PDM manufacturer advice

Hi all,

I have a Mazda RX8 race car with a GM LFX motor swap. It runs both the Mazda and GM ECUs:

Mazda ECU collects some sensor inputs to run the gauge cluster, the fuel pump, and talks to the Mazda Electronics Power Steering Module via canbus.

GM ECU runs the engine

My goals:

Get rid of the Mazda ECU, fusebox, and extra wiring while keeping Mazda EPS. The EPS requires a few canbus messages to function, that is documented.

Continue to log data and GPS into AiM system for lap timing, etc. I currently have an EVO4S and GSDash. I'd like to upgrade the dash

I think I have a plan:

Aim PDM32 to run the chassis. I can use one of its canbus outputs to talk to the Mazda EPS module. I'll have all my sensors connect to it for logging and lap timing. I can also run a relatively cheap PDM dash (dumb dash powered by the PDM) which will give me a nice modern dash.

Sounds perfect, my only hesitation is that AiM software can be clunky and the PDM is a newer product for them. There PDUs seem a lot more advanced. Does anyone have experience with the AiM PDM? Should I consider a different PDM and just keep the Aim Lap timing gear and dash separate? Do any other manufacturers offer a Dash + PDM combo?

Thanks

I've had 100% success with Motec and ECUMaster PDMs so I could recommend either.

The ECUMaster units have expanded functionality i.e. PWM which may have value to your project, and the software is significantly better in my opinion (than Aim or Motec). If you aren't a fan of their ECU software, give the PDM software a look. It's quite different.

I've only been brought in to temporarily work around circuit failures and then replace Aim PDMs and not seen one work correctly more than briefly, so that has biased my suggestions towards alternatives.

+1 ecumaster PMU's.

I have used what seems like every PDM on the market now, and the PMU is hands down my favourite. Easiest to work with, had 1 hardware issue in 3+ years of selling them and the CAN is very flexible. The ADU is also only 2nd to Motec's line of dash loggers in my opinion.

I'd take a look at the documented messages and play with the software for each before deciding. Not sure if there's any tricks in it like check sums.

The AIM PDM32 is great value for money, especially with the screen but it takes me 10 times longer to program one vs a PMU. the software has bugs in it too, simple fixes that for some reason are still present years after release. I haven't seen any hardware failures on the PDMs (dash's a different story) but I've only done a handful. It actually supports PWM now pretty similar to the ECUmaster's ability.

It's free to download software and have a nose about before purchase to get a bit of a feel for things. Not quite the same as firing up your PDM/PMU to see for sure, but it's something.

I don't know if they do a deal, but Ecumaster dashes are also highly regarded, not that you couldn't mix and match. If you look hard enough you will find people who are not happy with either option and those that are stoked with them.

We haven't used the AiM32 here, so we can't help you much with a comparison either other than to echo the comments above.

If you haven't already have a search around this Facebook group as there is a decent amount of discussion on both options (and more) on there, some old some new: https://www.facebook.com/groups/791986454524076/

I think the main problem is that I need to stay in the AiM ecosystem for lap timing and data (relevant to driving data at least) logging.

With the AiM PDM setup I would:

CAN0 Aim peripherals

CAN1 GM ECU

CAN2 Mazda ABS and EPS modules

If I ran say an ECUMasters PDM and Dash, I couldn't talk to everything unless they shared a CANBUS

CAN1: GM ECU

CAN2: Aim lap timer/logger like Solo2DL and maybe also the Mazda ECU? And also CAN keypad?

Get's a bit messy.

It must be where I live (northeast US), but everyone seems to have AiM hardware including PDMs. The people ive asked said it all works fine. You guys probably have more exposure though, I respect that. I'll keep digging.

Caveat, I'm an amateur at best, UK based and just down the road from AimShop that have remotely helped me a few times with config of the setup.

In a rewire for my old Triumph TR7V8 racecar I switched over to an Aim PDM32 + 10" race screen and an upgrade from Megasquirt to a Link ECU. I'm not completely finished, but so far the only issue I've had with Aim is my lack of understanding. I've not looked at the software on the other PDM manufacturers, but Aim isn't too bad when you get into it. For the basic functions I have so far (indicators, fog light blink, headlight flash) I've not had any issue making the software do what I want. I've changed the CAN to send extra info to the ECU and vice-versa from the ECU to the PDM32. Almost all switches are run from an Aim RIO CAN expansion

When I looked at the cost of a data logger, PDM, screen, ECU there is a very big price difference with choosing Aim. Even some entry level dashes were pushing up the cost and complexity of the solution.

However it's hard to ignore the fact that there are a lot of people recommending the ECUMaster devices.