New Early 944 DME: Beta Tester Wanted!

[FTECH9]

Given that the module supports both the newer AFM and the Lindsey AFM, from which I conclude that your software includes selectable mapping, I'm wondering why it does not support the earlier AFM as well. After all, this is your target audience for this module.

From a DME design perceptive, no special software or circuity on my end is required to support MAF kits such as the ones from Lindsey Racing or Vitesse Racing. This is because they have custom software that natively understands the MAF sensor's analog signal in terms of airflow density. However, my MAF conversion based on our OBD+ Sport DME works very different. It has special circuity and software that reprocesses the MAF sensors airflow density signal into an emulated airflow volume signal the stock DME program can understand.

The question then becomes why I don't just use this signal reprocessing capability I already have to support the early style AFM? And the answer is with enough engineering time I absolutely could do just that. However, it is not as straightforward of an engineering problem as it seems. The main issue is the early style DME/AFM use a 0 to 12V analog signal rather than a traditional 0 to 5V analog signal. I suspect it is actually a 0 to battery voltage signal which would further complicate things with scaling issues.

Going back to the idea that this DME is targeted specifically for the early 944, well it is and it isn't. My number one problem every single day of the work week is I don't have enough time to do everything I would like to do. A big part of my time issue is spent breaking down core DMEs and building them up as a Sport or 944SPEC DME. This DME is actually a steppingstone to a fully brand new ML3 compatible DME where no core is required. The two remaining pieces of this puzzle are the injector driver and 35pin system connector retainer. I have the system connector retainer figured out, but the injector driver will take some time to develop. However, I can release this DME option now so the early 944 guys don't need to spend hundreds on a late model core DME just to upgrade to one of my DMEs. At some point, I may support the early AFM, but it would be a lower priority than many other projects on my backlog.


-Joe

[FTECH9]

@FTECH9

Thanks for bringing this awesome product to market. Can you build a new DME for the 968? I may be able to lend you mine if needed

I get asked this question all the time, and yes, I do have the ML4 generation of Bosch DMEs used in the 968, 944S, 944S2 and 964 on by project backlog. However, this is a very ambitious project, and I will need to clear out several other projects on my backlog to so I can focus on it. Mainly, I need to develop a replacement for the 944 Turbo's KLR computer to get experience with Bosch's first generation knock control. The ML4 has a much more sophisticated knock control system, I need to make sure I understand the engineering that led up to it. The other big issue is I will need to replace the ML4's integrated ignition module. For this, I have a solid-state ignition system in development that should provide a good base design. Optimistically, if can get through the 12 projects I have planned for this year, that will free up the time for ML4 DME development in 2025.

-Joe

[c5_pilot]

Hi Joe

I have an 83 that has been updated to the later MAF. I had to do this years ago as I had my original DME rebuilt or swapped for an updated unit by Specualized ECU Repair.

Contact with details of the beta test if this is what you are looking for.

Paul

[Jimb462]

I have an 84 that I upgraded to an 87 DME about four years ago and then installed the Lindsey Racing MAF. If you're still looking for a beta tester, I'm willing to try it. Not a daily driver but I do autocross three or four times a year and take it out for fun runs a few times a year. I also am using the Ftech9 dme relay.

[Tom]

Pinging @FTECH9 in case he misses this.

[Latitude48]

Based on Joe's postings on RL, it seems all MAF and other projects may be on hold for the rest of the year while Joe undertakes a substantial upgrade to his production equipment.

[c5_pilot]

I am not sure if he needs additional testers but I have been working with Joe in beta testing this unit over the past few months.

[FTECH9]

Hi Everyone,

I have completed the upgrades to my production equipment/processes and now getting back into development.

I did pick up c5_pilot as a beta tester for the new DME and his feedback has been invaluable. It turns out the enclosure height for the new DME was too tall to clear the dashboard on the early 944. I have since had a custom aluminum enclosure manufactured that has all the same dimensions and mounting hole locations as a factory late model DME. Also, I am skipping over requiring any used parts and moving directly to a fully brand new DME that is identical in form fit and function to the factory DME. The initial release will have a modular injector driver. This will allow you to select ether the factory style "Peak & Modulated-Hold" driver or a standard "Peak & Hold" driver. The standard "Peak & hold" driver should solve the compatibility issue with the inexpensive aftermarket injectors commonly available on eBay. One other feature I have been trying to get into my DME designs since forever is an optional ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) socket for 24/28 pin chips. No more frustration over bent/broken pins, simply pull the handle to open the socket, drop the chip in, then push the handle closed to secure the chip in place. I hope to post a progress update with pictures in a week or two.

No one likes the hassle of shipping their core DME then waiting for it to be rebuild/remanufactured. So, my goal is to stock brand-new computers that are ready to ship same or next business day. I hope to offer them at a price that is comparable to rebuild/remanufacture computers plus you get to keep your original DME. With any luck, the end of the rebuild/remanufactured 944 DME is at hand!


-Joe
 

[Latitude48]

Wow, thanks for the update! This is exciting news. Hopefully, you can get to the 951 MAF project after you wrap-up the NA version.

[FTECH9]

Wow, thanks for the update! This is exciting news. Hopefully, you can get to the 951 MAF project after you wrap-up the NA version.

I have been working a bit on the MAF project. Last week I was able to get it working on the last Beta tester's 944, he reported back that his car is "driving great". I have couple of critical tasks I need to wrap up, but I should be back on that project full force soon. I 3D printed an updated MAF housing that I hope will solve the small idle stability issue. If that works out, I have a high enough level of confidence to make it available to anyone who wants one. While I have the air-flow bench setup, I also want to generate calibrations for the Lindsey Racing MAF kits.

-Joe