Power Commanders

Author
Discussion

lawrence567

Original Poster:

7,507 posts

191 months

Tuesday 30th September 2008
quotequote all
One for the experts....

Are PCIII's all the same just with bike specific maps loaded onto them?
Because surely you could buy one thats not for your bike, then just go to the website and download the map specific for your bike for free?

speed_monkey

3,503 posts

190 months

Tuesday 30th September 2008
quotequote all
really, really, really newb question here..........

What preciseley IS a power commander? Is is a standard 'map' ie chip that affects fuelling etc etc or is it a programmable ECU???

Awaits all the slating but its the only way I'll know biggrin


lawrence567

Original Poster:

7,507 posts

191 months

Tuesday 30th September 2008
quotequote all
I dont know how to define it but, you can load custom ECU mapping to the bike,race bikes have them, but i need to put one on my bike to re-map the fuelling for when i take the cat box off.

speed_monkey

3,503 posts

190 months

Tuesday 30th September 2008
quotequote all
Sorry mate what i meant was is it a "plug and play" system ie a basic generic map or is it a blank ECU that has to be mapped on a RR sesh???

Ive heard the term "power commander" banded around a lot and just want to know what it actually IS ha ha excuse my stupidness.

If it helps to put into car terms........

Is it like a "stage 1/2/3....etc 'chip'"

or:

Is it like GEMS replaement ECU that needs to be mapped and programmed etc etc

MaximumJed

745 posts

233 months

Tuesday 30th September 2008
quotequote all
I have always assumed it sits between the fuel system and the ECU and and tweaks the ECUs normal outputs by either feeding the ECU different data, or making some changes to what the ECU outputs.

I also think the basic box is the same between models, and it is the wiring harness that changes.

fish

3,976 posts

283 months

Tuesday 30th September 2008
quotequote all
I have one fitted to my Aprilia. They are a plug and play secondary ECU which adjusts the genuine ECU signals to improve the map. You basically create a map for the PC which gives you full adjustability.

You DO need the right one for your bike though as hardwired to it is a bike specific short harness which you plug into your bike. Ie a Yamaha wouldn't fit a honda as the plugs, wire lengths etc are different. My single cylinder one couldn't control a 4 cylinder honda engine as it's only got one injector plug for a start.

They can make a big difference dependant on bike.

speed_monkey

3,503 posts

190 months

Tuesday 30th September 2008
quotequote all
fish said:
I have one fitted to my Aprilia. They are a plug and play secondary ECU which adjusts the genuine ECU signals to improve the map. You basically create a map for the PC which gives you full adjustability.

You DO need the right one for your bike though as hardwired to it is a bike specific short harness which you plug into your bike. Ie a Yamaha wouldn't fit a honda as the plugs, wire lengths etc are different. My single cylinder one couldn't control a 4 cylinder honda engine as it's only got one injector plug for a start.

They can make a big difference dependant on bike.
Ah brill cheers for that smile

Steve_T

6,356 posts

273 months

Tuesday 30th September 2008
quotequote all
MaximumJed said:
I have always assumed it sits between the fuel system and the ECU and and tweaks the ECUs normal outputs by either feeding the ECU different data, or making some changes to what the ECU outputs.

I also think the basic box is the same between models, and it is the wiring harness that changes.
I'd go with that thinking. The basic power commander loom bridges out your injector(s) which is how it powers itself and also takes an rpm reading (via a bike specific connection to the LT side of the ignition system) plus a throttle potentiometer reading. For a few quid they also supply you with a bike specific loom so you don't have to solder anything in yourself. The PC can then modify injector durations (how long they are held open for) using rpm and throttle percentage to determine which adjustment to apply from the map. The PC III USB I have also has the capability of running either a per cylinder otherall percentage of adjustment or alternatively individual maps per cylinder (for instance for V twins where the rear cylinder runs hotter). There are downloadable maps on the PC website, against which the particular mods used are noted. You can try each of these to see what best fits you, but ultimately you need a map specific to your bike is going to be the best possible fit. Ideally you'd do this post service when valve adjustment has been done.

Steve.

Edited by Steve_T on Tuesday 30th September 17:24

speed_monkey

3,503 posts

190 months

Tuesday 30th September 2008
quotequote all
Superb guys thanks (sorry for the thread hi-jack)

D1 MAD

383 posts

233 months

Tuesday 30th September 2008
quotequote all
Lots of info on Power Commanders here...

http://www.pdq1.co.uk/pc.htm

vrod

961 posts

191 months

Tuesday 30th September 2008
quotequote all
They are not just bike specific, on my bike they are year specific, from 2007 onwards uses a different model number. The advantages are that you can plug them in series with your ECU and re-map it to adjust for exhaust and air filter mods, even fitted to a standard bike they make it run better as they re-map to richen the mixture rather than use the manufacturers settings used to ensure they pass the emissions tests.
They also do add-ons such as a solenoid unit the connects to your gear shifter to change up. For 1/4 mile runs you set it at say 9,000 rpm, pull away and open it up and at 9K it cuts the fuel to the injectors, the solenoid operates the gear link to shift up and it pumps full fuel in again. Converts your manual bike to an automatic for optimum drag racing sprints.
They are very clever bits of kit.