G4 Storm - Comprehensive Engine Management

Overview

The G4 Storm offers the latest in high end aftermarket engine management.  You will be stunned by the G4's performance, features and reliability.

Built with cost in mind, G4 Storm delivers the results, retaining all the functions normally demanded by both tuner and driver.  The Storm runs the same powerful microcontroller and firmware as the G4 Xtreme.

• four injection drives
  
• four ignition outputs
• three/four analog inputs *
• two temperature inputs
• three/four digital inputs *
• eight auxiliary outputs **
• one, thirty four pin, waterproof connector
• built in, 4 bar, MAP sensor
• 5V out
• USB to Link CAN cable
• Link CAN connector
• Spare injection and ignition channels can be auxiliary outputs

* one digital input shares the same pin as one analogue input. Unused injection and ignition drives can also be used as auxiliary outputs.

New

New Features - August 2010

• High pressure 4 bar MAP sensor is standard
• Electric blue anodized enclosure
• Power LED in the connector end of the enclosure
• Low power consumption thanks to the new switch mode power supply

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 Storm 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 Storm 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.

The G4 Storm 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 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

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

G4 Storm Key Features

• Built in 4 bar MAP sensor (4 bar absolute, 3 bar of boost)
• Up to 6D fuel and ignition mapping
• Precision closed loop cam control (four cam, independent control)
• Sequential fuel and ignition delivery
• Digital triggering, all OEM patterns
• Rotary - up to two rotors, fully sequentially staged injection and sequential ignition
• OEM idle hardware supported
• 5D boost control with three switchable tables
• Motorsport features - antilag, launch, flat shift
• Continuous barometric correction (on board)
• CAN port
• QuickTune - automated fuel tuning
• Individual cylinder correction
• Odd-fire engines & two-strokes
• USB tuning cable included
• Stats recording into on-board memory
  
• Gear compensations for spark, boost and fuel
• Real time selectable dual fuel, 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 4MB internal logging memory
  
• Staged injection
• Firmware updates available online (linkecu.com)

• Brief Specification

• four injection drives
• four ignition outputs
• three/four analog inputs*
• two temperature inputs
• three/four digital inputs*
• eight auxiliary outputs
• one, thirty four pin, waterproof connector
• built in, 4 bar, MAP sensor
• 5V out
• USB to Link CAN cable
• Link CAN connector
• Spare injection and ignition channels can be auxiliary outputs

Quick Tune

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.

Up to Six Dimensions of Fuel & Ignition Tuning

Under most circumstances a 3D Fuel 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 fuel zone value.

This 3D mapping will be very familiar to the average tuner and a 3D surface representing the fueling 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 fueling requirements than with the throttle half open and the same MAP and engine speed.  In this case the 4D Fuel Table table may be used.  This second table may be spanned using throttle position on the load axis.

When a 4D/5D table is turned on, its Table Activation mode can be selected.  This allows the 4D or 5D Fuel Table to become active only under certain conditions.  This is useful if an external switch or switching output is required to activate the table (e.g. switching in the 4D Fuel Table when the NOS solenoid becomes active).  If the table is required to be always active, set this adjustment to Always ON.

As with all tables, 4D and 5D Fuel 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

Engine Configurations

• 2-12 Cylinder Distributed
• 2-8 Cylinder Wasted Spark
• 2-4 Cylinder Direct Spark
• 2 Rotor Engines
• Odd Fire Engines
• 2-Stroke Engines
• Configurable Firing Order
• Configurable TDC Points (for odd fire)

Fueling Adjustments

• Up to 440 Zone Fuel Table with configurable load and RPM centres. Configurable X and Y Axis Parameters
• Multiple Fuel Tables
• Up to 6D Fuel Mapping
• Injection Rate
• Master Enrichment
• Pre Crank Prime
• Crank Enrichment
• Post Start Enrichment
• Warm Up Enrichment
• Acceleration Enrichment
• IAT Fuel Correction
• Injector Deadtime Compensation
• Overrun Fuel Cut
• Idle Load Trims
• Fuel Temperature Correction

Ignition Adjustments

• Up to 440 Zone Ignition Table with configurable load and RPM centres. Configurable X and Y Axis Parameters
• Closed Loop Knock Control.  (Requires External Controller)
• Crank Dwell Extension
• Maximum Advance
• AFR Table Correction
• Spark Duration
• Beginning / End Injection Definable
• Dwell Time Table.  Configurable X and Y Axis Parameters
• Individual Cylinder Trim
• Individual Cylinder Tables
• Multiple Ignition Tables
• Up to 6D Ignition Mapping
• Individual Cylinder Ignition Trim
• IAT Trim
• Voltage Correction
• ECT Trim
• OEM Compatibility
• CDI Compatibility

Limits

• Engine Temperature Dependent Soft and Hard RPM Limit
• Engine Temperature Dependent Soft and Hard Boost Limit
• Vehicle Speed Limit
• System Voltage Limit
• User Configurable RPM Limit based on external input

Triggering

• Digital Trigger Decoding
• Reluctor, Optical Proximity or Hall Sensors
• Programmable filtering and arming thresholds
• Configurable trigger patterns or preset triggering options.
• Supports nearly all OEM trigger patterns and custom trigger arrangements

MotorSport Features

• Antilag Group A/Group N
• Launch/Traction Control
• Flat Shifting
• Stats Logging
• Staged Injection

Auxiliary Output Options

• Each Output independently configurable
• Unused ignition and injection outputs available as auxiliary outputs
• General Purpose Output
• General Purpose PWM
• Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control
• Closed Loop Idle Speed Control (Solenoid or Stepper (4 & 6 Terminal))
• Fuel Pump
• Fuel Pump Speed Control
• Engine Fan
• Air Con Clutch
• Air Con Fan
• Intercooler Spray
• Tacho
• Check Engine Light
• Purge Solenoid
• Oxygen Sensor Heater
• Switched Cam Solenoid

Variable Valve Timing

• Up to 4 channel independent
• Precision Closed Loop Control
• 3D Tables with configurable X and Y axis controls
• Preset or Custom Configuration
• Supported Engines - 1UZFE VVTi; Subaru AVCS; EVO 9 VVT; BMW VANOS; Toyota 3SGE, 1ZZ, IJZ, 2NZ, 2JZ; Honda K20; Nissan VQ35; Ford V8; Holden V6

Processing

• 40 MHz Specialised Engine Management Microprocessor
• Ignition control to 0.1 degree, fuel to 0.01 ms
• 32 Bit Calculation
• 10 Bit ADC Resolution
• 20000+ RPM
• 4Mb Non Volatile Flash

Inputs/Output

• 4 High Current Injector Drives
• 4 Ignition Channels
• 8 Auxiliary Outputs
• 3 / 4 Digital Inputs
• +5V Out
• +8V Out
• 2 Temperature Inputs
• 3/4 0-5V Analog Inputs
• 2 Trigger Inputs (Reluctor, Optical or Hall Sensors)
• On Board Baro Correction (Real Time)
• On Board 4 bar MAP Sensor

Communications

• Tuning Port USB Via Adapter
• Serial RS232
• CAN

Analog Inputs

• Each channel independently configurable with preset or custom calibrations
• Wideband O2 (from external controller)
• Boost Adjust Signal
• Configurable Fault Detection Settings
• Voltage (0-5V)
• Pyro (from external controller)
• Throttle Position
• Pressure (general purpose, fuel, oil)
• Air Flow Meter
• MAP
• Temperature (coolant, IAT, general purpose)
• Throttle Position
• Narrow Band O2

Boost Control

• Engine Temp Correction
• IAT Correction
• Multiple Boost Tables
• External Adjustment

Idle Control

• Reliable and accurate user configurable Closed Loop Control
• Solenoid or Stepper Motor ISC Valve
• Aircon, Engine Fan or Power Steer idle up
• Open Loop Control Mode for diagnostics

Environment

• Internal Temperature Range -10 - 85oC
• Ambient Temperature Range -30 - 90oC
• Voltage 8 - 22V
• Operating Current 200mA
• Electrical protection on all inputs and outputs

PCLink

• Adjust ALL parameters in real time
• Mouse or keyboard operation
• Tuning
• QuickTune - automated fuel self tuning
• Logging Analysis
• Diagnostic Information
• Built In Help
• Definable Screen Layouts
• View over 300 possible runtime parameters

Physical

• Length: 142 mm
• Width: 126 mm
• Height: 42 mm
• Weight: 600 grams
• Connector : 34 Pin Waterproof Automotive

Package Contents

• Storm G4 ECU
• 2.5 Metre Wiring Harness
• Mounting Brackets and Screws
• Wiring and Installation Instructions

Additional Accessories (Purchased Separately)

• Intake Air Temperature Sensor

• Throttle Position Sensor
• 1,2 or 3 Channel Link Igniter
• Narrowband Oxygen Sensor
• Wideband O2 Controller & Sensor
• Injector Ballast Resistor Packs

    - 1 x 1R (6 x <6R injectors)
    - 2 x 1R (12 x <6R injectors)
    - 1 x 4R7 (1 x <6R injectors)
    - 2 x 4R7 (2 x <6R injectors)
    - 1 x 2R2 (1 x <3R injectors)
    - 2 x 2R2 (2 x <3R injectors)
    - 4 x 4R7 (4 x <6R injectors)
    - 6 x 4R7 (6 x <6R injectors)

Manufacturing Standard

• ISO 13485
  

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

More information on PCLink

Accessories

The Storm G4 standard kit includes:

• G4 Storm ECU
• 2.5m wiring loom
• ECU mounting kit
• Wiring and installation instructions

• Inlet Air Temperature Sensor (highly recommended)
• Igniters
• Ballast Resistors
• Wide band O₂ Sensors  

DisplayLink

“Full Information at your Fingertips”

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

Other Accessories

Input Sensors

Output Conditioners and Devices

Tuning Tools

Downloads

Download a pdf brochure (2.3mB) on the G4 Storm ECU

Download the Wiring and Installation manual for the G4 Storm - includes G4 Xtreme and G4 Atom (pdf brochure)

Download the latest PCLink software

Download the latest firmware updates

Other G4 brochures available to download (pdf files):

• Xtreme (2.1mB file)
  
• RX (2.5mB file)
• Atom (1.9mB file)
• Plug-In (2.2mB file)