SimTeks from 2007 to 2012 An announcement
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From: Enginetuner.co.uk Plymouth Dyno Dynamics RR Engine machining and building EcuTek SimTek mapping
SimTeks from 2007 to 2012 An announcement
After much work, we are very pleased to make the following announcements.
Now, this is starting off complicated, so please bear with me.
SimTek ECU’s have been supplied and mapped for some time now. We first mapped one nearly six years ago. Only a few mappers took much interest to begin with, but now they all do them!
The SimTek has been very successful, enabling a great many to get their car set up properly for an affordable price. Understandably customers have been clamouring for a later version to progress the original concept.
In January this year a new SimTek ECU was announced, using a Gems based board, and backed by Steve Simpson, the SIM of SIMtek. A parting of the ways between Steve Simpson and Andy Leech followed this announcement.
Steve’s new ECU shares nothing with the original offering. Now this left a dilemma.
What about those who already have the original version of SimTek and would like a new one?
Or those who would like a top flight ECU for the first time?
Well, I am very pleased to announce the answer!
A great deal of work has been done by Andy to instigate all the improvements for the original SimTek that customers and mappers alike have been asking for. Closed loop knock and closed loop idle control have been added across the entire range of ECUs and a lot more things besides that many didn’t know could be done! Martyn has been burning midnight oil, and spending so much time on the ‘phone to Andy that Martyn’s wife has been getting suspicious, and I’ve been suggesting Hotels..
Martyn has been joined by other dealers who have sampled various parts of the system.
Along with much road and dyno work and testing of various improvements, they have come up with the following list of mouth-watering goodies now ALSO available from your OLD SIMTEK following a flashable upgrade.
The latest ECU is going to be known in future as the AlcaTek and features the following;
Improved ‘Idle Speed Control’
With a 3D target speed table, and compensation for Fan & Air Con conditions.
• Improved ‘Knock Detection’
The strategy used to detect the presence of knock has been changed to automatically take account of ambient engine noise.
• NEW ‘Knock Control’
The ECU can take corrective action based on the presence of knock. The tuner has the ability to achieve this using Ignition, Fuel and Boost corrections, in a multifaceted approach. The point at which the driver is warned of the presence of knock can also be configured.
• NEW ‘Toucan Interface’
In conjunction with JT Innovations, full bidirectional support for their ‘Toucan’ touch screen colour display has been implemented. This enables numerous parameters to be displayed for the driver, as well as being able to be used as the control input for selecting the calibration in use, ALS map and enable, Launch target speed and enable.
• Improved ‘Dual Maps’
The ‘2nd map’ can now be used either as an offset from the ‘1st map’ or it can be an absolute map in its own right. This is separately selectable for Fuel & Ignition.
• NEW ‘Map Permutations’
Up to eight permutations of the main control maps are now selectable, either via a rotary switch, or Toucan touch screen. This allows the driver to quickly and easily adjust for the prevailing conditions and fuel type etc.
• Improved ‘In Gear Boost’
The gear based 2D compensation tables for duty and target have been replaced by 3D maps. This allows the boost curve to be controlled not only by gear, but also by which of the 8 permutations has been selected.
• NEW ‘Immobiliser or Valet Mode’
A secure ‘Engine Speed Limit’ can be activated via either a PIN code on the Toucan touch screen, or using a secret switch. This is not part of the eight map permutations.
• NEW ‘Wideband Lambda Support’
The ECU will now support full target based lambda control, using an external WB sensor interface. This can be either analogue via a 0-5V input, or digitally using the Innovate Motorsport range of products (LM-1 LM-2 LM-C MTX-L etc.)
• Improved ‘Engine Speed Limiter’
The ‘Rev Limiter’ has been improved by having the option to use Engine Coolant Temperature to adjust the rev limit. The primary rev limit is also now set based on which of the eight permutations has been selected.
• Improved ‘Boost Limiter’
The boost limiter has been improved by using Engine Coolant Temperature to define the boost limit.
• NEW ‘Full Throttle Gear Change’
FTGC or ‘Flat Shift’ is now supported, for various gearbox setups, including H pattern synchromesh, ‘Dog Box’ and sequential change. This can be triggered via either a clutch switch, proximity sensor or load cell.
• NEW ‘Sequential Gear Box’
A ‘Gear Position Sensor’ on a sequential change box can now be used to determine which gear is currently selected. This can be displayed via the Toucan display.
• NEW ‘Exhaust Gas Temperature’
The ECU will now support EGT monitoring via a 0-5V analogue input. This can be used to implement closed loop control of the ALS and help prevent possible damage to engine components due to excessive temperatures. It can also be monitored via the Toucan display.
• NEW ‘Engine Oil Temperature’
The ECU will now support EOT monitoring via an analogue input. This can be used to control the engine ‘Limp Mode’ and help prevent possible damage to engine components due to excessive temperatures. It can also be monitored via the Toucan display.
• NEW ‘Engine Oil Pressure’
The ECU will now support EOP monitoring via an analogue input. This can be used to control the engine ‘Limp Mode’ and help prevent possible damage to engine components due to low oil pressure. It can also be monitored via the Toucan display. You can optionally defer the starting of the engine until sufficient oil pressure has been achieved.
• NEW ‘Fuel Pressure’
The ECU will now support FP monitoring via an analogue input. This can be used to control the engine ‘Limp Mode’ and help prevent possible damage to engine components due to incorrect fuel pressure. It can also be monitored via the Toucan display.
• Improved ‘Shift Light’
The use of the ‘Check Engine Light’ as a combined Knock Warning and Shift light has previously caused some confusion. It is now possible to assign the Shift Light function to separate output if desired.
• NEW ‘AVCS on GC8 models’
As an additional cost option, it is possible to run either type (DBW or non DBW) of AVCS head on a GC8 model ECU. This is done via an additional board which fits the ‘Expansion Port’
NEW ‘Nitrous Control’
As an additional cost option, it is possible to run either wet or dry style Nitrous. This provides gear based mapping of the amount of Nitrous, as well as any fuel or ignition correction needed.
Is the upgrade free? Is it Hell. After all that work, of course there’s a cost. The good news is it’s peanuts.
The upgrade is available for £60 including vat which represents a remarkable opportunity unknown in the world of PCs and mobile ‘phones. Have an iphone 4 instead of an iphone 3 for £60? Not likely is it?
The older SimTek ECU will require a return to AlcaTek for upgrading. You must contact your dealer or mapper to enable this to happen. We have deliberately set a date of July 1st as being the day from which the upgrades will be available. Anyone who would like a brand new AlcaTek ECU from today should contact their dealer, who can order one in the usual way.
Yes, the upgrade will require some mapping, but will use a system that allows your original map to be transposed, and the car will start and run just as well as it did before until you get it sorted nicely. Of course as you know the mapping is the critical factor, and we know that mappers will like it, being such an improvement, and still an absolute bargain compared to other ECUs of similar ability. There's no doubt that the new system will enable a great deal of useful benefits.
We don’t see a major cost implication here, and of course there’s no rush, unless you’re mad keen to get at it.
Here’s something else that should get you on the ‘phone. JT Innovations have been putting out the Toucan touch screen device linked to the Syvecs, and very good it is too. It looks like a sat nav, and sits in the car in the same way, but it’s much more fun than merely telling you where to go.
Well, you can now have one for the AlcaTek, which of course includes the old SimTeks!
Basically, you can use the screen to monitor virtually the car’s entire functions, that’s anything that the ECU can read. It also enables you to control the switchable mapping, which now has EIGHT permutations to choose from. It will also control your anti lag and launch options, including the actual presets, so you can make it work best for your style. It has a very effective immobiliser option which doesn’t use one of your 8 map presets. Handy at the airport, as long as you remember the pin number when you get back from Ibiza. One more really clever bit is the knock warning option, which puts a big red warning on the screen if a preset amount of ignition retard is detected.
I’d say the Toucan is a must have for us Blokes.
If I haven’t bored you yet, here’s another one. The AlcaTek now has a ramped temperature control option which won’t allow too much rpm or boost until the car’s properly warmed up. It’ll also feed in control followed by a cut if it gets too hot. Oil temp, oil pressure, fuel pressure and EGT monitoring have all been added and carry their own mapper defined limp mode options. This is all sweet music to those who would otherwise find an issue turning into an engine failure.
THE OLD SIMTEK IS DEAD, ALL HAIL THE ALCATEK!
Now, this is starting off complicated, so please bear with me.
SimTek ECU’s have been supplied and mapped for some time now. We first mapped one nearly six years ago. Only a few mappers took much interest to begin with, but now they all do them!
The SimTek has been very successful, enabling a great many to get their car set up properly for an affordable price. Understandably customers have been clamouring for a later version to progress the original concept.
In January this year a new SimTek ECU was announced, using a Gems based board, and backed by Steve Simpson, the SIM of SIMtek. A parting of the ways between Steve Simpson and Andy Leech followed this announcement.
Steve’s new ECU shares nothing with the original offering. Now this left a dilemma.
What about those who already have the original version of SimTek and would like a new one?
Or those who would like a top flight ECU for the first time?
Well, I am very pleased to announce the answer!
A great deal of work has been done by Andy to instigate all the improvements for the original SimTek that customers and mappers alike have been asking for. Closed loop knock and closed loop idle control have been added across the entire range of ECUs and a lot more things besides that many didn’t know could be done! Martyn has been burning midnight oil, and spending so much time on the ‘phone to Andy that Martyn’s wife has been getting suspicious, and I’ve been suggesting Hotels..
Martyn has been joined by other dealers who have sampled various parts of the system.
Along with much road and dyno work and testing of various improvements, they have come up with the following list of mouth-watering goodies now ALSO available from your OLD SIMTEK following a flashable upgrade.
The latest ECU is going to be known in future as the AlcaTek and features the following;
Improved ‘Idle Speed Control’
With a 3D target speed table, and compensation for Fan & Air Con conditions.
• Improved ‘Knock Detection’
The strategy used to detect the presence of knock has been changed to automatically take account of ambient engine noise.
• NEW ‘Knock Control’
The ECU can take corrective action based on the presence of knock. The tuner has the ability to achieve this using Ignition, Fuel and Boost corrections, in a multifaceted approach. The point at which the driver is warned of the presence of knock can also be configured.
• NEW ‘Toucan Interface’
In conjunction with JT Innovations, full bidirectional support for their ‘Toucan’ touch screen colour display has been implemented. This enables numerous parameters to be displayed for the driver, as well as being able to be used as the control input for selecting the calibration in use, ALS map and enable, Launch target speed and enable.
• Improved ‘Dual Maps’
The ‘2nd map’ can now be used either as an offset from the ‘1st map’ or it can be an absolute map in its own right. This is separately selectable for Fuel & Ignition.
• NEW ‘Map Permutations’
Up to eight permutations of the main control maps are now selectable, either via a rotary switch, or Toucan touch screen. This allows the driver to quickly and easily adjust for the prevailing conditions and fuel type etc.
• Improved ‘In Gear Boost’
The gear based 2D compensation tables for duty and target have been replaced by 3D maps. This allows the boost curve to be controlled not only by gear, but also by which of the 8 permutations has been selected.
• NEW ‘Immobiliser or Valet Mode’
A secure ‘Engine Speed Limit’ can be activated via either a PIN code on the Toucan touch screen, or using a secret switch. This is not part of the eight map permutations.
• NEW ‘Wideband Lambda Support’
The ECU will now support full target based lambda control, using an external WB sensor interface. This can be either analogue via a 0-5V input, or digitally using the Innovate Motorsport range of products (LM-1 LM-2 LM-C MTX-L etc.)
• Improved ‘Engine Speed Limiter’
The ‘Rev Limiter’ has been improved by having the option to use Engine Coolant Temperature to adjust the rev limit. The primary rev limit is also now set based on which of the eight permutations has been selected.
• Improved ‘Boost Limiter’
The boost limiter has been improved by using Engine Coolant Temperature to define the boost limit.
• NEW ‘Full Throttle Gear Change’
FTGC or ‘Flat Shift’ is now supported, for various gearbox setups, including H pattern synchromesh, ‘Dog Box’ and sequential change. This can be triggered via either a clutch switch, proximity sensor or load cell.
• NEW ‘Sequential Gear Box’
A ‘Gear Position Sensor’ on a sequential change box can now be used to determine which gear is currently selected. This can be displayed via the Toucan display.
• NEW ‘Exhaust Gas Temperature’
The ECU will now support EGT monitoring via a 0-5V analogue input. This can be used to implement closed loop control of the ALS and help prevent possible damage to engine components due to excessive temperatures. It can also be monitored via the Toucan display.
• NEW ‘Engine Oil Temperature’
The ECU will now support EOT monitoring via an analogue input. This can be used to control the engine ‘Limp Mode’ and help prevent possible damage to engine components due to excessive temperatures. It can also be monitored via the Toucan display.
• NEW ‘Engine Oil Pressure’
The ECU will now support EOP monitoring via an analogue input. This can be used to control the engine ‘Limp Mode’ and help prevent possible damage to engine components due to low oil pressure. It can also be monitored via the Toucan display. You can optionally defer the starting of the engine until sufficient oil pressure has been achieved.
• NEW ‘Fuel Pressure’
The ECU will now support FP monitoring via an analogue input. This can be used to control the engine ‘Limp Mode’ and help prevent possible damage to engine components due to incorrect fuel pressure. It can also be monitored via the Toucan display.
• Improved ‘Shift Light’
The use of the ‘Check Engine Light’ as a combined Knock Warning and Shift light has previously caused some confusion. It is now possible to assign the Shift Light function to separate output if desired.
• NEW ‘AVCS on GC8 models’
As an additional cost option, it is possible to run either type (DBW or non DBW) of AVCS head on a GC8 model ECU. This is done via an additional board which fits the ‘Expansion Port’
NEW ‘Nitrous Control’
As an additional cost option, it is possible to run either wet or dry style Nitrous. This provides gear based mapping of the amount of Nitrous, as well as any fuel or ignition correction needed.
Is the upgrade free? Is it Hell. After all that work, of course there’s a cost. The good news is it’s peanuts.
The upgrade is available for £60 including vat which represents a remarkable opportunity unknown in the world of PCs and mobile ‘phones. Have an iphone 4 instead of an iphone 3 for £60? Not likely is it?
The older SimTek ECU will require a return to AlcaTek for upgrading. You must contact your dealer or mapper to enable this to happen. We have deliberately set a date of July 1st as being the day from which the upgrades will be available. Anyone who would like a brand new AlcaTek ECU from today should contact their dealer, who can order one in the usual way.
Yes, the upgrade will require some mapping, but will use a system that allows your original map to be transposed, and the car will start and run just as well as it did before until you get it sorted nicely. Of course as you know the mapping is the critical factor, and we know that mappers will like it, being such an improvement, and still an absolute bargain compared to other ECUs of similar ability. There's no doubt that the new system will enable a great deal of useful benefits.
We don’t see a major cost implication here, and of course there’s no rush, unless you’re mad keen to get at it.
Here’s something else that should get you on the ‘phone. JT Innovations have been putting out the Toucan touch screen device linked to the Syvecs, and very good it is too. It looks like a sat nav, and sits in the car in the same way, but it’s much more fun than merely telling you where to go.
Well, you can now have one for the AlcaTek, which of course includes the old SimTeks!
Basically, you can use the screen to monitor virtually the car’s entire functions, that’s anything that the ECU can read. It also enables you to control the switchable mapping, which now has EIGHT permutations to choose from. It will also control your anti lag and launch options, including the actual presets, so you can make it work best for your style. It has a very effective immobiliser option which doesn’t use one of your 8 map presets. Handy at the airport, as long as you remember the pin number when you get back from Ibiza. One more really clever bit is the knock warning option, which puts a big red warning on the screen if a preset amount of ignition retard is detected.
I’d say the Toucan is a must have for us Blokes.
If I haven’t bored you yet, here’s another one. The AlcaTek now has a ramped temperature control option which won’t allow too much rpm or boost until the car’s properly warmed up. It’ll also feed in control followed by a cut if it gets too hot. Oil temp, oil pressure, fuel pressure and EGT monitoring have all been added and carry their own mapper defined limp mode options. This is all sweet music to those who would otherwise find an issue turning into an engine failure.
THE OLD SIMTEK IS DEAD, ALL HAIL THE ALCATEK!
Last edited by Alan Jeffery; May 7, 2012 at 08:08 PM.
Shame i no longer own a Subaru with a Simtek...
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Alan, do the new features like the rev limit require the fitment of new sensors or do they use the factory sensors? Oh and the EGT functions as well.
Can you supply and fit the Toucan unit on mapping as well?
One last thing if the ECU is sent off for a firmware update would it be ok to refit and then drive the car to be mapped?
Can you supply and fit the Toucan unit on mapping as well?
One last thing if the ECU is sent off for a firmware update would it be ok to refit and then drive the car to be mapped?
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Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Enginetuner.co.uk Plymouth Dyno Dynamics RR Engine machining and building EcuTek SimTek mapping
Alan, do the new features like the rev limit require the fitment of new sensors or do they use the factory sensors? Oh and the EGT functions as well.
Can you supply and fit the Toucan unit on mapping as well?
One last thing if the ECU is sent off for a firmware update would it be ok to refit and then drive the car to be mapped?
Can you supply and fit the Toucan unit on mapping as well?
One last thing if the ECU is sent off for a firmware update would it be ok to refit and then drive the car to be mapped?
Yes, we can fit the Toucan, I'd say just about everybody will want one!
Yes, the update will enable the original mapping to be used, at least good enough to start and run well.
One thing worth mentioning is that all the updates etc, HAVE to be passed via the dealer. AlcaTek wil have more than enough to do, and your dealer/mapper is the best person to liase your requirements correctly.
Last edited by Alan Jeffery; May 7, 2012 at 08:46 PM.
[QUOTE=Alan Jeffery;10613102]
Yes, we can fit the Toucan, I'd say just about everybody will want one!
Yes, the update will enable the original mapping to be used, at least good enough to start and run well.
start and run well? that will definitely be a bonus
Yes, we can fit the Toucan, I'd say just about everybody will want one!
Yes, the update will enable the original mapping to be used, at least good enough to start and run well.
start and run well? that will definitely be a bonus
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From: Enginetuner.co.uk Plymouth Dyno Dynamics RR Engine machining and building EcuTek SimTek mapping
The upgrades will be offered for all SimTeks MADE between 2007 and 2012.
Almost all of them.
In other words, all '93 to '98's '99's and 2001 on.
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From: Enginetuner.co.uk Plymouth Dyno Dynamics RR Engine machining and building EcuTek SimTek mapping
[QUOTE=snake1906;10613138]There's always one, isn't there?
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From: Enginetuner.co.uk Plymouth Dyno Dynamics RR Engine machining and building EcuTek SimTek mapping
Bear in mind there are a lot more tuning possibilities here, and certain set ups will require extra sensors etc.
It all depends what you want!
Last edited by Alan Jeffery; May 7, 2012 at 09:07 PM.
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From: Enginetuner.co.uk Plymouth Dyno Dynamics RR Engine machining and building EcuTek SimTek mapping
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From: Enginetuner Plymouth for 4wd RR Mapping Apexi Ecutek Alcatek Proper Garage More than just a laptop!
Alan, do the new features like the rev limit require the fitment of new sensors or do they use the factory sensors? Oh and the EGT functions as well.
Can you supply and fit the Toucan unit on mapping as well?
One last thing if the ECU is sent off for a firmware update would it be ok to refit and then drive the car to be mapped?
Can you supply and fit the Toucan unit on mapping as well?
One last thing if the ECU is sent off for a firmware update would it be ok to refit and then drive the car to be mapped?
http://www.jti.uk.com/products/shop-sensors/fullpack/
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From: Enginetuner.co.uk Plymouth Dyno Dynamics RR Engine machining and building EcuTek SimTek mapping
im sure theres more than 1 alan, i was just commenting on the start and run well part lets hope that with the ecu flashed and set up it will solve the current running issues or this whole thing will be pointless
im not trying to take anything away from all the hard work thats gone into this im sure it hasnt been easy especially in such a short time,well done to all involved lets just say im less than impressed with the current model and have been waiting for this upgrade since the day after it was fitted
im not trying to take anything away from all the hard work thats gone into this im sure it hasnt been easy especially in such a short time,well done to all involved lets just say im less than impressed with the current model and have been waiting for this upgrade since the day after it was fitted
