Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) Installation & Analysis Guide

AiM Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) Installation & Analysis Guide

This guide explains how to install, configure, and analyse a Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) for MyChron 5 and MyChron 6. TPS data is essential for understanding throttle timing, driver smoothness, and engine response. Designed for kart racers in New Zealand and Australia.

1. What the TPS measures

The TPS measures how far the throttle is opened (0–100%). It reveals:

  • Throttle timing
  • Driver smoothness
  • Corner exit technique
  • Carburetion and engine response
  • Wheelspin or bogging

2. TPS sensor types

AiM offers two main TPS styles:

  • Rotary TPS — mounts to throttle shaft or linkage
  • Linear TPS — mounts to sliding throttle mechanisms

Most kart engines use the rotary TPS.

3. Installation requirements

The TPS must move smoothly through its full range without binding.

Tools needed

  • Small spanners
  • Allen keys
  • Mounting bracket (if required)
  • Cable ties

4. Installation steps

  1. Identify the throttle shaft or linkage
  2. Mount TPS so it rotates with throttle movement
  3. Ensure full travel from closed to wide‑open throttle
  4. Secure TPS using bracket or supplied hardware
  5. Route cable along chassis rails
  6. Connect to an analog channel on the MyChron

Important notes

  • TPS must not bind at any point
  • Leave slack in cable near moving parts
  • Use cable ties every 10–15 cm

5. Configuring TPS in RaceStudio 3

Open RaceStudio 3 → Device Configuration → Channels.

Calibration steps

  1. Open live data
  2. Close throttle → press “Set Min”
  3. Open throttle fully → press “Set Max”
  4. Verify smooth 0–100% movement

Recommended sampling rates

  • MyChron 6: 100–200 Hz
  • MyChron 5: 20–50 Hz

6. What good throttle data looks like

  • Smooth throttle application
  • Early throttle pickup on exit
  • Consistent patterns lap‑to‑lap
  • No oscillation or hesitation

7. What bad throttle data looks like

  • Flat spots: late throttle application
  • Oscillation: driver modulating too much
  • Slow ramp‑up: lack of confidence or poor grip
  • Sudden drops: carburetion or traction issues

8. Using TPS for driver coaching

TPS is one of the best tools for improving corner exit performance.

Key coaching points

  • Earlier throttle pickup
  • Smoother throttle ramp
  • Matching throttle to available grip
  • Reducing unnecessary mid‑corner modulation

9. Using TPS for engine tuning

TPS helps diagnose carburetion and engine response issues.

Signs of carburetion problems

  • Throttle applied but RPM rises slowly
  • Throttle steady but RPM oscillates
  • Sudden RPM drops at constant throttle

10. Troubleshooting

Symptom Likely Cause Fix
No reading Wrong port or loose cable Check wiring
Erratic values Binding linkage Re‑align TPS
Incorrect 0–100% range Calibration incorrect Recalibrate in RaceStudio
Sensor damage Over‑rotation Adjust mounting position

Related guides

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