MyChron 5 Setup Guide

AiM MyChron 5 Setup Guide

This guide supports existing owners installing and configuring an AiM MyChron 5 or MyChron 5S on a kart. MyChron 5 is obsolete and Harris Race Radios™ no longer sells these units; parts, sensors, repairs and existing-owner support continue. MyChron 6 models are the current new-unit range. This guide does not determine the sales status or setup of the specialist MyChron5 660.

Written by Rex Harris, degree-qualified radio electronics engineer (RSM Approved Radio Engineer ARE127 and Approved Radio Certifier ARC127) with decades of motorsport electronics experience, and Charlie Harris, national-winning kart racer, University of Canterbury engineering student and kart race engineer, at Harris Race Radios™, the Official AiM dealer in New Zealand, supplying genuine AiM Sport products.

What you need

  • Your exact MyChron5, MyChron5 2T, MyChron5S or MyChron5S 2T and appropriate mounting hardware.
  • The correct RPM pickup lead, compatible temperature sensor and model-specific connector or patch lead.
  • Any engine-approved sensor adaptor, specified tools and cable securing materials.
  • The exact model, engine and sensor instructions. An external GPS05 is not a routine requirement: these MyChron models have internal GPS.

1. Mounting the MyChron 5

  1. Use the specified steering-wheel mounting hardware and fixing procedure.
  2. Position the dash for visibility without obstructing the driver's controls.
  3. Check secure mounting and full steering movement without fouling the dash, leads or bodywork.

2. Installing the RPM pickup

  1. Follow AiM's pickup fitting procedure for the exact engine and ignition arrangement. Do not assume a universal 5–7-wrap minimum.
  2. Secure the pickup as documented and route the lead clear of exhaust heat, abrasion, moving parts and unintended ignition interference.
  3. Confirm the connection and correct RPM factor from the exact model manual.
  4. Select the supported RPM acquisition setting specified for your model and configuration.

If RPM is missing or unstable, verify fitting, connection and RPM factor before adding wraps or replacing parts.

3. Installing the temperature sensor

Match the sensor and wiring to the exact 1T/2T model and measurement. Water temperature applies to water-cooled engines; CHT and EGT require their own specified sensor locations. Do not assume one generic connection or hose-adaptor arrangement across all models.

  1. Fit the sensor according to the exact engine and sensor instructions, with the engine cool.
  2. Confirm adaptor dimensions, thread and sealing arrangement or probe installation as applicable.
  3. Route and secure leads away from exhaust heat, abrasion and moving parts.
  4. Check sensor function, channel label and Celsius or Fahrenheit units in the model-specific configuration.

Use the water-temperature sensor installation guide or MyChron sensor installation guide for the relevant procedure.

Temperature limits and alarms

Use the exact engine manufacturer's or engine builder's operating targets and warning and stop limits. No universal Rotax, Vortex or Briggs coolant-temperature table applies. An air-cooled engine has no coolant-temperature target, and a sensor measurement range is not an engine safety limit.

4. Internal GPS and track setup

Original MyChron5 and MyChron5 2T have internal 10 Hz GPS. MyChron5S and MyChron5S 2T have internal 25 Hz GPS. Do not describe the whole generation as 10 Hz or prescribe an external GPS05 installation for these models. MyChron6 also has internal 25 Hz GNSS, not a standard requirement for an external GPS08.

Allow reception to establish outdoors and use the exact model's documented satellite and track status. Do not rely on a universal lock time or indicator colour. Confirm the correct track layout, start/finish and splits before comparing laps. Harris Race Radios™ can help with missing or incorrect NZ/AU track maps. Compare the MyChron generations →

5. First-time configuration

  1. Identify the exact MyChron model and installed sensors.
  2. Check the RPM factor and supported acquisition setting.
  3. Verify temperature function, units and engine-specific alarms.
  4. Configure an optional wheel-speed or expansion channel only where supported hardware and the correct harness are installed.
  5. Check GPS reception and track data before a controlled test.

6. Testing your installation

  • Confirm secure mounting and steering clearance.
  • Check plausible, stable RPM and temperature readings against the engine's documented warm-up procedure.
  • Stop for leaks, engine distress or unexplained readings.
  • After a safe test, confirm the session, lap timing and maximum values are plausible. Smooth readings alone do not prove correct installation.

7. Troubleshooting common issues

  • No RPM reading: check pickup fitting, connection and RPM factor rather than automatically adding wraps.
  • No temperature: check the correct sensor, connector or patch lead, channel function and units.
  • No GPS reception: check the dash's reception conditions and model-specific status, not a presumed external GPS05.
  • Persistent fault: use the troubleshooting guide or contact Harris Race Radios™; do not continue running with suspected engine distress.

8. Downloading and analysing data

  1. Use the supported Wi-Fi connection with a compatible Race Studio 3 installation. Do not assume an ordinary direct USB data cable is the MyChron5 download route.
  2. Download and save the session.
  3. Review lap timing, RPM, speed and track information with attention to data quality and conditions.

Use the Race Studio 3 Knowledge Hub for software workflows and How to Read MyChron Data for interpretation.

Related guides

AiM MyChron NZ Buying Guide →

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