Apexi Power FC Interface

[ixfxi]

I think I purchased my Power FC about 10 years ago. A lot has changed in the world of stand-alone ECUs since then. I think it is general consensus that the Power FC is a legacy product nowadays.

I'm going to cut to the chase and say that during my 10 year resto-mod project, the Power FC has been sitting idle. Many things have changed. The Apexi authorized tuner who, at the time, I would have used - is no longer in business.

My question comes down to the interface module that people use to tune the Power FC. I want to make sure I understand the options correctly:

Option 1) If you are an authorized Apexi tuner, then you would have access to the Power Excel software? Is this correct? This gives full control to the PFC and all its features. I take it this software is not available to us "civilians?"

Option 2) 3rd party solution is to use FC Datalogit's interface module w/ FC Edit software. This seems to be the most accepted method for DIY'ers and shops, as it gives you as much access to the PFC as possible, and in English.

Option 3) Less expensive solution which is solely hardware, would be to use FC Hako interface module with what I would assume is FC Edit software that you need to acquire on your own (not hard to find).

Option 4) I read something about FC Tune software but the website is down and correct me if I am wrong, the project appears to be scrapped?

Option 5) Apexi offers the FC Commander Pro interface module & software. However, they are very vague about what fucking features this damn shit offers.

Can anyone provide in detail, what features the FC Commander Pro software offers? Is it in English? Is it fully unlocked or is it just a full screen version of the FC Commander handheld unit? Because if thats the case, it sounds like a fucking waste of time.

My target is currently set at acquiring the FC Datalogit. Seems tried and true.

[Sileighty_85]

Software and datalogit interface is available to anyone now a days. I bought the software and Datalogit about 6 years ago for about $300-400.

FRSport sells the interface box. the black ones are universal so you can use it with any Power FC.
http://www.frsport.com/FC-Datalogit-FL400020-for-Power-FC-Datalogger-Meter_p_8528.html

Software: http://turborx7.com/upgradestuning/datalogit-fc-edit-software/
(Didnt download but should work)


Probably the best Info regarding the FC functions.
http://www.paulr33.com/powerfc-faq/powerfc-faq.htm

[ixfxi]

Thanks for the help.

[Kingtal0n]

an l-jetro can be tuned in 1-2 hours with no FC-datalogit (commander only)

the datalogit only really helps to tune a MAP car. You get direct access to the base map which is priceless. But the process will still take you 5-10 hours or perhaps 20+hours if you own the car (perfect... never) I've got over 200 hours in my dad's engine and I am still not happy with 31mpg... a slight lack of features (no fancy A/C kick up pulsewidth control, unable to turn off self-learning idle speed so load from lights and fans constantly adjust your idle speed.... etc..) will leave you adjusting circles, trying to invent new devices to make up for the tiny inconvenience (A small solenoid that comes on with the fan to raise idle speed prematurely, wired to the OEM A/C switch on a capacitor to induce a delay for the compressor)

[nujabe]

yeah i agree it took only 3 hours for my tuner to tune my L detro fc. and kingtalon i hate when my fans turn on because i can hear the motor slightly idle down along with running slightly more rich.

[ixfxi]

From the RX7 forums:
http://www.rx7club.com/power-fc-forum-47/got-apexi-software-838851/

I'll release a patch that removes the registration requirement from the FC Commander Pro software and turns it into a full featured FC Pro (Power Excel) software.

Does anyone know if this patch exists? Please PM, thanks.

[Kingtal0n]

yeah i agree it took only 3 hours for my tuner to tune my L detro fc. and kingtalon i hate when my fans turn on because i can hear the motor slightly idle down along with running slightly more rich.


Adjusting the voltage per injector latency would help with the richness, but the only way to combat the idle speed drop is to also trigger a valve to let more air pass the throttle body. You might try wiring your fan signal to the A/C idle kick up if you do not want to add anything special.

[TheRealSy90]

Can anyone provide in detail, what features the FC Commander Pro software offers? Is it in English? Is it fully unlocked or is it just a full screen version of the FC Commander handheld unit? Because if thats the case, it sounds like a fucking waste of time.

I have the Apexi FC Commander Pro software installed on my laptop at home, it IS in English, and reminds me a lot of my AEM tuning software for the Series 2 ems. Basically it's the same other than missing some of the features that the PFC just doesn't have when compared to the aem for instance. After fiddling with the aem software, by the time I had a need to use the FC Pro software on a friends PowerFC I was able to figure out what I needed and where it was pretty quickly.


If you want I could boot it up when I get home and take screenshots of all the windows and stuff so that you could check it out?


(is that even legal to do? I don't see why not.)

[ixfxi]

If you want I could boot it up when I get home and take screenshots of all the windows and stuff so that you could check it out?


Thanks for the reply.

It took a lot of searching but I got all the answers I needed.

I have not got into the tuning stuff yet, so I'll save that for another thread. But as for their software, nowadays every stand alone gives the user full control of practically everything. Apexi was trying to keep control of their software by adding this bullshit activation/registration nonsense. One installation per adapter, give me a break.

Honestly, its damn near 2016 and Apexi is still selling an interface module that says: Compatible with Windows 98, ME, 2000, and XP.

In my opinion, they should re-write the software and make it current. They should add auxilary sensor datalogging abilities and open up the software so that its not bound by all that registration nonsense. The Power Excel network of dealers is pointless nowadays. There is no way I would justify paying for their service when any and every tuner knows how to work with AEM and other more popular and less constrictive software.

I was even going to go further and complain directly to Apexi about their false advertisement. NO where in the requirements on their website does it say that you need to agree to their terms of 1 install per adapter and no where does it state that it requires activation. I found a way around all that and for obvious reasons, I am not going to share details BUT, they really need to get their shit together. Fucking tuning nazis.

[slider2828]

Hey Guys, have you seen this:

x8-wV8WNTHA

I've been wanting to do some interface with PFC, but this guy has it all built with touch screen.

RASpexi Viewer on facebook has all the images and build plans.

Really cool stuff. Sorry to be a little off topic.

[Sileighty_85]

I totally forgot I have a PDF PFC Manual in English.

Mike if you still want it PM your Email and Ill send it to you.