PCLink G4

Overview

PCLink G4 is Link Engine Managements PC based tuning software to compliment the G4 ECU Range.

PCLink G4 is not just your typical basic ECU configuration package!  PCLink G4 combines ECU configuration, advanced tuning assistance features, data logging analysis, and a long list of other features to make the most comprehensive tuning package available.

PCLink G4 gives the tuner the ability to design the tuning software layout to suit their needs.  A tabbed page system allows multiple pages of information to be arranged and quickly viewed.

PCLink G4 can be used with all G4 based ECUs.

Main Features

• Compatible with all Link G4 based ECUs.
• Fast efficient tuning of all available ECU parameters.
• Mouse or keyboard driven.
• Advanced time saving tuning features and shortcuts.
• Automated fuel tuning.
• Record, save, download and analyse data log files.
• User configurable layout pages.
• Large number of different "views" for displaying ECU and log data.
• Comprehensive context sensitive help for all features.

Features

General

• User friendly interface to Link  Engine Management Systems simplifies tuning and diagnostics.
• User configurable page layouts.
• Large number of ECU and logging views can be arranged on pages.
• Open/Save log files.
• Popout menu for tuning functions increases screen space.
• Microsoft Windows based.
• Auto detect and connect to ECUs.
• Mouse or Keyboard driven.

• Adjust and view all ECU parameters in real time.
• Text based menu systems.  Allows the tuner to select an option rather than just type in a number!
• Advanced time saving table editing features and shortcut keys.
• Display and edit multiple tuning functions at the same time (eg fuel and ignition tables).
• Fast navigation through ECU adjustments.
• Graphical warning of critical situations (eg high engine temperature).
• Context sensitive help available for all ECU tuning functions.
• Automated fuel tuning using QuickTune.
• ECU firmware update.
• View/reset ECU statistic information.
• Password protect ECU configuration.
• View/reset stored ECU fault codes.
• Advanced configuration allows displayed information and gauges to alter dynamically depending on the selected table.  Eg fuel related information displayed when fuel table selected.

• Switch between logging and ECU modes or combine them as required.
• Time Plot, XY Plot, Histogram, Text, Value and Statistics logging views.
• Each view can be configured as to what and how it displays.
• Record/Save/Replay logs directly from ECU.
• Download and view ECU log files.
• Save information with log files such as driver, engine, track etc...
• Automatic log record triggering based on ECU parameter (eg RPM over 2000).
• Global time display range ensures all log views only show information relevant to the selected part of a log file.

Screen Shots

ECU Tuning Fully configurable multi-page layout. Interactive 3D surface graph. Multiple table display. Configurable gauges, plotting and runtime values. Warnings and Status information.
ECU Configuration Logically organised settings. Popout settings menu saves screen space. On screen help displayed for each setting.
Runtime Values Single key press to view all runtime values. Key or click through tabs for fast access to all runtime information.
Gauges Many types of gauges available. Each gauge properties configurable.
QuickTune Fully configurable automated fuel tuning. Multiple tables displayed. Critical runtime information displayed.
Logging Configurable multi-page logging layouts. Display ECU or PC recorded log files. Multi-trace plotting. X-Y plotting with selectable color channel. Histogram Log text view. Multiple plot groups. Complete log navigator.
Warnings: In this picture: Selectable large font sizes. Configurable low and high priority upper and lower limits. Clear visual indication of error conditions.

Specification

ECU Minimum Requirements

• Link G4 based ECU with firmware V4.5.0 or later (PCLink for older ECU versions can be found on the downloads page).

PC Minimum Requirements

• PC or laptop with Pentium processor (or equivalent) at 1GHz (or faster).
• 256MB (or more) RAM.
• Hard disk with at least 20MB free space.
• Recommend 1280 x 800 screen size or larger but all screen sizes supported.

Operating System

• Windows XP / Vista / Windows 7

Peripherals

USB port or RS 232 port.

Accessories

No accessories are required to use PCLink.

• All Link G4 ECUs are shipped with the required tuning cables.
• ECU USB drivers are included in the PCLink download.
• Can be used without an ECU connected  for file preparation or evaluation.

Downloads

G4 ECUs

G2 and G3 ECUs

• PCLink V3.40 (Build 1) - Required for G3 and G2 ECU's with firmware version 1.9.0 or earlier.
• G2/G3 ECU Help for Vista and Windows 7 - Windows Vista and 7 no longer supports the winhelp help file included with the PCLink download.  Download this help if running Windows Vista or 7.

G1 ECUs

• PCLink V2.5 - G1 ECU's Only - LEM V4, LEM V5, LinkPlus V10, LinkPlus V14, Most G1 Plug-In ECUs.
• G1 ECU Help for Vista and Windows 7 - Windows Vista and 7 no longer supports the winhelp help file included with the PCLink download.  Download this help if running Windows Vista or 7.

Release Notes

Release Version 4.x.x.1156

New Features

• Temporary Password Protection unlock - Allows unlocking of a password protected ECU temporarily without  permanently unlocking.  The ECU will be locked next connect.

Fixes

• Display Min and Max values were not being saved for parameters.
• Axis did not work correctly on tables assigned to table allocation slot 11.
• Offline table allocation did not work for GP RPM Limit 2.
• Log File Manager did not update correctly after recording a log file.
• Sections and Markers were out of order in the Log File Manager.
• Log File Manager sometimes showed SOL and/or EOL sections.
• Parameter Log Auto/Manual Scaling was not remembered.

Release Version 4.x.x.1129

• Full Screen Display Modes added.

Fixes

• CAN could not be configured on all ECU types that support.
• Improved entering negative numbers in axis setup form.

Release Version 4.x.x.1112

New Features

• Logging sample history.  PC Logging now keeps a rolling history of all parameters selected for PC Logging.  This allows snake trails to be displayed on all tables (previously only displayed on tables being viewed).
• Pre-pend history to log file.  The sample history can be automatically added to the start of PC log files.  Eg if a glitch happens when not logging, can press F8 and catch it in the history.
• Surface graph position and reverse bottom axis setting is now remembered for each table.
• Table snake trails can now be globally turned on, off or paused with a single key (F6).
• Log views now show status type parameters as their actual text labels (eg ON or OFF instead of 1 or 0).
• An option has been added to PC Logging Setup to select either a zoom all or zoom to shortest section upon opening a log file.
• A new option has been added to the log parameter select window to only list parameters actually contained in the current log file.
• An all new axis setup form.
• Settings groups can now be opened from the ECU Settings Menu by pressing Ctrl while clicking on a heading.  Eg This allows all Aux Outputs to be listed in a single settings view rather than clicking Aux1, Aux 2 etc.  Or, viewing of all fuel corrections in one settings tree.

Fixes

• GP Aux Output switching condition values could not go below 0 when using temperature as a condition.
• The save file name was not reset when changing from one ECU to another that were exactly the same type and FW version but different serial number.
• Extrapolate function did not work correctly on tables.
• Launch Control ignition trim could not go to positive numbers.
• Many memory leaks that could cause excessive memory use when the application is open for extended periods.

Changes

• Some re-labeling of trigger mode options to make better alphabetical search.  Cosmetic change only.

Release Version 4.x.x.1078

Fixes

• Digital gauges set to a status parameter did not use the error and warning colors.
• Surface graph color gradients were reverse from table.
• Baro external analog input not scaled correctly.
• Import/Export did not work between two separate <%PC_SOFTWARE_NAME%>.
• Closed loop boost target RTV not visible on LEM G3.  Stopped it from being able to be used as a table axis.
• Add engine kill and rotation direction runtime values to runtime view layout limits panel.

Release Version 4.x.x.1048

New Features

• Common NTC and PTC thermistor calibrations added to help.

Fixes

• Tidy up of various help topics.
• Incorrect display of numbers when centerline mode was used for VVT intake cam.
• Tidy up of settings menus that were not in logical order.
• Row out of bounds warning from surface graph.
• Ctrl-Arrow to copy values in a table would cause row/col out of bounds error if copying off the side of the table.
• Normalise gear ratios not turned off when in manual gear ratio mode.
• Errors in Storm sample file and Subaru V7-9 base maps fixed.
• Memory upload error when turning limits advanced mode off or on.

Release Version 4.x.x.1033

New Features

• Global Snake Pause.  F6 now pauses / resumes all table snake trails at the same time.
• Ctrl + Q or A, Ctrl + PageUp or PageDown increase/decrease full table rows.
• Caps Lock key controls small or large changes when increasing/decreasing table numbers.

Changes

• Changed Oil Pressure and Fuel Pressure runtime values to kPa units for consistency with communication streams and dash displays.

Fixes

Version 4.x.x.1004

New Features

• Logged Data Export.  Can now export parts of a log to .CSV file format.

Changes

• Spell check and general tidy up of help.
• The warning given when all tables are allocated is now more descriptive.
• Tidy up of settings menu and ordering of settings.

Fixes

Version 4.x.x.994

New Features

• Right click menu for checking and changing the cell markers on tables.
• Option to clear all markers from an individual table (Shift + M).

Changes:

• Analog channel fault settings reordered.
• Added support to open old table export files (.pct files) back in.

Fixes

• Could not open some older pcl files.
• Table cross hairs were incorrect when at bottom or right edge of table.

Version 4.x.x.991

New Features

• New Settings View for table and settings editing.
• Settings are now displayed in a tree like structure.
• Ability to apply math functions to settings (eg Add +10% to Master Fuel)
• Can sort long settings lists alphabetically to find items.
• Padlock icon shows locked settings.
• New Table Control
• Most advanced table editing available, there is nothing it can't do!
• Comprehensive keyboard control.
• Select row/col/block, copy, fill, interpolate, extrapolate, move, change and math functions.

• Can apply math functions to a single, blocks of cells or the entire table.
• Logging ghost box.
• Color gradient map.
• Snake trail (where you have been).
• Active cell tracking.
• More responsive with faster drawing.
• Color theme can be changed to suit.
• Axis Setup Form now gives the option to interpolate the table after rows/columns altered.
• Add multiple log parameters.
• Quick Tune / Quick Trim
• Tune ahead trim adjustment. Allows adding extra fuel in the tune ahead numbers.
• Z Key marks/unmarks a cell as tuned.
• Y key marks/unmarks a cell as partly tuned.
• Quick tune fill right and down. Applies tune ahead numbers to all cells right and down.
• IF user2Mixtue Map, ENDQuick Trim and Quick Tune mark a cell as part tuned when used.
• Back/Forward, Lock/Unlock and Font Size options in settings view right click menu.
• Drag and drop parameters onto gauge/runtime views.
• Color theme now applies to all views.
• Improved color themes. Now includes parameter colors and table colors.
• Revision of all shortcut keys, refer to the shortcut key list.
• Parameter colors, minimum and maximum are now global between logging and ECU settings.
• Double click to edit a parameter color, min/max when setting up a log view.
• Double click gauges to show gauge properties form.
• Fast ECU log download. Shortcut keys (D) to quickly download and display ECU log files.
• Improved drawing of view title bars.
• Log markers added when B key pressed.
• Parameters popout menu. Replaces the old ECU Parameters menu.
• Log File Details are remembered between log file downloads.
• CAN Configuration menu.
• Glitch detection in logging plotting. Now shows glitches at all zoom levels so they can be easily found.
• Added a warning when closing views to prevent accidentally closing views.IF user2
• Trigger Scope. Note: Not available for all ECU types.END

Changes

A change to the way layout files are stored means that all log views will need to have their parameters added again when opening old layout files.

• Table cross hairs are not visible when offline.
• Improved plotting resolution on XY Plot.
• Parameter icon changed.
• Print functionality removed as was not working correctly. To be fixed and added again in the future.
• Password Protection now only completely hides or shows all settings.
• Improvement to Active Cell Tracking (F5).
• All tables are now listed in the ECU settings menu instead of only 3D tables.
• Changed help browser right click menu to correct one for views.IF user1
• Bar gauge drawing improved for more efficient screen use.END
• New installations of <%PC_SOFTWARE_NAME%> default to a IF user1BlackELSEWindowsEND color theme.
• Removed the option for selecting color of Runtime Value List views background. Uses view background theme color now.
• A change to the way tables are imported/exported means that import/export is not compatible with previous versions.

Fixes

• A problem where a new settings view was opened when there was already a settings view on the screen for the item.
• The log download form did not correctly display log file time duration.
• Could only remove one gauge parameter at a time.
• Installer did not put start menu icons in chosen location.
• Access Violation in runtime plot view.
• Floating Point Error in XY Plot.
• Settings menu sort mode buttons.
• Drawing on digital and runtime list views.
• Options, Default Font Size not working.
• Tables did not show in correct panels when changing between files/ECUs.
• Colors/Min/Max not updating on gauges when offline.
• Problem allocating dual antilag tables offline.
• Quicktune did not show an error when fuel and AFR table axis did not match.
• F and I shortcuts didn't work when Quick Tune visible.
• Logging views get messed up when large default font size set.
• Quick trim did not work properly if the OK button was clicked instead of pressing enter.
• While a log was being recorded, changing the current log file would cause recording to go to the new file.
• Flickering in log file manager during recording.
• A lot of typo's and spelling mistakes in help and ECU settings.
• Empty menu items appearing in the ECU Settings menu.
• A file called "0" was being created in the application folder.

Firmware Version 4.8.1 - 4/5/11

New Features

• Idle Ignition Table
• Trigger decoding for Cummins
• Trigger decoding for BMW V10

Fixes

• In some cases one or two tables would be allocated after a FW update that could not be turned off.

Firmware Version 4.8.0 - 28/4/11

New Features

• User CAN.
• Trigger decoding for Scion TC.

Fixes

• IF user1Closed Loop Boost and other visibility issues on LEM G3 with G4 firmware.
• Fixed G4 Storm E-Throttle FPS visibility control.
• Gear Cut PCLink visibility on Atom.
• Front Panel Light on a G4 StormEND
• Fixed Injection P&H setup when a PCL file is loaded into an ECU.
• Engine would not start after using Test ECCS Sync function.

Changes

• Reduced Anti-lag Cyclic Idle Fuel Cut exit time.
• Increased BWM S54 Max RPM from 7900 to 9200 RPM.
• Converted speed runtime values from no decimal places to one decimal place.
• The maximum value for the calibration setting on DI 1-6 Speed channels has been increased to 10000.