11 KiB
Overview
Compatible Idle Valve Types
There are currently 3 modes of idle control available, using on/off, PWM duty cycle, or a stepper step count, enabled below a set coolant temperature. These modes cover the most common types of idle mechanisms in use. At this time only open loop control is available, meaning that an air bypass passage is enabled, rather than a target RPM. Closed loop control is anticipated at some point in the future, but no commitment is currently made.
Stand-Alone (Non-Electronic)
While not an idle control mode, Speeduino is compatible with stand-alone idle valves that are self-controlling. Examples of this are thermal wax or bi-metal spring idle or auxiliary air valves like the one below. Internally expanding and contracting material opens and closes air valves, providing increased air flow and engine rpm when cold for warmup. Speeduino functions to enrich the cold engine and adjust for the additional air, in the same way it would if you opened the throttle slightly.
![](http://i.imgur.com/I9Wc9p2.png)
Other examples of stand-alone valves are simple On/Off valves as shown in the next section, controlled by inexpensive thermal switches like these:
On/Off
This is a simple digital on/off "switch" output by Speeduino that triggers at a selected temperature. It is intended to control an on/off fast idle valve as found in many older OEM setups, or an open/closed solenoid-type valve that is chosen for the purpose. In addition to OEM idle valves, examples of valves popular for re-purposing as on/off idle valves are larger vacuum, breather, or purge valves, and even fuel valves. Idle speed adjustment is generally set only once, with an in-line adjustable or fixed restrictor, pinch clamp, or other simple flow-control method.
![](http://i.imgur.com/yu5YIbY.png)
![](http://i.imgur.com/rAYzaop.png?1)
![](http://i.imgur.com/wUvNNwm.png?1)
Note: On/Off valves can be used in many ways to increase or decrease air flow for various idle purposes in-addition to warm-up. Examples are use as dashpot valves to reduce deceleration stalling, idle speed recovery for maintaining engine speed with accessory loads such as air conditioning, or air addition for specific purposes such as turbo anti-lag air control. See Generic Outputs for control information.
PWM
While similar in construction to many solenoid on/off valves; PWM idle valves are designed to vary the opening, and therefore flow through the valve, by PWM valve positioning.
Open-loop Duty Cycle Control
Speeduino currently operates PWM valves in open-loop, effectively creating an on/off valve with adjustable flow. While the PWM duty cycle (DC) adjustment affects engine rpm, the adjustment is for valve opening, and therefore airflow and rpm are affected differently under various conditions. Note some idle valves default with no PWM signal to the open position, others closed, and some partially-open that close then re-open with increasing PWM DC. Be sure to research or test your valve type for proper operation.
PWM Settings
Settings in TunerStudio include selecting PWM idle control, temperature and DC settings for warmup, and PWM DC during cranking under the following selections:
![](http://i.imgur.com/Po5bOuD.png?1)
![](http://i.imgur.com/HCMdz9g.png)
![](http://i.imgur.com/USptRVr.png)
![](http://i.imgur.com/jXursvf.png?1)
Both 2 and 3 wire PWM idle controllers are supported. In general, the 3 wire models will provide a smoother response than the 2 wire ones, but the difference is not always significant. For 3 wire valves, 2 of the Aux outputs will be required.
![](http://i.imgur.com/QfDesZC.png)
Stepper motor idle controls are very common on GM and other OEM setups. These motors typically have 4 wires (bi-polar). They must be driven through power transistors or a driver module, such as the DRV8825 stepper motor driver optional to the v0.4 board. These driver modules can be purchased inexpensively from a variety of vendors on sites such as eBay, Amazon, etc.
Most stepper idle valves function by turning a threaded rod in and out of the valve body in a series of partial-turn steps, increasing or decreasing airflow around the plunger (on end of valve below), and into the engine. The idle airflow bypasses the primary throttle body:
![](http://i.imgur.com/ZAhTLrs.png)
Example of a generic DRV8825 driver module on a v0.4 board:
![](http://i.imgur.com/nHMXFNK.png)
Note the board is mounted at a standoff for air circulation and cooling:
![](http://i.imgur.com/L65i6z1.png)
The DRV8825 motor outputs are labeled as A2-A1-B1-B2, and the wiring connection examples are to this labeling. Check your schematics for the output connections that route to these DRV8825 outputs:
![](http://efistuff.orgfree.com/images/DRV8825_Motor_Wiring.png)
Examples of wiring to the DRV8825 driver:
![](http://efistuff.orgfree.com/images/IAC_DSM_95-99.png)
The GM "screw-in" style used 1982 to 2003 on many models:
![](http://efistuff.orgfree.com/images/IAC_GM_82-03.png)
Stepper Driver Current Adjustment
The DRV8825 stepper driver module includes a potentiometer (adjustable resistor) indicated by the yellow arrow in the image below. The potentiometer is used for setting the driver's maximum current output limit. Because Speeduino uses full-step operation, the current limit is not critical to protect the module, but should be adjusted to the module's maximum value for best operation of most automotive stepper IACs.
![](http://i.imgur.com/1U3IQgF.jpg)
You will need a multi-meter or volt-meter to make the adjustment as outlined here. In order to set the potentiometer to maximum current before first use, ensure power to the module is OFF, then gently turn the potentiometer dial clockwise to the internal limit. Do not force the adjustment beyond the internal stop. Power-up Speeduino with 12V, and use the meter to test the voltage between the center of the potentiometer and any 12V ground point. Note the voltage reading. Power-down and repeat the test, this time turning the potentiometer counter/anti-clockwise gently to the internal limit. The test direction that resulted in higher voltage is the correct setting for the module.
Note: Original Pololu modules are typically adjusted clockwise for maximum voltage. However, clone modules may be either clockwise or counter-clockwise, which makes this testing necessary.
The module's rated continuous current is up to 1.5A. While the module can supply a peak of 2.2A of current; in full-step mode and with the potentiometer adjusted to this position, the driver is limited to approximately 70% of full current, or approximately 1.5A.
Stepper Settings
Settings in TunerStudio include selecting stepper idle control, temperature and step settings for warmup, and open steps during cranking under the following selections:
![](http://i.imgur.com/hC15oxv.png)
![](http://i.imgur.com/fHgI86M.png?1)
![](http://i.imgur.com/kwFa7bT.png)
![](http://i.imgur.com/yyqIs7Q.png)
NOTE: Refer to the Pololu video for instructions to set the DRV8825 driver current level to maximum for most automotive full-step stepper motors.
Examples
Motor | Step time | Home steps |
---|---|---|
GM 4-wire | 3 | 250 |
DSM 4-wire | 4 | 270-320 |
NOTE: While normal DSM stepper function is seen at room temperatures at 3ms, step skipping occurs just under that speed. Very cold temperatures may cause skipping, thus the recommendation of 4ms. Test for the most suitable speeds for your setup.