3 ms·
Large generators are fuel-injected, which requires a microcontroller with software. In the 1990s that software was write-once, non-upgradeable, and bug-free be
by octoberfranklin 1y ago
Large generators are fuel-injected, which requires a microcontroller with software.
In the 1990s that software was write-once, non-upgradeable, and bug-free because it was trivial. But it hasn't been that way for a long time. "Fuel injection requires software" turned into an exploit vector for feature creep.
- technothrasher 1y agoTo be needlessly pedantic, fuel injection does require a micro. I only say this because I deal with classic Bosch K-Jet systems often.
- paddy_m 1y agoDetroit diesel two strokes were entirely mechanical. As were cummins engines like b5.9 with a bosch p-pump. In fact all diesel engines have fuel injection, and they were all mechanical up to the 80s/90s.
- mikestew 1y agoI assume you meant to say does not require a microcontroller, given that Bosch K is a mechanical FI system.
- userbinator 1y agoThere's also analog EFI, which was rare and expensive and otherwise not great: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bendix_Electrojector https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bendix_Electrojector The early electronic components were not reliable in an underhood environment and were not easily modified as engine control requirements advanced. Most of the 35 vehicles originally equipped with Electrojector were retrofitted with 4-barrel carburetors.
- 0xbadcafebee 1y agoYeah but you can just get a Megasquirt DIY kit and make your own ECU for most EFI engines (from 1 to 16 cylinders). To the other person's comment about the generator circuitry: most generators are pretty simple mechanically, you can make a new circuit to control the output. I'm guessing the rationale of the law is to prevent needing a repair company to exist & reinvent the electrical components of every single product in existence.