MyChron 5 Setup Guide

AiM MyChron 5 Setup Guide

This guide walks you through installing and setting up your AiM MyChron 5 on a kart, including mounting, RPM, temperature, GPS, and first-time configuration. Written by Rex Harris — professional qualified radio engineer (ACMA/RSM certified) with decades of motorsport electronics experience — and Charlie Harris — national-winning kart racer, Canterbury University engineering student, and kart race engineer — at Harris Race Radios, the authorised NZ & AU importer and supplier of genuine AiM Sport products. For kart racers in New Zealand and Australia.

What you need

  • AiM MyChron 5 dash
  • RPM sensor
  • Water temperature or CHT sensor
  • GPS05 module (if external)
  • Zip ties and electrical tape
  • 8mm spanner (for hose clamps / sensor fittings)

1. Mounting the MyChron 5

  1. Attach the MyChron 5 bracket to the steering wheel.
  2. Angle the display slightly upwards so it’s easy to read while driving.
  3. Tighten the bracket screws firmly.
  4. Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock to ensure the dash does not hit the wheel or bodywork.

2. Installing the RPM sensor

  1. Wrap the RPM sensor wire 5–7 turns around the spark plug lead.
  2. Keep the wraps tight and close together.
  3. Secure the wire with electrical tape so it cannot move.
  4. Route the cable away from the exhaust and moving parts.
  5. Plug the connector into the RPM port on the back of the MyChron 5.

Common issue: If RPM is unstable or low, add more wraps around the plug lead.

3. Installing the water temperature sensor

  1. Choose a section of radiator hose close to the cylinder head.
  2. Remove the hose and install the AiM hose adaptor with the temp sensor port.
  3. Slide the hose over both ends of the adaptor and tighten the hose clamps.
  4. Screw the AiM water temp sensor into the adaptor until snug (do not overtighten).
  5. Route the cable neatly and away from the exhaust.
  6. Plug the sensor into the CHT/WT port on the MyChron 5.

Recommended temperature ranges

Engine Ideal water temp
Rotax 50–55°C
Vortex 45–50°C
Briggs 60–70°C

4. Installing the GPS05 module

  1. Mount the GPS05 on the nassau panel with the AiM logo facing the sky.
  2. Keep it away from metal brackets and large wiring bundles.
  3. Secure it with double-sided tape and zip ties.
  4. Route the cable along the chassis, away from the spark plug lead.
  5. Plug the connector into the EXP port on the MyChron 5.

The MyChron 5 uses 10 Hz GPS for kart lap timing and track mapping. For improved GPS accuracy, consider upgrading to the MyChron 6 with 25 Hz GPS08. See the comparison →

5. First-time configuration

  1. Hold the power button to turn on the MyChron 5.
  2. Select your engine type and number of pulses per revolution if prompted.
  3. Choose the sensor configuration (water temp, CHT, EGT, etc.).
  4. Enter wheel circumference if you are using a wheel speed sensor.
  5. Go to the track and allow the GPS to lock (green icon).
  6. Select the track if needed, or let the MyChron auto-detect it.

6. Testing your installation

  • Check that RPM increases smoothly with throttle.
  • Confirm water temperature rises gradually as the engine warms.
  • Verify the GPS icon turns green (lock acquired).
  • After a few laps: confirm lap times are recorded and max values look realistic.

7. Troubleshooting common issues

  • No RPM reading: Add more wraps around the spark plug lead and confirm the sensor is in the RPM port.
  • No water temp: Check the sensor is in the CHT/WT port and the adaptor is full of coolant.
  • No GPS lock: Move the GPS05 higher and away from metal or large wiring bundles.

8. Downloading and analysing data

  1. Connect to the MyChron 5 via cable using AiM RaceStudio 3.
  2. Download the session from the dash.
  3. Review lap times, RPM, speed, and track map.

For deeper analysis, see How to Read MyChron Data.

Related guides

AiM MyChron NZ & Australia — Buying Guide & Full Product Range →

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