Has anyone created an engine ECU using ZX ?

[FFMan]

My mate was toying with the idea of making an engine ecu as a project. It would be a good way of understanding what is required, and done a test engine on a rig as a starter wouldn't be too hard.

Just wondered if anyone had attempted this before ?

[Don_Kirby]

I have a bit of experience in the ECU area, although not with the ZX platform. I don't doubt that the ZX platform could perform the tasks required.

While it does sound like an interesting project, you shouldn't underestimate the complexities involved in fuel injection (and spark control should you decide to add that as well). While the theories individually are fairly simple, getting them to all play nice together can be tricky, even without the added difficulty of writing the code. Fuel injector sizing, rail pressure, pulse widths, fuel curves, air/fuel ratio, ambient temperature and pressure all play a part in the equation.

That said, if you want to experiment, I suggest that you find a working fuel injected engine, perhaps something from the junkyard, and try to recreate its' ECU with your own ZX version. This method will eliminate the need to engineer all of the fuel system components and allow you to concentrate on the programming end of it. You will already have the necessary sensors and fittings as well as a baseline for the performance you should be expecting. In the end, it might be best to simply leave everything in the car, further eliminating the need for fabrication of a suitable test stand.

While not related to the ZX devices, the MegaSquirt project is similar to what you are looking to do. There are several forums available to ask questions and many online guides and manuals to read through.

-Don