PCLink Information

Overview

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 Overview

The PCLink screen is divided into three main areas:

1. Configuration (top)
   
2. Tables/Maps (middle)
   
3. Runtime Display (bottom)
   

Each area of the screen provides different information but in all cases are displayed at the same time.  This reduces the need to continuously jump back and forward between different parts of the program.  The information displayed in each area of the screen is easily changed.  For example, when tuning the fueling under boost, instead of having to continuously jump between boost, fuel table and display options, PCLink can be easily set up to show boost control settings in the configuration area, while the fuel table is edited in the table/map area and air/fuel ratio (plus other items) is displayed as a realtime plot in the runtime display area.

PCLink's configuration area is used to set all Link Engine Management System configuration options and control values.  Configuration options are grouped under related headings in an easy to navigate tree type menu system.  Warnings are provided when values are entered that are potentially harmful or not allowed.  Configuration options are automatically customised to match the exact model of Link ECU upon connection.

The table/map area of PCLink is used to edit tables and maps (eg. Fuel, Ignition, Boost, Injector Trim, etc...).  IIndividual cells/zones can be adjusted using the mouse or keyboard shortcut keys while complete rows can be adjusted in the same manner to reduce tuning time.  Tables/maps are laid out in an easy to find tabbed view and can be quickly selected.  Only the tables/maps that have been activated are displayed to further simplify tuning.

Fuel and ignition tables/maps (and most others) can be up to 22 columns by 20 rows (440 cells/zones).  Most tables/maps allow the number of rows and columns to be selected.  This allows the use of smaller simpler tables/maps for less critical applications and reduced tuning time or high precision tables/maps for more critical applications.  The centre values of rows and columns can also be adjusted to improve the precision of the table/map in particular areas.  As with all PCLink adjustments, values that have been modified but not permanently stored are highlighted blue.

The runtime area of PCLink displays all information in real time (while the engine is running).  Runtime vales can be viewed in many different ways each offering unique advantages.  Views include tabbed lists, animated gauges, real time log/plot, and 2D/3D table/map views.

Chosen run time values can be logged and plotted.  Logs can be saved for later analysis.  This is an extremely useful feature for tuning and diagnostics allowing the tuner to do test runs and analyse results later that may well have been missed when they occurred.

Real time gauges allow an easily viewed means of monitoring parameters.  Gauges can be customised  to display any value over a user configurable range.

2D and 3D table/map views allow tables/maps to be easily  visualised.  This also provides a quick means of ensuring that there are no abnormal values in the table/map.  2D and 3D views show the active zone/cell in real time.

New

Password Protection

(added 17th December, 2008)

G4 ECUs now can now be password protected (as of firmware verion 4.3.2).  Password protection allows the tuner to protect themselves from unauthorised access to the ECU.  Customer ECUs can be locked using a password with varying levels of protection.  The main advantages of password protection are:

• Protection against 'fiddlers' altering settings after the engine has been tuned.
• Protection of hard earned tuning numbers.

The most typical use for password protection would be to lock every ECU after tuning.  This would allow the tuner to be confident the customer will not alter any settings that may result in engine damage (and a possible attempt to blame the tuner).  The customer could request a password or that their ECU be unlocked.  The tuner could then relieve themselves of any warranty on that tune after the ECU is unlocked.

G4 Password Protection allows different levels of locking.  Settings can  be made to remain visible but can't be changed or made completely visible.  Runtime values can be left visible or hidden.  The ability to store settings and clear diagnostic information can also be controlled.

On Board Data Logging

(added 8th December 2008)

The latest G4 firmware version enables the ECUs on board data logging functionality.  On board data logging is an essential feature for tuning and motorsport 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 ECU's are built with 32Mbit flash memory fitted.  This is significantly more data logging memory than competitors' ECUs.  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 14 minutes. Slower rates allow for over 11 hours 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.

QuickTune

(added 8th December 2008)

Using PCLink, QuickTune is an interactive tuning tool that assists in time efficient fuel tuning.   A graphical display of Target AFR (desired AFR) and Actual AFR (measured AFR) is provided.   A dual pointer gauge allows the tuner to quickly see how close Actual AFR is to the Target AFR.  QuickTune can be setup to operate over the entire fuel table or just over a particular area.

QuickTune can be used in Manual or Automatic modes.  In Manual mode, QuickTune guides you to cell centering and advises you when is a suitable time to make a fuel table adjustment.   With the press of a key a calculated adjustment is made.  Often only one or two adjustments are required to tune each cell.  In Automatic mode QuickTune does all the adjustments for you.   This leaves the tuner free to operate the Dyno or perform other tuning work such as making ignition or cam angle adjustments.

Features

PCLink Key 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

Specification

Computer

PC or laptop with Pentium processor (or equivalent) at 300MHz (or faster) with 64MB RAM.  Hard disk with at least 20MB free space.

Operating System

Windows XP / Vista

Peripherals

USB port or RS 232 port

ECUs

Current ECUs that are tunable using PCLink (go to downloads page):

• G4 Xtreme
• G4 Storm
• G4 Plug-Ins

Older model Link ECUs that are tunable using PCLink (refer to downloads page)

• G3 and G4 ECUs
• LEM G3
• LinkPlus G3
• WRXLink G3
• EvoLink G3
• LinkPlus G2
• EvoLink G2
• Older ECUs (G1)
• LEM V5
• LinkPlus V10
• LinkPlus V14
• G1 Plug-In ECUs
  

Accessories

USB cable

Serial cable

USB to Serial converter

Downloads

Download the latest PCLink software