MS3 comprehensive experience thread

[M20_fever]

I'm currently reading the Megamanual (http://www.megamanual.com/index.html) for the first time so I'm starting this thread to document what I learn along the way. Not only is MS3 new, but I am new to MS so this thread will cover my learning curve, and the help I get from others with more experience in programmable ECUs.

Items I will document in this thread include;

Installation of the ECU including harness, sensors, coils, and injectors, initial setup, and tuning.

If anyone has any experience with MS3 please chime in and contribute.

[M20_fever]

ok, so I want to get a stimulator so I can confirm my new ECU works before I install it in the car. I found this on DIY, it seems to be the newest version of the Jimstim. I'm going to pay a little more and get the pre-assembled one. My question is, will I need the extra 10 pack of jumpers to test a basic MS3 box? Also, I can't tell if the assembled unit comes with the power source, has anyone ordered an assembled stim from DIY and gotten the power source with it?

Here it is: http://www.diyautotune.com/catalog/jimstim-megasquirt-stimulator-with-wheel-simulator-assembled-p-178.html

[Yoshi]

I'd email diy about the jumpers. I haven't looked into the stim for MS3 yet.

as for the power source, you can plug in a radio shack 12v adapter or hook up a 9v battery. I prefer the wall jack since the 9v battery won't let you burn firmware.

[ponycarman]

Looks like in the description of the item, they says it comes with three jumpers and the 10 pack is separate.

[M20_fever]

I just emailed them, I'll let you know what they say. What power source should I get from the Shack?

I saw it came with the 3 jumpers already, but I would think I would need a jumper fro each sensor providing input to MS, so I would need like 5 at least. One for the CTS, IAT, TPS, CPS, and o2. Thats not including a jumper for the cam sensor I'll need when I know enough to go full sequential, but that seems like a minimum, so i think I would need the extra jumpers? I asked in the email so we'll see what DIY says.

[Yoshi]

I guess. You can't simulate the cam sensor though. It should be the same as spark. It's called "stim for wheel". It simulates the signals on the MS itself.

as for the adapter. just get a universal one. They come with a bunch of plugs and a bunch of dc voltage output options.

[M20_fever]

Is anyone running a second MAP sensor for barometric corrections?

[Yoshi]

It's not necessary. unless you go from sea level to tops of mountains, then it's necessary.

[M20_fever]

So if I plan to hill climb...

So you have no problems with weather changes and such effecting your tune?

[Yoshi]

It's one of those extra bells and whistles. I'd suggest it if you wanted like uber mpg and you do serious elevation changes. Even a decent hill climb isn't worth it. Maybe if you were doing pikes peak you know?

Even IF you did major elevation changes, just richen the sea level tune 0.1 AFR and you'd be fine you know?

[M20_fever]

yeah, I live in the flattest state in the union so I'm not going to worry about it for now.

[M20_fever]

Just ordered my Jimstim, w00t! I opted to get the jumper pack also, can't hurt, right? I also got the power supply with it, it was only 8 bucks so not worth the headache of running to the Shack to buy the same thing. It should be here in about 3 days, right around when my MS package should be arriving.

[Yoshi]

envy!

[ponycarman]

Nice! I know absolutely nothing about megasquirt and tuning cars. But I want to learn hehe.

[M20_fever]

haha, I really don't either! I'm learning tons just reading the manual, but I have a feeling my feeling of understanding will subside considerably once I have the MS in my hands. First thing will be figuring out how to test it with the stim since I promised to get the Chevelle running and back together before working on my car.