Introduction to VersaTuner

[Steve@VersaTune]

What is VersaTuner?
In a nutshell, VersaTuner is software (Windows application) that can connect to your car and change the way your engine operates to give you more power, better fuel economy and greater control.

How can it do that?
At the heart of each modern car lies an engine electronic control unit (ECU) that governs all aspects of your engine operation. It is a small computer that constantly receives data from various sensors (engine speed, fuel pressure, air pressure, etc.) and sends commands to multiple outputs (injects fuel, ignites a spark or adjusts the speed of the turbocharger). The logic that describes how your engine operates is stored in the flash memory of the ECU and can be altered by VersaTuner. As a result, the ECU will raise the boost pressure, inject more fuel and make any other changes to make your car run faster than before.

Isn’t the engine already optimized to run at max power?
Engines are programmed at the factory to run well in all climates (from Africa to Siberia), high up in the mountains and at sea level and on different grades of fuel. There is also a conservative safety margin to account for differences in build and wear of mechanical parts. Some car makers release different models with the same engine, but rated at different power levels. Quite often, the calibration of the ECU is the only thing that accounts for this difference. Additionally, car owners might allow for higher power levels by physically modifying their cars (like adding a high flow intake or exhaust) or using premium fuel. For all of the above, there is nearly always some spare power that can be extracted from your engine with the right changes in ECU programming.

How do I use VersaTuner?

1. Install VersaTuner application on any Windows PC/laptop/tablet.
2. Connect it to your car by plugging one end of the VersaLink USB vehicle interface (or compatible J2534 interface) into a USB port of your computer and the other end into the OBD-II port located near the steering wheel of your car.
3. Run VersaTuner and follow the on screen instructions to reflash your ECU.
4. Disconnect the USB cable and enjoy the extra power of your car. The changes persist in the ECU, so you don’t need to keep your laptop/tablet connected.

What else can VersaTuner do?
VersaTuner allows you to:

• Modify ( flash ) the firmware on your car's ECU for greater performance and control
• Download, create, edit, share, and flash the included pre-built performance and special purpose tunes
• Create, edit, share, and flash your own custom tunes
• Perform real-time monitoring and alerting of engine operating parameters
• Data log engine operating parameters
• Graph and analyze your data logs
• Read and clear diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) also known as check engine light codes
• Mask DTCs to prevent them from triggering when monitored equipment such as intake manifold runner control has been deleted from the engine
• On many platforms, we have added custom functionality that is not available from the factory like Smooth Shift, launch control, no-lift-shift, and MegaSpool which enables spooling large turbos for full boost launches.

We are constantly developing new features to expand the functionality of the supported platforms

Who can use it?
VersaTuner's robust feature set accommodates every level of tuning expertise.
With just a few mouse clicks, first time users can install VersaTuner and flash one of the included pre-built tunes to achieve significant power increases. No knowledge of tuning or automotive engines is required to get started.
Users who are familiar with custom tuning can use VersaTuner's data logging, graphing, and built-in tune editor to create custom tunes optimized for their individual car. VersaTuner's intuitive user interface reduces the complexity of logging, analyzing, and tuning, making custom tuning easier to learn.
Professional tuners can also use the data logging, graphing, and built-in tune editor features of VersaTuner to create fully customized tunes for customers. The easy to use interface helps professionals tune faster resulting in faster turnaround time for customers.

Is it safe?
ECUs are designed to be reprogrammed in the field by dealerships. VersaTuner connects to your vehicle in the same way as the dealer’s diagnostic tool and uses industry standard protocols to access and flash the firmware of the ECU. There are built-in fail safe mechanisms in the ECU that will allow you to repeat a flash even if it fails in the middle of the process.
VersaTuner always backs up your factory configuration first, so you can return your car to stock any time. All the base tunes provided in our online database have been thoroughly tested. When you decide to modify the tunes yourself, always make your changes in small increments and data log the results.

Why VersaTuner?
VersaTuner has been designed to make it stand out from the competition in many ways:

• Easy to use: all-in-one application for all your tuning needs with intuitive and well documented user interface and easy-to-follow wizards that guide you through the process. No need to remove the ECU, splice or solder any wires.
• Affordable: no need for costly custom hardware, all you need is an off-the shelf USB vehicle interface, the software can be installed on any regular Windows laptop/tablet/PC.
• No experience required: use one of our pre-built tunes to get instant increase in power with just a couple of mouse clicks.
• Wireless monitoring/logging: use a Bluetooth vehicle interface and monitor the performance of your car on a big, full-color touchscreen of your tablet with no wires hanging under the dash. Forget about squinting at small low resolution screens found in other products.
• Great support and community: we give personal attention to each of our customers and do our best to solve any issues as soon as possible. We are also active members of the car enthusiasts’ community, we listen to feedback and keep adding features that are most wanted.

Want to know more?
Read more about VersaTuner at www.versatuner.com and check out our user support forum at www.versatune.net/forum.

VersaTuner on an HP Stream 7 tablet
Connected to a 2011 Mazdaspeed3
Using a VersaLink J2534 interface cable

[Mazdazilla6]

Hey Steve, I'm looking to make the jump soon. I plan to do all of my monitoring and logging with a tablet. Price is the largest factor for me but I don't want the tablet to compromise performance. What's a good, affordable option?

[Steve@VersaTune]

Any decent Windows tablet will work. 8 inch is a bit small. 10 inch or larger will work better.

[Mazdazilla6]

I think I've found one that suits my needs. It's a good price and the feature that drew me to it most is that it can run windows and android. I'll be using a tuning solution for my 135i which uses android so now I can run 1 tablet for both my cars, and hopefully VT will eventually get something out for android too

Amazon.com : CHUWI Hi8 8 inch Windows 10/Android 4.4 Dual Boot Tablet PC, with Features of Intel Quad Core, Full HD 1920*1200 IPS Screen, 2G RAM/32G ROM and Winkey : Computers & Accessories

Amazon.com : CHUWI Hi8 8 inch Windows 10/Android 4.4 Dual Boot Tablet PC, with Features of Intel Quad Core, Full HD 1920*1200 IPS Screen, 2G RAM/32G ROM and Winkey : Computers & Accessories
Amazon.com : CHUWI Hi8 8 inch Windows 10/Android 4.4 Dual Boot Tablet PC, with Features of Intel Quad Core, Full HD 1920*1200 IPS Screen, 2G RAM/32G ROM and Winkey : Computers & Accessories

[Steve@VersaTune]

Look for 2 USB ports. One for charging and one for VersaLink.

[Mazdazilla6]

Originally Posted by Steve@VersaTune Look for 2 USB ports. One for charging and one for VersaLink.

Will a y cable not work?

[Steve@VersaTune]

Not very well.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[Enki]

Or just have one with a battery large enough to run for several hours.

[xfeejayx]

I use a cheap 8" chinatab. They fit well in the MS6 center cubby. If any serious tune modification or data checks need need to be done it's easy to transfer to the laptop.

Edit: Use bluetooth while logging. I'vehad had no issues with it.

[Mazdazilla6]

Originally Posted by xfeejayx I use a cheap 8" chinatab. They fit well in the MS6 center cubby. If any serious tune modification or data checks need need to be done it's easy to transfer to the laptop. Edit: Use bluetooth while logging. I've had had no issues with it.

Do you use an OBD2 wireless adapter or something?

[xfeejayx]

Originally Posted by Mazdazilla6 Do you use an OBD2 wireless adapter or something?

Don't have this specific one, but any of them should work.

Veepeak Mini Bluetooth OBD2 OBDII Diagnostic Code Reader for Android Windows https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011NSX27A..._.f6fxbMN88S8S

Don't let Steve's modesty fool you. It logs plenty fast for monitoring, and for tuning specifics such as dialing in AFR, throttle control, etc.

But who uses a tablet to tune, anyway?

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

[Steve@VersaTune]

We currently support ELM based bluetooth OBDII loggers. The logging rate is slower over luetooth due to wireless latency.

[Mazdazilla6]

Can the monitoring be done wirelessly only thru bluetooth or can you use wifi?

Edit: Looks like it's just bluetooth after looking at the website.

Looking at the supported wireless devices on the site and saw the OBDLink scan tools listed. Would those provide a faster sampling rate for logging than a generic ELM327 bluetooth device?


I also started wandering about the OBDLink website and saw that they list a TON of tables for the Mazda specific stuff that can be monitored. Saw a table for flex fuel in there as well as some other interesting ones. Do you think that those might be buried somewhere in our ECU or no?

http://www.palmerperformance.com/sup...zda_engine.txt

[Ugnius@VersaTune]

Originally Posted by Mazdazilla6 Can the monitoring be done wirelessly only thru bluetooth or can you use wifi? Edit: Looks like it's just bluetooth after looking at the website. Looking at the supported wireless devices on the site and saw the OBDLink scan tools listed. Would those provide a faster sampling rate for logging than a generic ELM327 bluetooth device? I also started wandering about the OBDLink website and saw that they list a TON of tables for the Mazda specific stuff that can be monitored. Saw a table for flex fuel in there as well as some other interesting ones. Do you think that those might be buried somewhere in our ECU or no? Supported Vehicles - Palmer Performance Engineering, Inc.

Only Bluetooth wireless logging is supported keeping WiFi free for internet access.
Chinese ELM327 clones offer a logging rate of around 20 requests/s, OBDLink devices - around 40-50 requests/s. The max rate for gen 1 MZR DISI ECUs is 50 requests/s, gen 2 is 100 requests/s IIRC, SkyActiv ECUs offer a rate of 200 requests/s. Max rate is currently only achievable using a wired interface.

Palmer Performance listed all possible Mazda PIDs from all Mazda models, however, in reality, the ECU of each specific model only has only a fraction of them implemented. We have exposed most of the important ones. There are no flex fuel PIDs in MZR DISI ECUs. What others seemed interesting to you?

[Mazdazilla6]

Originally Posted by Ugnius@VersaTune Only Bluetooth wireless logging is supported keeping WiFi free for internet access. Chinese ELM327 clones offer a logging rate of around 20 requests/s, OBDLink devices - around 40-50 requests/s. The max rate for gen 1 MZR DISI ECUs is 50 requests/s, gen 2 is 100 requests/s IIRC, SkyActiv ECUs offer a rate of 200 requests/s. Max rate is currently only achievable using a wired interface. Palmer Performance listed all possible Mazda PIDs from all Mazda models, however, in reality, the ECU of each specific model only has only a fraction of them implemented. We have exposed most of the important ones. There are no flex fuel PIDs in MZR DISI ECUs. What others seemed interesting to you?

- Unfiltered Turbine Shaft Speed or Turbine Shaft Speed
- Fuel Pump Monitor and Fuel Pump (not sure how they're different but it'd be nice to be able to see how hard the ITFP is working)
- Cylinder Head Temperature (pretty sure it'd just be the same as ECT though)
- CMP and CKP Synchronized
- Fuel Temperature
- Transmission Fluid Temperature (don't think our trans even has a temp sensor)
- Clutch Pedal Position Switch (useful to ensure stuff like FFS is working properly)
- Injector Timing Before Top Dead Center
- Spark Duration of Cylinder 1-4
- Learned Value of Throttle Angle Offset (I'm curious if this or something like it plays a part in the odd phenomenon where the ECU uses a certain APP for boost reference, i.e. the pedal may be to the floor but the ECU is looking at the 68%line instead. I know @phate; and a couple others had issues with that. Or maybe it was just Cobb related.)

Lastly, would it be possible to get into other modules like the 4x4? It'd be totally sweet to be able to control duty cycle on the rear diff and stuff.

[Enki]

Originally Posted by Mazdazilla6 - Unfiltered Turbine Shaft Speed or Turbine Shaft Speed

No sensors for this, it would have to be estimated based on massflow and would need its own table (which would have to be modified when your turbo changes)

Originally Posted by Mazdazilla6 - Fuel Pump Monitor and Fuel Pump

...?? What are you looking for here? We don't have any kind of fuel pressure sensor other than the one in the rail...no real good logging metrics for either pump other than pressure.

Originally Posted by Mazdazilla6 - Cylinder Head Temperature (pretty sure it'd just be the same as ECT though)

No sensors for this

Originally Posted by Mazdazilla6 - CMP and CKP Synchronized

CKP = RPM, CMP = VVT

Originally Posted by Mazdazilla6 - Fuel Temperature

No sensor for this

Originally Posted by Mazdazilla6 - Transmission Fluid Temperature (don't think our trans even has a temp sensor)

No sensor for this

Originally Posted by Mazdazilla6 - Clutch Pedal Position Switch (useful to ensure stuff like FFS is working properly)

Already exists as a loggable parameter in VT, but it's a binary switch (on or off, not position). No sensor exists for relative position.

Originally Posted by Mazdazilla6 - Injector Timing Before Top Dead Center

Injector timing window math in general would be nice; open point in crank degrees + duration of pulse in crank degrees, though we already have spray time in MS so that could be converted to crank degrees pretty easily

Originally Posted by Mazdazilla6 - Spark Duration of Cylinder 1-4

Spark is instant but duration depends on how much energy is stored in the coil pack; no sensor exists to measure spark duration, but it might be possible to log how much dwell is being fed to the coil packs (more dwell = hotter spark); it's entirely possible there's only one dwell setting and it doesn't change the energy fed to the spark plug no matter what, however.

Originally Posted by Mazdazilla6 - Learned Value of Throttle Angle Offset

I don't follow what you're asking for here.... We can already change the throttle angle vs pedal position via tables in the tune, and I think there's a hard limit on how far the ECU will allow the throttle plate to open (and IIRC, this is a standard on electronic throttle bodies to prevent them from getting stuck open).

[Mazdazilla6]

@Enki; I know that there isn't a lot of sensors for this stuff but if there are tables then sometimes these values are looked upon for certain calculations.

Some stuff is for things I have personal interest in like the ITFP, I'm not dying for that info since I can back calculate fuel flow based off power but it'd still be a convenience.

The synchronized CKP and CMP seem like they'd be a useful back check to be sure everything is timed properly.

I was unaware VT could already monitor clutch position. A binary switch on/off sort of deal was all I was looking for.

I think that the spark duration (or a dwell time) could be useful for examining spark time vs TDC time.

As for the last one, it's been noted by a couple of people. And it's very random, some 6's don't follow APP correctly on certain tables. For example, if you've got the pedal floored and APP is at 100%, for some unknown reason, the ECU will look at a different row. On some cars that row is maybe 68%, on others its 75% despite the fact that actual APP is 100%. I don't know if it's Cobb specific or if there's just some hidden table messing with it but it makes tuning a pain. Phate would know more than I on it though.

[Lex2007]

Anyone use Versatuner to tune the Corksport drop in turbo?

I dont want to trust my car to a random tuner, especially if they are not in my state, never mind $300 every time you make some mod requiring a tune update. Id rather do it myself.

However, I have never tuned a car before.

I noticed that the posts on VERSATUNER forums are really old. What gives?

[MS3Shadow]

Originally Posted by Lex2007 Anyone use Versatuner to tune the Corksport drop in turbo? I dont want to trust my car to a random tuner, especially if they are not in my state, never mind $300 every time you make some mod requiring a tune update. Id rather do it myself. However, I have never tuned a car before. I noticed that the posts on VERSATUNER forums are really old. What gives?

all the major etuner here also can tune versatuner.

[Lex2007]

Corksport recommended a few Cobb Protuners whom I spoke to and they only use AccessPort.

Which tuners in Maryland use VersaTuner?

[MS3Shadow]

Originally Posted by Lex2007 Corksport recommended a few Cobb Protuners whom I spoke to and they only use AccessPort. Which tuners in Maryland use VersaTuner?

of course most COBB Protuner only do Accessport.

Freektune, Hypnotic and Dizzy Tuning, others can do Versatunes. just email them and they should be able to do it. i don't know of any physical locations that can do it.

[Lex2007]

As someone who has watched more than one person take an aftermarket tuner/builder to court for bad work, Id prefer to do it myself. IF POSSIBLE.

If not, Id prefer someone in my state. Freektune is in New Hampshire.

Again, Id prefer to do it myself and I'm just confused about why I'm not finding others members that are using Versatuner to self tune the Corksport drop in turbo.

[Steve@VersaTune]

If you can't find support on the forum, I'm happy to help you self-tune. You can also find help on the VersaTune user forum www.versatune.net/forum

[Lex2007]

Thanks Steve. Are tunes shareable between Versatune users? In otherwords, if I was to create a decent tune with the Corsksport drop in turbo and HPFP internals, could I share it with others? Does the tuning software work that way?

[Steve@VersaTune]

Tunes are completely shareable between users. Tuning boost control for a new turbo is not that hard. Start off with low wastegate duty cycle to be safe, and then dial it in based on logs.

[Lex2007]

You can tune in real time yes? While someone else is driving?

[Steve@VersaTune]

You need to stop and shut the engine off to reflash. The ecu runs from flash memory. You can't live tune. You can monitor realtime data with the dashboard, but typically, you log a few pulls then stop and analyze the data and create a new tune and flash it. rinse and repeat.

[Lex2007]

Thanks Steve.

[Lex2007]

Steve, have a few rookie questions:

- does Versatuner recognize the Corksport 3.5 bar MAP Sensor? I assume its a requirement for a larger turbo so you the ECU can receive the higher boost signals? Or does your software work better with a BOSCH 3 or 3.5 unit (which is much cheaper ut I think needs a harness to convert the wiring which ends up being similar price)
- does Verastuner work with the Corksport Electronic Boost Control Solenoid (EBCS)?
-does Versatuner work with Stratified Automotive Guardian Angel V3 Overboost Protection w/ 4 Bar MAP Sensor? do you recommend it?

[nindoja]

Originally Posted by Lex2007 Steve, have a few rookie questions: - does Versatuner recognize the Corksport 3.5 bar MAP Sensor? I assume its a requirement for a larger turbo so you the ECU can receive the higher boost signals? Or does your software work better with a BOSCH 3 or 3.5 unit (which is much cheaper ut I think needs a harness to convert the wiring which ends up being similar price) - does Verastuner work with the Corksport Electronic Boost Control Solenoid (EBCS)? -does Versatuner work with Stratified Automotive Guardian Angel V3 Overboost Protection w/ 4 Bar MAP Sensor? do you recommend it?

Yes, yes, yes I think. To work with any 3 or 3.5 bar MAP sensor, you have to enable advanced mode then set the MAP sensor values to "unsupported" values.

[Steve@VersaTune]

Originally Posted by Lex2007 Steve, have a few rookie questions: - does Versatuner recognize the Corksport 3.5 bar MAP Sensor? I assume its a requirement for a larger turbo so you the ECU can receive the higher boost signals? Or does your software work better with a BOSCH 3 or 3.5 unit (which is much cheaper ut I think needs a harness to convert the wiring which ends up being similar price) - does Verastuner work with the Corksport Electronic Boost Control Solenoid (EBCS)? -does Versatuner work with Stratified Automotive Guardian Angel V3 Overboost Protection w/ 4 Bar MAP Sensor? do you recommend it?

Yes the CS 3.5 BAR MAP works with VT. The scaling values are printed right on the sensor.
I just added a logging PID for it so that you can log MAP over 255 kPa with that sensor. It will be in the next release.
Any aftermarket EBCS will work with VT. You just need to adjust the BCS DC tables.

The ECU has redundant safety measures built in. If you want a third level of protection, feel free to get the Guardian Angel. The ECUs built-in protection mechanisms are described here:
MAZDA MZR DISI 2.3L TURBO ECU SAFETY FEATURES

[Lex2007]

thanks Steve.

[williamdv]

so if i"m right i can also still use my "auto meter OBD II bleutooth logger" for my android tablet, for real time logging?
is the versa tune program for windows also dutch?
my 3 mps has now 300PK on the crank. this is whats don with the engine

Wiseco pistons
K1 connecting rods
ecu remap
corkspork rear motor mount
increase gasoline pressure
Sure earos intake kit, with turbo pipe - black
Sure silicone intercooler pipes - red
sure silicone return pipe - red
Sure silicone vacuum pipe - red
Sure ventus blow off valve
bigger top mount intercooler

[Fstrnyou]

You can use a auto meter logging device until you need to hook up your tuning device.

[kTaLgsTo]

As in, they cannot be used at the same time... either actively tunning/scanning with versatune, or actively scanning with autometer

[Fstrnyou]

Correct. You would have to unplug your Bluetooth dongle and plug in the tuning cable to laptop or tablet.

[williamdv]

i have the bleutooth autometer dongle, and with my android tablet works great, i know is't the autometer dongle or the versatune not together. 1 thong that i miss one the autometer you can't see the oil temp or press, but i think that the OBD those can't read?