Electronic variable vane control
Electronic variable vane control
Reading up on pump timing by millivolt method got me to this :
http://arduino.cc/en/Main/ArduinoBoardDuemilanove
6 inputs with 4mV accuracy. Almost enough. 5 cylinders + Boost. And thats just the start. You could also get rack position with the 85 IP (picked up a spare recently)
And it has OUTS. I can only dream of controlling rack travel (it's doable) and vanes....
I am so buying one of these on pay day.
http://arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/HomePage
The have samples of graphing AND controlling servo units. *faint*
Good thing I have a spare busted laptop well suited for this.
At that point why not adapt a second VR sensor into the IP and code something similar to an RIV tool into the microcontroller? It would be much, much more accurate than the millivolt method for setting or checking pump timing. All you'd have to do is calculate RPM based on the crank sensor then use time differential between the crank pulse and IP pulse to calculate pump timing.
The cost and time of that would be better invested in an actual EGT monitoring/logging system.
The glowplug's arbitrary voltage generation shouldn't be used for anything but personal amusement or satisfying curiosity. Using them to tune the engine is a very bad idea since glowplugs are not sensors, they are heaters and subject to manufacturing tolerances (even in the same batch) that can cause misleading measurements.
Here are some examples of what to look for:
http://www.jegs.com/p/Altronics/758148/10002/-1
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/in...canner.php
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/in...ombos6.php
The last one is only $281 for a complete kit with probes that can read EGTs for up to 6 cylinders.
It would merely for curiosity, if nothing else it will indicate bad glowplugs. It will also indicate highest firing temp. The average of all 5 will indicate temperature differences, I just want to see what it looks like running. Rack position, boost, rpm, speed. These are all analog sensors in the car that I can pick up from. The samples of code include all kinds of things including servo control.
I found this post which says you can get 1mV resolution with +-2mV resolution : http://www.arduino.cc/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB...5541/17#17
It would definitely be a good platform to start for developing standalone electronic VGT control.
I'll second what Forced said about GPs being bad sensors. As I recall, from reading threads when people were trying this with a voltmeter, the GP output not only was extremely variable plug-to-plug but also exhibited variability over time... meaning that even an average reading really won't tell you very much at all, except that there is, in fact, combustion in the cylinder. If I had one of those boards I would probably hook it up to a boost sensor, as well as the rack sensor, and use it for wastegate (and/or vane) control. Its also what the doctor ordered for a lpg system... LOL just the thought of putting a computer on these cars gives me the chills.. Anyone know a good source for 12V actuators?
BTW- just looked at the programming section of the website and it all looks very simple, and VERY powerful!!
Slow might be good because you might be able to avoid writing dampening into the software.
(01-09-2009, 02:55 PM)winmutt Meh. Software is no biggie for me.
(01-09-2009, 02:55 PM)winmutt Meh. Software is no biggie for me.
This is cool. Ideas that I propsed a year ago, that the collective 'you' thought were crazy, are now being explored. This is a good thing. I love forums.
I cant wait to read your results with running systems.
(01-11-2009, 12:45 PM)GREASY_BEAST Wow.. free EMS.. thats cool. Common rail IDI anyone?
(01-11-2009, 12:45 PM)GREASY_BEAST Wow.. free EMS.. thats cool. Common rail IDI anyone?
Because no parts exist.
By the time you have a crude example that will barely idle, you'll have spent more than the cost of a CDI crate engine and ECM.
(01-11-2009, 10:37 PM)Telecommbrkr This is cool. Ideas that I propsed a year ago, that the collective 'you' thought were crazy, are now being explored. This is a good thing. I love forums.
I cant wait to read your results with running systems.
(01-11-2009, 10:37 PM)Telecommbrkr This is cool. Ideas that I propsed a year ago, that the collective 'you' thought were crazy, are now being explored. This is a good thing. I love forums.
I cant wait to read your results with running systems.
(01-12-2009, 02:01 AM)ForcedInduction By the time you have a crude example that will barely idle, you'll have spent more than the cost of a CDI crate engine and ECM.
(01-12-2009, 02:01 AM)ForcedInduction By the time you have a crude example that will barely idle, you'll have spent more than the cost of a CDI crate engine and ECM.
(01-12-2009, 07:56 PM)oel_brenner all of this is assuming we have (or can get) the CAN-bus protocol specifics for the electronic OM606 pump, and related sensors. but even if we can't just sniff them off the bus and document it yourself.If you moved the oil can you could control the rack with a voice coil. It wouldnt be easy by a far shot. With an '85 you can read rack position though. I was outside earlier this evening trying to figure out how the sensor works. Someone around here had a post of how it operated. Forced?
(01-12-2009, 07:56 PM)oel_brenner all of this is assuming we have (or can get) the CAN-bus protocol specifics for the electronic OM606 pump, and related sensors. but even if we can't just sniff them off the bus and document it yourself.If you moved the oil can you could control the rack with a voice coil. It wouldnt be easy by a far shot. With an '85 you can read rack position though. I was outside earlier this evening trying to figure out how the sensor works. Someone around here had a post of how it operated. Forced?
(01-12-2009, 08:49 PM)winmutt(01-12-2009, 07:56 PM)oel_brenner all of this is assuming we have (or can get) the CAN-bus protocol specifics for the electronic OM606 pump, and related sensors. but even if we can't just sniff them off the bus and document it yourself.If you moved the oil can you could control the rack with a voice coil. It wouldnt be easy by a far shot. With an '85 you can read rack position though. I was outside earlier this evening trying to figure out how the sensor works. Someone around here had a post of how it operated. Forced?
How many HP does that vac pump pull you think?
(01-12-2009, 08:49 PM)winmutt(01-12-2009, 07:56 PM)oel_brenner all of this is assuming we have (or can get) the CAN-bus protocol specifics for the electronic OM606 pump, and related sensors. but even if we can't just sniff them off the bus and document it yourself.If you moved the oil can you could control the rack with a voice coil. It wouldnt be easy by a far shot. With an '85 you can read rack position though. I was outside earlier this evening trying to figure out how the sensor works. Someone around here had a post of how it operated. Forced?
How many HP does that vac pump pull you think?
(01-12-2009, 09:03 PM)oel_brenner(01-12-2009, 08:49 PM)winmutt(01-12-2009, 07:56 PM)oel_brenner all of this is assuming we have (or can get) the CAN-bus protocol specifics for the electronic OM606 pump, and related sensors. but even if we can't just sniff them off the bus and document it yourself.If you moved the oil can you could control the rack with a voice coil. It wouldnt be easy by a far shot. With an '85 you can read rack position though. I was outside earlier this evening trying to figure out how the sensor works. Someone around here had a post of how it operated. Forced?
How many HP does that vac pump pull you think?
are you talking about retrofitting EMS onto a OM603 / OM61x
(non-electronic) engine ?
I was talking about running an already all electronic OM606 engine with a stand-alone open-source controller. Using CB comm protocols.
(01-12-2009, 09:03 PM)oel_brenner(01-12-2009, 08:49 PM)winmutt(01-12-2009, 07:56 PM)oel_brenner all of this is assuming we have (or can get) the CAN-bus protocol specifics for the electronic OM606 pump, and related sensors. but even if we can't just sniff them off the bus and document it yourself.If you moved the oil can you could control the rack with a voice coil. It wouldnt be easy by a far shot. With an '85 you can read rack position though. I was outside earlier this evening trying to figure out how the sensor works. Someone around here had a post of how it operated. Forced?
How many HP does that vac pump pull you think?
are you talking about retrofitting EMS onto a OM603 / OM61x
(non-electronic) engine ?
I was talking about running an already all electronic OM606 engine with a stand-alone open-source controller. Using CB comm protocols.
Yes, it would be really cool to set up electronic air and fuel management... but... with a mechanical pump, whats the point? I mean, other than being a cool technical challenge, and having a little more control over what happens and when, whats the gain? It certainly won't be very much more HP, or better burn characteristics because the real limitations in these respects are the injectors and the pump elements..
As far as the common rail is concerned, its a little more than just setting up the software... you have to have all the mechanical parts too and Forced is right, that would be extremely costly.
So maybe I'm missing something big, but seriously, what could possibly benefit from this setup?
EDIT: To clarify, precise control over throttle position is something you can more or less do with your foot. To me that doesn't seem very special. The benefit of electronically controlled diesel injection seems to be controlling number of injections per cycle, individual injection durations, delay timing between injections, injection volumes, pressures, etc etc etc as well as combustion environment (air), all tied together with inputs from the electronic sensory nervous system... None of these benefits can really happen without lots of expensive metal stuff. Or can they happen with cheaper metal stuff?
My aim is two fold here. Accurate IP timing and vane control on ANY vnt/vgt for cheap. Controlling the IP is a lark, but I can at least get rack position.
(01-14-2009, 03:05 PM)GREASY_BEAST Yes, it would be really cool to set up electronic air and fuel management... but... with a mechanical pump, whats the point? I mean, other than being a cool technical challenge, and having a little more control over what happens and when, whats the gain? It certainly won't be very much more HP, or better burn characteristics because the real limitations in these respects are the injectors and the pump elements..
As far as the common rail is concerned, its a little more than just setting up the software... you have to have all the mechanical parts too and Forced is right, that would be extremely costly.
So maybe I'm missing something big, but seriously, what could possibly benefit from this setup?
EDIT: To clarify, precise control over throttle position is something you can more or less do with your foot. To me that doesn't seem very special. The benefit of electronically controlled diesel injection seems to be controlling number of injections per cycle, individual injection durations, delay timing between injections, injection volumes, pressures, etc etc etc as well as combustion environment (air), all tied together with inputs from the electronic sensory nervous system... None of these benefits can really happen without lots of expensive metal stuff. Or can they happen with cheaper metal stuff?
(01-14-2009, 03:05 PM)GREASY_BEAST Yes, it would be really cool to set up electronic air and fuel management... but... with a mechanical pump, whats the point? I mean, other than being a cool technical challenge, and having a little more control over what happens and when, whats the gain? It certainly won't be very much more HP, or better burn characteristics because the real limitations in these respects are the injectors and the pump elements..
As far as the common rail is concerned, its a little more than just setting up the software... you have to have all the mechanical parts too and Forced is right, that would be extremely costly.
So maybe I'm missing something big, but seriously, what could possibly benefit from this setup?
EDIT: To clarify, precise control over throttle position is something you can more or less do with your foot. To me that doesn't seem very special. The benefit of electronically controlled diesel injection seems to be controlling number of injections per cycle, individual injection durations, delay timing between injections, injection volumes, pressures, etc etc etc as well as combustion environment (air), all tied together with inputs from the electronic sensory nervous system... None of these benefits can really happen without lots of expensive metal stuff. Or can they happen with cheaper metal stuff?
(01-14-2009, 11:41 PM)oel_brenner not unlike the MS stuff is now..
(01-14-2009, 11:41 PM)oel_brenner not unlike the MS stuff is now..
USPS rain sleet or snow. Or all three and on time. This thing is small, cigarette pack small. I need a housing, some leads and a USB cable. I think I have one of these kinds around somewhere....
Cable found.
Ooooo pretty lights. I was able to use one of the sample apps to make the light blink and was able to control its rate.
After this I got my EGT probe, a lighter and a multi meter. Meter went from near 0 ohms to 20 under the flame.
Wasn't sure how to wire it but the good ppl at Arduino forums helped out.
http://www.arduino.cc/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB...32514612/0
I will find an appropriate resistor and go from there.
So these are K type Thermocouplers I am almost certain of it. Even though I was getting a change in resistance it appears the K type thermocouplers generate micro voltages. I can't interface with the Arduino directly but I *can* get one of these (http://reprap.org/bin/view/Main/Thermocouple_Sensor_1_0) and free up an analog port. I don't understand why I can't use it as a thermistor as it is providing a change in resistance
(01-08-2009, 05:47 PM)winmutt I am so buying one of these on pay day.
(01-08-2009, 05:47 PM)winmutt I am so buying one of these on pay day.
What are you doing with it? I ended up spending 12hrs on a 4 hrs job on Sat swapping my wifes steering box and didn't get a chance to futz around with this any more. The Arduino is not capable of reading the micro voltage that is produced by the K type thermocouple. The odd thing is that the thermo couple changes with resistance as well and I can't help but think this would be a better way to read it.
(01-12-2009, 07:56 PM)oel_brenner Thats the great thing about software, very major and very minor changes take the exact amount of time to implement.. seconds.
(01-09-2009, 11:05 AM)winmutt I looked at a variety of actuators. The problem was finding something capable of 20PSI. IIRC voice coil was the way to go. FI said that the cruise control servo was to slow but I wonder about that as the vac element I have is pretty slow to react.
(01-11-2009, 10:37 PM)Telecommbrkr This is cool. Ideas that I propsed a year ago, that the collective 'you' thought were crazy, are now being explored. This is a good thing. I love forums.
I cant wait to read your results with running systems.
(01-12-2009, 07:56 PM)oel_brenner Thats the great thing about software, very major and very minor changes take the exact amount of time to implement.. seconds.
(01-09-2009, 11:05 AM)winmutt I looked at a variety of actuators. The problem was finding something capable of 20PSI. IIRC voice coil was the way to go. FI said that the cruise control servo was to slow but I wonder about that as the vac element I have is pretty slow to react.
(01-11-2009, 10:37 PM)Telecommbrkr This is cool. Ideas that I propsed a year ago, that the collective 'you' thought were crazy, are now being explored. This is a good thing. I love forums.
I cant wait to read your results with running systems.
(01-30-2009, 02:08 PM)winmutt To bad they are idgits.
(01-21-2009, 02:55 PM)winmutt So these are K type Thermocouplers I am almost certain of it. Even though I was getting a change in resistance it appears the K type thermocouplers generate micro voltages. I can't interface with the Arduino directly but I *can* get one of these (http://reprap.org/bin/view/Main/Thermocouple_Sensor_1_0) and free up an analog port.
(01-21-2009, 02:55 PM)winmutt I don't understand why I can't use it as a thermistor as it is providing a change in resistance
(01-30-2009, 02:08 PM)winmutt To bad they are idgits.
(01-21-2009, 02:55 PM)winmutt So these are K type Thermocouplers I am almost certain of it. Even though I was getting a change in resistance it appears the K type thermocouplers generate micro voltages. I can't interface with the Arduino directly but I *can* get one of these (http://reprap.org/bin/view/Main/Thermocouple_Sensor_1_0) and free up an analog port.
(01-21-2009, 02:55 PM)winmutt I don't understand why I can't use it as a thermistor as it is providing a change in resistance
If you don't mind spending $3,900-$13,500 here is a control solution for you.
http://www.bosch-motorsport.com/content/...l/3690.htm
(03-17-2009, 07:25 PM)ForcedInduction If you don't mind spending $3,900-$13,500 here is a control solution for you.Won't work on our old mechanical injection diesels...
http://www.bosch-motorsport.com/content/...l/3690.htm
(03-17-2009, 07:25 PM)ForcedInduction If you don't mind spending $3,900-$13,500 here is a control solution for you.Won't work on our old mechanical injection diesels...
http://www.bosch-motorsport.com/content/...l/3690.htm
(03-18-2009, 07:51 AM)Tymbrymi Won't work on our old mechanical injection diesels...
(03-18-2009, 07:51 AM)Tymbrymi Won't work on our old mechanical injection diesels...
(03-18-2009, 07:59 AM)ForcedInduction(03-18-2009, 07:51 AM)Tymbrymi Won't work on our old mechanical injection diesels...
The idea behind the thread started out as in-cylinder EGT monitoring, VGT and rack control then evolved into building a common-rail injection system.
(03-18-2009, 07:59 AM)ForcedInduction(03-18-2009, 07:51 AM)Tymbrymi Won't work on our old mechanical injection diesels...
The idea behind the thread started out as in-cylinder EGT monitoring, VGT and rack control then evolved into building a common-rail injection system.
The point is to measure IP timing via the milivolt method. The other point was to control VNT/VGT turbos based on all of the analog inputs available. Its a tinkering project that I am not likely to get back to until summer at least.
(03-18-2009, 09:13 AM)GREASY_BEAST For simplicity, I could see the benefit of adding electronic rack control to an engine that was in a vehicle with a manual transmission for purposes of removing the vacuum system. This would allow for some fancy computer tricks like a loop that keeps the EGTs from getting too high ("limp mode?"), optimization for performance or economy with the flip of a switch, basically a variable ALDA on steroids. But would it really be that much better than the ALDA?
(03-18-2009, 09:13 AM)GREASY_BEAST For simplicity, I could see the benefit of adding electronic rack control to an engine that was in a vehicle with a manual transmission for purposes of removing the vacuum system. This would allow for some fancy computer tricks like a loop that keeps the EGTs from getting too high ("limp mode?"), optimization for performance or economy with the flip of a switch, basically a variable ALDA on steroids. But would it really be that much better than the ALDA?
(03-19-2009, 08:36 AM)Tymbrymi Why not an automatic?
Quote:Electronic VNT/VGT control is really the way to go... there are a whole lot of useful tricks you can't pull off with a mechanical controller.
(03-19-2009, 08:36 AM)Tymbrymi Why not an automatic?
Quote:Electronic VNT/VGT control is really the way to go... there are a whole lot of useful tricks you can't pull off with a mechanical controller.
Ok, I was thinking about electronic controls yesterday after re-reading this thread, and I have a question for you guys who know about this sort of thing.
Might it be possible, with an Arduino board and a voice coil actuator, to remove the mechanical governor and make governance of the engine an electronic affair? The software would be dead simple to write, I'm pretty sure with my limited experience I could do that in an afternoon, but the weak link (I guess) would be accurate sensing of the engine RPM?? Could one just use the tach sensor for this or would you need a more accurate reading? Another weak link might be the sensitivity of the actuator? The reason I'm interested in this is because it would vastly simplify things, and make the engine super-easy to tweak. Would it also reduce the cost of swapping elements? It seems to me that there would be a lot less "shop time" billed by an injection shop if all they had to do was make sure each element is synched to all the others, and not mess with the governor adjustments.
Just a brainstorm..
(03-19-2009, 11:45 AM)GREASY_BEAST I agree that electronic rack control would be ideal, just not worth the PITA of relocating the oil filter without a good reason (like a Myna pump), which it doesn't seem that anyone around here has.. Basically, and maybe I'm just being narrow-minded, I don't see how it could help appreciably on an IP with stock components, other than adding a certain level of engine protection, some more advanced smoke control, and other superfluous things that don't make the car go faster.
(03-19-2009, 11:45 AM)GREASY_BEAST I'd agree with that, and go so far as to say even electronic wastegate control on a "normal" turbo might yield some benefits like quicker boost rise and more stable, accurate control over maximum boost, cruising vs performance settings, etc.
(03-21-2009, 09:54 AM)GREASY_BEAST Might it be possible, with an Arduino board and a voice coil actuator, to remove the mechanical governor and make governance of the engine an electronic affair?
(03-21-2009, 09:54 AM)GREASY_BEAST The software would be dead simple to write, I'm pretty sure with my limited experience I could do that in an afternoon
(03-21-2009, 09:54 AM)GREASY_BEAST The weak link (I guess) would be accurate sensing of the engine RPM?? Could one just use the tach sensor for this or would you need a more accurate reading?
(03-21-2009, 09:54 AM)GREASY_BEAST Another weak link might be the sensitivity of the actuator?
(03-21-2009, 09:54 AM)GREASY_BEAST Would it also reduce the cost of swapping elements? It seems to me that there would be a lot less "shop time" billed by an injection shop if all they had to do was make sure each element is synched to all the others, and not mess with the governor adjustments.
(03-21-2009, 09:54 AM)GREASY_BEAST Just a brainstorm..
(03-19-2009, 11:45 AM)GREASY_BEAST I agree that electronic rack control would be ideal, just not worth the PITA of relocating the oil filter without a good reason (like a Myna pump), which it doesn't seem that anyone around here has.. Basically, and maybe I'm just being narrow-minded, I don't see how it could help appreciably on an IP with stock components, other than adding a certain level of engine protection, some more advanced smoke control, and other superfluous things that don't make the car go faster.
(03-19-2009, 11:45 AM)GREASY_BEAST I'd agree with that, and go so far as to say even electronic wastegate control on a "normal" turbo might yield some benefits like quicker boost rise and more stable, accurate control over maximum boost, cruising vs performance settings, etc.
(03-21-2009, 09:54 AM)GREASY_BEAST Might it be possible, with an Arduino board and a voice coil actuator, to remove the mechanical governor and make governance of the engine an electronic affair?
(03-21-2009, 09:54 AM)GREASY_BEAST The software would be dead simple to write, I'm pretty sure with my limited experience I could do that in an afternoon
(03-21-2009, 09:54 AM)GREASY_BEAST The weak link (I guess) would be accurate sensing of the engine RPM?? Could one just use the tach sensor for this or would you need a more accurate reading?
(03-21-2009, 09:54 AM)GREASY_BEAST Another weak link might be the sensitivity of the actuator?
(03-21-2009, 09:54 AM)GREASY_BEAST Would it also reduce the cost of swapping elements? It seems to me that there would be a lot less "shop time" billed by an injection shop if all they had to do was make sure each element is synched to all the others, and not mess with the governor adjustments.
(03-21-2009, 09:54 AM)GREASY_BEAST Just a brainstorm..
I've been working on electronic controls for months. I remember posting some stuff at various forums, but I'm getting really close to getting my electronic actuator working now. The electronic actuator that came with my turbo had its own computer on board, and I spent about 2 months trying to interface with it before I decided to scrap it and design my own, so now I'm bypassing all the electronics and directly controlling the motor with my board, using a throttle position sensor off another car to sense vane position. Should have a working prototype within a couple weeks. I already have sensor boards and a USB interface built, so after I get the motor control system done, it'll be time to program the actual controller system...
(03-23-2009, 07:40 AM)Tymbrymi No offense, but HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA. ROTFLMA. You could probably get something that would move the rack in an afternoon, but there is no way I'd put that on my engine! Also, keep in mind that all of these actuators will require additional power electronics to control them. Most microcontrollers can only output 20mA per pin, and actuators can require *significantly* more than that. Especially when you change positions very quickly!
.....
Forced... stop reading now.
For the OM61x pumps you could replace the elements yourself. The synchronization is mainly performed with the pump's camshaft, and the most important part of adjusting new elements is balancing the amount of fuel delivered. The MW pumps have external adjustments for that, and with large enough graduated cylinders you can tune those yourselves. Yes, I know Forced, it won't be 100% perfect, but I think we can get to 90-95%. We will always disagree on this...
(03-23-2009, 07:40 AM)Tymbrymi No offense, but HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA. ROTFLMA. You could probably get something that would move the rack in an afternoon, but there is no way I'd put that on my engine! Also, keep in mind that all of these actuators will require additional power electronics to control them. Most microcontrollers can only output 20mA per pin, and actuators can require *significantly* more than that. Especially when you change positions very quickly!
.....
Forced... stop reading now.
For the OM61x pumps you could replace the elements yourself. The synchronization is mainly performed with the pump's camshaft, and the most important part of adjusting new elements is balancing the amount of fuel delivered. The MW pumps have external adjustments for that, and with large enough graduated cylinders you can tune those yourselves. Yes, I know Forced, it won't be 100% perfect, but I think we can get to 90-95%. We will always disagree on this...
If you plan on using the board for EGT, might I suggest the MAX6675 (http://www.maxim-ic.com/quick_view2.cfm/qv_pk/3149 ) I'm using it for my EGT probe and its alot more accurate than using the microcontroller's AD inputs. Your board has a Atmel ATmega168, which I believe has a SPI interface to connect to the chip.
The MPX4250GP from Freescale Semiconductor makes a great boost gauge too. Its rated to I think, 45psi, and outputs as a 0-5v analog voltage.
As for my turbo project, I just finalized the design for the vane actuator circuit. I'm using a dsPIC33 microcontroller and H-bridge chip to drive the VNT's actuator motor directly, bypassing the built in computer. Position feedback will be provided by a throttle position sensor (potentiometer) connected to one of the analog inputs. Everything is controlled over an I2C bus by the turbo computer (at this time, its a laptop with a USB I2C interface, but will eventually be a PIC32 micro). I initially wanted to use CAN bus but I don't have any equipment capable of debugging it easily.
VNT Actuator Board:
http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/2223/vntboard.jpg
Edit: looks like someone already suggested the maxim part before me.. as for circuit boards, the classic laser printer toner transfer method has worked for me for years now. 10 mil traces and 0.5mm pitch parts are possible if your good.