MyChron Sensor Installation Guide

AiM MyChron Sensor Installation Guide

This guide explains how to correctly install the most common AiM sensors used with MyChron 5 and MyChron 6. Written by Rex Harris — professional qualified radio engineer (ACMA/RSM certified) with decades of motorsport electronics experience across NZ and Australia — 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. Proper installation ensures accurate data, reliable performance, and easier diagnosis.

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

1. Water Temperature Sensor (WT)

The water temp sensor is the most important engine health channel on MyChron. Rex Harris recommends fitting a water temp sensor as the minimum on any kart engine — it’s the first warning of overheating before damage occurs.

Installation Steps

  • Install the AiM hose adaptor into a section of radiator hose close to the cylinder head
  • Ensure the sensor tip is fully submerged in coolant flow — not in an air pocket
  • Tighten hose clamps firmly and check for leaks after first warm-up
  • Route the cable away from the exhaust and all moving parts
  • Connect to the WT port on the MyChron

Common Mistakes

  • Installing adaptor in the wrong hose direction — sensor must be in coolant flow, not a dead-end
  • Loose hose clamps causing coolant leaks
  • Routing cable too close to the exhaust — use heat sleeve if unavoidable

2. Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor (CHT)

CHT is used on air-cooled engines (Briggs & Stratton, Yamaha KT100).

Installation Steps

  • Remove the spark plug
  • Place the CHT ring washer under the spark plug — ensure it sits flat
  • Re-install the spark plug and torque to the manufacturer’s specification
  • Route the cable away from the exhaust
  • Connect to the CH port on the MyChron

Tips

  • Ensure the ring sits completely flat — a tilted ring gives inaccurate readings
  • Do not overtighten the spark plug — this can damage the CHT ring

3. Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor (EGT)

EGT is critical for tuning two-stroke engines (Rotax, Vortex, IAME). Aaron Harris uses EGT data to confirm jetting and pipe temperature at every session on two-stroke karts.

Installation Steps

  • Drill the exhaust header at the manufacturer-recommended distance from the exhaust port
  • Install the EGT bung and allow to cool before fitting sensor
  • Screw the EGT thermocouple sensor into the bung until snug — do not overtighten
  • Route the cable away from heat sources using heat sleeve
  • Connect to the EGT port on the MyChron

Common Mistakes

  • Sensor too close to the exhaust port — reads too hot
  • Sensor too far from the port — reads too cold
  • Cable touching the exhaust — will melt; always use heat sleeve

4. Brake Pressure Sensor

Measures hydraulic brake pressure for braking analysis. Charlie Harris uses brake pressure traces for driver coaching — it’s the single most revealing channel for identifying braking technique issues.

Installation Steps

  • Install the sensor into a brake line T-piece (inline with the brake circuit)
  • Ensure no leaks after installation — bleed brakes thoroughly
  • Route the cable along chassis rails, secured with zip ties
  • Connect to an available analog channel on the MyChron

Tips

  • Bleed brakes after installation to remove any air introduced
  • Calibrate the sensor in RaceStudio 3 (zero at rest, full scale at max brake pressure)

5. Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)

Measures throttle opening percentage. Combined with brake pressure, TPS reveals driver technique — particularly overlap between throttle and brake, and throttle application rate on corner exit.

Installation Steps

  • Mount the TPS on the carburettor or throttle linkage
  • Ensure full range of motion from 0% (closed) to 100% (fully open) without binding
  • Calibrate in RaceStudio 3 — set closed and open positions
  • Connect to an available analog channel on the MyChron

Common Mistakes

  • Binding linkage — TPS must move freely through full range
  • Incorrect calibration — always calibrate after installation
  • Sensor over-rotating beyond its mechanical limit

6. Steering Angle Sensor

Measures steering wheel rotation for handling analysis. Aaron Harris uses steering angle data to identify understeer, oversteer, and driver correction patterns.

Installation Steps

  • Mount the sensor arm to the steering column
  • Mount the fixed arm to the chassis
  • Ensure smooth movement lock-to-lock without binding
  • Calibrate left and right limits in RaceStudio 3

Tips

  • Avoid binding at full lock — check before every session
  • Use rubber mounts to reduce vibration damage to the sensor

7. Wheel Speed Sensor

Measures wheel rotation for speed and slip analysis.

Installation Steps

  • Install the magnet on the brake disc or hub
  • Mount the sensor 2–4 mm from the magnet face
  • Secure the cable along brake lines with zip ties
  • Connect to the Speed port on the MyChron

Common Mistakes

  • Sensor too far from the magnet — signal will be weak or absent
  • Magnet polarity reversed — sensor won’t trigger
  • Loose sensor mount — gap will vary and give inconsistent readings

8. Accelerometer / G-Force (Built-In)

The MyChron’s internal accelerometer requires correct physical mounting to give accurate readings.

Mounting Rules

  • Mount the MyChron flat and level on the steering wheel — not tilted
  • Avoid mounting at an angle — this offsets the G-force reference plane
  • Calibrate the accelerometer in RaceStudio 3 after mounting

Frequently Asked Questions

Which sensors should I fit to my MyChron first?

Rex Harris recommends: water temperature sensor first (engine safety), then RPM (already included), then EGT if running a two-stroke. Brake pressure and TPS are the next step for driver coaching. Contact Harris Race Radios for advice on the right sensors for your engine and class.

Are AiM sensors compatible with both MyChron 5 and MyChron 6?

Most AiM sensors are compatible with both generations. Some sensors may require an adaptor cable for older MyChron 5 units. Contact Rex Harris to confirm compatibility before purchasing.

Where should I mount the EGT sensor on a Rotax Max?

On a Rotax Max, the EGT sensor is typically installed 100–150mm from the exhaust port flange. Check the Rotax technical regulations for your class. Contact Rex Harris at Harris Race Radios for Rotax-specific EGT installation advice.

Can I install AiM sensors myself?

Yes — most AiM sensors are designed for self-installation. Water temp, CHT, and RPM are straightforward. EGT requires drilling the exhaust header, which is best done by a kart mechanic if you’re not confident. Rex Harris can advise on installation for your specific kart.

Related Guides

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

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