G4 Lightning - Ignition Management
Possibly, the most comprehensive ignition system available
Full configurability, no preset inputs / outputs. Logging, motorsport, even closed loop, individual cylinder knock if a KnockBlock is added. Industry standard waterproof connectors, mounting bracket and loom, all supplied with your G4 Lightning.
Speedway version of ECU available that has no logging capability and all motorsport options disabled and are identified with a "Speedway" label. [Read more]
Overview
The G4 Lightning runs the same microprocessor, firmware and ignition control as our top ECU, the G4 Xtreme
Designed and built to be the best ignition system on the market.
- The loom is AVSS automotive quality cable - the same as is used in 21st century car manufacturing
- The same mounting technology as our higher level ECUs
- A fully extruded mounting plate is included
- Mounting hardware is completely hidden for a fully professional installation
- Waterproof automotive plugs
- The same tuning features as our high-end ECUs - tuning is not compromised in this "entry level" ECU
- Full configurability, no preset input/outputs
- 512 kB Logging, even closed loop knock if external devices are added (exhaust O2 Controller & G4 KnockBlock)
- Industry standard waterproof connectors, mounting bracket and loom, all supplied with your G4 Lightning
- Spec overview
- eight ignition outputs
- two analog inputs (you choose, oil pressure etc.)
- two temperature inputs (usually water and inlet air temperature)
- two digital inputs (e.g. vehicle speed and logging switch - you choose)
- four auxiliary outputs (e.g. fuel pump, fans, boost control, O2 heater etc.) *
- one, twenty six pin, waterproof connector
- built in, 2.5 bar, MAP sensor
- 5V out
New
G4 Lightning
Specifically designed for applications where carburetors are required for class restrictions.
It is widely accepted that "power" comes from optimising ignition. This ECU gives the tuner "world class" ignition control for optimising the ignition on your engine.
KnockBlock G4 Interface
Knock, also known as detonation refers to the spontaneous combustion of an air/fuel mixture inside a combustion chamber. Knock is induced by excessive pressure within the combustion chamber causing the air/fuel mixture to self detonate. These pressures can be a result of high engine temperature, inappropriate turbo boost pressure, excessive inlet air temperature, and ignition timing which is over advanced.
The Link G4 ECUs with the addition of the KnockBlock G4 as an interface enables knock control. Information is passed between the two devices using one auxiliary channel and one digital input. This allows configurable ‘time windowing’ techniques enabling the G4 ECU to determine which cylinder has knock, and the severity of the knock. 3D knock level threshold tables are used to prevent false detection caused by mechanical engine noise.
Each individual cylinder can be assigned with a 3D knock ignition trim table. These tables are generally spanned using ‘RPM’ and ‘Load’ as their axis, and zones within these tables are modified dynamically by the ECU upon detection of knock. Timing is retarded on detection of knock in the particular zone, using configurable sensitivity and clamping properties. This all happens within the bounds of microseconds.
All G4 ECUs can be configured to gradually re-introduce timing advance, at a rate governed by the speed and delay of which the user has specified in the settings when knock is no longer detected.
On Board Data Logging
The latest G4 firmware version enables the ECUs on board data logging functionality. On board data logging is an essential feature for tuning and motor-sport diagnostics. On board data logging allows ECU information to be recorded directly to memory inside the ECU. Recorded information can be retrieved for analysis at a later stage.
All G4 Lightning ECUs are built with 512k flash memory. The ECU can be configured to record a large number of parameters at various rates. High capacity memory allows for recording of approximately 100 parameters at a rate of 50 times per second for nearly 120 seconds. Slower rates allow for over 80 minutes of recording time.
The ECU can be configured to start recording when an external switch is turned on or based on some internal condition. Log files are independently recorded and can be retrieved without downloading the entire ECU memory.
Features
G4 Lightning Key Features
- Built in 2.5 bar MAP sensor
- 2.5 bar absolute, 1.5 bar of boost
- External MAP sensors available up to 7 bar
- Up to 6D ignition mapping
- Sequential ignition delivery
- Digital triggering, all common OEM patterns
- Rotary - up to two rotors, fully sequentially sequential ignition
- OEM idle hardware supported - for stepper motors use the G4 Storm
- 5D boost control with three switchable tables
- Continuous barometric correction (on board)
- Individual cylinder correction for ignition timing (3D correction tables available for ignition optimisation)
- Odd-fire engines & two-strokes
- USB tuning cable included
- Stats recording into on-board memory
- Gear compensations tables, user selectable e.g. spark, boost etc.
- Real time selectable dual ignition and boost maps
- Sync and crank sensors can be a combination of Hall effect, variable reluctance or optical
- Boost control referenced to gear, speed or throttle position
- Up to 512k internal logging memory
Up to Six Dimensions of Ignition Tuning
Under most circumstances a 3D Ignition Table is sufficient. RPM is typically used for one axis with load (typically represented by MAP or MGP) on another axis. The 3rd axis/dimension is the ignition zone value.
This 3D mapping will be very familiar to the average tuner and a 3D surface representing the ignition curves can be easily visualised or physically displayed by selecting Surface Graph.
In special cases 3D mapping may not be adequately flexible to cope with all operating parameters.
Multi-throttle, turbo charged engines typically show an example of this. With the throttle wide-open at a MAP value of, for example, 200kPa and an engine speed of 5000rpm the engine will have considerably different ignition requirements than with the throttle half open and the same MAP and engine speed. In this case the 4D Ignition Table table may be used. This second table may be spanned using throttle position on the load axis.
As with all tables, 4D and 5D Ignition Tables can have their X and Y axis parameters selected and their row/column locations adjusted. To do this, click on the table and press X or Y.
Specification
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Software
PCLink is a ‘Windows’ application that enables the user to tune and monitor
Link Engine Management systems using a laptop or PC.
This laptop tuning enables the user to view and alter all functions of
the Link system in real time. Help is available on screen, as well as
step-by-step introductory tutorials, allowing familiarisation with the PCLink software before tuning of the engine. PCLink
enables the user to view and alter all functions of their Link Engine
Management System in real time (while the engine is running).
The programme may be controlled using either the keyboard (quick-keys) or mouse. Online help is available via the Windows help system and all the information is contained within PCLink as well as step by step introductory tutorials. There is no need to carry an instruction book as it is all within your laptop once PCLink is installed. The introductory tutorials allow the user to become familiar with the PCLink software before tuning their engine. PCLink and tutorials are available for download from this website.
PCLink Features:
- User friendly interface to Link Engine Management Systems
simplifies tuning and diagnostics
- View the entire fuel or ignition map as a table with crosshairs to
accurately pinpoint the engine parameters*
- Advanced time saving table editing features such as interpolate, percentage adjust, fill and import/export
- Serial or USB Connection to Link Engine Management Systems
- Access and adjust all Link Engine Management System features in real time* (while the engine is running)
- Upload, download, save and print configurations
- Attach tuning notes to individual configurations
- View all run-time information as lists or on screen gauges
- Datalog and plot run-time information in real time. Logs can be saved for later analysis.
- Edit all tables/maps (fuel, ignition, boost etc...) and view as a standard table, 2-D graph or 3-D surface
*important features that differentiate PCLink from competitors software
Accessories
The Lightning G4 standard kit includes:
- G4 Lightning ECU
- 2.5m loom
- USB tuning cable
- Quick Start guide
- Inlet Air Temperature Sensor (highly recommended)
- Igniters
- Ballast Resistors
- Wide band O2 Sensors
DisplayLink
“Full Information at your Fingertips”
Requires the additional purchase of the 2nd CAN connector. (Supplied as standard equipment on the Storm etc.)
Plug in and go, real time driver display. Users love the DisplayLink due to its ease of use, fascinating insight into what is happening with the engine and the fact that they can’t “mess up the ECU”.
Connect the DisplayLink, it works out of the box. Select what you need to see, the DisplayLink provides the instrumentation and information desired, both while the engine is running and subsequently from the internal memory.
All settings, menus and information are accessible using the five built-in buttons. Warnings are activated if inputs go out of range, a built in warning light alerts the driver and the condition presented graphically (even in direct sunlight).
More information on the DisplayLink
KnockBlock G4
The KnockBlock G4 can act as knock detection interface for Link G4 ECUs. The KnockBlock G4 connects directly with the knock sensor and provides the ECU with an accurate measurement of engine knock. The G4 ECU can then be configured for closed loop knock control, allowing the ignition timing to be advanced and retarded to maintain output power while protecting the engine.
Other Accessories
Downloads
Download the latest PCLink software
Download the latest firmware updates
Download the G4 Lightning Wiring and Installation manual (pdf file)
Download the G4 Lightning brochure (mB pdf file)
Other G4 ECU brochures available as pdf files:
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