Forced Assist

[Silver Bullett]

Hope I'm not beating a dead horse here but I have diligently searched the previous posts (whew!).

The MIMA system looks great, but I am a KISS kinda guy. I read about the brake and clutch mod to control the regen. The only other thing I think I need is a way for a "Forced Assist". Can anyone tell me where I could wire a simple button to tell the motor to give me full assist?

There must be a point somewhere with a transistor or two where you could apply a voltage to turn the motor full "on".

I appreciate you turning your considerable processing power and Insightful knowledge to a lay man's question.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

[joecvt]

To date, no one has found a way to create a forced assist mode with just a switch or very limited circuitry. The other methods of disabling assist or regen, max regen etc are just modifying methods that are already in place.

For example, the max regen mod is really performed by just turning on the brake lights (stepping on the brake). A switch wired in parallel with the brake light switch does the same thing as your foot except no brake pad usage so you get the maximum benefit.

The disable assist / regen mod switch by tapping into the clutch switch is the same way....It is already built into the MT design but it will not work on a CVT model.

So far, it seems like MIMA is the answer. There are schematics posted if you want to build your own simpler MIMA but it does still involve several components. While I was building the first low speed Auto Stop controller, I was able to force some assist by sending a fake low speed signal to the ECM but even that involves almost as much circuitry as the build your own MIMA. Basically, there may be other ways to fool the ECM but unlikely will you find a way to do it with a simple switch since you can not induce it yourself at will by finding a switch on the car that is already in place (like the brake switch and clutch switch)

Hopefully that doesn't sound too negative and I am not saying impossible since we see new developments in modifying other areas of the IMA almost every day (like Peter's battery controller mods) but they involve an even more complicated controller design.

JoeCVT = Just your average CVT owner

[RobertSmalls]

I would be very interested in a stripped-down MIMA that only offers forced assist. I already have the clutch switch IMA disable and FAS, which are great. Therefore, the other features of MIMA don't appeal to me.

I would like the level of forced assist to be variable, though. I'd like to use it to supply a little extra power so I can hold lean burn while accelerating or climbing small hills.

That would be handy, but I can't stomach $1000 for a MIMA.

[joecvt]

It sounds like you may be handy with electronics so you can build your own version of MIMA_L at the cost of some electronic parts and your time to assemble and install it. Mike still has the schematics for MIMA_L on his website ( www.99mpg.com )

JoeCVT = Just your average CVT owner

[RobertSmalls]

Oh, wow. I was not aware of MIMA_L, but it's exactly what I need. I'll have to build one of those soon.

[insight1]

About the forced assistance:
How about two TPS sensors working in parallel. The first one is connected to the intake body and the second one to the ECU. When you press the pedal, the first TPS responds as normal and the second TPS responds normal too. Then when you need forced assistance the first TPS stays in one position while the second TPS moves forward and sends signal to the ECU that need more power by IMA system. Did any one try it this way?

[joecvt]

Originally Posted by insight1

About the forced assistance:
How about two TPS sensors working in parallel. The first one is connected to the intake body and the second one to the ECU. When you press the pedal, the first TPS responds as normal and the second TPS responds normal too. Then when you need forced assistance the first TPS stays in one position while the second TPS moves forward and sends signal to the ECU that need more power by IMA system. Did any one try it this way?

I'm pretty sure that assist demand determined by the ECU is not just sensed by the TPS sensor. For example, if you connect a volt meter to the TPS sensor, you will find that at low vehicle speeds, assist is used at a certain voltage. But when you get to highway speeds, you will find that at the same TPS voltage (as measured before) there will be no assist.

I believe it has to do with several sensor inputs combined like MAP and VSS and possibly the TPS as well (plus others) but those three mentioned would show the driver's intent. The ECU's logic then determines assist need and how much. Changing the TPS ouput to the ECM too extreme compared to reality would likely mess with air/fuel ratios. Also, if you search in this forum, you will find that some members that installed the TPS smoothing mod for extended lean burn experience RPM issues while shifting (MT model) and that is just a small tweak of the TPS signal. On CVT models, the TPS is used to help determine ratios and start clutch engagement.

Probably ok in a temp setup to try it. You may end up with a check engine light code if you go too extreme.

JoeCVT = Just your average CVT owner

[3-Wheeler]

Originally Posted by RobertSmalls

Oh, wow. I was not aware of MIMA_L, but it's exactly what I need. I'll have to build one of those soon.

Hi Robert,

Let me know how your progress is going with MIMA_L, as I have been working on a modified schematic from the original PDF that Mike D has posted on his site.

The modified schematic is being used to allow placement of components on a circuit board, yet to be built.

Jim.

[rogerperkins]

What if you could just get a new chip for the insight controller and program it to do what ever you want? I'd love to be able to modify the functionallity of the secondary drive mode button on my steering wheel.