MS II or MS I ver. 3? noob warning
 

OK- noob question. I know the MS I is well sorted but I hate to buy stuff and have it become 'yesterday's news' right away. Are many folks using the MS II? Why / not? I plan to build something between now and spring and am in the learning / research stage at the moment. Any input is appreciated.

Oh, BTW I'm currently running an M-45 blower (JR pump, AFPR, BTC) on a '95 and plan to use the MS to sort this and learn before I sell the S/C to go turbo (probably NEXT spring). The current set up 'works' but not well. It really needs tuned but I don't want to invest in band-aids or anything that won't transfer to a turbo setup.

I read alot and then ended up buying a 2.2 unit as DIY suggested that there is more info etc for that one than the 3.0 unit for the Miata. I have built it and it works great and I am happy but at the same time think I should have gone 3.0 as there seems to be lots of info on this site for it. I kind of feel one step behind the latest which is actually the story of my life! My suggestion is to go the very latest and ask for help from the guys here who are way ahead of the curve. FWIY

Well to the best of my knowlege, you don't need any of the extra functionality that the MS-II has. With the MSNSe firmware, the MS-I is capable of almost anything that the MS-II is and its $100 cheaper. If you look over this forum nearly everyone here is using a MS-I.

nearly? it's safe to say that 99% here are.

Thanks. I realize the MS I is probably more than adequate. I'm just concerned about future expandability and features along with support and resolution. It's my understanding that the MS II processor is superior. Coming from the computer world that implies the eventual demise of the status quo to me. I guess I shouldn't be too concerned as inexpensive as these things are. I just don't want to feel the urge to 'upgrade' to the MS II in a year and have to rewire everything! :)

the only thing you'll gain with MSII is faster processing speed and sequential injection. Get a v2.0 board, you can always upgrade, but you'll find that MSI more be more than sufficient to your needs.

Well, the MS-II is faster, has more RAM, more flash, and supports CAN.

The code for the MSI is written in Assembly, whereas the MSII code is all C. So if you plan on tinkering with the code, consider that. I personally find the Assembly much easier to look at, but I guess I'm old fashioned.

Out of the box, the MSII has some better software features- larger VE and spark tables, AFR autotune, etc. Software is available for the MSI that provides all these features.

MSII does use a higher resolution when doing fuel calculations- the upside here is theoretically better idle and lower emissions when using huge injectors. There is a build of code for the MSI which provides a similar improvement by sacrificing PWM control for low-impedance injectors.

I don't think you'll find yourself obsoleted a year of five from now if you buy MSI. Support for that system isn't going anywhere. OTOH, if you buy the MS-II, then when you get your E-class Mercedes a few years down the road you'll be able to install the MS into it and take advantage of the CANbus interface to talk to the Merc's transmission controller.

OK. I guess I can accept that the MS I is the way to go, but why the 2.0 board? The MS PnP uses the 3.57 board per DIY autotune in an email they sent me:is there a reason not to use the 3.0 board? It seems the v 3.57 is only available pre-assembled which I guess is an option too unless y'all say there's a reason not to go that route. I generally LIKE building stuff like this actually but I'll weigh my time cost before I make my final purchase.

I really hope I'm not belabouring this! I've been reading a lot lately but I haven't made it through the online manual yet....

sorry i meant 3.0.

see the two links in my sig, that should help you out.

[QUOTE=Joe Perez;211343]Well, the MS-II is faster, has more RAM, more flash, and supports CAN.

The code for the MSI is written in Assembly, whereas the MSII code is all C. So if you plan on tinkering with the code, consider that. I personally find the Assembly much easier to look at, but I guess I'm old fashioned.

Out of the box, the MSII has some better software features- larger VE and spark tables, AFR autotune, etc. Software is available for the MSI that provides all these features.

MSII does use a higher resolution when doing fuel calculations- the upside here is theoretically better idle and lower emissions when using huge injectors. There is a build of code for the MSI which provides a similar improvement by sacrificing PWM control for low-impedance injectors.

I don't think you'll find yourself obsoleted a year of five from now if you buy MSI. Support for that system isn't going anywhere. OTOH, if you buy the MS-II, then when you get your E-class Mercedes a few years down the road you'll be able to install the MS into it and take advantage of the CANbus interface to talk to the Merc's transmission controller.[/QUOTE]

Fantastic info Joe. Thanks! And funny too....E-Class.....I'm more the Elise / Ford GT type! Although I think I'd really dig an M3.....:) I think at THAT level though, I'm not monkeying with modding the car much!

Sweet! Thanks Brain! You guys have been great. Sorted then....MS-I v. 3!

The whole concept of putting all these gadgets in our cars is basically "playing" with these toys. Sure, MS-I will do the job but MS-II will be the better toy with more bells and whistles and more things to fiddle with. MS-II will have other accesories and more options to play with later down the road. Some toys are cheap and there are those that are more expensive but more desirable.

Right, and I agree - which was what prompted the initial question for me. However I have to take into consideration that though I'm far from new to electronics, computers, or cars, this is my first attempt at this particular sort of thing. Until I have a more thorough understanding through hands-on experience, I feel more comfortable with tried and true to some degree.