What is a Power Commander?
The PC is a fuel injection and ignition timing (on some models)
adjustment unit that plugs "inline" with the bikes' stock ECU. The PC
uses original equipment style connectors so that no splicing or cutting of the
harness is required. Most installations take less than 15 minutes, some as
little as 5 minutes. Changes are made to the bikes fuel and ignition curves via
the PC's onboard microprocessor. Using this technology we are able to offer a
large area of adjustment without making any permanent changes to the bikes' ECU
(electronic control unit). Removing the PC returns the bike to its previous
stock condition. The Power Commander can be ordered preprogrammed with a your
choice of several settings, based on the modifications to your bike. The unit
also comes complete with software and cable link that allows you to change
between different maps or make adjustments to a map file.
How much power will it give me?
Well
that can depend upon many things but what we can tell you is "The perfect
air/fuel ratio will ensure that the engine can produce the maximum possible
horsepower for that given combination". We must also understand that a
typical street rider spends a great deal of time riding in part throttle
conditions. Shown below are two graphs of a motorcycle before and after
installation of the Power Commander . The top graph shows the horsepower curve
accelerating at a 40% throttle opening and the lower graph shows the
corresponding air / fuel ratio. You can see a large horsepower increase between
the two. The red curve shows a typical stock motorcycle with minor performance
modifications (slip-on exhaust). The blue curve shows that same combination with
the PC installed and you can see that the line is nearly straight. So the rider
will feel a large improvement while riding the motorcycle and it is very
possible that the peak wide open throttle horsepower is unchanged. The correct
air/fuel ratio number (say 12.9:1 or 13.2:1) depends upon many factors like
combustion chamber design but what we want is that figure at every point in the
curve (straight line).
How can I tune with the Power Commander?
Base Map
The Power Commander is supplied with a given (base) map stored in the
microprocessor. This (base map) is typically a map that has been developed to
provide an improvement for most combinations matching the map description (i.e.
stock bike or performance exhaust and air filter). In general we have found that
a typical stock bike has areas in the fuel curve that are far from optimal for
drive-ability and performance. We could say that they are typically 70%
optimized in stock condition and 60% - 65% with minor performance modifications.
After installation of the Power Commander with the base map, we would expect to
see 85%-95% optimization.
Alternate Maps
Each Power Commander is supplied with a number of alternate maps on a CD-ROM
and all the maps are available for download on Dynojet's
website. You may notice that we have a map specifically for "Brand A" slip-on
exhaust and another for "Brand B" slip-on exhaust. Although the
difference between the two maps is likely to be very small, these difference
will increase the optimization for that given combination. If you have a
"Brand C" exhaust and we do not have a specific map, you should find
that "Brand A" or Brand B" maps will provide a good improvement
on your bike.
Face Plate Buttons
You can change the fuel curve with the faceplate buttons. This is a simple
adjustment that can move the fuel curve richer or leaner in each area of the
map. (Please refer to the paper installation guide or adjustment video on the
CD-ROM).
Computer Mapping
If
you have a Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP computer, you can upload alternate maps or
make changes to the existing map using the Control
Center software and serial port link cable supplied with your PC. (Detailed
Software tutorials and quick reference software screen shots are available on
the CD_ROM or web-site).
How do I get 100% optimization?
First ask yourself is it necessary?
You installed the PC, you noticed a positive improvement and the most
annoying problems like overheating, surging or pinging have been eliminated. In
this state you are probably 90% optimized. If you desire 100% optimization or
you require a custom map for a special application, you must select a dealer
that has the proper equipment and training to accomplish this for a reasonable
cost and without damage to your motorcycle.
Ignition
Power Commanders for some models can also control the Ignition Curve. You can
adjust the ignition curve for increased part throttle response, increased peak
power, or to eliminate detonation. On most models the ignition curve is close to
optimum for "pump" fuel. In some cases it is possible to increase part
throttle torque by adjusting the timing. With high octane racing fuel further
gains can be realized at wide open throttle. Harley Davidson models, in some
configurations, can benefit from a reduction in timing advance. If heavily
loaded or during hot weather the PC can be adjusted to eliminate the
"pinging" that is so common during these conditions.
Complete
Sales Guide
Click here for Power Commander FAQs
All parts sold by MPS are for off road closed course use. They are not intended for use on public streets or highways.
