What is a Power Commander?
The PC is a fuel injection and ignition timing (on some models) adjustment unit that plugs "inline" with the bikes' stock ECU. The PC uses original equipment style connectors so that no splicing or cutting of the harness is required. Most installations take less than 15 minutes, some as little as 5 minutes. Changes are made to the bikes fuel and ignition curves via the PC's onboard microprocessor. Using this technology we are able to offer a large area of adjustment without making any permanent changes to the bikes' ECU (electronic control unit). Removing the PC returns the bike to its previous stock condition. The Power Commander can be ordered preprogrammed with a your choice of several settings, based on the modifications to your bike. The unit also comes complete with software and cable link that allows you to change between different maps or make adjustments to a map file.
How much power will it give me?
Well that can depend upon many things but what we can tell you is "The perfect air/fuel ratio will ensure that the engine can produce the maximum possible horsepower for that given combination". We must also understand that a typical street rider spends a great deal of time riding in part throttle conditions. Shown below are two graphs of a motorcycle before and after installation of the Power Commander . The top graph shows the horsepower curve accelerating at a 40% throttle opening and the lower graph shows the corresponding air / fuel ratio. You can see a large horsepower increase between the two. The red curve shows a typical stock motorcycle with minor performance modifications (slip-on exhaust). The blue curve shows that same combination with the PC installed and you can see that the line is nearly straight. So the rider will feel a large improvement while riding the motorcycle and it is very possible that the peak wide open throttle horsepower is unchanged. The correct air/fuel ratio number (say 12.9:1 or 13.2:1) depends upon many factors like combustion chamber design but what we want is that figure at every point in the curve (straight line).
How can I tune with the Power Commander?
Base Map
The Power Commander is supplied with a given (base) map stored in the microprocessor. This (base map) is typically a map that has been developed to provide an improvement for most combinations matching the map description (i.e. stock bike or performance exhaust and air filter). In general we have found that a typical stock bike has areas in the fuel curve that are far from optimal for drive-ability and performance. We could say that they are typically 70% optimized in stock condition and 60% - 65% with minor performance modifications. After installation of the Power Commander with the base map, we would expect to see 85%-95% optimization.Alternate Maps
Each Power Commander is supplied with a number of alternate maps on a CD-ROM and all the maps are available for download on Dynojet's website. You may notice that we have a map specifically for "Brand A" slip-on exhaust and another for "Brand B" slip-on exhaust. Although the difference between the two maps is likely to be very small, these difference will increase the optimization for that given combination. If you have a "Brand C" exhaust and we do not have a specific map, you should find that "Brand A" or Brand B" maps will provide a good improvement on your bike.Face Plate Buttons
You can change the fuel curve with the faceplate buttons. This is a simple adjustment that can move the fuel curve richer or leaner in each area of the map. (Please refer to the paper installation guide or adjustment video on the CD-ROM). Computer Mapping
If you have a Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP computer, you can upload alternate maps or make changes to the existing map using the Control Center software and serial port link cable supplied with your PC. (Detailed Software tutorials and quick reference software screen shots are available on the CD_ROM or web-site). How do I get 100% optimization?
First ask yourself is it necessary? You installed the PC, you noticed a positive improvement and the most annoying problems like overheating, surging or pinging have been eliminated. In this state you are probably 90% optimized. If you desire 100% optimization or you require a custom map for a special application, you must select a dealer that has the proper equipment and training to accomplish this for a reasonable cost and without damage to your motorcycle.
Ignition
Power Commanders for some models can also control the Ignition Curve. You can adjust the ignition curve for increased part throttle response, increased peak power, or to eliminate detonation. On most models the ignition curve is close to optimum for "pump" fuel. In some cases it is possible to increase part throttle torque by adjusting the timing. With high octane racing fuel further gains can be realized at wide open throttle. Harley Davidson models, in some configurations, can benefit from a reduction in timing advance. If heavily loaded or during hot weather the PC can be adjusted to eliminate the "pinging" that is so common during these conditions.
