TUNE BUILDER Installation and User Manual

Rev. 1.2 This Guide is intended to answer basic Tune Builder questions and to act as a Quick Start Guide.

It is not intended to be encyclopedic on the tuning process - only to answer basic questions about Tune Builder. This Guide will give some example tables that have been proven to work in

the past, but the tuner/dealer is ultimately responsible for the final tune on any bike.

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Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................................... 2

HOW IT WORKS ................................................................................................................................................................... 2

ABOUT THIS MANUAL ......................................................................................................................................................... 2

1. SETUP AND INSTALLATION .............................................................................................................................................. 3

1.1 WHERE TO GET THE SOFTWARE .......................................................................................................................................... 3 1.2 INSTALL TUNE BUILDER ..................................................................................................................................................... 4 1.3 RUN TUNE BUILDER ......................................................................................................................................................... 4 1.4 CONNECT USB CABLE ...................................................................................................................................................... 4 1.5 POWER UP THE TUNE BUILDER ........................................................................................................................................... 5 1.6 POWER UP TO AUTOMATICALLY INSTALL DRIVERS.................................................................................................................... 5 1.7 UPDATE THE SOFTWARE ................................................................................................................................................... 6 1.8 DISCLAIMER/LANGUAGE SELECTION ..................................................................................................................................... 7

2. TOOLBAR ICON DESCRIPTIONS ........................................................................................................................................ 8

2.1 MAIN MENU ................................................................................................................................................................. 8 2.2 TAB MENU .................................................................................................................................................................... 8 2.3 TUNE BUILDER TOOLBAR BUTTONS ...................................................................................................................................... 9

3. SETUP AND DATA LOGGING ........................................................................................................................................... 10

3.1 SELECT STRIP CHART AND LOAD CALIBRATION ...................................................................................................................... 10 3.1.1 Select Matching Calibration ............................................................................................................................... 11 3.1.2 OR Create a Custom Map .................................................................................................................................. 12

3.2 CHOOSE DYNO OR MOBILE DYNO ..................................................................................................................................... 15 3.3 COPY AND PASTE TABLES ................................................................................................................................................ 15 3.4 CONNECT AND START LOGGING SESSION ............................................................................................................................. 18 3.5 CREATING MAP AND APPROVING TABLES ............................................................................................................................ 20 3.6 COPY AND PASTE BACK TO RE-FLASH TOOL ......................................................................................................................... 22

GLOSSARY ......................................................................................................................................................................... 26

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Introduction

The Tune Builder Kit will provide the tuner with the tools and necessary data to maximize the potential of the

installed upgrades.

How it Works

The ECU is a specialized small computer that interacts with and controls various vehicle sensors and solenoids.

These sensors and solenoids include the temperature of the motor (Harleys head temperature sensor), outside

ambient temperature and pressure (altitude), throttle position (TPS), engine speed (RPM), load (kPA or Manifold

Absolute Pressure/MAP), and many more.

The ECU combines all data gathered by the above mentioned sensors and, using engine “maps” that have been

flashed into its memory, makes adjustments so that the engine works as instructed. The newer model Harley

Davidsons, (2008 and later), also have a narrow band O2 sensor and can run in ‘closed loop’. Closed loop allows

the ECU to adjust select areas of the map, which is otherwise unavailable for modification while the vehicle is

running.

The Tune Builder software, in conjunction with a Vehicle Communication Module (TR1-VCM or TR3-VCM), helps

to quickly determine the new instructions that will maximize the performance of the Harley Davidson ECU to

greatly increase the speed of the VE mapping part of tuning.

About this Manual

The Tune Builder User’s Guide is a guide that contains procedures fundamental in working with this software.

Many topics covered in this manual are also covered in the help menus available in the program itself. This

manual was not intended to be a comprehensive guide to the Tuning process, because much of that process

extends beyond ECU interaction and control. TechnoResearch, Inc offers training courses that better cover the

depth of tuning.

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1. Setup and Installation

1.1 Where to get the Software

Insert the CD-ROM from TechnoResearch Inc. into the DVD/CD-ROM drive of the computer…

OR download from our website (www.technoresearch.com, go to Support > Downloads).

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1.2 Install Tune Builder

After auto-run, press install and follow the installation prompts.

1.3 Run Tune Builder

With the green Tune Builder USB software key plugged in to the computer, double-click on the Tune Builder

icon on the desktop to run the program. This will install the necessary driver for the USB hardware key.

1.4 Connect USB Cable These USB cables are standard and common. No unique cables are needed to connect the VCM to the computer. The VCM-TR3 also has Bluetooth 2.1 as an option over the USB cable.

Connect the mini USB or USB cable to the Vehicle Communication Module (VCM). The modules are shown below, with the mini USB port on the side of the VCM. Connect the other end of the USB cable to the PC’s second USB port.

VCM-TR1 VCM-TR3

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• The supplied USB Hardware Key with this software has a predetermined amount of uses (how many license

counts you’ve purchased).

•You can use any key, empty or used, to open this software.

•NEVER plug in multiple hardware keys. For example: do not plug in a Tune Builder key and a Centurion key at

the same time!

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1.5 Power up the Tune Builder

Connect the Vehicle Communication Cable to the port on the other end of the Vehicle Communication Module.

Connect the other end to the motorcycle’s data link connector. If the location of the bike’s data link connector

is unknown, see below or please consult the motorcycle user manual.

6 Pin Motorcycle Side 4 Pin Motorcycle Side

6 Pin VCM Side 4 Pin VCM Side

Images may not be exact representations of the connector on the vehicle,

they are displayed in a generic form for educational purposes.

1.6 Power up to Automatically Install Drivers

The VCM-TR1 is powered by the battery of the motorcycle, just make sure the ignition is ON and the RUN switch is ON. The VCM-TR3 can be powered by the battery of the motorcycle or from the computers USB port. The green light on the VCM should be lit is power is being received. Once the VCM is powered and the USB cable attached to computer, the software will start a search for the cable drivers. In XP and older versions of Windows, the computer will prompt the user to perform additional steps:

1. Select the folder called ‘USB 2.0 Cable Drivers’ on the install CD.

2. The software will then find and install the drivers.

In more recent versions of Windows, on a PC that is connected to the internet, the drivers will be located and installed automatically. If notifications are enabled, the user will see the status of the driver installation in a chat bubble in the lower right corner of their screen.

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1.7 Update the Software

Feature additions, changes, fixes, and updates are a part of our commitment to delivering the best possible product to the user. Keeping the software up to date, via the internet updater, is the best way to ensure that the user has the best possible experience with their software.

After the Tune Builder software is installed, run the updater to get the latest program versions, including the newest calibrations and manuals. To update: Click the ‘Updater’ icon at the bottom of the opening screen. This will launch a separate program that will download all the updates and put them in the correct folders. This often requires no additional setup steps to be successful. If issues do arise, it may be necessary to disable the internet firewall on the computer and/or set exceptions for updater program.

Click ‘Updater’ in the bottom right corner:

Select ‘Install New Release’ and let the Updater run to completion.

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1.8 Disclaimer/Language selection

After the update is finished, open the main menu again (double-click the Tune Builder Icon) and click ‘Accept’ to

agree to the terms of use and select a language preference to launch to software.

The software will open to the Gauges screen where you can view live data while connected to a bike:

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2. Toolbar Icon Descriptions

2.1 Main Menu

The Tune Builder main menu offers a variety of commands. Below the main menu are the Toolbar Buttons,

which offer quick access to the most often used commands.

2.2 Tab Menu

File Menu:

Commands to open, export, backup or save a file, close an active window, and quit the program

Edit-Table:

Access to editable tables and engine settings

View Menu:

Contains commands related to what mode you are viewing

Communication:

Commands for connecting, disconnecting, and programming

Options:

Trace and data record settings, access to Mobile Dyno, settings to change units and colors

Help:

Displays a variety of help commands

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2.3 Tune Builder Toolbar Buttons

The toolbar buttons allow one-click access to the most frequently used commands.

Open Calibration Open Data Log

Save As… Print

Strip Chart Gauges/Meters

Auto map/Mobile Dyno PVI

Connect Disconnect

AFR Table Channels/Mode

Front & Rear Spark Table Front & Rear Fuel Table

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3. Setup and Data Logging

Connect the hardware and open the Tune Builder software.

3.1 Select Strip Chart and Load Calibration

Make sure the Channels for this screen are set to default.

You will get a prompt from the system letting you know that you MUST select these channels in order to Auto-

map.

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3.1.1 Select Matching Calibration

Click ‘Open Calibration’.

Select the calibration that matches the one being used in the third-party tuning software.

See the next section (3.1.2) if none of these files match.

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3.1.2 OR Create a Custom Map

If none of the selectable files match the third-party software being used by the user, a custom map can be created instead.

Select ‘File’ > ‘Create Map’.

The Create Map Structure window will open and allow the user to select and enter the necessary structure based on the table layout of the third-party tuner.

Select either Reflash or Piggyback from the ‘Tuning Style’ dropdown list.

Check the box next to RPM and click in the ‘Break Point’ text box to begin entering the y-axis values from the corresponding VE Table in the third-party tuning software. After each value is typed, hit Enter on the keyboard, or ‘Add to Checked Columns’ in the software.

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Once the RPM column is complete, select either TPS or MAP for the next column, check the box next to it and repeat the process of adding values. After the user has entered all necessary values, click ‘Create’.

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Name the file and click ‘Save’.

Click ‘Open Calibration’.

The Tune Builder software will default to where the custom map has been saved, but if it does not, it can be found in the ‘Log’ folder of the software. Select the file and click ‘Load’.

Proceed to step 3.2 to continue as usual.

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3.2 Choose Dyno or Mobile Dyno

Select the Auto Map icon.

Select ‘Dyno’ or ‘Mobile Dyno’ (depending on which will be used) and click ‘OK’.

After a dyno option is chosen, the pre-made or custom map values are loaded and the ‘Send to Tune Builder’

dialog box (shown below in section 3.3) will automatically open.

3.3 Copy and Paste Tables

One table at a time, select all cells in each and copy the Front and Rear VE tables from the third party re-flash

tool. Tune Builder will gather the Desired AFR values from the ECU directly so long as the ECU reports it. If the

Desired AFR is not available via the ECU, the Tune Builder will prompt with a paste option.

By clicking the ‘Paste to Tune Builder…’ options on the ‘Send to Tune Builder’ dialog box, the cells will

automatically be pasted into the appropriate Tune Builder table.

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The table will automatically open after values are pasted. Click ‘Apply and Close’ to approve and accept those

changes.

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The dialog box will show check marks when all tables have been approved. Click ‘Done’.

3.4 Connect and Start Logging Session

Click Connect.

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Click ‘Start Session’

The yellow Recording symbol will show at the bottom. Record data by running the Dyno and filling in the cells on the Tune Builder tracer window (shown below). Click ‘End Session’ when finished logging data.

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3.5 Creating Map and Approving Tables

Click ‘Create Map’.

Choose what tables will open and what O2 sensors to use. Click ‘OK’.

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The window will review the data collected as the cells are being calculated, the speed of this can be adjusted on

the log window before the ‘Create Map’ button is activated. Once the Tracer is finished running, click ‘Exit’.

Review and adjust the suggested changes. Approve changes to the Front and Rear VE tables by clicking ‘Apply

and Close’.

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3.6 Copy and Paste Back to Re-Flash Tool

After the last table is accepted with ‘Apply and Close’, the ‘Get from Tune Builder’ dialog box will automatically

open.

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Select ‘Copy from Tune Builder…’ for both front and rear VE tables.

When each ‘Copy from Tune Builder…’ button is selected, the relevant table will open for approval. Click ‘Apply

and Close’ to approve the table being copied.

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After the table has been approved, return to the third party re-flash tool, select all the cells of the relevant table

and paste each respective table. Check marks will show when the tables have been successfully copied by

Windows, but Tune Builder is unable to verify that the data is pasted into the correct tables on the re-flashing

software. A user review of the table changes is recommended.

With the new information now in each table, proceed with the re-flash as intended.

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Creating Custom Tables

If a compatible table (matching x and y axis values) is not available, the user can create their own.

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Glossary

ECM/ECU (Electronic control module/unit): This is the brain of the motorcycle; it makes calculations based

on inputs coming from sensors mounted all over the engine.

WOT (Wide open throttle): The maximum opening of the throttle valve.

AFR (Air fuel ratio): The relationship of parts of fuel to the parts of air. 13.0(air) to 1(fuel) usually makes the

best power, and 14.6 is considered ‘perfect’ air fuel ratio. This would be the AFR to get an ideal burn

(theoretically). This would be at perfect atmospheric conditions and temps, with a perfect atomization which is

almost impossible.

VE (Volumetric efficiency): This is the most important part of tuning. If the computer ‘knows’ the volumetric

efficiency, it can decide how much fuel to add to run best. It is how you tell it to add or subtract fuel and is one

of only two variables you can adjust to get the AFR correct. The O2 sensor will aid in your adjustments.

MAP (Manifold absolute pressure): These sensors measure barometric absolute pressure in the intake

manifold. By calculating the mass of the air going into the engine, air temperature, and the rotations per minute

of the engine, the engine’s ECU can determine the density of the air flowing into the fuel mixture. The ECU can

then adjust air flow or fuel flow.

CKP or CP (Crank position sensor): This sensor tells the ECM when to fire and inject fuel depending on how

fast the engine is running in revolutions per minute.

IAT (Intake air temperature): The ECM calculates how dense the air is from this input.

ET (Engine temperature): The ECM uses the signals from this sensor to determine if the engine is at operating

temperature, or warming up.

Fuel Pressure Regulator: A mechanical device usually operated by vacuum form intake manifold that controls

fuel pressure. It returns excess fuel from the fuel pump back to the fuel tank.

Fuel Injectors: The fuel injectors are electric valves that open and close to deliver fuel in spray form to the

cylinder. They are controlled by the ECM to precisely deliver the correct amount of fuel at every engine speed,

or RPM, and any given load. The time of injection is also known as the injector ‘pulse width’ and is measured in

milliseconds. Injectors are rated by their flow rate – such as in gm/sec, l/hr or grams per second.

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Electric Fuel Pump or Fuel Pump: A 12-volt high-pressure fuel pump, usually located in the fuel tank, but it

can be located outside as well. It supplies pressurized fuel to the fuel injectors.

IAC (Idle air control): An electric valve that’s threaded to open and close as needed. This lets air into the

engine for start-up, and idle operation when throttle valve is closed.

Closed Loop injection system: This circuit has 2 Oxygen sensors. The information on the difference of how

much is coming out of the cylinder is relayed to the ECM and then adjusts the amount of fuel injected by

shortening or lengthening the time the injectors are open.

O2 Oxygen sensor (sniffer): Tells the ECM how much oxygen is in the exhaust mixture so as to adjust to have

the correct mixture.

RPM (Revolutions per minute): Used to measure engine speed.

TPS (Throttle position sensor): You will be dealing with percentages (0 to 100).