Press Release : AEM RELEASES NEW WIDEBAND FAILSAFE GAUGE

Press Release : AEM RELEASES NEW WIDEBAND FAILSAFE GAUGE

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John Huh
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WIDEBAND FAILSAFE GAUGE
AEM is proud to introduce its Wideband FAILSAFE Gauge! (Part #30-4900). This device provides the ability to accurately tune AFR, while actively protecting your engine by constantly monitoring AFR curves and activating a user-defined failsafe strategy if it runs lean.

The Wideband FAILSAFE Gauge is a Universal Exhaust Gas Oxygen (UEGO—“you-way-go”) controller with an internal boost sensor, an internal data logger and a full color Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display. It includes technology to activate a failsafe strategy in the event AFR falls outside of a user-defined operating window. If the AFR falls outside of the set operating window, the Wideband FAILSAFE Gauge triggers a user define d output function that can save an engine from catastrophic damage.

WHY USE A WIDEBAND AIR/FUEL CONTROLLER?
Accurate AFR data is critical when tuning an engine. Running rich (very low air/fuel ratio, excessive fuel) can cause a loss in power and fuel economy, while running too lean (very high air/fuel ratio, not enough fuel) may result in serious engine damage. Using a wideband air/fuel controller during the tuning process allows you to monitor AFR and adjust tuning parameters to optimize them for maximum power and efficiency.

EASY TO SET UP!
Once installed, users connect to the gauge via a USB port and use the supplied software to log an engine’s safe AFR operating range, set minimum and maximum AFR ranges, alarm mode, time delay strategy, failsafe strategy and gauge display configuration.

Users with an AEMnet-equipped (CAN bus) device can daisy chain the Wideband FAILSAFE gauge using the AEMnet connection (adapter sold separately). Non AEMnet devices can communicate with the device using the CAN 2.0B spec protocol. An analog output for O2 feedback is provided for users without AEMnet or CAN-equipped devices to hard wire the gauge for O2 feedback or logging in a stand-alone logger.

The 52mm (2-1/16”) Wideband FAILSAFE Gauge includes a Bosch 4.2LSU AFR wideband sensor for monitoring and feedback of AFR and an on-board boost sensor to read vacuum or boost pressures up to 30 PSIG. Both boost or vacuum and AFR can be displayed in real time on the gauge’s face using the full color OLED screen and 24 three-color sweeping LEDs. The gauge includes a low side output for triggering a failsafe strategy in the event AFR falls outside of the operating window, and an RPM input to log RPM for tuning purposes.

This product is a must have for all tuned performance engines, either forced induction or naturally aspirated, fuel injected or carbureted. Any high performance vehicle owners who want a highly accurate AFR tuning tool with logging and a protection strategy that can save an engine from catastrophic failure will want this FAILSAFE device.

WHAT IT INCLUDES
The 52mm (2-1/16”) Wideband FAILSAFE Gauge includes a Bosch 4.2LSU AFR wideband sensor for monitoring and feedback of AFR and an on-board boost sensor to read vacuum or boost pressures up to 30 PSIG. Both boost and AFR can be displayed in real time on the gauge’s face using the full color OLED screen and 24 three-color sweeping LEDs. The gauge includes a low side output for triggering a failsafe strategy in the event AFR falls outside of the operating window (see example strategies, below), and an RPM input to log RPM for tuning purposes.

WHAT IT DOES
After the engine is tuned and a safe operating window of AFR is established, the Wideband FAILSAFE Gauge continually monitors AFR and boost or vacuum to make sure that AFR does not fall out of the defined operating window at a given boost or vacuum level. If the Wideband Failsafe detects an out of range AFR reading, the gauge triggers a low side output (ground signal with a 1.5 amp draw max) that can save your engine from catastrophic damage (see example strategies, below).

Use the gauge’s intuitive software to configure the low side output, create a user-adjustable time delay strategy to prevent false alarms, and customize the gauge lighting to flash and alert the driver if an alarm is triggered.

The system contains an on-board data logger for logging over three hours of data recording (20 Hz per parameter) of AFR, RPM, boost, alarm, and others. Data logs can be downloaded for viewing in the new AEMdata software.

Additionally, the Wideband FAILSAFE Gauge is an ideal engine tuning tool. The highly accurate Bosch AFR wideband sensor is maintenance free and never requires free-air calibration, enabling you to fine tune AFR from an AEM programmable engine management system, any other programmable EMS or piggyback programmer. For carbureted applications, it can tell you when it’s time to swap carb(s), change jets or simply modify fuel pressure.

EXAMPLE ENGINE PROTECTION STRATEGIES
NATURALLY ASPIRATED, TURBOCHARGED OR SUPERCHARGED WITH STAND ALONE EMS OR PIGGYBACK CONTROLLER: Can use the low side output to cut revs, retard timing, trigger a separate fuel or ignition map and activate an ancillary warning light. Users with turbos can also trigger the device to cut boost (may require separate solenoid). The aforementioned strategies are provided as an example. Available failsafe strategies will ultimately be dependent on the capability of the EMS or piggyback engine controller.

Common Questions and FAQ about Wideband 02 Sensors

Q:  What is a wideband UEGO Sensor?
A:  UEGO is an acronym for Universal Exhaust Gas Oxygen sensor. It is the most accurate, fastest responding type of Air/Fuel Ratio (AFR) sensor available on the market today. UEGO sensors should not be confused with common “switch” type O2 sensors equipped in OEM vehicles that are designed to work within the parameters of a factory engine management calibration.
 
Q:  Why do I need a wideband UEGO AFR sensor controller?
A:  If you are going to modify your engine in any way, knowing the Air/Fuel Ratio (AFR) is critical to achieve the best performance, and to prevent leaning out and potentially destroying the motor.
 
Q:  I saw an O2 gauge online for $80, isn’t this the same thing?
A:  NO! The vast majority of O2 sensors are of a simple “switch” type. These sensors can only indicate whether your engine is running rich or lean, but not what your actual AFR reading is. For tuning purposes, these types are sensors are useless.
 
Q:  I have an aftermarket fuel injection computer. Can I use the AEM UEGO Controller Module or Gauge-Type UEGO Controller with it?
A:  Yes. It has a 0-5v output so you can simply hook up the UEGO module to the O2 sensor input wire of your fuel injection computer.
 
Q:  My AEM engine management system includes a UEGO controller. How can I monitor my AFR in real time?
A:  You can use an AEM Serial Datastream Gauge to monitor your AFR in real time. That Serial Gauge works with AEM EMS systems only.
 
Q:  Why is there a sensor and also a module? Is the module a heater controller?
A:  UEGO type sensors output a small current that must be conditioned and corrected based on a number of operating parameters. This is what the module does. Without the module, the sensor is useless. The majority of the sensor’s “brains” are in the module. Also included in the module is the heater controller, but it is only one part of the controller.
 
Q:  Can I use a different UEGO sensor than the one supplied?
A:  No. The supplied Bosch sensor is calibrated specifically for AEM Wideband UEGO controllers.
 
Q:  Where do I get a new sensor from when mine goes bad?
A:  You can purchase a new Bosch sensor from one of our distributors, or from our “Buy Now” feature on our website. The part number for a replacement UEGO sensor is 30-2001. To purchase, please visit our dealer finder or visit the “Sensors and Connectors” page of our website to order online.

WIDEBAND FAILSAFE GAUGE TECHNICAL FEATURES:

  • Displays both boost or vacuum and AFR or Lambda simultaneously on the same gauge
  • No free air calibration required – ever
  • Internal boost sensor
  • Bosch Wideband UEGO sensor and weld-in bung included
  • On-Board 3+ hour Datalogging capability at 20hz per parameter
  • Full color Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) Display in center, user selectable feature (boost/vacuum or AFR)
  • 24 three-color sweeping LEDs, user selectable feature (boost/vacuum or AFR)
  • Intuitive set up software
  • Dimmer input included
  • Interchangeable faceplates and bezels (see options, below)
  • Data analysis using AEMdata software

WIDEBAND FAILSAFE GAUGE INSTALLATION FEATURES:

  • AEMnet compatible (CAN 2.0)
  • Differential AFR analog output
  • Differential boost analog output
  • Configurable RPM input for logging
  • One low-side driver output (Ground with 1.5 amp max draw)
  • Positive-lock connectors
  • Tunable PC-based software with USB connectivity
  • Time based reset for outputs

WIDEBAND FAILSAFE GAUGE FACEPLATE STYLES:
Kit comes with 6 different faceplates and black and silver bezels.

  • Black Vacuum only in sweeping LEDs
  • Black and White AFR in sweeping LEDs
  • Black and White Vacuum/Boost in sweeping LEDs
  • Black Lambda in sweeping LEDs

MORE INFO
Please visit www.prostreetonline.com or call 1-888-776-7022 for an authorized AEM retailer and tech support!

AEM’s Wideband FAILSAFE Gauge is legal in California only for racing vehicles which may never be used upon a highway.

WARNING! Use the Wideband FAILSAFE Gauge with EXTREME caution! Misuse of this product can lead to major engine/vehicle damage. If you are not well versed in engine dynamics, automotive engine tuning or automotive wiring installation please do not attempt installation of this product as you may damage your vehicle. For technical assistance, please visit our forum or visit our dealer locator for a Factory Trained tuner near you. AEM holds no responsibility for any engine damage that results from the misuse of this product!

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