a required step for troubleshooting this. This datalog extract below (viewed
in Megalogviewer) shows the rpm (yellow trace) dropping to zero and at the same time the "Lost sync count"
increases. The "Lost sync reason" shows reason code 2.

5.2.1 Lost sync reasons

The Megasquirt-2 can report several different lost sync reasons in the data logs. Most of these simply show
that there’s a problem and don’t particularly pinpoint where it is, but some are more specific than others. In
particular, if you get Lost Sync Reason 11 or 17 in a specific RPM band, try changing the ignition input
capture and /or second trigger active edge.
0 no problem
2 missing tooth at wrong time
10 too many teeth before end of sequence
11 too few teeth before second trigger
12 too many sync errors
13 dizzy wrong edge
14 trigger return vane size
15 and 16 - EDIS SAW signal error
17 second trigger not found when expected
20 subaru 6/7 tooth 6 error
21 subaru 6/7 tooth 3 error
22 Rover #2 missing tooth error
23 420A long tooth not found
24 420A cam phase wrong

25, 26, and 27 pattern does not otherwise match 420A

28 Pattern does not match 36-1+1
29 36-2-2-2 semi sync failed
30 36-2-2-2 tooth 14 error
31 Miata 99-00 - 2 cams not seen
32 Miata 99-00 - 0 cams seen
33 6G72 - tooth 2 error
34 6G72 - tooth 4 error
35 Pattern does not match Weber-Marelli
36 CAS 4/1 error
37, 38, and 39 Pattern does not match 4G63
40 and 41 Twin trigger error
42 Pattern does not match Chrysler 2.2/2.5
43 Pattern does not match Renix
44 Pattern does not match Suzuki Swift
45 and 46 Pattern does not match Vitara
47 Pattern does not match Daihatsu 3
48 Pattern does not match Daihatsu 4
49 Pattern does not match VTR1000
50 Pattern does not match Rover #3
51 Pattern does not match GM 7X
52 36-2-2-2 tooth 30 error
53 rc51 semi error
54 rc51 re-sync error tooth 6
61 NGC crank pattern
62 NGC crank pattern
63 QR25DE
68 LS1 resync failed
69 YZF1000 resync failed
70 36-1+1 no cam
Having identified that you have a sync loss problem, you need to attempt to eliminate it. Check for any basic
problems:
• Loose sensor
• Loose cabling

• Sensor wires running close to spark plug wires or coils

• Slop in timing belt
• VR sensor wired backwards
• Fouled plugs causing misfire
• Non-resistor plugs
• Excessively rich mixture causing misfire
• Excessively lean mixture causing misfire
Having ruled out all those possible causes, you should use the tooth and composite loggers to record the
incoming crank/cam pattern and look for the problem. You may well want to enable some noise filtering. See
the TunerStudio Reference Guide for additional information on the high speed loggers and noise filtering
settings.
Example composite log showing noise causing loss of RPM-sync.
5.3 Noise Filtering

The noise filter settings can be used to "clean up" the incoming tach signal to remove interference and
defend against RPM-sync issues.
The exact settings are very install specific, we'll cover some of the background theory of what the settings
do. The naming of the inputs may refer to different hardware versions, but the concepts remain the same.

The Megasquirt needs to be configured for rising edge in this instance as that matches the 'sharp' well
defined zero crossing of the input signal. We can now look at what the Megasquirt code will see.
This shows how the rising edge configuration results in what we'll call a 'single edged' signal. The Megasquirt
is only aware of that rising edge and pays no attention to the length or the high or low periods or the falling
edge.
Now, insert some noise.
The noise pulse creates a false trigger to the Megasquirt, this could cause an rpm blip on the fuel only install,
a misfire or a total loss of sync on the more advanced installs.
Having established what the noise signal might look like, how to get rid of it?
These are the main methods available to improve situations

• noise filter
• tach masking
• tach period rejection
• polarity check
5.3.1 Noise filter

The noise filter works on the principle that the noise is likely to be of short duration, far shorter than a
genuine tooth. If all input conditioners are setup correctly, we should be able to detect this condition by
measuring the width of the input pulse. A 'long' pulse is real, a 'short' pulse is noise.
5.3.2 Tach interrupt masking

This approach is slightly different. It does not calculate the pulse width, but looks at where it is within the
period. If we have suddenly received an early pulse (within 30% of the expected time) then it must be noise
and is rejected. The code disables the hardware interrupt for this calculated mask period and any inputs that
happen while the interrupts are off are " invisible." There is a drawback though, on the uneven wheels the
code calculates this time based on the smallest tooth. A pattern such as 420A has widely varying tooth sizes,
so the benefit is reduced. (Additionally, but less importantly, the tooth logger cannot record the noise inputs
as they are not captured.)

5.3.3 Tach period rejection

This is similar to the concept behind interrupt masking, but the interrupt is still enabled. The code compares
the times and rejects it if it falls within the rejection period.
5.3.4 Polarity Check

This method should weed out extremely short noise pulses. If the input signal changes state very quickly, the
pulse will already have completed before the Megasquirt has had time to react. By polling the input pin to the
CPU the code checks to see if the polarity is the expected one, if not it must be noise and the input is
ignored. This method is automatically enabled.

5.4 Communications issues

Sometimes on a new install, you may have difficulties establishing communication with the Megasquirt. The
first step is to ensure that your computer is "seeing" the serial interface or adapter.
5.4.1.1 Windows device

On Windows systems, Device Manager will show comms ports under "Ports".
If nothing is showing under "Ports" then you likely have a configuration or driver problem on your computer.
You need fix that first. Make sure the USB cable is securely inserted or try a different socket. If that doesn't
resolve it, try de-installing and then re-installing the device driver.
5.4.1.2 Mac OS X device

USB-serial adapters should show up as files such as /dev/tty.usbserialXX

5.4.1.3 Linux device

USB-serial adapters should show up as files such as /dev/ttyUSB0
5.4.2 Loopback test for serial or USB-serial cable

With a direct serial or a USB-serial cable (not direct USB), you can perform a loopback test to see if serial
data is getting out from your computer and can be "looped-back" in again.
Carefully short together pins 2 & 3 of the plug in your cable.
1 2 3 4 5
Start TunerStudio and open Communications -> Miniterminal.

Select the port as above (i.e. if your connection was COM5 in device manager, then choose COM5 here.)
Select the baud rate to 115200.
Click to Open the port.
In the upper pane, type in 'test'
If the serial port is working correctly, you should see 'test' come back in the lower pane.
If nothing comes back in the lower pane, double check that pins 2&3 are shorted together. If they are, then

your USB-serial adapter or serial port may be faulty. Try on a different computer. Or try a different USB-serial
adapter (FTDI based are recommended.)
5.4.3 Loopback test to Megasquirt board (not Microsquirt)

With a direct serial or a USB-serial cable (not direct USB), you can perform a loopback test to see if serial
data is getting out from your computer and through the Megasquirt board and can be "looped-back" in again.
Very carefully, prise out the MS2 CPU card U1. Lift it out progressively by prying up each end a fraction at a
time. Be certain not to bend the pins.
Install a jumper betweens pins 12 & 13 of U1
Make sure there are no short circuits or loose wires around, then turn on your Megasquirt (connect a fused
12V supply.)
As in section 5.4.3, open up TunerStudio and perform the loopback test in MiniTerminal.
If test 5.4.3 worked ok, but 5.4.4 does not work, it suggests there may be a problem on the Megasquirt
board. Either there is no power, a solder connection is faulty or the serial chip (U6) is damaged.
Carefully re-install the MS3 CPU card U1 after testing is complete.
5.4.4 Comms test to Megasquirt / Microsquirt

This test requires that firmware is already installed (section 2.8). If you are unable to install firmware, then
review the previous sections.
Start TunerStudio and open Communications -> Miniterminal. Ensure your Megasquirt is powered and
connected to your computer.
Select the port as above (i.e. if your connection was COM5 in device manager, then choose COM5 here.)
Select the baud rate 115200.
Click to Open the port.
In the upper pane, type a capital 'S' and you should see a signature string returned in the lower window as
shown here. If you do not then there is a serial problem somewhere.
(The text returned here is the firmware version string, the same as will normally be shown in the TunerStudio
title bar.)


Megasquirt-2 Setting Up 6:Appendix A: Firmware upgrade notes
6: Appendix A: Firmware upgrade notes

This section of the manual covers any specific issues you may encounter upgrading to the current firmware
version from older releases.
New users do not need to read this section.
Between each major firmware version there will likely be significant changes, some may require an element
of re-tuning. Releases within each firmware version (e.g. 3.3.0, 3.3.1, 3.3.2) are released to resolve any
issues that become known and should be useable without any settings changes or re-tuning.
6.1 Firmware versions

MS2/Extra firmwares Status Comment
1.0.x Obsolete Old release code
3.0.x Obsolete Old development code
3.3.x Superceded Old release code
3.4.x Current The current release code family
6.2 Alpha, beta, release code? What's the difference?

During code development there are a number of key phases as the firmware evolves. The naming is
intended to identify which stage the firmware is at.
• Release - the firmware is considered suitable for general release, features are complete and
believed to work as described. New users should be using release code.
• Beta - the firmware is considered suitable for moderate release, features have been completed, but
extended testing is required to ensure everything works as described.
• Alpha - anything goes. New features, incomplete code, test code. The latest features will be made
available as an alpha release, but it is up to the tester to determine if it works correctly. New users
are advised to avoid alpha releases.
6.3 Upgrading from 3.3.x

You can mostly load your MS2/Extra 3.3.x tune into MS2/Extra 3.4.x.
1. Baro
Previously the code used to divide by the barometer when calculating the fuel pulsewidth. If using an old
tune you need to enable the "old style" baro calculation to enable the old behaviour.
2. CLT rev limiter

The TPS bypass rev limit setting has been removed, the standard hard limit is now used in bypass mode to
reduce confusion.
3. A detailed list of changed features is provided in the TunerStudio Reference manual.
6.4 Upgrading from 3.2.x

You can mostly load your MS2/Extra 3.2.x tune into MS2/Extra 3.3.x
1. MAF
There is an exposed MAF calibration implementation like MS3. The old method may still be used if desired.
2. Barometric correction
The recommended settings for baro correction in 3.3.x have changed.
100% means un-altered fuelling.
If you are upgrading from a previous firmware version, to change you settings to the current method:
a. Basic/Load Settings -> barometric correction is typically all 100% with small adjustments up or down as
required.
b. Tools -> Calibrate MAP/baro
"At total vacuum" = 0
"Rate" = 0.
You must perform steps a AND b. See also the tooltips [?] on those pages.
3. Air-density
In previous versions, there was an internal calculation for air density with a tweak curve on top.
The new method exclusively uses the adjustment curve. 100% means un-altered fuelling.
Note: MAT does change air density and the speed-density equation relies on this to estimate intake charge.
4. Spark output polarity
The name has been simplified
"Going High" - was called "Going High (Inverted)"
"Going Low" - was called "Going Low (Normal)"
DOUBLE CHECK YOUR SETTING BEFORE CONNECTING COILS.
5. Boost Control
To make things more intuitive we have now changed the firmware so that
- "Normal" is the most typical output polarity setting
- larger boost duty% numbers mean more boost.
If you are upgrading from a previous firmware version, then the Boost Output polarity setting will be the
opposite. For most users it will now be "Normal".
This is true whether using open- or closed-loop boost control.
If you are using closed-loop, you will need to retune your PID settings and alter the sensitivity slider as
required.
Open loop boost users most likely need to set their table so that:
new_cell_value = 100 - old_cell_value

Remembering that more duty = more boost.

6. Serial protocol
The firmware now uses the "newserial" protocol shared with MS3. This requires compatible tuning software
and firmware loaders.
(Note, it you want to revert to an older firmware version you will need to use
the new firmware loader, or use the boot jumper.)
7. Microsquirt WLED spark output:
When used as a single coil, the polarity of the output now behaves the same
as MS3 such that 'going high' means the output is high during the dwell period.
DOUBLE CHECK YOUR SETTING BEFORE CONNECTING COILS.
8. Idle control options.
If you are upgrading from a previous firmware version, you need to verify:
-valve type
-open/closed loop
-output port
If you are using closed-loop, you will need to retune your PID settings and
alter the sensitivity slider as required.
9. Rev limiter settings.
The configuration and behaviour of the rev limiters has changed.
Verify limiter types and rev limits
10. CAN expansion:
Upgrade users will need to verify:
-all settings
-remote port settings for flex, knock, nitrous, idle, table-switching
11. Rotary ignition:
-all settings
12. Idle Advance:
-all settings
13. Injector deadtime/PWM:
-PWM on/off setting
14. Unused settings now removed will give harmless warnings:
Port injection
AMCoption

feature4_0maxdwl, mindwl, vanos

Old test mode settings
15. GM Bypass polarity might be wrong if you use JS10 for spark output.
16. Most tables now show true units on the load axis instead of "%"
This will cause many warnings when loading an old MSQ. The values will
transfer over ok.
17. Two TunerStudio dash indicators have been renamed:
Not Synced -> Not RPM Synced
Half-sync -> Half-RPM sync
You will need to re-load you dash (right-click on a blank area of the dash select Load/Save, then Load
dashboard, then Accept) or update manually.
18. Some "trigger wheel" users may need to change their tooth#1 angle if it was close to 360deg or 720deg.
(A previous bug was fixed.)
6.5 Upgrading from 3.0.x or 3.1.x

You can mostly load your MS2/Extra 3.0.x or 3.1.x tune into MS2/Extra 3.3.x
See the notes in section A.3
6.6 Upgrading from 2.1.0

You can mostly load your MS2/Extra 2.1.0 tune into MS2/Extra 3.3.x
Key differences
Sequential fuel supported (with hardware mods.)
Accel enrichment TPSdot values 10x larger.
Be sure to alter these values in the Acceleration Wizard. Open up the values table for the TPS based AE
curve and multiply all values in the rate% column by 10. Find TPSdot threshold and multiply that by 10.
These are the default settings:

The PW adder values will need to be tuned to suit your injector size and engine behaviour.
See also the notes in section A.3
6.7 Upgrading from MS2/BG

Do not try to load your old MS2/BG (V2.890 etc.) settings.
If your fuel and spark table are well tuned, then retain them. Otherwise start from scratch as if a new user.
Follow the steps in A.7 to export and import your tables.
Although the MS2/Extra code evolved from an early MS2/BG code, many settings are somewhat different
and many new features exist.
Key differences
Ignition mode selection is direct, chose you tach input source.
Check your spark output! JS10 is standard on MS2/BG, D14 is standard on MS2/Extra
The regular wheel decoder requires a single "Tooth #1 angle" instead of skip teeth etc. It automatically
calculates the triggers itself and enables the required number of spark outputs depending on how many
cylinders you have and your selection of single coil, wasted spark, coil-on-plug or dual-dizzy.
PWM idle valve duties work so that 0% means fully closed.

Stepper idle valves work so that 0 steps is fully closed.

An alternate wall-wetting transient method "EAE" is available.
Rev limiting is changed
Larger fuel and spark tables.
Many new features.
Note that if your Megasquirt is already wired up and working with MS2/BG code then you should not need to
change any of that wiring when moving to MS2/Extra - carefully review your settings for input capture and
spark output polarity and bring them across.
6.8 Upgrading from MS1/Extra

Do not try to load your old MS1/Extra (also referred to as Megasquirt'n'spark or MSnEDIS) settings
into Megasquirt-2.
If your fuel and spark table are well tuned, then retain them. Otherwise start from scratch as if a new user.
Follow the steps above in A.7 to export and import your tables.
Key differences
Almost all other settings are somewhat different between MS1/Extra and Megasquirt-2.
The wheel decoder now requires a single "Tooth #1 angle" and automatically calculates the triggers itself and
enables the required number of spark outputs depending on how many cylinders you have and your
selection of single coil, wasted spark, coil-on-plug or dual-dizzy.
Spark A,B,C are available on the LEDs (not FIDLE)
Sparks D,E,F have moved
Launch pins are different
Nitrous pins are different and the wiring method has changed
Water injection is not supported
3 stage shift lights not supported
Spare ADCs the same.
12V power feed to the chip to enable the stepper driver (Caution! Do not refit the Megasquirt-1 CPU with the
12V feed in place.)
Whether you imported a VE table or not, you now must go through all settings to configure for your engine.
e.g. number of cylinders, ReqFuel, ignition triggering, spark and fuel hardware in use.
6.9 Upgrading from MS1 (base)

Do not try to load your old Megasquirt-1 settings into Megasquirt-2.
If your fuel VE table is well tuned, then retain it. Otherwise start from scratch (online) as if a new user.
To transfer you VE table
Open up your tuning software and load your Megasquirt-1 tune.
Open the VE table. Export as VEX.
Close tuning software.

If you are swapping the Megasquirt-2 card in place of the Megasquirt-1 processor you may well want to add
the 12V feed to the chip. (Notes to be added.)
Setup Tunerstudio and create a new project for the Megasquirt 2.
Power up your Megasquirt 2 and open the tuning software.
Ensure that you see the default settings i.e. it isn't all blanks or zeros.
Open the Fuel VE table.
Import the VEX you previously saved.
Whether you imported a VE table or not, you now must go through all settings to configure for your engine.
e.g. number of cylinders, ReqFuel, ignition triggering, spark and fuel hardware in use.

Megasquirt-2 Setting Up 7:Appendix B: Fuel calculations
7: Appendix B: Fuel calculations

There are a number of different methods to estimate the airflow into an engine. This page will explain how
the fuel is mathematically calulated using each method.
7.1 Terms Used

See also the Glossary for general EFI related abbreviations.
PW - base fuel pulsewidth before per-cylinder trims etc.
DT - injector dead-time (opening time less closing time)
ReqFuel - the global fuel constant
VE - the 'VE' table. Often expressed as VE[RPM,MAP] meaning that this lookup table is based on RPM and
MAP in the axes.
AirDen - air density correction (centred on 100%) calculated from the MAT sensor reading.
BaroCor - barometric correction (centred on 100%) calculated from the intial MAP reading or dedicated
sensor corrections - other adjustments such as warmup enrichment, closed loop EGO, acceleration
7.2 Speed Density

The primary load input is the MAP sensor.
With 'Multiply MAP', without 'Include AFR target'
PW = DT + (ReqFuel * MAP * VE[RPM,MAP] * AirDen * BaroCor * corrections)
With 'Multiply MAP', with 'Include AFR target'
PW = DT + (ReqFuel * MAP * Stoich/AFRtarget * VE[RPM,MAP] * AirDen * BaroCor * corrections)
7.3 B.2 Alpha-N (pure)

The primary load input is the throttle, this is often a poor indicator.
Without 'Multiply MAP', without 'Include AFR target'
PW = DT + (ReqFuel * VE[RPM,TPS] * AirDen * BaroCor * corrections)
Without 'Multiply MAP', with 'Include AFR target'
PW = DT + (ReqFuel * Stoich/AFRtarget * VE[RPM,TPS] * AirDen * BaroCor * corrections)
7.4 Alpha-N (hybrid)

The primary load input is the throttle, but MAP is also included in the calculation.
PW = DT + (ReqFuel * MAP * VE[RPM,TPS] * AirDen * BaroCor * corrections)

PW = DT + (ReqFuel * MAP * Stoich/AFRtarget * VE[RPM,TPS] * AirDen * BaroCor * corrections)

Megasquirt-2 Setting Up 7:Appendix B: Fuel calculations
7.5 %baro
The primary load input is the MAP sensor. The VE table lookup uses %baro = MAP/Baro.
PW = DT + (ReqFuel * MAP * VE[RPM,%baro] * AirDen * BaroCor * corrections)
PW = DT + (ReqFuel * MAP * Stoich/AFRtarget * VE[RPM,%baro] * AirDen * BaroCor * corrections)
7.6 MAF
The primary load input is the MAF sensor.
With 'Include AFR target'
PW = DT + (ReqFuel * Stoich/AFRtarget * (MAFload * AirDen) * corrections)
This is somewhat different to the other algorithms. As the MAF sensor is actually measuring airflow, the value
(ideally) includes the effect of VE, air density and baro.
There are a number of calculations to arrive at this point, the casual reader can skip these. For the full gory
details, see the source code. As the processor uses integer maths, many values are scaled *10, *100 etc to
preserve precision.
First the raw MAF reading is established from the flow calibration curve.
MAF = flowcurve[MAF volts] in 0.01g/s units
Then..
MAFCoef = 1010048999 / engine_size_cc
Then the flow-load value MAFload
MAFload = (MAFCoef / AirDen) * MAF) / RPM MAFload in 0.1 units, AirDen 1000 = 100%, RPM in 1
units.)
For code efficiency and to improve precision, instead of dividing by AirDen and then multiplying it back out
again, the code actually calculates a version of MAFload without the air density correction.
MAFload_no_air = (MAFCoef / 1000) * MAF) / RPM
So the equation becomes:
PW = DT + (ReqFuel * Stoich/AFRtarget * MAFload_no_air * corrections)
Comparing this to Speed Density, MAFload_no_air takes the place of (MAP * VE[RPM,MAP] * AirDen *
BaroCor)

Megasquirt-2 Setting Up 8:Appendix C: Megasquirt Glossary of Terms
8: Appendix C: Megasquirt Glossary of Terms

ADC – stands for "analog-to-digital converter". In this case, it is part of the conversion circuitry in the CPU
that translates the varying voltage signal to a digital value that the CPU can understand and operate on. All
of the sensors (TPS, MAP, CLT, MAT) send their signal to a particular ADC pin on the processor. The ADC
result is used by the processor as a 'count'. MS-I has an eight bit ADC, so the counts can be from 0 to 255.
MS2 and MS3 have a more precise 10-bit ADC, so the count can be from 0-1023. Both of these are mapped
over a 0-5 Volt range (so the voltage into the ADC = ADC count * 5.0/1023 for MS2, for example); however,
higher external voltage may be brought down to a 0-5 volt range with a voltage divider or boosted with an
amplifier (such as for EGTs).
AE – Acceleration Enrichment, the enriched mixture provided when the throttle position sensor signal
(TPSdot) or map sensor signal (MAPdot) changes at various rates.
AFM – Air Flow meter. Often a vane or flapper type device used to measure air-flow into an engine.
AFR – Air Fuel Ratio, the mass ratio of air to fuel in the combustion chamber. See lambda, NB- and WB-
EGO sensors, below.
Alpha-N – Fuelling algorithm that uses throttle position as the primary load. Should not be used on
turbocharged engines.
ASE – After Start Enrichment, the enriched mixture provided for a number of engine cycles when MegaSquirt
detects that the engine has transitioned from cranking to running.
AMC – Automatic Mixture Control, a control system available in MS2/BG code to automatically tune fuel
within the ECU using feedback from the oxygen sensor without use of a laptop. Should be used with great
caution as a defective O2 sensor could cause a good VE table to be wiped out.
ATDC – After Top Dead Center, the crankshaft position with respect to the piston being at the top of its travel,
meaning it has passed it's highest position and is descending.
Baro – Barometer - the ambient air pressure. At sea level this is around 100kPa. At high elevations it may be
80kPa. The fuelling needs to take account of this.
%baro – a fuelling algorithm where engine load = MAP/Baro and the speed-density system is used. This
alters what values are looked up in the fuel VE table.
Barometric correction – a calculation that alters fuelling based on the ambient air pressure. Important at
varying elevations. Of little importance in low-lying countries.
BIP373 – a robust ignition driver transistor from Bosch. Features over-currrent and over-temperature
protection. Used in all good Megasquirt kits. Beware of lesser alternatives.
BTDC – Before Top Dead Center, the crankshaft position with respect to the piston being at the top of its
travel, meaning it has NOT passed it's highest position and is rising. Most normal spark event occur BTDC.
CAN – (Controller Area Network) - a dedicated automotive networking system to allow different automotive
processors to communicate and share inputs and calculated results. Used as a convenient way to extend the
inputs and outputs of the Megasquirt ECU. (Not available on Megasquirt-1)
Carbon Monoxide (CO) – Poisonous gas produced during combustion process. In an automotive context,
generally refers to regulated carbon monoxide (CO) tail pipe emissions.
CAS – Crank Angle Sensor. Often used to refer to combined crank and cam position sensors mounted where
historically a distributor would have been.
Catalytic converter – a chemical device in the vehicle's exhaust system that can reduce the amount of
regulated emissions emitted by converting Nox to N2 + 02, CO to CO2 and HC to CO2 + H20. Catalytic
means the converter active substrate facilitates the reactions, but is not consumed (and thus has a long life
with no replenishment requirements).

CID – Cubic Inch Displacement. The imperial measure of the swept volume of the pistons. 61.02 cubic
inches = 1 litre.
Closed loop – refers to those times when an EFI computer is using feedback from a sensor to alter outputs
Closed loop boost – Megasquirt uses a PID to keep boost in line with a boost target table
Closed loop EGO – Megasquirt controls the EGO to the target table by varying the injected fuel amounts.
Closed loop idle – Megasquirt controls the idle rpm by opening or closing the idle valve as required.
CHT – Cylinder Head Temperature, used instead of coolant temperature (CLT) on air-cooled engines.
CKP – Crankshaft position sensor
CLT – Coolant Temperature sensor (aka. CTS). Usually the CLT sensor is an NTC (Negative Temperature
Coefficient) thermistor, or a resistor whose resistance varies with temperature (NTC means the resistance
goes down as the temperature goes up).
CMP – Camshaft position sensor
CNP – Coil Near Plug – See Coil on Plug
Coil On Plug – One ignition coil is installed per spark plug. Either directly on top of the plug e.g., a 'pencil'
coil. Or in close proximity with a short plug-lead (actually coil near plug.) This setup can give maximum spark
energy and can be the neatest install with least lost spark energy.
COP – Coil on Plug – See Coil on Plug
CPS – Possibly ambiguous Crankshaft or camshaft position sensor
CPU – Central Processing Unit, aka. "processor" or "microprocessor" the computational engine that performs
the calculations to operate the injection and ignition functions in MegaSquirt®. It has a number of support
circuits, like the power circuit, the clock circuit, the serial and CAN communications circuits, and various input
and output conditioning circuits.
CTS – Coolant Temperature Sensor (aka. CLT). Usually the CTS is an NTC (Negative Temperature
Coefficient) thermistor, or a resistor whose resistance varies with temperature (NTC means the resistance
goes down as the temperature goes up.
Diode – A two lead electrical device that allows current to flow in only one direction (see also Zener diodes).
DIY – Do-It-Yourself.
DMM – (digital multi meter) electronic current/resistance/potential measuring tool. (Required tool for any
Megasquirt install.) May also be referred to as DVM (digital volt meter.)
Dual table – A firmware feature allowing different injector outputs to have independent fuel tables. Can be
used as an awkward method to achieve per-bank trim. More commonly used (with external relays) to map for
regular fuel and LPG.
Duty Cycle – (DC)– A number indicating the amount of time that some signal is at full power. In the context
of MegaSquirt EFI Controller, duty cycle is used to describe the amount of time that the injectors are on, and
to describe the “hold” part of the peak and hold injector drivers (see Low Impedance Injectors, below).
ECU – (Electronic Control Unit) is the general term for a fuel injection controller, of which MegaSquirt is an
example.
EDIS – Electronic Distributorless Ignition System is Ford's wasted-spark computer-controlled ignition module,
which has a simple two wire hookup to MegaSquirt for full mapped ignition control.
EGO Sensor – Exhaust Gas Oxygen sensor, used to describe the sensor in the exhaust that measures the
lean/rich state of the intake mixture. Used to control the fuel via a feedback algorithm called “closed loop”.
EGR – Exhaust Gas Recirculation. Used by OEMs for emissions purposes. Not supported by Megasquirt.

EGT – (Exhaust Gas Temperature) is the temperature of the exhaust gases, typically measured with a K-type
thermocouple. Megasquirt does not have on-board hardware for a direct connection. An add-on board is
required.
FET – (field effect transistor) - In MegaSquirt EFI Controller, the transistors used to control the activation of
the injectors.
FIdle – Fast Idle. A device used to control idle speed with additional air supplied by a vacuum solenoid. More
commonly a fully variable PWM idle valve is used instead. This term is most frequently applied to a
connection from the Megasquirt ECU that can be used to drive an on/off valve or a PWM valve.
Gamma – Used to indicate the change in a fuel amount from the calculated amount.
GammaE – A collection of all enrichments and minor corrections to fuel (see speed density.) Now renamed
as 'totalcor'.
Gear tooth sensor – an "active", tooth presence sensor. It is based on the Hall effect. The Hall effect sensor
consists of semiconductor material which will conduct current when the material is subject to a magnetic
field. These types of sensors include a magnet within the sensor and will detect a steel tooth in close
proximity. No external magnets are required. Very simple to use.
Gego – Gego is short for 'Gamma – Exhaust Gas Oxygen'. It is the change applied to the fuelling equation
based on the EGO O2 sensor feedback. This feedback can (and is) done in a number of different ways,
depending on the type of sensor, etc. The important thing is that this is a result of an external measurement,
not a pure calculation, so it appears a bit mysteriously in the equation. Now renamed as 'egocor'.
Hall sensor – an "active", magnetic field presence sensor. It is based on the Hall effect. The Hall effect is the
change of resistance in a semiconductor in a magnetic field. The Hall effect sensor consists of
semiconductor material which will conduct current when the material is subject to a magnetic field. These
types of sensors require a "flying magnet", wheel. Instead of teeth on the wheel, as in a variable reluctor
sensor, you must have small magnet and a shutter wheel.
Hydrocarbon (HC): in an automotive context, generally refers to regulated unburned hydrocarbon tail pipe
emissions.
HEI – , the distributor based electronically controlled ignition system from General Motors. There are a
number of variants, identified by the module they use:
•4-Pin module: non-computer controlled electronic ignition,
•7-Pin module: computer controlled electronic ignition used in 'large cap' distributors,
•8-Pin module: computer controlled electronic ignition used in 'small cap' distributors.
High Impedance Injectors – (a.k.a. hi-Z or high ohm) Fuel injectors designed to work with a simple switch in
a 12 volt circuit, no special signal conditioning is required to drive them. The resistance of a high impedance
injector is about 10-15 ohms.
Hz – (Hertz) the measurement of the frequency of a cyclical event, it represent the number of times per
second the cycle is completed.
IAC – Idle Air Controller, though this term is sometimes used more generally, it usually refers to GM's 4 wire
stepper motor controller for additional idle air (and hence engine speed) during warm-up and for idle
regulation.
IAT sensor – Intake Air Temperature sensor, same as MAT, see below.
IGBT – Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor a particular kind of transistor especially suitable for driving ignition
coils. e.g., VB921, BIP373
Incorporate AFR – An MS2 and MS3 feature where the AFR target table is included in the fuelling equation.
The Fuel VE table then becomes far closer to a true VE table. Enrichment or enleanment from stoichiometric
comes from the AFR table. Ideally this setting should be turned on before any tuning and the AFR table set to

your target AFRs. Then the VE table is tuned to achieve that AFR. Turning the setting on/off will require a
complete re-tune.
Interpolate – The dictionary meaning is to insert an intermediate value into a series by estimating or
calculating it from surrounding known values. On all tables and curves, when you are between points, the
Megasquirt interpolates the intermediate values. Some older other brands were unable to do this and
required monstrously large tables to overcome this limitation.
kPa (kiloPascals) – the measurement of air pressure used in MegaSquirt® computations. It ranges from 0
(vacuum) to 101.3 kPa (standard atmospheric pressure at sea level) to 250 kPa (21psi of boost) or higher.
Lambda – an alternative term to AFR where 1.0 is stoichiometric. Lambda numbering is fuel independent.
1.0 is always stoich.
Low Impedance Injectors – (a.k.a low-Z, low ohm) Fuel injectors that are designed to run at a much lower
current than would be supplied by a direct 12 volt connection. They require a special signal that is initially at
full current (4-6 amps, a.k.a. “peak current”) for about 1.0-1.5 ms, but then drops down to about 1 amp (“hold
current”) for the rest of the opening pulse. The resistance of a low-impedance injector is typically 1-3 ohms.
These may need a "peak and hold" board or a resistor pack.
LSU-4 – Bosch wide-band oxygen sensor.
MAF sensor – Mass Air Flow sensor. A sensor used to measure the mass of air flow through the intake tract
(which must be sealed at the senor and downstream).
MAP sensor – Manifold Absolute Pressure sensor. Measure of the absolute pressure in the intake manifold
(related to the engine vacuum), to determine the load on the engine and the consequent fueling
requirements. The standard MAP sensor in MegaSquirt® is the MPX4250 (2.50 BAR, or 15 psi (vacuum) +
21 psig (boost)). A basis of the "speed density" fuelling algorithm.
MAPdot – rate of change of MAP value. (dMAP/dt) Used mainly to trigger Accel enrichment.
MAT Sensor – Manifold Air Temperature sensor, the same as IAT. The MAT circuit is identical to the CLT
circuit, see CLT, above.
.MSL – file extension used by the MegaSquirt for storing datalogs (.XLS might also be used for datalogs with
older versions of tuning software).
MPX4250AP – the standard internal MAP sensor used in MegaSquirt.
MS – MegaSquirt, used in this document to refer to the MegaSquirt® fuel injection controller or its embedded
software. e.g., MS1 = Megasquirt-1, MS2 = Megasquirt-2, MS3 = Megasquirt-3
MS1/Extra – The most commonly used firmware on the Megasquirt-1 chip. Gives fuel and spark control.
Used to be called Megasquirt'n'spark-extra or MSnS-extra. The original basic MS1 code was fuel only.
MS2/Extra – Firmware for the MS2 chip and Microsquirt with multiple spark outputs, many wheel decoders,
closed loop idle, boost, nitrous, table switching and more
MS2/BG – More basic firmware for the MS2 chip and Microsquirt from Bowling and Grippo.
.MSQ – file extension used for saving MegaSquirt fuel injection controller user settings (aka. "parameters")
on a tuning computer. Since approximately 2005, these have been readable XML format, so you can open
these in Notepad or similar text editors. This format allows some exchange of tune data between different
code versions.
NB-EGO Sensor – Narrow Band EGO sensor, gives a switch at the stoichiometric ratio (the chemically
correct mixture of air and fuel), but unreliable for AFR other than stoichiometric.
Ohm's Law – A fundamental law of electricity, that states that the current flow (I) is equal to the voltage (V)
divided by the resistance (R), or:
I = V/R

Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) – in an automotive context, generally refers to regulated 'mono-nitrogen oxides'
(NO and NO2) tail pipe emissions.
OEM – (original equipment manufacturer) - refers to parts produced for initial assembly of a new vehicle. (As
opposed to after market parts.)
Open Loop – refers to those times when MegaSquirt works entirely from its calculations with no feedback
from a sensor (compare Closed Loop.)
Open Loop Boost – there is no feedback from the map sensor – boost duty is controlled by the duty table
only.
Open Loop EGO – there is no feedback from the oxygen sensor – fuelling is from the VE table only.
Open Loop Idle – there is no feedback loop with rpm – idle valve position is set only from the table.
PCB – (printed circuit board) – the fiberglass board that has the MegaSquirt component layout and circuits
imprinted on it.
PID – (Proportional, Integral, Derivative) - a method of closed-loop feedback control
Pull-up Circuit – A very simple circuit consisting of a voltage supply and a current limiting resistor designed
to prevent a signal from floating, it forces the signal to either be high (equal to the pull up voltage) or low
(grounded).
P&H Injectors – Peak and hold injectors; see Low Impedance injectors.
PIP – Profile Ignition Pick-up is the term used for the signal sent from Ford's Electronic Distributorless
Ignition System (EDIS) to the electronic control unit. The EDIS module decodes the 36-1 wheel and sends 2,
3 or 4 PIP pulses per engine revolution depending on EDIS4,6,8. The PIP signal into the ECU is a square
wave switched at 12 volts. It provides information about both the engine speed and position.
PW – (Pulse Width) is the amount of time a signal is applied during each period. For example, is the amount
of time (in milliseconds) an injector is pulled low (grounded) to inject fuel.
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) – A signal with a fixed pulse width (frequency), which is turned on for part
of the pulse. The percent of time that the signal is on is called its duty cycle. PWM is used to limit current to
low impedance fuel injectors, as well as for solenoids such as idle valves, boost solenoids and VVT
Realtime baro – a dedicated second pressure sensor is used to monitor ambient pressure. Required if your
vehicle will go on journeys at varying elevations.
Required Fuel – (Req_Fuel) The injector pulse width, in milliseconds, required to supply the fuel for a single
injection event at stoichiometric combustion, 100% volumetric efficiency and standard temperature.
RPM – Revs Per Minute. The term used to describe engine speed.
SAW – Spark Advance Word is the 'returning' signal to a Ford EDIS ignition unit from the ECU that sets the
amount of ignition advance requested. It is in the form of a 5 volt square wave.
Semi-sequential – Fuelling system where injection events are timed to each cylinder (like spark is) but occur
twice per cycle. Offers some of the benefits of full sequential without needing a cam wheel input.
(Fully) Sequential – Fuelling system where injection events are timed to each cylinder (like spark is) and
occur once per cycle. Do not confuse with direct injection. Sequential uses normal injectors of a normal size,
but their timing can give slight power and/or economy increases
Stim (MegaStimulator) – the original stimulator is a small board which plugs into the connector of the
MegaSquirt® controller. It simulates all the sensor the inputs the MegaSquirt® controller would normally see
(but the rpm signal is only suitable for use with distributor or EDIS configurations) and provides power to the
MegaSquirt® controller. The Stimulator also allows you to monitor the MegaSquirt® controller's injection
pulses [actual], fuel pump relay operation, and fast idle solenoid output with four LEDs. The JimStim is an
enhanced version that simulates many wheel patterns and has more LEDs for multiple spark outputs.

Speed Density – Fuel control algorithm that calculates fuelling based primarily on pressure, air temperature
and volumetric efficiency.
PW = dead time + (ReqFuel * MAP * VE(rpm,map) * GammaE)
All the corrections are included within GammaE.
Stoichiometric – the chemically ideal air:fuel mixture. Expressed as 1.0 Lambda for all fuels or 14.7 for
petroleum/gasoline.
SPOUT – Spark Out is the spark advance signal sent from MS-II™ to the Ford TFI module to set the timing
advance.
Table blending – A firmware feature that allows the user to combine two tables, usually using different
algorithms. e.g., one table could be a regular speed-density table and the other alpha-n. This could be useful
on an individual throttle body install or as a way of extending the table size.
Table switching – A firmware feature that allows the user to swap to a different fuel, spark, etc table. Can be
used in conjunction with dual fuels or nitrous or as a way of extending the table size.
TBI – Throttle Body Injection is a form of injection is which the fuel is injected above the throttle(s). It was
typically used on older engines since it can be a simpler system, but is also found on some very high output
racing engines because the vaporization time is longer than with port injection.
TPI – Tuned Port Injection is General Motors bank-fire port fuel injection system. It was widely used on 305
and 350 cid V8 in the mid to late 1980's.
TPS – Throttle Position Sensor, a voltage divider that gives information to a MegaSquirt® controller about
throttle opening, from which it computes rate of throttle opening for acceleration enrichment.
TPSdot – rate of change of TPS value. (dTPS/dt) Used mainly to trigger Accel enrichment.
Transistor – A solid-state (no moving parts) electronic device that uses a small voltage (on the base pin) to
control a larger current (across the emitter and collector pins). There are two basic types of transistors, PNP
and NPN. A PNP transistor allows current to flow if there is no signal on the base, and restricts the current as
the base current increases. An NPN transistor allows current to flow in proportion to the signal on the base,
and restricts the current as the base current decreases.
TS (TunerStudio MS) – The standard software for tuning MegaSquirt EFI controllers. (The previous, now
obsolete, software was called Megatune.)
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) – in an automotive context, generally refers to organic components or
precursors to smog formation. Organic compounds are all chemical compounds containing carbon-hydrogen
(C-H) bonds of covalent character. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency defines a VOC as any organic
compound that participates in a photoreaction. An example of a VOC is PAN (peroxyacetyl nitrate),
CH3COOONO2.
Voltage divider – A simple circuit that uses two resistors in series to reduce the output voltage Vo
proportionally to the input voltage Vi. Two resistors, R1 and R2, are arranged in series, with one end
connected to the external signal, and the other to ground. The signal is taken from between the two resistors.
From Ohm's Law we can calculate that the total current will be I = Vi/(R1+R2). The same current flows in
each resistor because they are in series. The voltage drop across each resistor is: V1 = I*R1 and V2 = I*R2 =
Vo. V2 is output voltage Vo, which we can write as:
Vo = Vi* R2/(R1+R2)
V2.2 – The first mainstream circuit board used within Megasquirt. While still available for sale, it is largely
obsolete.
V3.0 – The current circuit board used within Megasquirt (accurate Nov 2010). This superceded the V2.2
adding better support for low-z injectors and a circuit for VR conditioning.
V3.57 – A surface mount circuit board, largely the same as the V3.0 board.

VB921 – a particular IGBT designed for use with automotive ignition coils. Now superceded by BIP373.
VE – Volumetric Efficiency. The actual amount of air being pumped by the engine as compared to its
theoretical maximum. A 2000 cc engine will theoretically move 2000 cc of air in one cycle at 100% efficiency.
If the engine is actually running at 75% VE, then it will move 1500 cc of air on each cycle.
Vref – a 5 Volt supply used to power the TPS (and sometimes other external components needing a 5 Volt
supply, like ignition modules or pull-ups).
VR sensor - Variable reluctor sensor – is an induction type sensor, it is "passive", i.e., it does not require a
power source, and has a small magnet built in. Needs to use a conditioning circuit – as provided on the V3.0
and V3.57 mainboard. Cannot be used directly on the V2.2 mainboard.
Wasted-COP – a method where individual coils are fitted per spark plug, but the coils are fired in a 'wasted'
manner twice per cycle. This is used during startup in some wheel modes and could also be used
temporarily by a user before full coil-on-plug is installed.
Wasted Spark – A method of firing spark plugs in which one 'double-ended' coil simultaneously fires two
coils on different cylinders. One of the cylinders is the intended 'target', and is near TDC on its compression
stroke, the other cylinder is offset by 360° in the firing order (of the 720° 4-stroke cycle), so it is near TDC on
its exhaust stroke. The second spark is said to be 'wasted' because it does not ignite a mixture. On the other
hand, the hot ionized exhaust gases require little energy to create a spark, so nearly all the energy goes to
the 'target' cylinder. An example of a wasted spark system is Ford's EDIS. The advantage is that while a
missing tooth crank wheel is required, no cam sync signal (and the corresponding wheel and sensor) are
needed.
WB-EGO Sensor – Wide Band EGO sensor, can be used to derive real AFR data with mixtures from 10:1 to
20:1, i.e., anything you are likely to be interested in. Allows for lean or rich tuning.
WOT – Wide open throttle.
WUE – Warm Up Enrichment, the enriched mixture applied when the coolant temperature is low.
Zener diode – A diode that allows current to flow in one direction, unless the reverse voltage is higher than
its rated avalanche voltage, in which case it will flow in the reverse direction. Often used to limit excessive
voltage to certain circuits by shunting it either to ground or the power supply.

Megasquirt-2 Setting Up 9:Appendix D: Text-based firmware loader
9: Appendix D: Text-based firmware loader

In most circumstances it is preferable to use the firmware loader included within the TunerStudio software.
However, there is also a text-based firmware loader available. In older firmware releases this was included
within the firmware zipfile, in future releases it may be available as its own download only.
The following documents how to use the firmware loader. The general operation is covered first under the
Windows operating system, then Linux and Mac differences are noted.
Before attempting to load firmware, be sure to install any necessary serial drivers. See section 2.7.
9.1 Windows / general

i. Download the latest firmware zip file from the MSEXTRA.COM Downloads page. Save if prompted. Your
web browser will most likely save that to a Downloads folder.
ii. Use My Computer / Windows Explorer and browse to this folder.
You are looking for a file similar to ms2extra-release-3.4.2.zip (If you don't see the ".zip" on the end, re-
read section 2.8.)

iii. Right click on the file you saved and choose Extract All.
iv. The defaults are OK, and just click Extract. (Note that Windows adds a second level of directory when
extracting.)
v. You should now find the files have been extracted. Open up the folders until you see this:
vi. Connect your serial cables and power on your ECU.

vii. If your engine has been running already, you must use "Save Tune As" in TunerStudio to save your

existing tune settings before running the firmware loader.

viii. Exit your tuning software and ensure nothing is using the serial port.
ix. Double click on ms2loader_win32.exe (If you get a security warning, click Run.)
The loader is text based. Answer all of the questions by pressing the required key on your keyboard.
Be careful on the MS2/Microsquirt choice:
• MS2 = ECUs with an MS2 daughtercard.
• Microsquirt = black plastic cased ECU.
• Microsquirt module = DIYPNP or other ECUs that use the Microsquirt module.
• MSPNP2 = DIYautotune MSPNP2 only.
Example:
MegaSquirt-2 Firmware Loader 3.22 2012-07-02

.
Remove the fuse powering your ignition coils.
(Spark outputs may be undefined until you re-load your settings.)
Press enter to continue...
.
Ensure that your Megasquirt/Microsquirt/ECU is
-connected to your computer
-has fused 12V power connected.
.
Ensure that no tuning software is running.
Be sure to Quit the software, not just minimise it..
.
Debug message Level:
1: Normal
2: More detail
3: + serial comms
4: + the s19 file as parsed
Selection (default: 1):
.
Do you want to scan your serial ports automatically? (y/n default y)
.
COM1 MS2/Extra detected
.
Do you want to use COM1 (y/n default = y)
.
.
.
Found firmware files : ms2_extra_us.s19 : ms2_extra.s19
.
1: Megasquirt 2.
2: Microsquirt, Microsquirt module, DIYPNP, MSPNP2.
.
.

File to upload (1, 2, filename, default= ms2_extra.s19): 1

.
Preserve sensor calibrations (only for MS2/Extra) (y/n, default: y)?
.
========================================================
Settings selected:
Serial port: COM1
S19 File: ms2_extra.s19
Debug level: 1
Jumperless reflash enabled
Preserving sensors calibrations
========================================================
Sending jumperless flash command
Attempting Wakeup...
Fetching : sensor calibrations
Erasing main flash!
Erased.
Sending firmware to controller...
[========================================================>]100.0%
Sending : sensor calibrations
Wrote 105052 bytes
*** Settings not preserved. Please re-load your MSQ / tuning settings ***
.
If this takes longer than a minute then you likely need to adjust the port settings of your USB-serial adapter to
reduce the latency setting.
The first time you install firmware on an MS2 or Microsquirt-module it might be necessary to use the boot
jumper. On a Microsquirt the equivalent is to ground the BOOTLOAD wire.
MS2 in normal condition without boot jumper.
Installing the boot jumper.

MS2 with boot jumper in place.
9.2 Mac / Linux

Mac OS X and Linux users need to run the firmware loader from the command line. The exact procedure
varies by release and with the tools you have installed. The loader needs to be run from the directory
containing the firmware files.
Depending on distribution you may be able to "open in terminal" or "open here" to launch a terminal in the
correct directory, otherwise open a text terminal and use 'cd' to change directory to the correct place. Then ./
ms2loader_XXXX as appropriate. Note that you MUST use the keyboard, put the mouse to one side.
Then step through the firmware loading process as described above.
9.3 Steps after loading firmware

Having loaded the new firmware, read the included RELEASE-NOTES.txt and README.txt .
Open up TunerStudio and update your project "ini" file when prompted. If TunerStudio is unable to find or
download the correct file, it is always included within the firmware zip that your extracted, so browse there
and pick the correct file that matches your ECU variant.
Load in the tune your previously saved and review any warnings.
Check that sensor inputs look sensible and re-calibrate your temperature sensors if necessary.

Megasquirt-2 Setting Up 10:Revision history
10: Revision history

2014-07-22 Revision history started
2014-07-23 Added VVT section 4.9
2014-08-30 Added serial troubleshooting section. Enabled auto numbering.
2014-09-07 Added note about resistor plugs.
2015-02-02 Idle homing steps setup procedure. Linux group note. Glossary from MS3. CAN config
from MS3. custom.ini. Apply similar edits from 'Laminar'. Minor staging typo.
2015-07-10 Add in versions section from MS3. Bump rev to 3.4
2018-07-06 Move text-based firmware loader to appendix, main text refers to TS loader.
2018-08-19 Idle valve notes.

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Megasquirt-2 Setting up

Megasquirt-2 Product Range

Instructions for setting up your Megasquirt-2 ECU.

(c) 2014-5 James Murray

0: QuickStart Guide - in brief

1. Buy or build your Megasquirt!

All manuals are available to download as PDFs from www.msextra.com/manuals

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2.12.3 CLT sensor check............................................................................................29

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3.4.4.2 AFR table (MAF)....................................................................................................52

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4.7 Nitrous Oxide (N2O).................................................................................................75

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6.5 Upgrading from 3.0.x or 3.1.x...................................................................................99

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1.1 Emissions and disclaimer

1.2 Required tools

Although not essential, the following are highly recommended:

1.3 How to use the manuals

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This symbol indicates an “Information” note.

This symbol indicates a “Caution” note.

This symbol indicates a “Warning” note.

For additional help and support, visit the website www.msextra.com

1.4 Products Covered

It is important to understand exactly which product you have.

1.4.1 MS2 on V2.2 mainboard

1.4.2 MS2 on a V3.0 mainboard

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injectors. Includes an internal MAP sensor.

V3.0 mainboard (inside)

MS2 plug-in daughtercard (inside)

1.4.3 MS2 on a V3.57 mainboard

V3.57 mainboard (inside)

MS2 plug-in daughtercard

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Module (inside your ECU)

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2: QuickStart Guide - expanded

2.1 Buy or build your Megasquirt!

2.2 Select and assemble your fuel and ignition systems.

2.3 Setup your vehicle wiring harness (loom) ensuring it is fused.

2.4 Connect MAP hose to full vacuum source.

2.5 Install TunerStudio and Megalogviewer

2.6 Power up your ECU

2.7 Get the serial comms set up

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MS2 serial port.

Microsquirt serial cable.

Standard DB9 male connector on computer.

Standard DB9-DB9 straight through serial cable.

Computer USB socket

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Typical USB-serial adapter

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Alternative (Windows only) - download and run portcheck.exe from www.msextra.com/downloads

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