Dear MyChron 3 Owner The MyChron 3 represents the new generation of AiM data acquisition systems that provides the kart racer with a sophisticated and easy to use display normally reserved for premium sports cars.
Aim HeadQuarter in Cernusco sul Naviglio – Italy 2
Table of contents GETTING STARTED WITH MYCHRON 3 ................................................................... 4 MYCHRON 3 AND ITS PARTS ................................................................................... 6 The Display......................................................................................................................7 The Keyboard ..................................................................................................................8 The RPM Cable .........
Getting Started with MyChron 3 Here are the parts of your system (see figure 1.1 on the next page): • MyChron 3 Display Unit ( 1 ). • RPM sensor ( 2 ). • Thermocouple – You may choose Water Sensor ( 5 ), Exhaust Gas Sensor ( 9 ) or Underspark Temperature Sensor ( 10 ). The Water Temperature Sensor may be provided with an M5 connection or a 1/8 connection. • Optional water thermocouple M5 fitting ( 11 ). • Thermocouple extension cable ( not shown ).
Fig 1.
MyChron 3 and its parts Before installing MyChron 3, please read these installation instructions carefully. It is very important that your MyChron 3 is correctly installed to capture consistent and accurate data. Incorrect installation may result in system malfunction. In the following drawing a MyChron 3 is shown mounted on a kart steering wheel.
The Display RPM display Low battery warning Night Vision Temperature RPM digital display Temperature measure unit Lap number Lap time The wide display with backlight generally shows RPM, temperature, completed lap number and, when the kart passes in front of the beacon, it shows the Lap Time ( or Split Time ). It is also possible to configure a second page ( using button VIEW ) in order to see RPM digital value ( as showed in the previous drawing ) or best lap time.
The Keyboard MENU << >> USB MEM ok VIEW on quit off The Keyboard, composed by four push-buttons, is used for turning the power ON and OFF, configuring the system, recalling the recorded data and clearing the internal memory. The four pushbuttons are used for: MENU/<< Used in configuration to switch to previous option and to turn on backlight during a test >> Used in configuration to switch to next option. MEM Used to CONFIRM a configuration and to retrieve recorded data.
The RPM Cable This clip wire is designed to be plugged directly on the spark plug wire and it is used for RPM pick up from single cylinder 2-4 stroke engines. When running the RPM cable along the chassis between the MyChron 3 display unit and spark plug wire, the RPM cable should be positioned as far as possible from the thermocouple wire.
The Thermocouple The MyChron 3 Basic model supports one temperature sensor. There are 4 types of thermocouples ( temperature sensors ) that are available for selection or subsequent purchase: 1. H2O - Water thermocouple1/8 inches type. 2. H2O - Water thermocouple M5 type 3. EGT - Exhaust gas thermocouple 4. CHT - Cylinder head thermocouple All AiM thermocouple are K-type sensors. Thermocouple from 2 to 4 are provided with an extension cable (length: 45 inches/1.
The LAP receiver The lap receiver may be infrared or magnetic and is used to recognise a lap marker. The Optic receiver requires an Infrared Transmitter (beacon), at the side of the track; for magnetic receiver, the track must have a magnetic strip installed. The Infra Red receiver has to “see” the transmitter placed on the trackside; the grey point is the receiver eye. The Magnetic receiver has to be installed on the floor of the kart, with two tyre wraps.
The Optical beacon The optical Beacon Transmitter has to be placed trackside to mark laps. Ensure that the infrared receiver eye faces the side of the track where the Beacon has been placed, otherwise the system will not record lap time. The Beacon transmitter is powered using 8 AA batteries or an external 12V power cable. If you are using 8 AA batteries, unscrew the back cover of the Beacon transmitter and place the battery pack into the transmitter casing.
To activate this function, open the Beacon transmitter with a screw driver and move the jumper ( located directly below where the battery pack is attached to the beacon transmitter board ) over either one of the two connectors ( for low power mode ) or over the two connectors ( for high power mode ). When the Beacon transmitter operates on high power mode, both the power led lights will light up when the transmitter is turned on.
How to install MyChron 3 Now you can start installing MyChron 3 on your kart. It is recommended to follow these instructions in order to preserve your instrument and to capture consistent and accurate data. Installing and changing the display batteries Two AAA alkaline batteries power MyChron 3. The batteries provide approximately 40 hours of use. When the batteries require replacement ( < 2 Volt ), a battery indicator will appear in the top right hand corner of the display.
Installing MyChron 3 on the steering wheel Most of steering wheels have existing holes in the three central arms that will accommodate the MyChron 3 display unit. If the steering wheel arms are solid, mark the point where the hole is to be drilled and then indent a drill reference point with a large nail or hole punch, to minimize drill wander. It is recommended that an 8 to 10 mm drill bit be used. Do not over-tighten the 8 mm nut. Overtightening the nut may cause damage to the display unit casing.
Installing the RPM clip The RPM sensor clips directly on the spark plug wire. While running the RPM cable along the chassis between the MyChron 3 display unit and the spark plug wire, the RPM cable should be positioned as far as possible from the thermocouple wire, to prevent interference. It is suggested to use cable ties to securely attach the RPM cable along the chassis to prevent damage.
Installing the water thermocouple The H2O thermocouple can be installed directly into the cylinder head ( if the engine accommodates the thermocouple ) or by using the water thermocouple M5 fitting ( sold separately ) for the M5 type. The drawing below shows how to correctly install the water thermocouple for the M5 type.
Installing the EGT thermocouple The Exhaust Gas Thermocouple ( EGT ) should be positioned inside the exhaust header pipe at a distance of 150 mm ( 5.9 inches ) from the exhaust port. The following drawing shows a correct installation of the EGT thermocouple. It is recommended that the probe be inserted between 25% and 50% inside the exhaust gas header.
To install the EGT thermocouple, please follow these instructions: 1. Make a 5 mm ( 0.2 inches ) hole inside the exhaust header; 2. Weld the little nut to the exhaust header in the place where the hole has been drilled; 3. Screw in the nut the central part of the EGT thermocouple; 4. Connect the remaining part of the thermocouple and fix it to the exhaust header by screwing the big nut.
Installing the Underspark thermocouple When using a Cylinder Head Thermocouple ( CHT ) sensor, always remove the spark plug washer before inserting the spark plug into the sensor. When tightening and loosening the spark plug, minimise movement of the sensor to avoid damage. The following drawing shows the correct installation of the underspark thermocouple.
Connecting cables to MyChron 3 Once all the sensors and accessories for your MyChron 3 are correctly installed, you need to connect them to the main display unit. On the back of the display unit, connect the temperature cable to the upper binder and the lap cable to the lower one. The RPM cable must be placed inside the two holes on the left of the display unit ( as seen from behind ).
While connecting the cables to the main display unit, it is strongly recommended to keep separate the infrared or magnetic receiver, RPM and thermocouple cables, in order to minimize interference between cables.
How to use MyChron 3 As you power on your MyChron 3 some information are displayed: here they are described in the same order as they appear: 1. AIM 1_xy Firmware version. 2. MYCHRON 3 Instrument name. 3. MEMORY TOTAL FREE / TEST X LAP Y Memory status warning message: if the first message is displayed it means that your MyChron 3 has no previously recorded data in its memory, otherwise it shows the last lap number Y of the last test session X.
The parameters you can set in CONFIGURATION MODE are explained in the same order they appear by pressing MENU/<<. Night Vision The MyChron 3 display can be set to backlight display so that it is visible during night racing. To set the Night Vision ON or OFF, press MEM/OK until the required selection appears. To return to main display mode press VIEW. When the Night Vision option is activated a light globe will be displayed in the display’s top right corner.
time is about 1 minute, set this parameter at 50 seconds. The Beacon obscuring time can be set between 3 and 59 seconds. A proper obscuring time helps the MyChron 3 to know which lap beacon is the correct one to read. AIM recommends using only one lap transmitter at the track.
To run this function, after having entered the CONFIGURATION MODE, push MENU/<< until you see: NUMBER OF SPLITS Now push MEM to enter EDIT MODE, then press MENU/<< until the correct number of splits appears on the display’s lower right corner. Press MEM to save the changes or VIEW to discard the changes. Total Engine This function shows the total engine working time, which will be running time displayed in hours and minutes, and lets you clear that data.
Then push MEM to enter EDIT MODE: use MENU/<< to change numbers and >> to change digit. The blinking digit identifies the digit that can be edited. When the required temperature has been set, press MEM to save changes or press VIEW to discard changes. The temperature alarm can be set between 0 and 1999 degrees. When the system displays a temperature greater than the alarm value, the temperature on the display will begin flashing.
Spark for This option represents the number of spark signals for every Revs engine revolution. A two-stroke engine has one spark signal per revolution, while a four-stroke engine has a spark every two engine revolutions. To set the Spark for Revs, after having entered the CONFIGURATION MODE, push MENU/<< until you see SPARK FOR REVS Then push MEM to enter EDIT MODE and use MENU/<< or >> to scroll between three standard values: x1, x2 and /2.
Message MyChron 3 text can be displayed in English, Italian, German, language French, Spanish or Slovenian. To run this function, after having entered the CONFIGURATION MODE, push MENU/<< until you see MESSAGE LANGUAGE Then push MEM to enter EDIT MODE and use MENU/<< or >> to change language. Press MEM to save the changes or VIEW to discard the changes.
The standard racing option allows the user to set all the parameters described in the previous paragraphs, while the oval racing option sets some of these parameters (RPM factor, Obscuring time, Split number, Display language) to a fixed value. If you wish to switch from “Standard racing” to “Oval racing”, please turn off your gauge and, then, turn it on pressing buttons >> and MEM/OK. The gauge will automatically switch from “Standard racing” to “Oval racing”.
Utility functions Once your system is configured, you are ready to manage the data you have acquired with your gauge. MyChron 3 records lap time, RPM and temperature at a sampling rate of 10 Hertz ( ten times per second ). This data can be retrieved at a later stage for analysis. MyChron 3 segments data for a session as a test and each test includes the laps completed in that session.
When a test is complete, the system displays the last lap number and last lap time. Using button MEM you can access the data stored in system’s memory. Here’s how to retrieve data after the completion of a test: Viewing data To view the data for the lap with the best lap time, press MEM per best lap while in general display mode. The best lap time is displayed time for the most recent test. The system displays the test number, lap number, maximum temperature for the lap and the lap time.
Replaying If you wish to replay detailed data for a lap, choose Manual or detailed data Automatic replay. for the lap Automatic lap replay: while in general display mode, press MEM; then, using MENU/<< or >> choose the lap you wish to see and then press MEM twice: the system will automatically replay the graphic and decimal RPM, thermocouple temperature and lap time from start to finish in time intervals of one-tenth of a second ( 10 Hertz → 10 data points per second ).
View data for For Oval Racing, the view data is different from the one oval racing previously described. Press MEM to enter the “recall data from memory” function: it will show the best lap time for the last test session. Minimum RPM Maximum RPM Test & lap number RPM drop Maximum Temp Lap time Minimum Temp In a single page, it displays the test & lap number (under the bargraph), the maximum and minimum RPM values (under the bargraph), the RPM drop (i.e.
Maintenance Your MyChron 3 does not require any special maintenance. Provided adequate care is taken with the display unit and components, the only maintenance will be to upgrade the firmware when upgrades are released by Aim ( periodically check www.aimsports.com or www.aim-sportline.com ) and to change the display unit batteries when the low battery indicator appears on the top right hand corner of the display. Upgrading To upgrade the firmware, please visit to our website the www.aimsports.
MyChron 3 and the computer MyChron 3 has a non volatile RAM memory which guarantees the capacity to record up to 250 laps at a sampling frequency of 10 Hz ( ten times per second ). MyChron 3 has been designed and developed to connect with a PC: through a USB cable it is possible to connect MyChron 3 to a PC in order to both download the data stored in memory and configure your instrument.
Software installation You’ll need the USB cable/software kit in order to use the Race Studio 2 software with your MyChron 3. This is a separate kit that does not come standard with the MyChron 3 Basic or Basic 2T. Check with your local dealer to purchase this kit. Once you have the kit, to install the software, insert the CD inside the CD-ROM drive: if the autorun option is enabled ( most of cases ), software installation will automatically start, otherwise click twice on SETUP icon.
Now choose the type of installation you prefer: as reported in the following screenshot, it is recommended to place a check beside Typical and to click on Next pushbutton. By using button Browse, it is possible to choose the software installation folder: if you do not wish to change the settings, the software will be installed in the default folder “C:\Program files\AIM”.
Now you have to choose in which folder of the Program menu ( click Start / program ) you prefer to install the software icons. If you click on Next button without modifying the settings, the icons will be created in a folder called AIM. The following window is a summary screenshot: please click on Next button to install the software or Back to modify some installation parameters.
The following screenshot is the final one: please click on Finish button and, then, launch the program.
Now, to run the program, click twice on Race Studio 2 icon, which will appear on your computer’s desktop once the installation has finished. To uninstall Race Studio 2 from your computer, please enter Check Panel Mode ( click start / settings / Control Panel ) and click on Software Installation icon. Now select Race Studio 2 from the program list and push button Install / Remove: software will be automatically removed from your computer.
Installing the USB drivers Please, read these instructions carefully in order to correctly install the USB drivers: an incorrect installation may cause serious problems on your computer. To connect your MyChron 3 to a PC, use the USB cable that comes with the download kit. With the PC and the MyChron 3 turned off, connect the cylindrical connector of the cable to the MyChron 3 USB port and the other end to your PC’s USB port. Now turn on both the computer and MyChron 3.
4. If the autorun option is enabled the system will try to install Race Studio 2. As you have already installed it, please exit installation menu. If the autorun option is enabled, go directly to number 5. 5. Place a check beside [ CD-ROM drive ] and click the [ Next ] button. 6. Click the [ Next ] button again. 7. Click the [ Finish ] button once reached the end of the installation. 8. Restart the computer if prompted. How to install the USB Driver for Windows 2000 ™: 1.
Configuration via software As previously mentioned, MyChron 3 may be configured both via keyboard and via software, by using Race Studio 2. The “via software configuration” allows the user to configure their MyChron 3 and set some parameters that cannot be set using the keyboard. It is reminded that, before starting the configuration via software, you should install Race Studio 2 and the USB drivers as mentioned in the previous chapter.
On the left of the window you will see the icons corresponding to all the Aim instruments supported by Race Studio 2: Dash ST1, MyChron 3, Evo 3, Drack, MyChron Pro, MyChron 2, MXL, etc. To select MyChron 3, please click on the corresponding icon. Now it is possible to configure the instrument: in order to start the configuration procedure, please click on the icon Logger manager.
The user will have to set some parameters, listed here above: New configuration name; Data logger type; Vehicle name; Vehicle’s wheels number: at choice between 2 and 4; Beacon receiver’s obscuring time: minimum value 3 and maximum value 59 seconds; Speed measure unit: at choice between km/h and Mph; 46
Temperature measure unit: at choice between °C and °F; Pressure measure unit: at choice between Bar and PSI. Once filled all the boxes of the previous screenshot, click on the OK pushbutton to save the settings.
Logger information: this button allows the user to detect the characteristics of the MyChron 3 connected to the PC; Transmit: this button is used to send the configuration over to the MyChron3 once you have finished; Receive: if you connect to a PC a data logger of whom you do not know the configuration, you may detect its configuration, by clicking the Receive button, and to save it in the configuration’s database; Online: the Online button allows the user to make a data acquisition simulati
Channels settings Clicking on the Channels pushbutton it will appear the following screenshot: The only configurable channel is the RPM one: to configure this channel it is necessary to click twice in the box corresponding to the RPM row and the Param. 1 column.
Configuration via “Visualization” pushbutton By clicking on the Visualization icon the following screenshot will appear: The user can set the following parameters: Display language: choose English, Italian, French, German, Spanish or Slovenian; Maximum RPM value: the user can set both the Sparks for revs ( X1, X2 and /2 ) and Maximum RPM value ( 8,000 / 10,000 / 12,000 / 16,000 / 50
20,000 / 22,000 / 25,000 RPM ) (see pages 27 and 28 for more information); Temperature: set both the Temperature measure unit ( °C or °F ) and an Alarm value; Lap: the user can set both the Obscuring time ( in a range between 3 and 59 seconds ) and the number of Split times (see page 24 for more information). Transmitting the configuration to MyChron 3 Once you set all the parameters, it is necessary to transmit the configuration to the instrument.
If you wish to delete the previous configuration, please press Si, otherwise press No and, then, choose the Receive option. By using this option you will be able to download and save the configuration previously stored in the instrument’s memory. Once you save the previous configuration on your PC you can restart the configuration transmission procedure.
Quick reference guide Configure MyChron 3 Press VIEW to turn the system on. Press MENU/<< to activate the configuration mode. Press MENU/<< ( previous option ) or >> ( next option ) to scroll through the configuration menu. Setting the number of splits Select the “Number of Splits” option. Press MEM to enter edit mode. Press MENU/<< or >> to set the number of splits. Press MEM to save or VIEW to quit. Setting the obscuring time Select the “Obscuring Time” option.
Setting the temperature alarm Select the “Temperature Alarm” option. Press MEM to enter edit mode. Press MENU/<< until the correct number appears. Press >> to alternate between digits. Press MEM to save or VIEW to quit. Using MyChron 3 Viewing data per best lap time Press MEM. Press VIEW to return to main display mode. Viewing other completed lap data Press MEM. Press MENU/<< to view a previous lap or >> to view a following lap.
o Press MEM twice. o Press MENU/<< or >> to stop “automatic lap replay”. o Press MENU/<< to step back by one tenth of a second. o Press >> to step forward by one tenth of a second. o Press MEM to return to “automatic lap replay” mode. o Press VIEW to return to main display mode.
