5V source on MS2

[grtskydog]

I have recently acquired a "closed bowl" Ford Hall-effect Distributor to use with my planned MS2 v3 on a 351W. It's all cleaned up and rebuilt, and I tested it today by hooking it up to the wife's car batt. The sensor did fine, showing 12v when the shutter blocked the sensor. The problem is, the PIP in the Fords is supposed to show 3-6 volts for this test. In order to use it without frying it, I need to supply a 5v source to power the PIP (as I assume the TFI did....unlike my hillbilly test today). Is there an output on the MS that I can use, or do I need to take care of this outside of the MS system? I read about making a voltage divider with resistors, but I'm not exactly an electrical guy and I'd probably wind up welding myself to something during the attempt. Suggestions anyone?

[Matt Cramer]

I'm guessing that voltage is an average, something you'd get if you tried measuring PIP on an analog volt meter with a running engine. Just use the standard TFI mods.

[grtskydog]

Thanks Matt. I was trying to decide whether to get an external mount TFI module that goes with this diz or just use the CDI box I already have. The closed-bowl dist. doesn't have a module with it, so with the CDI box it would merely be a PIP signal and spark distribution medium. As far as setting up such a thing, would I really use the TFI settings if I'm not using the TFI to fire the coil? The TFI settings are "inverted" with a 8.0 dwell whereas the MSD settings are "normal" and 25 dwell. I would think my settings would be a kind of hybrid of the needs of the PIP trigger and that of the CDI ignition. I've read both TFI and MSD instructions in the MM (repeatedly) and I'm still a little confused. Getting a TFI module is still not out of the realm of possibility, mind you. It would take up less space and be less complicated from the Megamanual interpretation end.

[Matt Cramer]

We have a "TFI without a TFI" variation covered on our 5.0 Mustang writeup:

http://www.DIYAutoTune.com/tech_article ... ng_5_0.htm

[grtskydog]

Thanks Matt, that's exactly what I needed. I mistakenly assumed that Mustang stuff was all PnP EECiv related so I skipped it in my studies. Ooops.

[grtskydog]

We have a "TFI without a TFI" variation covered on our 5.0 Mustang writeup:

http://www.DIYAutoTune.com/tech_article ... ng_5_0.htm

Matt, I have a follow up question if you're still following this thread. I read over the link you provided, and when it talks about modding the IGBTIN and IGBTOUT, et al for the TFI, it states at the end:
That's it-- you've got your Megasquirt-II Engine Management System fully prepared to receive the ignition input from your TFI module, and return the Megasquirt controlled ignition output out to your stock TFI ignition-- Giving you full control of your fuel and ignition!. At the same time you've also 'modded' the FIDLE output to be able to handle your Pulse-Width Modulated (PWM) Idle-Air-Controller (IAC).

The bold emphasis mine. I'm running a carb style TB + "spider" inake with a GM stepper IAC, so I don't need to mod for the Ford PWM IAC. What part of those instructions do I need to leave out? I should add, I plan to use the FIDLE to control an electric fan (I think I saw somewhere in the MM that's a good output for that), so I wouldn't want to mod that part. Also, the quote is not in error. I think I'm going to use a TFI module instead of CDI after all. The smaller size and parts availability is more appealing.

[Matt Cramer]

The bold emphasis mine. I'm running a carb style TB + "spider" inake with a GM stepper IAC, so I don't need to mod for the Ford PWM IAC. What part of those instructions do I need to leave out? I should add, I plan to use the FIDLE to control an electric fan (I think I saw somewhere in the MM that's a good output for that), so I wouldn't want to mod that part. Also, the quote is not in error. I think I'm going to use a TFI module instead of CDI after all. The smaller size and parts availability is more appealing.

Leave out the part about the TIP120.