PDM32 / Key8 specific configuration question

I've got a PDM32 with a Key8 installed in my Beetle RestoMod project.

CH11 - PDM power on is done via the ignition switch. Turn the key to ON, and the PDM/Screen powers up.

A Key8 Button - is currently used as a power on/off for all of the channels/outputs that I don't want to initially power on. It's (currently) setup as an on/off toggle, and the various output channels are powered on via this toggle.

To make a long story short, I would like to use this same button to toggle the starter. So, in practice my start up procedure / system would be:

1) Turn the ignition switch to ON to power up the PDM

2) Move hand to Key8 panel.

- Switch 1 activates Accusump

- Momentary press of Switch 2 powers on "the car" (and F.I. system)

- Second press and hold of Switch 2 activates the starter

3) After the car is running, a momentary press of switch 2 shuts down "the car"

4) Turn key to off and remove to fully power down the PDM and car

How would I go about setting this up?

Possible questions/answers that might help:

- I am using all the Key8 buttons, and do not have a spare one to use for the starter activation

- Accusump valve needs a switch, it can't be automated in my application, so I can't eliminate that switch for fully automatic setup (which would be the common way to do it)

- I can use the key for the starter, but I'm trying to avoid taking my hand off the key, using the key8, and going back to the key to start (it is the "what you want can't be done" solution though)

- I will not be adding an additional push button to the dash for the starter. Long story short, I don't want to put anymore holes in the carbon fibre.

Cheers,

-Dave

You need to setup status variables. I would create one for Run-Stop Switch -- on allows the engine to run, off stops the engine. Create another status variable for Activate Starter. Use the status conditions for the logic of the various outputs you want to control.

I created a quick example that might do the job. I don't have a PDM32 / keypad in stock to test, so you will have to give it a try, and if it doesn't work figure out a way to get what you want.

Hope this helps.

Okay, I tried setting up exactly as you have it (using two separate LED light outputs as my test channels) and I couldn't get it to work properly. As soon as I push the key8 button it defaulted into running the starter constantly. Couldn't turn it off.

Any suggestions on where I can read / learn more about Status variables?

I can upload a full configuration file for my car here, which would help in solving this question...but I think I'm more interested in learning the _why_ so I can apply it elsewhere. So far the only youtube videos I've found discuss status variables for combining information into custom warning signals.

I would start with the PDM manual found here:

https://www.aimsports.com/download/doc/eng/pdm32-pdm08/PDM32_user_guide_108_eng.pdf

Status variable are covered on page 26

When I have some time, I will look at the config and based on your observations, make some changes to test.

AiM has some decent examples here: https://support.aimshop.com/faq/pdm/pdfs

Here's one on Start/Stop button function: https://support.aimshop.com/faq/pdm/pdf/PDM32%20StartRun.pdf

I'm currently plotting something like this as well. I want a single Start/Stop button. When you press it, it turns on the EFI circuits and cranks the engine for 4s or until the RPMs go up over 100rpm or so. Then if I press it again, it kills the engine. I'm running an OEM ECU and I wonder if it's ok to power it on and instantly start cranking. I suppose it doesn't need any time to boot up. I think I'd prime the fuel pump when the PDM turns on via physical main cutoff switch.

AiM have a Youtube channel with a whole pile of webinars, they can be a bit long winded but there's good info there.

Try this one https://youtu.be/up10oLlIf7A?si=h9NL0V2EGtWBjcqb