Diags - Ignition Module

Energy One
Slow Vince

Slow Vince

Active Member


2007 Service Manual: Best way to adjust idle RPM is with computer link to the IM:

Establish link (eventually discoverd the receptacle molded into the back side).
Start the bike, adjust the carbonator.

?? Can I set idle RPM with the EHC diags, or must I really use the IM for this?

I have not tried IM Diags yet, but do have the EHC diags working. Because of the mounting position of the IM, it will be somewhat interesting attaching the IM cable to module, looking for an easier way to skin the cat.

Just read the thread about upgrading with the adjustable module. Would appreciate some opinions as to whether it would be worth the trouble with only stock cam and improved airflow at carb and pipes...
;^}
 
scubaman15

scubaman15

Well-Known Member
Slow Vince said:


2007 Service Manual: Best way to adjust idle RPM is with computer link to the IM:

Establish link (eventually discoverd the receptacle molded into the back side).
Start the bike, adjust the carbonator.

?? Can I set idle RPM with the EHC diags, or must I really use the IM for this?

I have not tried IM Diags yet, but do have the EHC diags working. Because of the mounting position of the IM, it will be somewhat interesting attaching the IM cable to module, looking for an easier way to skin the cat.

Just read the thread about upgrading with the adjustable module. Would appreciate some opinions as to whether it would be worth the trouble with only stock cam and improved airflow at carb and pipes...
;^}
Click to expand...
I'm not the expert on this site BUT you can't adjust the Idle on a "Carbonator Bike" :lol: with the EHC if you have a carb all your mixture and idle settings are at the carb ...I will also add that unless your a steeler you can't change anything in the EHC ...if you have the software to access the ehc please pass it on to the rest of us as I'm sure we all would like to have it!!!! :cheers:
 
V

V

Guru
Idle adjust is on the carb next to the throttle cables. To accurately set my idle: With the bike at operating temperature. i have a old sears/Penseke engine aniilizer that has a battery hook ups and a lead to attache to the spark plug wire. This makes it easy as the stock tach doesn't show 100 rpm increments. You can pick up similar items at the auto parts store:hi:

Do a search on carbs and there will be some how to's:2thumbs:
 
Staffy

Staffy

Active Member
Slow....established link?????? Help us out here.....

where can one get access to the software from and next
I believe one has to have a custom cable to make the connection - it is not standard and straight through USB cable - from what I understand it is mirrored.

If you got it - SHARE IT :2thumbs: :2thumbs: :2thumbs:
 
ChopperJeff

ChopperJeff

Active Member
Yes, I would also love to get my hands on the software. However, I have the 2005 EHC with the old style serial plug, NOT the USB kind.
 
G

Gas Man

Cool isn't cheap
Calendar Participant
Ok... the EHC does nothing but give power to the ignition. There is no way to adjust anything for the motor running with the EHC. It only controls the electricity to the components.

You can see the idle speed via the ignition module (if you have the cord and software). The idle speed adjustment is done on the carb. Now to measure the idle speed, you can use the tach and your ears. The most accurate way is to use the ignition software and cord.

However, you'll also know that the speed is too high if you clunk into first gear.
 
Staffy

Staffy

Active Member
jerr-06k9 said:
I think a group buy would be great for the
software. I'm in!!!!!!!!!
Click to expand...
Not happening...Its too much of a liability as one can do things to the bike by just siting behind a laptop. Stop, start, etc. then the question of "what if" arises....bringing one back to the liability issue. Bottom line BDM will NOT part with it not even for a fee. Outside of that (BDM) anything is possible.....

I would be intrested and not just on the ignition but also on all the EHC components...count me in. (Just as a reminder and as Gas has pointed out many a time...ther is not a lot of tuning that one can do using the interface..but definately a ton of information that can help in diags).
 
Slow Vince

Slow Vince

Active Member
Gas Man said:
Ok... You can see the idle speed via the ignition module (if you have the cord and software). The idle speed adjustment is done on the carb. Now to measure the idle speed, you can use the tach and your ears. The most accurate way is to use the ignition software and cord.
Click to expand...
Yeah, THAT's what I'm talkin about - adjust the carb while monitoring with ignition module - computer link. Yes, it is a special cable and a USB-Serial adapter is needed on top of that if you have a late model laptop.

According to the service manual, one of the EHC forms shows engine RPM, so I was wondering if I can set the idle using the EHC hookup to monitor instead of the IM...

Programmable ignition modules are more or less normal in the Harley world, and I've been pretty aggravated that BDM holds these tools so tightly. Obvious software license issue with ThunderHeart software, but...

Cannot reveal sources, but there was no $$ involved; just understanding assistance from unexpected sources.

Hmmm, I'm making a pretty good case for installing the updated ThunderHeart module, just to bypass all the problems.

Happy Thanksgiving to all, and to all a good [cold, snowbound] night!
;^}
 
G

Gas Man

Cool isn't cheap
Calendar Participant
Slow Vince said:
Yeah, THAT's what I'm talkin about - adjust the carb while monitoring with ignition module - computer link. Yes, it is a special cable and a USB-Serial adapter is needed on top of that if you have a late model laptop.

THe reason you do it this way is to get an exact measurement of the RPM. The tach is nitouriously off, I know mine is off by abt 300 rpm (at 3k on the tach)according to a spark plug pick up.

According to the service manual, one of the EHC forms shows engine RPM, so I was wondering if I can set the idle using the EHC hookup to monitor instead of the IM...

AGAIN, its not the EHC, what you are seeing is the "BDM thunderheart" software screen. The EHC just gives the ignition power to run, it does no monitoring or recording of anything else. Its the ignition that does all of that, along with recording how much time you spend in each RPM bracket, rev hits, time ran, ect..

Programmable ignition modules are more or less normal in the Harley world, and I've been pretty aggravated that BDM holds these tools so tightly. Obvious software license issue with ThunderHeart software, but...

The "BDM Thunderheart" is done that way per BDM. Not even Thunderheart can open the adjustability in the ignition. Per Thunderheart themselves

Cannot reveal sources, but there was no $$ involved; just understanding assistance from unexpected sources.

Hmmm, I'm making a pretty good case for installing the updated ThunderHeart module, just to bypass all the problems.

It is a good case to get any aftermarket ignition.
Happy Thanksgiving to all, and to all a good [cold, snowbound] night!
;^}
Click to expand...

Responded in BOLD
 
Slinger2

Slinger2

Active Member
OK so no-one on this forum has software for the EHC or the THUNDERHEART stock ignition.
And If they did they would deny it and send me a private message.:2thumbs:
 
bdmridgeback

bdmridgeback

Low Down Chop Shop
I'd say no one has it, seens how the dealers can't let it out and it can't be bought from BDM. And besides, there isn't much that can be done with it performance wise. Go buy the Programmable Thunder-Heart and you'll get the software and cable, Module, Coil and new plug wires for about $350 or so.

...And it will run better!!!
 
G

Gas Man

Cool isn't cheap
Calendar Participant
I knew a guy that USE to have the software and cord for the ignition... but I think he got rid of it when he dumped the old stock bdm ignition. sorry
 
alhall88

alhall88

UAW
I had the thunderheart software and cable that the dealers have but I was not impressed with what it would let you change.It won't do what you think it would. The only good thing it told you your rev hits, time spent in certain rpm's and so forth. As far as the EHC software I have that for sale in the swap meet section for the 04 models.
 
Slow Vince

Slow Vince

Active Member
New IM Installed at LAST!

Geez, took me long enough- but I have good excuses: The Primary Spousal Unit went to a garage sale, and bought the whole damthing!

OK, on '07 K9, the Thunder Heart wires are too thick to match the BDM size connectors, many have noted that. T-H provided a set of BDM size pigtails and matching connectors, so all I had to do was chop the new IM and splice in (with solder). Now I have a "hot swappable IM.

Next problem, thcker wires caused a VERY tight fit between the IM and the EHC, because the wires do not exit the module in the same position as the stock units.

Enter Hoggie bud who has conjured his own CNC milling machine. He did a little mod on the case of the new IM.

NOW it all fits without undue pressure between the IM and the EHC! Use blind nuts, because the stock IM is threaded, and the 5012 is not - no clearance between IM-EHC for regular bolts & nuts.

BTW, T-H engineer provided a custom map for Big Dogs, as the pre-programmed maps are geared more to H-D bikes.

Last step was that I had to reprogram the Tach Calibration, from 0 to 1.

All is well, pics attached, mod and final install...

[/IMG]

[/IMG]
 
Nomad2day

Nomad2day

Longhair Redneck Geek
Looking good Slow Vince....
Got to love it when everything comes together..:whoop:
The Thunderheart people are some great people to work with and know..:D
They have done a ton for me and resolved a number of issues with my EFI bike..:2thumbs:
Neil
 
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