Understanding and monitoring the air/fuel ratio (AFR) is critical in high-performance automotive applications. The Innovate Motorsports PowerSafe Boost & Air/Fuel Ratio Gauge (PSB-1) is a specialized device designed to provide real-time feedback on AFR and boost levels. This device integrates advanced features such as a user-programmable boost cut, support for multiple fuel types, and compatibility with various engine management systems. For users seeking to optimize engine performance and safety, the PSB-1 offers a comprehensive solution.
This article details the installation process, configuration options, and key features of the PSB-1. It also highlights how the device functions under different operating conditions and the safety mechanisms it employs. The information is drawn exclusively from the provided documentation and installation guides.
Overview of the PSB-1 Air/Fuel Ratio Gauge
The PSB-1 is an advanced gauge that combines a wideband oxygen sensor with a configurable display. It is capable of monitoring air/fuel ratio, boost pressure, and engine RPM while providing safety features such as boost cut and shift light functionality. The device uses a 4 bar MAP (manifold absolute pressure) sensor with a pressure range of -29 inHG to 43.5 psi. This makes it suitable for a wide range of engine setups, including those with turbochargers or superchargers.
Key features of the PSB-1 include:
- OLED configurable display for clear visibility
- Boost, shift light, and air/fuel ratio monitoring in a single unit
- AFR or Lambda, inHG, PSI, kPa, or BAR units for pressure and air/fuel ratio readings
- User-programmable boost cut safety feature to prevent overboost or lean conditions
- Compatibility with various fuel types, including leaded, unleaded, diesel, and E85
- Analog output for integration with external ECUs or data loggers
- Innovate MTS serial in/out for compatibility with other MTS-enabled devices
- Shift light functionality for performance driving applications
Installation of the PSB-1 Gauge
The installation of the PSB-1 involves several key steps, including mounting the gauge, installing the wideband oxygen sensor, and configuring the settings via software or physical buttons. The exact process may vary depending on the vehicle's existing setup, but the general principles remain consistent.
Mounting the Gauge
The PSB-1 can be mounted in a pre-existing location or a new one depending on the user's preference. In one example, a replacement vent from Roush Performance was used to mount the gauge in a previously determined location. The gauge should be positioned where it is easily visible to the driver and where the wiring can be routed without interference.
Installing the Wideband Oxygen Sensor
The wideband oxygen sensor is installed in the exhaust system, typically in the H-pipe or header collector. If the vehicle already has an unused oxygen sensor bung in the exhaust, the sensor can be installed without drilling or welding. However, if such a bung is not available, a hole must be drilled in the exhaust pipe or header collector, and the sensor must be properly welded in place. A poor weld can lead to inaccurate readings due to air leaks.
Once the sensor is installed, it must be calibrated in conjunction with the gauge. The calibration process is outlined in the instruction manual and is essential for ensuring accurate AFR readings.
Wiring and Connectivity
The PSB-1 requires a power source and a connection to the vehicle's tachometer signal for RPM monitoring. The wiring process involves connecting the gauge to the battery and ensuring that the tach signal is properly routed. In some cases, an adapter may be needed to convert the tach signal to a format compatible with the gauge.
For users who plan to use the gauge with external data logging systems or ECU tuners, the PSB-1 offers a configurable analog output and MTS serial communication. These features allow the gauge to be integrated into a broader performance tuning setup.
Software Configuration
The PSB-1 can be configured using either physical buttons or the LM Programmer software. The software provides a more streamlined and precise way to set up the gauge, especially for advanced features like boost cut and AFR monitoring thresholds. To use the software, a serial-to-USB adapter is required, which can be obtained from Innovate or other sources that provide the necessary drivers for the operating system.
Once the gauge is connected to the computer via the included cable, users can adjust settings such as:
- MAP units (inHG, PSI, kPa, or BAR)
- Wideband O2 units (AFR or Lambda)
- Fuel type (for accurate AFR interpretation)
- RPM mode and scale
- Shift RPM for shift light activation
- Boost cut by pressure or AFR
After the desired settings are applied, the changes can be programmed into the gauge using the "program" button in the LM Programmer software.
Safety Features and Boost Cut Functionality
One of the standout features of the PSB-1 is its user-programmable boost cut functionality, which serves as a safety mechanism to prevent engine damage due to overboost or lean AFR conditions.
Boost Cut by Pressure
The Boost Cut by Pressure feature allows users to set a maximum manifold pressure threshold. When this threshold is exceeded, the PSB-1 activates a relay that interrupts solenoid control and returns boost to spring pressure. The gauge displays "B Cut" in the top right corner to indicate that the safety feature is active. This is particularly useful in turbocharged or supercharged applications where boost pressure can increase rapidly.
Boost Cut by Lean Air/Fuel Ratio
The Boost Cut by AFR function is designed to cut boost when the engine runs too lean. This is triggered by two parameters:
- Start Pressure (AFR Start Press): The minimum manifold absolute pressure at which the AFR cut becomes active.
- AFR Cut: The defined lean air/fuel ratio that will trigger the cut.
When the AFR cut is activated, the gauge displays "O2 Cut" in the top right corner, and the relay interrupts solenoid control. This ensures that the engine does not run lean under load, which can lead to detonation or engine failure.
In a test scenario, the AFR cut was set to 11.9:1, and the boost pressure was set to 1 psi. When the engine was driven to build boost, the solenoid's operation was clearly audible, and the boost pressure dropped as expected. After verifying the system’s functionality, the parameters were adjusted to 12.5:1 AFR and 3 psi for a safer operating range.
Testing and Verification
After installation and configuration, it is essential to test the PSB-1 to ensure it functions as intended. This includes verifying the accuracy of the AFR readings, the responsiveness of the boost cut features, and the operation of the shift light (if installed).
In one test case, the gauge was set to monitor AFR and boost pressure simultaneously. The primary display showed boost pressure, while the secondary display showed the AFR ratio. During operation, the system performed as expected, with the "Boost Cut" indicator appearing when the defined conditions were met.
The PSB-1 also supports data logging through the LogWorks 3 software, which allows users to record and analyze AFR, MAP, and RPM data. This can be useful for tuning and diagnosing performance issues.
Additional Features and Compatibility
The PSB-1 is compatible with a wide range of fuels, including leaded, unleaded, diesel, and E85. This makes it a versatile option for users who run alternative fuels or want to experiment with different tuning strategies.
The gauge also includes a configurable linear 0-5v analog output for use with piggyback ECU systems or standalone engine management systems. This output can be used to feed AFR data to other tuning tools or data loggers.
For users who want to integrate the PSB-1 with other Innovate Motorsports or third-party MTS-enabled devices, the Innovate MTS serial in/out allows for expanded logging capabilities. This feature enables the gauge to be part of a larger performance monitoring system.
Shift Light Integration
The PSB-1 includes an integrated programmable shift light, which is ideal for performance driving applications. The shift light can be set to activate at a specific RPM, providing visual feedback to the driver when it is time to shift gears. This feature is particularly useful in racing or track environments where gear changes must be timed precisely.
The shift light is controlled via the Shift RPM setting in the RPM configuration menu. Once the desired RPM is set, the PSB-1 will activate the shift light when the engine reaches that threshold.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
To ensure the long-term reliability of the PSB-1, regular maintenance and calibration are necessary. The wideband oxygen sensor should be checked for accuracy and recalibrated if necessary. The gauge itself should be inspected for any signs of physical damage or electrical issues.
If the gauge fails to display accurate readings, the following steps can be taken:
- Check the sensor installation: Ensure the sensor is properly welded and positioned in the exhaust.
- Verify the calibration: Re-calibrate the sensor using the provided instructions.
- Inspect the wiring: Look for damaged or loose connections in the wiring harness.
- Test the relay functionality: Confirm that the boost cut relay is functioning correctly.
Conclusion
The Innovate Motorsports PSB-1 PowerSafe Boost & Air/Fuel Ratio Gauge is a powerful tool for monitoring and controlling engine performance in high-performance vehicles. With its wideband AFR monitoring, boost cut safety features, and integration capabilities, it provides users with the necessary tools to tune and protect their engines effectively.
The installation and configuration process, while requiring some technical knowledge, is well-documented and supported by both hardware and software options. Whether used as a standalone gauge or part of a larger tuning system, the PSB-1 offers a reliable and accurate means of monitoring critical engine parameters.