How the RT, PCIII and TFI (DFO/Race Fueler) differ in operation
To recap, regardless of the method used, the ECM monitors the CKP, TP, IAT & MAP sensors telling it engine rpm, throttle position, intake air temperature and manifold absolute pressure and uses these values in combination with internal tables to calculate fuel delivery and ignition timing.
How the Race Tuner works
The Race tuner is a ECM programming device, it does not remain connected to the bike after the new programs are downloaded into the ECM.
The Race Tuner is used to change the values in the lookup tables that exist in the ECM to make the entire system deliver the proper fuel and spark needed to achieve the performance desired.
With the race tuner you can modify:
Air-Fuel ratio
VE Front Cyl
VE Rear Cyl
Spark Advance Front Cyl
Spark Advance Rear Cyl
Rev Limit
Warmup Enrichment
Cranking Fuel
Idle RPM
IAC Warmup Steps (RPM vs. Temp)
ECM Tuning Constants = Engine Displacement & Fuel Injector Size
If this seems daunting then you're not alone and to remedy this H-D has included a "Basic Mode" that gives you a 2 tables to modify, Air-Fuel Ratio and Ignition Timing. The software will map this information to the more complex tables for you. It's more of a shotgun approach but it's a good way to get "into the ballpark" if you're way off.
Tuning is accomplished by manipulating the table values in the Tuning Mode program and downloading them directly into the ECM.
The Race Tuner also has a Data Capture module that allows you to record data in real time from all these sensors and play it back one increment at a time. This is feature is very useful but can be very tedious if you don't know exactly what you are looking for.
The Race Tuner can modify the rev limiter as well as reset the speedometer to accommodate the 28T pulley upgrade on '02 - '03 bikes. It cannot adjust for variable pulley configurations or chain conversions.
The Race Tuner cannot reprogram the ECM back to it's stock configuration.
The Race Tuner cannot upload (read) the map (program) information loaded in the ECM. It only returns the file information about the program loaded in the ECM. This is why it's critical that you get a copy of the program loaded into your ECM from your tuner.
The Race Tuner can only be used to program one bike, the first one it actually writes a program too. It can read any Delphi equipped Harley
How the Power Commander III works
The Power Commander is a piggy back device. This means it is installed between the ECM and the EFI wiring harness. It remains attached to the bike after installation.
The PCIII DOES NOT modify any of the internal lookup tables. It interprets the data coming into the ECM from the sensors above and manipulates the signals to make the ECM see different readings. At the same time it manipulates the output signals to the fuel injectors and ignition coils to achieve the desired results.
This isn't as easy as it sounds. The PCIII has to do the following to work correctly:
Analyze the incoming signals
Determine the proper fuel and ignition advance required
Determine what signals and values to change
Change it's output signals to the ECM, Injectors and Ignition to achieve the desired result
And do it in a constantly changing environment
I'm not sure the the exact method they use to achieve their results but I'm pretty sure it's a combination reading the ECM inputs and manipulating the signal pulse width to the fuel injectors and delaying or advancing the signal to the ignition coils.
This is all controlled by map files that you or your tuner manipulate and download into the PCIII.
The newer USB version offers an accelerator enrichment function (not really needed on our bikes since that is part of the basic function of the ECM) as well as the ability to modify the front and rear cylinder independently.
The PCIII cannot increase the rev limiter or adjust for the 28T front pulley upgrade on '02 - '03 bikes.
Techlusion Variants (TFI / DFO / Race Fueler )
The Techlusion Variants are piggy back devices but less intrusive than the PCIII. This means it is installed in parallel to the EFI wiring harness. It remains attached to the bike after installation.
These devices can be thought of as "Jet Kits" for EFI controlled bikes. Rather than utilize programmable maps like the PCIII they utilize an enrichment program that's RPM and load dependent, just like the internals of a carburetor. They are relatively easy to hook up but require you to splice into the EFI wiring in 4 places. There are prewired harnesses for most of these that eliminate this need.
RPM, Acceleration, Deceleration and steady state operation is detected and monitored by the device and fuel is added based on internal programming and external trim pot settings. They are very "analog" in their approach to fuel enrichment and seem to work very well for the majority of the users who have simply changed pipes and air filters. The adjustments are typically for fuel enrichment in RPM ranges as well as crossover adjustments to define those ranges. They also offer an accelerator enrichment function (not really needed on our bikes since that is part of the basic function of the ECM)
These devices cannot adjust ignition timing or raise the rev limiter.
AFR – Air Fuel Ratio
ATS – Air Temperature Sensor
BAS – Bank Angle Sensor
CCM – Cruise Control Module
CKP – Crank Position Sensor. The CKP generates an “AC signal” which is sent to the ECM where it is used to reference engine position (TDC) and speed. Home position established by taking readings off the 22 teeth on the alternator rotor.
DTC – Diagnostic Trouble Codes
ECM – Electronic Control Module. (The Computer) Computes the spark advance for proper ignition timing and fuel control based on sensor inputs (from CKP, MAP & TP sensors) and controls the low-voltage circuits for the ignition coils and injectors. The dwell time for the ignition coil is also calculated in the microprocessor and is dependent upon battery voltage. The programmed dwell feature gives adequate spark at all speeds.
ECT – Engine Coolant Temperature. Sensor also controls the cooling fan relay that provides 12 Vdc to the fans.
EFI – Electronic Fuel Injection
EFP – Electronic Fuel Pump
ET – Engine Temperature sensor
FI – Fuel Injectors
FPR – Fuel Pressure regulator
IAC – Idle Air Control actuator
IAT – Intake Air Temperature sensor
ISS – Ion Sensing System…detonation detection
MAP – manifold Absolute Pressure sensor. The MAP sensor monitors the intake manifold pressure (vacuum) and sends the information to the ECM. The EMC then adjusts the spark and fuel-timing advance curves for optimum performance.
TP – Throttle Position Sensor
TSM/TSSM (Turn Signal/ Turn Signal Security Module)
VE – Volume Efficiency
VSS – Vehicle Speed Sensor. Used as an input for idle speed control
To recap, regardless of the method used, the ECM monitors the CKP, TP, IAT & MAP sensors telling it engine rpm, throttle position, intake air temperature and manifold absolute pressure and uses these values in combination with internal tables to calculate fuel delivery and ignition timing.
How the Race Tuner works
The Race tuner is a ECM programming device, it does not remain connected to the bike after the new programs are downloaded into the ECM.
The Race Tuner is used to change the values in the lookup tables that exist in the ECM to make the entire system deliver the proper fuel and spark needed to achieve the performance desired.
With the race tuner you can modify:
Air-Fuel ratio
VE Front Cyl
VE Rear Cyl
Spark Advance Front Cyl
Spark Advance Rear Cyl
Rev Limit
Warmup Enrichment
Cranking Fuel
Idle RPM
IAC Warmup Steps (RPM vs. Temp)
ECM Tuning Constants = Engine Displacement & Fuel Injector Size
If this seems daunting then you're not alone and to remedy this H-D has included a "Basic Mode" that gives you a 2 tables to modify, Air-Fuel Ratio and Ignition Timing. The software will map this information to the more complex tables for you. It's more of a shotgun approach but it's a good way to get "into the ballpark" if you're way off.
Tuning is accomplished by manipulating the table values in the Tuning Mode program and downloading them directly into the ECM.
The Race Tuner also has a Data Capture module that allows you to record data in real time from all these sensors and play it back one increment at a time. This is feature is very useful but can be very tedious if you don't know exactly what you are looking for.
The Race Tuner can modify the rev limiter as well as reset the speedometer to accommodate the 28T pulley upgrade on '02 - '03 bikes. It cannot adjust for variable pulley configurations or chain conversions.
The Race Tuner cannot reprogram the ECM back to it's stock configuration.
The Race Tuner cannot upload (read) the map (program) information loaded in the ECM. It only returns the file information about the program loaded in the ECM. This is why it's critical that you get a copy of the program loaded into your ECM from your tuner.
The Race Tuner can only be used to program one bike, the first one it actually writes a program too. It can read any Delphi equipped Harley
How the Power Commander III works
The Power Commander is a piggy back device. This means it is installed between the ECM and the EFI wiring harness. It remains attached to the bike after installation.
The PCIII DOES NOT modify any of the internal lookup tables. It interprets the data coming into the ECM from the sensors above and manipulates the signals to make the ECM see different readings. At the same time it manipulates the output signals to the fuel injectors and ignition coils to achieve the desired results.
This isn't as easy as it sounds. The PCIII has to do the following to work correctly:
Analyze the incoming signals
Determine the proper fuel and ignition advance required
Determine what signals and values to change
Change it's output signals to the ECM, Injectors and Ignition to achieve the desired result
And do it in a constantly changing environment
I'm not sure the the exact method they use to achieve their results but I'm pretty sure it's a combination reading the ECM inputs and manipulating the signal pulse width to the fuel injectors and delaying or advancing the signal to the ignition coils.
This is all controlled by map files that you or your tuner manipulate and download into the PCIII.
The newer USB version offers an accelerator enrichment function (not really needed on our bikes since that is part of the basic function of the ECM) as well as the ability to modify the front and rear cylinder independently.
The PCIII cannot increase the rev limiter or adjust for the 28T front pulley upgrade on '02 - '03 bikes.
Techlusion Variants (TFI / DFO / Race Fueler )
The Techlusion Variants are piggy back devices but less intrusive than the PCIII. This means it is installed in parallel to the EFI wiring harness. It remains attached to the bike after installation.
These devices can be thought of as "Jet Kits" for EFI controlled bikes. Rather than utilize programmable maps like the PCIII they utilize an enrichment program that's RPM and load dependent, just like the internals of a carburetor. They are relatively easy to hook up but require you to splice into the EFI wiring in 4 places. There are prewired harnesses for most of these that eliminate this need.
RPM, Acceleration, Deceleration and steady state operation is detected and monitored by the device and fuel is added based on internal programming and external trim pot settings. They are very "analog" in their approach to fuel enrichment and seem to work very well for the majority of the users who have simply changed pipes and air filters. The adjustments are typically for fuel enrichment in RPM ranges as well as crossover adjustments to define those ranges. They also offer an accelerator enrichment function (not really needed on our bikes since that is part of the basic function of the ECM)
These devices cannot adjust ignition timing or raise the rev limiter.
AFR – Air Fuel Ratio
ATS – Air Temperature Sensor
BAS – Bank Angle Sensor
CCM – Cruise Control Module
CKP – Crank Position Sensor. The CKP generates an “AC signal” which is sent to the ECM where it is used to reference engine position (TDC) and speed. Home position established by taking readings off the 22 teeth on the alternator rotor.
DTC – Diagnostic Trouble Codes
ECM – Electronic Control Module. (The Computer) Computes the spark advance for proper ignition timing and fuel control based on sensor inputs (from CKP, MAP & TP sensors) and controls the low-voltage circuits for the ignition coils and injectors. The dwell time for the ignition coil is also calculated in the microprocessor and is dependent upon battery voltage. The programmed dwell feature gives adequate spark at all speeds.
ECT – Engine Coolant Temperature. Sensor also controls the cooling fan relay that provides 12 Vdc to the fans.
EFI – Electronic Fuel Injection
EFP – Electronic Fuel Pump
ET – Engine Temperature sensor
FI – Fuel Injectors
FPR – Fuel Pressure regulator
IAC – Idle Air Control actuator
IAT – Intake Air Temperature sensor
ISS – Ion Sensing System…detonation detection
MAP – manifold Absolute Pressure sensor. The MAP sensor monitors the intake manifold pressure (vacuum) and sends the information to the ECM. The EMC then adjusts the spark and fuel-timing advance curves for optimum performance.
TP – Throttle Position Sensor
TSM/TSSM (Turn Signal/ Turn Signal Security Module)
VE – Volume Efficiency
VSS – Vehicle Speed Sensor. Used as an input for idle speed control