Well, to try this again, while keeping it technical, I hope this helps some understand the TMAX a little better:
The TMAX timing is set from the base map. Base maps are available for specific builds, hopefully your bike is in that list. Base maps go through a lot of testing, and variables do exist, although minor. The autotune is designed to follow the AFR either in the map, or one that YOU create. It is programmed from the software, into the ECM, and that drives the bikes parameters. The same with timing. If you want to change it, you can. People do not understand and overrate the TMAX as a cure all, a literal autotuner, fixing whatever you think is wrong. It is not, and does not claim to be a repair device. However, the Maps are what drives the device, and is chosen by YOU the rider for the bike and combination you have. Again, the Autotune is designed to follow the pre programmed map. The Autotune part of the TMAX compensates automatically for different conditions, variables like altitude, density, temperature. It adjusts accordingly to make sure that it always follows the targets that are pre-set in the MAPS. This is what sets the TMAX apart, maps and autotuning as described.
The majority do not need to tweak the TMAX install at all, since Zippers did use each element of a build to design the MAP on each combination they have made available. IF your build is different, for example, you decided on a larger ThrottleBody, or an exhaust different than the selections available on existing MAPS, why, it is very clear that one of their maps do not make an exact match to your stuff. THEREFORE, just like most other devices, PC, DTT etc, you can use the DYNO to exact the performance from that build.
Bottom line is that the TMAX autotunes to the data it is provided with, and compensates thousands of times per second to make sure the afr, timing, trims, etc are on track at all times in any environmental condition, (assumming you are using wide band sensors and autotune enabled).
It will not tune an engine automatically. That is where I see many thinking it does. And there is resulting confusion. Zippers and Thunderheart actually make the units, and test them extensively. Too many people start thinking this device does more than I explained. Now, even with a good BASE MAP, if you are not confidant that the MAP is doing all it can for your particular build, you can put it on a dyno. The only thing your dyno will do, is confirm AFR with a sniffer, (but it does not need that due to its internal and 02Sensors), and your torque and HP readouts. Making adjustments to the timing and AFRS on the TMAT can make a difference, if you change them, IF you realized a gain on the DYNO with changed settings. So, maybe you can tweak 1hp more, or advance or retard timing a hair due to the differences in BASE MAPS and your bike idiosyncrasies. Anyway the changes now can be saved as your personal map. Is it worth it? To me, the only thing a DYNO does is give me run numbers, not used for tuning sessions. But like I said, IF I felt there was more, I could use the Dyno and play with the TMAX.
The adjustments could not be simpler on the TMAT, and all regions of tuning are accessible in the advanced format, normally a trained user application. If you don't know tuning, you can make mistakes with the advanced, and that would be a very bad thing. But now, with the new software, the consumer version, you can access individual timing pages too. With the Zippers product, IF your build has a Zippers Map Number, you don't need a dyno investment. And writing maps is best left to a professional that can work in all dimensions of tuning at the same time. Those are a very rare breed indeed, but there are a few out there, and a few on this board I am sure, or at least connections enough to understand the writing of maps. Because the TMAT has the auto-tune(or autofollowing feature) the map writing side is sophisticated. But writing a map on a SERT is not an easy thing on its own either. Most dealers that have invested in a Dyno will want to sell that time. Common sense. And then, it would come in handy IF there is no build map for what you have. But then, you can choose from a variety of tuning devices, Dyno time would be a requirement in any case.
Finally, Zippers has a problem with customer relations, more so when they get busy. Their product has been an attractive option for thousands of riders, and they can barely keep up. I am confidant they are working on those solutions, but they do not react as quick as many of us would like, no doubt. It is not a reflection on the product, thank goodness, but rather that customer servicing thing. I get mixed feelings when I know they have an amazing product, and not enough staff to cover the bases.
Rhino
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Topic: TMAT II (Read 18591 times)