MyChron Sensor Installation Guide

AiM MyChron Sensor Installation Guide

This guide covers sensor selection, compatibility, mounting, wiring, configuration and the first operational check for MyChron5, MyChron5S and MyChron6 systems. Use the instructions for the exact sensor, dash and expansion, not a universal port or calibration procedure.

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 across NZ and Australia, 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.

Shop AiM sensors → | Ask Rex or Charlie for installation advice →

Before fitting any sensor

Identify the exact dash, 1T/2T configuration, sensor part, measurement type, connector and required patch lead or expansion. MyChron temperature inputs are not interchangeable generic analog sockets. Optional brake, throttle, steering and wheel-speed channels require explicitly supported hardware and wiring.

Work with the engine stopped and cool. Do not modify brakes, throttle, steering or an exhaust unless you have the appropriate competence, exact installation instructions and confirmation that the modification is permitted for the engine and class. Check unobstructed controls and secure mounting before running.

1. Water temperature

Water temperature applies to a water-cooled engine, not every kart engine. Choose the compatible sensor and engine-approved fitting location. Follow the exact hose adaptor, thread, sealing and coolant-system procedure; do not assume the same radiator-hose installation suits every engine.

  • Confirm the sensor measures the intended coolant flow and is installed as specified.
  • Fit and secure the adaptor and sensor using their documented dimensions and tightening procedure.
  • Restore the coolant system according to the engine instructions and check for leaks.
  • Route wiring clear of heat, abrasion and moving parts.
  • Use the model-specific connector or patch lead, configure the correct channel function and units, and check a plausible reading.

Set alarms from the exact engine manufacturer's or engine builder's requirements. See the water-temperature installation guide; use the water-temperature interpretation guide to understand recorded data.

2. Cylinder-head temperature (CHT)

Select a CHT sensor and mounting arrangement approved for the engine and compatible with the dash. For an under-spark-plug ring, confirm ring dimensions, seating and the spark-plug sealing arrangement from the exact instructions before installation. Do not assume every engine uses the same washer arrangement.

  • Follow the engine and sensor instructions for removal, seating and refitting.
  • Use the specified spark-plug tightening procedure without twisting or damaging the sensor lead.
  • Route and secure the lead clear of heat and moving parts.
  • Connect through the documented temperature input and patch lead, then verify channel function and units.

There is no universal separate CH socket or safe CHT range across all MyChron and engine combinations. See the CHT interpretation guide for reading the channel.

3. Exhaust-gas temperature (EGT)

Use the exact engine, exhaust and probe instructions to establish whether a probe may be fitted and where it must sit. No generic 100–150 mm Rotax placement is prescribed here. Probe distance, insertion depth, fitting and exhaust geometry affect the measurement and must match the documented application.

  • Confirm the permitted fitting location and probe type before drilling, welding or modifying an exhaust.
  • Have the work carried out competently using the specified bung or fitting and probe installation procedure.
  • Route and support the thermocouple lead according to its heat, vibration and connector requirements.
  • Use the correct compatible temperature input and any required patch lead.
  • Verify channel function, units and plausible initial readings before relying on engine-specific alarms.

EGT alone does not establish correct jetting or prove a safe operating condition. See the EGT interpretation guide.

4. Brake pressure

Confirm sensor pressure range, fluid compatibility, thread, seal, approved fitting and electrical interface for the actual brake system and supported expansion. A generic instruction to insert a T-piece is not sufficient for every installation.

  • Hydraulic work must follow the brake-system and sensor instructions and be carried out by a suitably competent person.
  • After installation, follow the specified bleeding, leak-check and brake-function checks before any driving.
  • Connect only to the documented compatible input or expansion, with the correct supply and signal wiring.
  • Configure the manufacturer's sensor transfer function and units, then verify the resting reading and response using the prescribed procedure.

Do not set full-scale pressure simply by pressing the brake pedal as hard as possible. Do not infer brake safety or wheel locking from one pressure trace. Use the brake-pressure interpretation guide for analysis.

5. Throttle position (TPS)

Choose a sensor and mechanical arrangement suitable for the actual throttle mechanism and a documented compatible input or expansion.

  • Mount it without binding, over-travel or interference with the throttle return.
  • With the engine stopped, verify full permitted control travel and reliable return to closed throttle.
  • Route wiring clear of moving parts with enough movement allowance, without snagging.
  • Follow the exact sensor and master-device calibration procedure. Do not assume universal Race Studio “Set Min/Set Max” menus.
  • Check a plausible, smooth reading across the intended operating range without forcing a mechanical stop.

See the TPS interpretation guide for comparing laps. Throttle position alone does not diagnose carburetion, wheelspin or engine response.

6. Steering angle

Use a sensor, bracket and linkage designed for the actual steering arrangement and supported electronics.

  • Confirm the sensor's travel and mounting procedure before attachment.
  • Check full steering movement without binding, over-rotation, cable tension or obstruction.
  • Use the documented input, supply, signal wiring and calibration procedure.
  • Verify the centred reference, direction, units and plausible travel. Do not assume two endpoint readings alone establish an accurate angle calibration.

Do not add a generic rubber-mounting arrangement without the sensor manufacturer's guidance. See the steering-angle interpretation guide.

7. Wheel speed

Identify the exact sensor technology and compatible input or expansion before choosing a target, magnet or gap. The former universal 2–4 mm magnet-gap instruction does not apply to every speed sensor.

  • Use the specified target arrangement, orientation, gap and mounting.
  • Secure the sensor and cable clear of rotating, hot and moving components.
  • Connect through the documented interface, not an assumed Speed port on every MyChron.
  • Configure the required pulses per revolution and rolling circumference according to the actual installation.
  • Check a plausible speed against a suitable reference under safe controlled conditions.

8. Acceleration and G-force

Confirm whether the recorded channel comes from an actual inertial sensor, an expansion or a calculated GPS-derived channel. Do not treat these as identical measurements. Follow the exact device's mounting, axis and calibration instructions; do not prescribe one flat-and-level steering-wheel orientation or universal Race Studio calibration menu for every MyChron.

See the acceleration and G-force guide for interpretation.

9. First operational check

  1. Recheck mounting, connectors, wiring clearance and control movement.
  2. Confirm channel function, units, calibration and supported acquisition settings for the actual hardware.
  3. Verify plausible static readings before starting the engine.
  4. Follow the engine's warm-up procedure and stop for leaks, binding, electrical faults, engine distress or unexplained critical readings.
  5. After a safe controlled test, confirm the session was recorded and compare values with known references.

Use engine-specific targets and warning/stop limits. Do not select generic high sampling rates or treat an ACC3 input specification as the logging rate of every MyChron channel. See the sampling guide.

Frequently asked questions

Which sensors should I fit first?

Start with the engine's required measurements and class rules. Water temperature is relevant to water-cooled engines; air-cooled engines need a different suitable temperature measurement. Match the dash configuration and sensors to the actual application.

Are all AiM sensors compatible with MyChron5 and MyChron6?

No blanket compatibility claim applies. Confirm the exact sensor, connector, patch lead, input or expansion, firmware and dash configuration before ordering.

Where should an EGT probe be fitted on a Rotax Max?

Use the exact engine, exhaust and probe instructions and applicable class rules. A universal 100–150 mm distance is not specified here. Ask Harris Race Radios™ to check the application before modifying an exhaust.

Can I install the sensors myself?

Only undertake work within your competence using the exact instructions. Brake, throttle, steering and exhaust work can affect safe operation and may require a suitably competent mechanic or installer.

Related guides

AiM MyChron buying guide →

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