Phormula KS-3 User manual

Sensor Mounting
The sensor should be located in a position where engine block vibrations are directly coupled to the
sensor. Ideally this location should be on a boss on the engine block, inline with the point of
combustion. Care should be taken when selecting a suitable location. Locations of excessive noise,
such as the valve train may effect the operation of this device.
Note: The sensor should be located avoiding areas of extreme temperature. The sensor cable must
be routed avoiding areas of electrical interference (i.e. Do not route the sensor cable next to your
HT leads!)
Operation
With the system mounted and all connection securely made, switch on the ignition. The display will
show the “Phormula” start-up screen. The system will then display the system settings and knock
readings.
The system can be tested by tapping adjacent to the sensor with a metal object such as a spanner.
Care should be taken to avoid hitting the sensor directly.
Familiarise yourself with the system settings in the following sections before attempting to configure
the KS-3.
System Settings
System Settings can be accessed by moving the navigation dial slowly in a down direction
repeatedly. The screen orders are as follows:
Screen Name
1 Data Display
2 Bandwidth Settings
3 Gain Settings
4 Alert Settin
g
s
5 Restore Defaults
6 Quickstart Settings
7 Software Version
Data Screen
The data screen shows the current knock reading, the maximum knock reading and a bar graph
display.
Resetting Peak Hold
Peak/Max readings can be reset by briefly pressing the navigation dial inwards.
Bandwidth Settings
Bandwidth settings can be accessed by moving the navigation switch downwards repeatedly until
the words “System Settings” and “BAND – XXX kHz” are displayed. Press the navigation switch
inwards briefly and the words “Scroll to change” will appear. Bandwidth can then be altered by
moving the navigation dial upwards or downwards. Press the navigation switch inwards to specify a
new setting.
Gain Settings
Gain settings can be accessed by moving the navigation switch downwards repeatedly until the
words “System Settings” and “GAIN – XX” are displayed. Press the navigation switch inwards briefly
and the words “Scroll to change” will appear. Gain can then be altered by moving the navigation dial
upwards or downwards. Press the navigation switch inwards to specify a new setting.
Alert Settings
Alert settings can be accessed by moving the navigation switch downwards repeatedly until the words
“System Settings” and “ALERTS” are displayed. Press the navigation switch inwards briefly and the
words “Scroll to change” will appear. Alert levels can then be altered by moving the navigation dial
upwards or downwards. Press the navigation switch inwards to specify a new setting.
When the knock readings exceed the Alert threshold the system will display a visual warning and an
audible alert will sound. A white LED indicator will illuminate until the peak values are reset.
Restore System Defaults
The system can be reset to factory defaults by accessing the “RESTORE DEFAULT” screen.
Quickstart
The KS-3 displays the current system settings during startup. By setting Quickstart to “ON” in the
settings menu, the system will no longer display these settings during start-up.
Graphical Display
If the alert setting is switched off the bar graph will display a range from 0-100. If an alert limit has
been set the bar graph will display a fraction of the alert limit i.e. at an alert threshold of 40 the bar
graph will be at its maximum when a value of 40 is reached.
Configuring the KS-3
The engine must be operating correctly prior to configuring the KS-3.
1. Ensure KS-3 Alerts are turned off.
2. Set the Bandwidth setting to the expected engine knock frequency.
3. Run the engine under load to full power and check the peak readings.
4. Repeat step 3 adjusting the Gain settings until the KS-3 peak readings display
approximately 40.
5. Configure the Alert to trigger above the peak value.
An increase in the peak reading when the engine is under load is an indication of detonation
occurring. Tests showed readings of greater than 80 when detonation was occurring, however this
value will vary depending on the engine and location of the sensor.
The bandwidth settings are a centre frequency. Frequencies either side of the centre frequency are
also detected, but to a lesser extent.
FAQ
Id Question Answer
1 Why does the device display a value for Knock when the engine
is operating normally?
All engines produce a wide range of frequencies during
normal operation. The KS-3 will read and display engine
noise.
2 I can’t locate the sensor directly on the block. Will the device
operate correctly?
The KS-3 is sensitive to sensor location. Readings may be
taken from other locations such as the engine head; however
the distinction between engine noise and detonation may not
be as clear.
3 Can I cut and extend the sensor cable? The sensor cable is shielded to reduce interference. The cable can be extended using a similar shielded cable. Additional
cable can be purchased from www.phormula.co.uk
4 I’m getting inconsistent readings? Check routing of the sensor cables. These must be routed
avoiding sources of electrical interference.
5 I’m getting occasional spikes and I’m certain my engine is not
knocking? Check connections to the sensor plug and FAQ 4. Check sensor location is suitable.
6 Can I provide power to the KS-3 from a source other than the
cigarette lighter adapter provided?
The KS-3 may be powered from a 1A fused 12v dc source.
Modifications to the power cable or supply should be
conducted by a qualified automotive electrician.

System Screen Navigation
The following table shows navigation through the system screens.
Action
Current Screen Button Down Button Up Button Click
Data Screen Bandwidth Settings - Reset Max Knock
Reading
Bandwidth Settings Gain Settings Data Screen Change Bandwidth
Settings
Gain Settings Alert Settings Bandwidth Settings Change Gain Settings
Alert Settings Restore Defaults Gain Settings Change Alert Settings
Restore Defaults Quickstart Alert Settings
Restore Default
Settings
Quickstart Version Information Restore
Defaults Change Quickstart Settings
Version Information - Quickstart
Settings -
Warning: This product is for off road use only and should be installed by a qualified
Automotive Electrician.
This device should not be used as the sole method of knock detection whilst tuning an
engine. Incorrect configuration, electrical interference or poor electrical connections may
result in incorrect knock readings.
For Technical Support email: [e-mail]
Warranties Statement
All products manufactured or distributed by Phormula Ltd are subject to the following, LIMITED EXPRESS
WARRANTIES, and no others:
For the period of one (1) year from and after the date of purchase of a new Phormula Ltd product, Phormula Ltd
warrants and guarantees that such a Phormula Ltd product shall be free from defects of materials and workmanship
in the manufacturing process. A Phormula Ltd product claimed to be defective must be returned to Phormula Ltd.
Phormula Ltd, at its sole option, shall replace the defective Phormula Ltd product with a comparable new Phormula
Ltd product or repair the defective Phormula Ltd product. This expressive warranty shall be inapplicable to any
Phormula Ltd product not properly installed and properly used by the purchaser – user or to any Phormula Ltd
product damaged or impaired due to external forces. This is the extent of warranties available on this Phormula Ltd
product. Phormula Ltd shall have no liability whatsoever for any indirect, special or consequential loss or damage
following from the use of any defective Phormula Ltd product or by reason of the failure of any Phormula Ltd product.
Phormula Ltd specifically disclaims all warranties, conditions and other terms implied by statute or common law to
the fullest extent permitted by law.
The programme in this Phormula Ltd product is licensed not sold. Phormula Ltd grants you a license for the
programme only in the country where you acquired the programme. You obtain no rights other than those granted
under this license. Under this license you may use the programme on only one Phormula Ltd product at any one
time. You are not permitted to transfer or copy this programme. You may terminate your license at any time.
Phormula Ltd may terminate your license if you fail to comply with the terms and conditions of this license. In either
event you must destroy your copies of the programme.
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the KS-3 Knock Analyser. This manual provides fitting and usage
instructions. For technical support please email [e-mail].
Installation Overview
Sensor Plug Assembly
KS-3 Knock Analyser
Box Contents:
•Main Unit
•Signal Cable
•Mounting Pads
•Knock Sensor Kit
•12v Power Adapter
•Instruction Manual
1. Mount the Knock Sensor
2. Assemble sensor plug
3. Connect signal cable
4. Connect the power cable
5. Configure KS-3 settings
NOTE: The signal cable must be
connected observing polarity.
Use heat shrink tubing to cover
the sensor cable and rear plug
housing.