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Message
Here's another question - having little
knowledge in the area, I'm considering Tracy's ECU and the EM2.
What are your appreciations of the
products.
Hi George,
I've had horrendous problems getting the EM2/EC2
working. Much, if not all, of the problems have probably been to do with my
wiring, not RTFM properly (ie grounding the wrong wire), not using shielded
cable for everything, not mounting the Program Control Module properly,
long cable runs, etc. etc. After many many months of sporadic results, I'm
still fighting with it. I have 30 hours on the plane, and I have to say that
despite all these issues, the EC2 has never let me down in flight. Hiccupped,
yes, but silence - never. My wiring harness tests out perfectly, but
still no joy. The EC2 won't communicate with the EM2, and won't trigger a spark.
I'll be doing a definitive test later today by doing what I should have
done months ago, and installing my EC2 in Buly's identically configured
airplane. THEN we'll know.
Despite the severe frustration and delay caused
by all this, I really HATE to consider the alternative of an aftermarket
ECU like the Microtech where installing redundancy will be a real bear and the
total solution will be a lot more expensive and complex (read fault prone).
I'd also prefer to continue supporting Tracy's efforts for the benefit
of rotary aviation in general. I think he'd rather be rid of me, but I just
aint going away. :)
On the EM2, I much prefer analog input for quick glance
confirmation and trend info, but its well worth the cost and panel space to
have ALL the data available when you have time to study it, the graphic access
to the EC2 MAP data, and the range warnings working for you in the
background. I installed 6 analog engine gauges (coolant temp & pressure, oil
temp & pressure, MAP and Fuel pressure) alongside the EM2 which allow me to
do a scan and also confirm calibration / sensor failure. The
promised autotune and data-logging features of the EM2 will be worth the
cost on their own.
One advantage some of the aftermarket units apparently
have is a built-in timing split to help avoid detonation with turbo
installations (a subject very close to my heart and wallet). Tracy has promised
to add this feature, but he's busy with a lot of stuff so I don't know when
that'll happen. This isn't an issue for NA people.
All issues considered, if I were doing it again, I'd
buy the EM2/EC2 combination in an injection pulse width. (rotary equivalent of a
New York second).
John (desperately hoping my EC2 fires up Buly's engine,
but fueling up my car in case it
doesn't)
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