Programming Ignitions

Note: Programming of the Ignition is done thru a serial port, some newer laptops do not supply a serial port output and will require a USB to Serial Adapter.  Remove the connector when programming is finished.  The ignition will not operate with the program cable inserted.

System Requirements   ● Pentium 133 or higher   ● 32MB RAM   ● 800x600 screen resolution   ● Windows 95/98/ME/NT4/2000/XP

Actual cable length is 6 feet

The PLC (Program Link Cable) is used to program all IDS ignitions. The rectangular end (DB9 connector) is connected to the serial port* located on the back of your computer.  The round end (6 pin mini-din connector) attaches to the ignition or pin bed programmer.  Before an ignition can be programmed the IDS application must be configured.  Insert the IDS CD into the drive and follow instructions. If you have the CD disk autorun feature disabled, run the setup program on the CD ROM drive or download the IDS setup file at www.powerarc.com. Once the program is loaded and is running go to the Config menu and chose Serial Port.  Press the Detect Ports button and pick the serial port (Com 1-6) that the PLC is connected to.  Be sure the DB-9 or rectangular end of the PLC is attached to the back of the computer (Do not plug the round 6 pin mini-din into the computer).  If there are multiple serial ports and you do not know which port the cable is attached to you may have to use trial and error or consult the computers documentation.  Once the port has been configured and the IDS application has been closed and restarted  you are ready to see if communication between the computer and ignition works.  You must have power supplied to the ignition during this operation.  

Next go to the help menu and and pick About and then Power Arc IDS.   Click on the Read button.



If the the values in the about box load then you are ready to program the ignition.  If you get an error message you may have to re-configure the serial port and/or check for connection problems.  Make sure there is power to the ignition, that the DB-9 connector is plugged into the correct serial port in the back of the computer and that the 6 pin round mini-din connector is plugged into the ignition or pin bed.   Restart the IDS application if you have to re-configure the serial port.  A detailed explanation of the IDS interface and features, including how to create a curve and program the ignition can be found here.

When finished programming the ignition remove the program cable.  The ignition will not operate with the program cable inserted.  IDS C1 and C2 ignitions can only be reprogrammed by certified Power Arc dealers using a pin bed programmer.


* If you do not have a serial port you will have to purchase a  USB to Serial Adapter.  Many newer laptops do not have serial ports.   You can find USB to Serial Adapters at Best Buy, Circuit City, Radio Shack and other computer or electronics stores. 

The pin bed programmer is used to program & update the firmware of the IDS C1 & C2 Ignitions that do not have built in program connectors.


Programming procedure:

1. Attach supplied power supply to the PBP  (pin bed programmer) and plug into an AC Outlet.

2. Using the PLC (Program Link Cable) hooked to a computer running Windows, plug the 6 pin din connector into the connector on the PBP.

3. Make sure the bare wires at the end of the ignition harness are not touching each other.

4. Lift the clamp lever and place the ignition on the PBP with the wiring harness facing the printed circuit board. Slide the ignition bottom in the guide slot until it seats.

5. Close the PBP clamp, making sure the 5 pins meet the Ignition PC Board matching the program pads (See photo above).

6. Using the IDS program (click here if you don't have the program), open the Help - About dialog and read the ignition module status. If you can not establish a connection to the module make sure you have selected the COM port using the Settings - Serial Port Dialog menu. (See IDS Help for complete programming instructions).  Restart the IDS application after setting the com port.

7. Once the About Dialog can be read the ignition is ready to be programmed using the IDS program.

The IDS program (version 2.1.2 and above) can be used to program the rev. limit without effecting or knowing the existing timing curve in the ignition module. 
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