INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS for

DEC9000 DIGITAL ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM

Part Number 9000-0001 and Adapter Part Numbers 9000-8900, 9000-0002, and 9000-0004

CAUTION: READ INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE STARTING INSTALLATION NOTE: The DEC9000 has been superceded by the new Pro DEC9500 (P/N 9000-9500) and the information herein is intended for product support purposes. Figures 1-6 show hookups to the original Crane Hall eff ect crank trigger with 4 pin connector. Figure 8 shows hookup to the new Crane crank trigger with 3 pin connector.

OVERVIEW

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

The DEC9500 is for V8 engines only. It offers the following features:

The installation procedure consists of mounting the DEC9000 and then connecting power and signal wires to the unit. Connections to various widely used ignition systems are shown in Figures 1 through 6. These figures show the use of the recommended Crane Hall Effect crank trigger. Figure 7 shows connection of RPM limit and retard control switches and tachometer. Figures 8 and 9 show connection of alternate trigger sources such as a conventional magnetic pickup crank trigger. Details are provided in the following sections.

•

Two stage RPM limiter with choice of random or sequenced firing.

•

Zero to nine degree initial timing control and high gear retard settings.

• •

15 degree fixed start retard. Diagnostic LEDs for trigger and +12 volt power.

DEC9000 MOUNTING

The DEC9000 is triggered directly by a magnetic pickup and can drive the points input on most racing ignition systems, including the MSD-7AL. A tachometer output is also provided. MSD-6AL adapter P/N 9000-0002 and MSD-8 adapter P/N 9000-0004 are described on page 3.

Do not mount the DEC9000 in close proximity to the ignition module, ignition coil, or spark plug wires. If the mounting surface does not have vibration mounts, mount the unit with the rubber grommets installed using #10 hardware. Use the supplied bushing inserts to keep the rubber grommets from being excessively compressed.

WARNING: Disconnect the battery ground cable before performing any work on the ignition system. 24 volt jump starts may cause damage.

CRANE HI-7 AND HI-8 IGNITION HOOKUP

WIRING HINTS

1. Refer to Figure 1. Connect +12V on the DEC9000 direct to the ignition key or other switched +12V power source.

Improper grounding can cause intermittent noise problems. The DEC9000 should be grounded only to chassis ground near the point where the ignition module is grounded. There should be no other ground connection to the DEC9000. Do not ground the DEC9000 direct to the ignition module.

2. Connect GROUND on the DEC9000 direct to chassis ground near the ignition system. Do not connect it to the ground terminal on the ignition system as this may cause interference. 3. Connect the POINTS output from the DEC9000 to the POINTS input on the Crane ignition. The MAG+ terminal must be jumpered to IGN+ when using the POINTS input. The ignition will not run unless this jumper wire is installed.

The DEC9000 uses a clamping type terminal block. This has been proven to be the most reliable means of making an electrical connection. 18 AWG stranded, tinned copper wire is recommended for all connections. Strip approximately 1/4” insulation from the wire end. Twist the strands together tightly and insert into the terminal block. Do not excessively tighten the terminal screw.

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4. Connect the AUX output from the DEC9000 to the AUX input on the Crane ignition.

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Figure 1. Crane HI-7 And HI-8 Hookup IGNITION SWITCH

CRANE

SHIELD MAG – MAG + POINTS AUX IN STATUS TACH IGN + NOT USED

TO +12V

HI-7 or HI-8

JUMPER WHEN USING POINTS INPUT

NOTE: MAG+ must be jumpered to IGN+ when using points input on Crane HI-7 or HI-8 systems. Power and coil connections not shown.

CHASSIS GROUND NEAR IGNITION

OTHER SYSTEMS MSD ONLY FIRING AUX OUT SEQUENCE HALL OUT CONTROL POINTS TACH 1 +12V GROUND START RTD HIGH GEAR STAGE MAG + MAG SHIELD DEC9000

CRANE CRANK TRIGGER WHEEL

MAX RPM LIMIT

STAGE RPM LIMIT

1

CRANE

1

1

HIGH INITIAL GEAR TIMING RETARD

00

1

1

1

00

1

1

HIGH GEAR RETARD START RETARD TRIGGER INPUT +12V POWER OK

DIGITAL ENGINE CONTROL

CLEAR SHIELD BLACK MAG+ RED +12V CRANE SENSOR 4 PIN WEATHER PACK CONNECTOR

SENSOR EXTENSION HARNESS

5. Crank trigger hookup. Use the cable supplied with the crank trigger. If you need a longer cable, use 3 conductor shielded cable. Connect the shield only to the SHIELD terminal on the DEC9000. Do not connect the shield to chassis ground. Connect the other wires from the crank trigger as shown in Figure 1. Tape up the white wire.

1. Refer to Figure 2. Connect +12V on the DEC9000 direct to the ignition key or other switched +12V power source. 2. Connect GROUND on the DEC9000 direct to chassis ground near the HI-6. Do not connect it to the black HI-6 ground wire as this may cause interference. 3. Connect the POINTS output from the DEC9000 to the white POINTS trigger wire from the HI-6.

6. Route the cable next to the frame or the engine to help eliminate false triggering due to noise. Keep it away from plug wires or coil wiring.

4. Connect the AUX output from the DEC9000 to the blue wire from the HI-6. The blue wire has a special function when used with the DEC9000. Note that you must also set the HI-6 stage RPM limit to “02” in order to select DEC9000 compatibility mode. For dual RPM limit HI-6DS and HI-6DSR units, the maximum limit setting is ignored. You can set the maximum RPM limit to “00.” Older HI-6 units without a yellow/white stage input wire: set the maximum RPM limit to “02.”

7. Set the mode switch at the upper left corner of the DEC9000 to OTHER.

CRANE HI-6 IGNITION HOOKUP CAUTION: The DEC9000 cannot be used with older HI-6TR units that ha ve a brown retard wire. 10/2000

WHITE POINTS NOT USED TAPE UP

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Crane. Due to limitations of the MSD-8 circuitry, setting DEC9000 RPM limits below 3,000 RPM is not recommended.

5. Tape up the brown/white retard and yellow/white stage limit input wires from the HI-6. Older HI-6 units do not have these wires.

1. Refer to Figure 4. Connect +12V on the DEC9000 direct to the ignition key or other switched +12V power source.

6. Cut the magnetic trigger cable short and tape up each lead separately so that they cannot short together or to ground.

2. Connect GROUND on the DEC9000 direct to chassis ground near the MSD-8. Do not directly connect it to the MSD-8 as this may cause interference.

7. Crank trigger hookup. Use the cable supplied with the crank trigger. If you need a longer cable, use 3 conductor shielded cable. Connect the shield only to the SHIELD terminal on the DEC9000. Do not connect the shield to chassis ground. Connect the other wires from the crank trigger as shown in Figure 2. Tape up the white wire.

3. Connect the green wire from the adapter to the DEC9000 POINTS output. 4. Connect the blue wire from the adapter to the DEC9000 AUX output.

8. Route the cable next to the frame or the engine to help eliminate false triggering due to noise. Keep it away from plug wires or coil wiring.

5. Connect the white wire from the adapter to the MSD-8 MAG+ terminal.

9. Set the mode switch at the upper left corner of the DEC9000 to OTHER.

6. Connect the Weather-Pack plug from the adapter to the mating Weather-Pack plug on the MSD-8.

MSD-7AL IGNITION HOOKUP

7. Crank trigger hookup. Use the cable supplied with the crank trigger. If you need a longer cable, use 3 conductor shielded cable. Connect the shield only to the SHIELD terminal on the DEC9000. Do not connect the shield to chassis ground. Connect the other wires from the crank trigger as shown in Figure 3. Tape up the white wire.

CAUTION: The DEC9000 cannot be used with MSD-7AL3 units. 1. Refer to Figure 3. Connect +12V on the DEC9000 direct to the ignition key or other switched +12V power source.

8. Route the cable next to the frame or the engine to help eliminate false triggering due to noise. Keep it away from plug wires or coil wiring.

2. Connect GROUND on the DEC9000 direct to chassis ground near the MSD-7AL. Do not connect it to the ground terminal on the MSD-7AL as this may cause interference.

9. Set the mode switch at the upper left corner of the DEC9000 to MSD.

3. Connect the POINTS output from the DEC9000 to the POINTS input on the MAD-7AL.

MSD-7AL AND MSD-8 WIRING NOTES

4. A green wire with an MSD style RPM module plug is supplied with the DEC9000 installation kit. Connect this green wire to the DEC9000 AUX output. Plug the RPM module on the other end of the green wire into the RPM module socket on the side of the MSD-7AL. Note that MSD-7AL units vary in internal wiring, so you may need to reverse the orientation of the RPM module plug in order to get the RPM limit feature to function.

To assure proper operation of the DEC9000, the following must be observed: 1. A power supply noise filter capacitor must be used with these MSD units. Use Crane part number 9000-0014 or MSD part number 8830. Connect the negative side of the filter capacitor to the heavy black wire from the MSD unit and then directly to chassis ground with a short length (6 inch max) of 10 or 12 AWG stranded copper wire. Connect the positive side of the capacitor to the heavy red wire from the MSD unit and to the battery positive terminal. Use 10 or 12 AWG stranded copper wire for all power connections.

5. Crank trigger hookup. Use the cable supplied with the crank trigger. If you need a longer cable, use 3 conductor shielded cable. Connect the shield only to the SHIELD terminal on the DEC9000. Do not connect the shield to chassis ground. Connect the other wires from the crank trigger as shown in Figure 3. Tape up the white wire.

2. Keep all of the DEC9000 signal connections and adapter connections away from the MSD unit’s coil wires. 3. Do not connect anything to the ground or MAG- terminal on the MSD unit.

6. Route the cable next to the frame or the engine to help eliminate false triggering due to noise. Keep it away from plug wires or coil wiring.

4. Keep the MSD Propower coil as far away as possible from the DEC9000.

7. Set the mode switch at the upper left corner of the DEC9000 to MSD.

MSD-6AL IGNITION HOOKUP

MSD-8 IGNITION HOOKUP

DEC9000 to MSD-6AL adapter part number 9000-0002 is required for this hookup. You can order this adapter direct from Crane. Due to limitations of the MSD-6AL circuitry, setting DEC9000 RPM limits below 4,500 RPM is not recommended.

DEC9000 to MSD-8 adapter part number 9000-0004 is required for this hookup. You can order this adapter direct from

10/2000

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Figure 2. Crane HI-6 Hookup RETARD AND STAGE INPUT CANNOT BE USED-TAPE UP IGNITION SWITCH

BROWN/WHITE RETARD INPUT YELLOW/WHITE STAGE INPUT THIN RED SWITCHED +12V

TO +12V Note: HI-6 power and coil connections not shown.

MAGNETIC TRIGGER CABLE CUT SHORT AND TAPE UP EACH WIRE (VIOLET & GREEN)

WHITE POINTS TRIGGER

BLUE AUX

CHASSIS GROUND NEAR IGNITION

OTHER SYSTEMS MSD ONLY FIRING AUX OUT SEQUENCE HALL OUT CONTROL POINTS TACH 1 +12V GROUND START RTD HIGH GEAR STAGE MAG + MAG SHIELD DEC9000

CRANE CRANK TRIGGER WHEEL

Note: set HI-6 STAGE REV LIMIT switches to "02" when using DEC9000

1

CRANE

1

1

HIGH INITIAL GEAR TIMING RETARD

MAX RPM LIMIT

STAGE RPM LIMIT

00

1

1

1

00

1

1

HIGH GEAR RETARD START RETARD TRIGGER INPUT +12V POWER OK

DIGITAL ENGINE CONTROL

CLEAR SHIELD BLACK MAG+ RED +12V CRANE SENSOR 4 PIN WEATHER PACK CONNECTOR

SENSOR EXTENSION HARNESS

CAUTION: The DEC9000 can only be used with MSD-6AL units. It is not compatible with any other MSD-6 series units.

4. Connect the white wire from the adapter to the DEC9000 AUX output. 5. Connect the black wire from the adapter to chassis ground near the DEC9000. 6. Connect the MSD style RPM module plug from the adapter into the RPM module socket on the side of the MSD-6AL. Note that MSD-6AL units vary in internal wiring, so you may need to reverse the orientation of the RPM module plug in order to get the RPM limit feature to function.

1. Refer to Figure 5. Connect +12V on the DEC9000 direct to the ignition key or other switched +12V power source. 2. Connect GROUND on the DEC9000 direct to chassis ground near the MSD-6AL. Do not directly connect it to the MSD-6AL black ground wire as this may cause interference.

7. Crank trigger hookup. Use the cable supplied with the crank trigger. If you need a longer cable, use 3 conductor shielded cable. Connect the shield only to the SHIELD terminal on the DEC9000. Do not connect the shield to chassis ground. Connect the other wires from the crank trigger as shown in Figure 3. Tape up the white wire.

3. Connect the POINTS output from the DEC9000 to the white POINTS trigger wire from the MSD-6AL.

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WHITE POINTS NOT USED TAPE UP

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Figure 3. MSD-7AL Hookup MSD-7AL IGNITION IGNITION SWITCH

C+ CIGN

RPM MODULE PLUG

TO +12V

T A C H

PTS M+ M-

GROUND

Note: MSD power and coil connections not shown. CHASSIS GROUND NEAR IGNITION

OTHER SYSTEMS MSD ONLY FIRING AUX OUT SEQUENCE HALL OUT CONTROL POINTS TACH 1 +12V GROUND START RTD HIGH GEAR STAGE MAG + MAG SHIELD DEC9000

CRANE CRANK TRIGGER WHEEL

1

CRANE

1

1

HIGH INITIAL GEAR TIMING RETARD

MAX RPM LIMIT

STAGE RPM LIMIT

00

1

1

1

00

1

1

HIGH GEAR RETARD START RETARD TRIGGER INPUT +12V POWER OK

DIGITAL ENGINE CONTROL

CLEAR SHIELD BLACK MAG+ RED +12V CRANE SENSOR 4 PIN WEATHER PACK CONNECTOR

SENSOR EXTENSION HARNESS

8. Route the cable next to the frame or the engine to help eliminate false triggering due to noise. Keep it away from plug wires or coil wiring.

3. Connect the POINTS output from the DEC9000 to the POINTS input on the Mallory unit. 4. Crank trigger hookup. Use the cable supplied with the crank trigger. If you need a longer cable, use 3 conductor shielded cable. Connect the shield only to the SHIELD terminal on the DEC9000. Do not connect the shield to chassis ground. Connect the other wires from the crank trigger as shown in Figure 3. Tape up the white wire.

9. Set the mode switch at the upper left corner of the DEC9000 to MSD.

MALLORY HYFIRE IGNITION HOOKUP 1. Refer to Figure 6. Connect +12V on the DEC9000 direct to the ignition key or other switched +12V power source.

5. Route the cable next to the frame or the engine to help eliminate false triggering due to noise. Keep it away from plug wires or coil wiring.

2. Connect GROUND on the DEC9000 direct to chassis ground near the Mallory unit. Do not connect it to the black ground wire from the Mallory unit as this may cause interference.

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WHITE POINTS NOT USED TAPE UP

6. Set the maximum possible RPM limit on the Mallory unit, i.e. setting “111”. 7. Set the mode switch at the upper left corner of the DEC9000 to OTHER.

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Figure 4. MSD-8 Hookup

MSD-8 IGNITION C+ CIGN

IGNITION SWITCH TO +12V TACH

CHASSIS GROUND NEAR IGNITION

GND M+ M-

GREEN BLUE WHITE

Note: MSD power and coil connections not shown. DEC9000 TO MSD 8 ADAPTER 9000-0004

CRANE CRANK TRIGGER WHEEL

OTHER SYSTEMS MSD ONLY FIRING AUX OUT SEQUENCE HALL OUT CONTROL POINTS TACH 1 +12V GROUND START RTD HIGH GEAR STAGE MAG + MAG SHIELD DEC9000

MAX RPM LIMIT

STAGE RPM LIMIT

1

1

1

HIGH INITIAL GEAR TIMING RETARD

00

CRANE

1

1

1

00

1

1

HIGH GEAR RETARD START RETARD TRIGGER INPUT +12V POWER OK

DIGITAL ENGINE CONTROL

CLEAR SHIELD BLACK MAG+ RED +12V CRANE SENSOR

WHITE POINTS NOT USED TAPE UP

4 PIN WEATHER PACK CONNECTOR

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SENSOR EXTENSION HARNESS

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MALLORY HYFIRE WIRING NOTES

CAUTION: If the stage limit switch also activates a line lock or transmission brake solenoid, you must install the supplied surge absorber as shown in Figure 7. When the switch opens and current flow to the solenoid is interrupted, electrical transients (up to 500 volts) occur. These transients can lead to glitches in on-board electronics. Arcing also occurs in switch contacts greatly decreasing switch life and possibly resulting in erratic operation. This may cause inconsistent launch and 60 foot times. The solution is to install the supplied surge absorber. It will limit the maximum voltage to about 40 volts. The surge absorber appears as a small 1/2 inch diameter disk with two wire leads. Solder one lead to the stage switch and the other lead to a terminal that connects to ground as shown in Figure 7.

To assure proper operation of the DEC9000, the following must be observed: 1. A power supply noise filter capacitor must be used with the Mallory Hyfire unit. Use Crane part number 9000-0014. Connect the negative side of the filter capacitor to the heavy black wire from the Mallory unit and then directly to chassis ground with a short length (6 inch max) of 10 or 12 AWG stranded copper wire. Connect the positive side of the capacitor to the heavy red wire from the Mallory unit and to the battery positive terminal. Use 10 or 12 AWG stranded copper wire for all power connections. 2. Keep all of the DEC9000 signal connections and adapter connections away from the Mallory unit’s coil wires. 3. Do not connect anything to the ground or MAG- terminal on the Mallory unit. 4. Keep the Mallory coil as far away as possible from the DEC9000.

CONTROL SWITCH AND TACHOMETER HOOKUP 1. Refer to Figure 7. Connect the TACH output on the DEC9000 to the vehicle tachometer.You must use the tach signal from the DEC9000 since the tach signal from the ignition unit will become erratic when the RPM limit is reached. The DEC9000 generates a 12V square wave tach signal that is compatible with most electronic tachometers.

MAGNETIC TRIGGER HOOKUP 1. Refer to Figure 8. You can trigger the DEC9000 using a magnetic pickup crank trigger or distributor. You must use the supplied shielded cable for the magnetic pickup connections.

2. Connect the stage RPM limit switch to the STAGE input on the DEC9000. Note that the normally open stage limit switch is returned to +12V. A signal level of +12V at the DEC9000 STAGE input selects the stage RPM limit. Leave the STAGE input disconnected if the stage limit feature is not used. Note that the LEDs on the DEC9000 will only switch between stage and maximum RPM limits when a trigger signal is being received. If you want to use the LEDs to check the switch operation, you will need to start the engine or at least “bump” the starter to generate trigger pulses.

2. Connect the magnetic pickup to the MAG+, MAG- and SHIELD terminals on the DEC9000. Refer to the chart on Figure 8 for common magnetic pickup color codes. If your pickup is not listed, check the timing and distributor phasing with the wires hooked up both possible ways. With crank triggers, the magnet or lug should be centered on the pickup when the spark fires. Make sure zero retard and initial timing are set on the DEC9000 when you do this test.

3. Connect the high gear retard switch to the HIGH GEAR input on the DEC9000. Note that the normally open high gear retard switch is returned to ground. Grounding the HIGH GEAR input on the DEC9000 activates the high gear retard. Leave the HIGH GEAR input disconnected if the high gear retard feature is not be used.

3. Route the pickup cable next to the frame rails or the engine to help eliminate false triggering due to interference. Keep it away from plug wires and coil wiring.

CAUTION: Do not connect the shield to ground at the pickup end.

4. Connect the start terminal on the starter solenoid, relay, or switch to the START RTD input on the DEC9000. A signal level of +12V at the DEC9000 START RTD input will activate the fixed 15 degree start retard function. Do not use the start retard feature above idle RPM; it is only intended to be activated at low cranking RPM. Leave the START RTD input disconnected if the start retard feature is not used.

10/2000

TRIGGERING THE DEC9000 FROM OTHER SYSTEMS You can trigger the DEC9000 from the new Crank Hall effect crank trigger with 3 pin connector and most OE ignition modules. These systems provide what is referred to as a points 7

9000-9001C REV A

Figure 5. MSD-6AL Hookup TACH OUTPUT NOT USED

THIN RED SWITCHED +12V

IGNITION SWITCH TO +12V

CHASSIS GROUND NEAR IGNITION

RPM MODULE PLUG

WHITE POINTS TRIGGER

MAGNETIC PICKUP CONNECTOR NOT USED

YELLOW

WHITE

GREEN Note: MSD power and coil connections not shown. BLACK CHASSIS GOUND

CRANE CRANK TRIGGER WHEEL

DEC9000 TO MSD 6AL ADAPTER 9000-0002

OTHER SYSTEMS MSD ONLY FIRING AUX OUT SEQUENCE HALL OUT CONTROL POINTS TACH 1 +12V GROUND START RTD HIGH GEAR STAGE MAG + MAG SHIELD DEC9000

1

1

1

HIGH INITIAL GEAR TIMING RETARD

MAX RPM LIMIT

STAGE RPM LIMIT

00

CRANE

1

1

1

00

1

1

HIGH GEAR RETARD START RETARD TRIGGER INPUT +12V POWER OK

DIGITAL ENGINE CONTROL

CLEAR SHIELD BLACK MAG+ RED +12V CRANE SENSOR

WHITE POINTS NOT USED TAPE UP 4 PIN WEATHER PACK CONNECTOR

10/2000

SENSOR EXTENSION HARNESS

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9000-9001C REV A

Figure 6. Mallory Hyfire Hookup IGNITION SWITCH MALLORY HYFIRE

TO +12V

TACH RPM LIMITER STATUS

RPM LIMITER

1

COIL+

COIL -

+12V

ERROR

POINTS

1

MAG-

1

MAG+

CHASSIS GROUND NEAR IGNITION

EXTERNAL RPM CONTROL

SET

Note: Mallory power and coil connections not shown.

CRANE CRANK TRIGGER WHEEL

OTHER SYSTEMS MSD ONLY FIRING AUX OUT SEQUENCE HALL OUT CONTROL POINTS TACH 1 +12V GROUND START RTD HIGH GEAR STAGE MAG + MAG SHIELD DEC9000

1

CRANE

1

1

HIGH INITIAL GEAR TIMING RETARD

MAX RPM LIMIT

STAGE RPM LIMIT

00

1

1

1

00

1

1

HIGH GEAR RETARD START RETARD TRIGGER INPUT +12V POWER OK

DIGITAL ENGINE CONTROL

CLEAR SHIELD BLACK MAG+ RED CRANE SENSOR

4 PIN WEATHER PACK CONNECTOR

SENSOR EXTENSION HARNESS

WHITE POINTS NOT USED TAPE UP

DEC9000 OPERATION

or module type output with a 12 volt square wave signal. Most OE ignition modules including those on late model vehicles with electronic engine controls provide this type of signal on the wire that was originally connected to COIL-.

Double check all electrical connections. Set reasonable values on the DEC9000. Then, start your engine and check the ignition timing. You may need to reset the ignition timing. However, if the ignition timing changes significantly with the DEC9000 installed and you are using a magnetic trigger as shown in Figure 8, you may have accidentally reversed the MAG- and MAG+ connections.

Points/module trigger to magnetic trigger adapter part number 9000-8900 is required for this type of hookup. You can order this adapter direct from Crane. Refer to Figure 9 for hookup of the new style Crane crank trigger using the adapter. 10/2000

+12V

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9000-9001C REV A

RPM LIMITER SETUP

DIAGNOSTIC LEDS The DEC9000 includes two diagnostic LEDs to assist in trouble shooting common problems. The TRIGGER LED will blink whenever a trigger pulse is received. Above cranking RPM, it will remain lit. The +12V POWER LED will turn off if battery voltage (as seen by the DEC9000 at the +12V terminal) drops below +11 volts. If this LED blinks or goes off during high RPM operation, it is warning you that the battery voltage is dropping and that ignition energy may be reduced.

CAUTION: Carefully read the following sections before starting the engine for the first time. 1. Set toggle switch near top of terminal block: MSD position for all MSD systems or OTHER for all other systems. 2. The DEC9000 features a two stage RPM limiter with digitally set stage and maximum limits. Either limit can be set from 100 RPM to 19,900 RPM in 100 RPM increments via two banks of pushwheel switches. Some customers have made mistakes setting RPM limits. All RPM limits are 100X the switch setting, i.e. a setting of “095” is 9,500 RPM. Setting a limit to zero (i.e. “000”) will prevent the engine from starting. LED indicators show which RPM limit is activated when the engine is running. MSD only: Due to limitations of MSD systems, setting the RPM limits below 3,000 RPM may cause erratic operation.

TROUBLE SHOOTING HINTS Did the engine run properly before installation of the DEC9000? If not, remove the DEC9000 and then find and correct the original problem. Did the DEC9000 ever function correctly? If the answer is yes, did you change anything that may have affected operation? If the engine will not start, runs rough or intermittently, check all electrical connections. Try a different ground connection point. Use a volt meter to verify proper +12V power and proper levels at the stage RPM limit, high gear retard, and start retard inputs. Remember that the RPM limit indicator LEDs only switch when the engine is running and a trigger signal is being received. Make sure you have set valid RPM limits.

3. When the selected RPM limit is reached, ignition pulses will be reduced to a ratio set by the firing sequence control switch on the front panel. With the exception of setting zero, which emulates a MSD style random RPM limiter, a higher setting results in a greater reduction of power and more control at the RPM limit. The table in Figure 10 lists the firing ratio and percent power for each setting.

ERRATIC RPM LIMITING AND MISFIRING The very high output level of racing ignition systems can cause electrical noise problems. Care must be taken during installation to prevent sources of electrical noise from causing possible problems. Noise problems may cause the DEC9000 to appear to be limiting RPM below the set limit, introduce timing scatter, or produce a high RPM misfire.

Start with the firing sequence control set to 5. If the engine tends to creep above the RPM limit, select a higher setting. Larger engines will require a higher setting in order to hold at the RPM limit. The lower the setting, the smoother the operation because more cylinders are fired. We suggest that you use the lowest setting that will hold the engine some experimentation may be required.

Following the checklist below will prevent most noise problems. While the steps below refer specifically to the DEC9000, most of the recommendations apply equally well to other electronic “black boxes” such as data loggers and on-board computers.

Some engines may experience an excessive variation in RPM when sequenced RPM limiting settings 1-9 are used. In this case, the user should select setting zero which emulates a random RPM limiter.

NOISE SUPPRESSION CHECK LIST FOR THE CRANE DEC9000 1. Spark plug and distributor to coil wires. You must use spiral core wire such as Crane FireWire. Acceptable spiral core wires should read less than 600 ohms per foot. Do not use solid core wires; these may cause harmful interference and false triggering. Do not use resistance wires; the high energy level of race ignition systems will cause them to burn out.

4. As a protective feature, if the engine tries to run past the RPM limit, ignition pulses will be randomly dropped and power will be reduced to zero at 102% of the selected RPM limit.

IGNITION TIMING CONTROL The DEC9000 features two digitally set ignition timing functions. Either timing function can be set from 0 to 9 degrees (retard) in one degree increments via two front panel pushwheel switches. The initial timing function set on the left pushwheel is always active and is intended to be used for fine tuning. An LED indicator shows when the high gear retard function set on the right pushwheel is activated. Do not activate the high gear retard at the same time that the start retard function is being activated.

10/2000

2. DEC9000 mounting. The DEC9000 housing must be electrically isolated from the vehicle chassis. If you use the provided rubber shock mounts, the unit will be properly isolated. Just to be sure, perform the following test after the unit has been mounted but before it is wired up. Use a DVM to verify that no continuity exists between the ground terminal on the DEC9000 and the chassis ground. The object is to make sure that the DEC9000 is grounded only through its ground wire, not via metal-to-metal contact between the unit’s housing and the vehicle chassis. 10

9000-9001C REV A

Figure 7. Control Switch and Tachometer Hookup

RPMX100 TACHOMETER OTHER SYSTEMS MSD ONLY FIRING AUX OUT SEQUENCE HALL OUT CONTROL POINTS TACH 1 +12V GROUND START RTD HIGH GEAR STAGE MAG + MAG SHIELD DEC9000

STARTER SOLENOID OR RELAY START

CRANE

NORMALLY OPEN HIGH GEAR RETARD SWITCH

MAX RPM LIMIT

STAGE RPM LIMIT

1

1

1

HIGH INITIAL GEAR TIMING RETARD

00

1

1

1

00

1

1

HIGH GEAR RETARD START RETARD TRIGGER INPUT +12V POWER OK

DIGITAL ENGINE CONTROL

GROUND

+12V NORMALLY OPEN STAGE LIMIT SWITCH

LINE LOCK OR TRANSMISSION BRAKE SOLENOID VALVE

INSTALL SUPPLIED SURGE ABSORBER IF SOLENOID VALVE IS USED GROUND

3. Physical spacing and shielding. If possible, locate the coil and any spark plug wires at least 3 feet away from the DEC9000. The DEC9000 should be located about 1 foot from the ignition module. Shielded cable for the magnetic trigger connections and any other wires running to the DEC9000 should be kept as far away as possible from the coil, coil primary wire harness, and any spark plug wires. Under no circumstances should these wires be run next to one another. If limited space dictates mounting units close together, shield the units from one another with a steel panel (18 gauge or thicker) which is grounded to the chassis of the vehicle. Aluminum material does not provide good shielding.

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4. DEC9000 connections. The DEC9000 ground connection should be routed to a chassis location near where the ignition module is grounded. Do not ground the DEC9000 directly to the ignition or to the filter capacitor (if used). 5. Crank trigger. Shielded cable must be used. The cable shield is connected only to the SHIELD terminal on the DEC9000.

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Figure 8. Magnetic Trigger Hookup COMMON MAGNETIC PICK-UP COLOR CODES CRANK TRIGGER WHEEL

Signal MAG+ MAG-

Chrysler Orange Black

Ford Orange Purple

MSD Distributor Orange Purple

Signal MAG+ MAG-

GM White Green

Moroso Black White

MSD Crank Trigger Violet or Orange Green or Black

OTHER SYSTEMS MSD ONLY FIRING AUX OUT SEQUENCE HALL OUT CONTROL POINTS TACH 1 +12V GROUND START RTD HIGH GEAR STAGE MAG + MAG SHIELD DEC9000

MAGNETIC PICKUP

1

1

1

00

BLACK MAG-

1

1

1

1

00

1

HIGH GEAR RETARD START RETARD TRIGGER INPUT +12V POWER OK

CRANE

RED MAG+

HIGH INITIAL GEAR TIMING RETARD

MAX RPM LIMIT

STAGE RPM LIMIT

DIGITAL ENGINE CONTROL

MAGNETIC PICKUP DISTRIBUTOR RED MAG+ BLACK MAG-

Figure 9.

New Style Crane Crank Trigger Hookup CRANE 2ND GENERATION CRANK TRIGGER SYSTEM (Front View)

RECESSED SURFACE

3 PIN WEATHER PACK CONNECTOR

CRANE SENSOR

SENSOR EXTENSION HARNESS TO +12V SWITCHED POWER

OTHER SYSTEMS MSD ONLY FIRING AUX OUT SEQUENCE HALL OUT CONTROL POINTS TACH 1 +12V GROUND START RTD HIGH GEAR STAGE MAG + MAG SHIELD DEC9000

RED RED WHITE

GREEN

ADAPTER 9000-8900

WHITE BLACK

CRANE

BLACK

10/2000

1

12

1

1

HIGH INITIAL GEAR TIMING RETARD

MAX RPM LIMIT

STAGE RPM LIMIT

00

1

1

1

00

1

1

HIGH GEAR RETARD START RETARD TRIGGER INPUT +12V POWER OK

DIGITAL ENGINE CONTROL

9000-9001C REV A