LC-2 Digital Air/Fuel Ratio (Lambda)

Sensor Controller Manual

Warning!
The Oxygen Sensor used in this device gets very hot in operation.
Do not touch the hot sensor. Do not let a hot sensor touch a combustible surface. Do
not use the sensor with or near flammable liquids or gases. Failure to heed these
warnings may result in severe burns, explosions or fires.

When installed in the exhaust, the oxygen sensor MUST be connected and operating with
the LC-2 whenever the car is running. An un-powered oxygen sensor will be quickly
damaged when exposed to hot exhaust gases.

1  LC-2.......................................................................................................... 2 
2  Mounting and Wiring the LC-2 ................................................................. 3 
2.1  Mounting .......................................................................................... 3 
2.2  Wiring .............................................................................................. 3 
2.2.1  Single Innovate Device Relay Wiring Instructions....................... 4 
3  Sensor Placement .................................................................................... 4 
4  Sensor Calibration.................................................................................... 5 
4.1  Calibration Schedule ....................................................................... 6 
5  Software (LogWorks 3 and LM Programmer) .......................................... 7 
5.1  Download the Logworks 3 software package.................................. 7 
5.2  Installing software ............................................................................ 7 
5.3  Connecting to LM Programmer ....................................................... 7 
5.3.1  Analog Outputs ............................................................................ 7 
5.3.2  Advanced output programming ................................................... 8 
5.3.3  Updating the Firmware ................................................................ 9 
5.3.4  Changing Sensor Type................................................................ 9 
5.4  Logging data from your LC-2 with LogWorks ................................ 10 
5.4.1  Adding and Logging MTS channels .......................................... 10 
Appendix A: Limited Warranty ....................................................................... 12 
Appendix B: LC-2 Error Codes and Troubleshooting Tips ............................ 13 

11-0137C
1 LC-2
The LC-2 is a controller that controls a wideband O2 lambda sensor to
measure O2 content in exhaust gasses. In this section we will spend a
moment getting familiar with the LC-2 lambda controller.

1. Status Light – The LC-2 status light indicates the controller’s

operational status. When the controller is powered, the status light will
light up green for 2 seconds indicating controller initialization.

After the initialization, the status light will light will blink or light up
constant up to indicate one of the following operational status conditions:

Light Status Definition

No Light No power to the LC-2
GREEN, flashing twice a second Sensor Warm-up
GREEN, series of quick flashes Sensor Calibration
GREEN, solid LC-2 operational, taking readings.
RED, series of flashes followed by a
The number of flashes indicates an
pause error condition. See Appendix for
error code details.
2. Sensor Cable Connector – Mates the sensor cable to the O2 sensor.

3. Wiring – The LC-2’s wiring is very straight forward. All that is needed
for basic installation is power (red) and ground (black). The two
configurable analog output wires (one yellow and one brown) can be
used to feed external Standalone ECUs, 3rd party data loggers, and
AFR display gauges.

4. Serial IN & OUT Connectors – The LC-2’s serial connectors are

utilized when needed to program analog output settings, data log via
the Logworks software with a Windows PC, or to daisy chain with other
Innovate Motorsports’ devices.

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2 Mounting and Wiring the LC-2

2.1 Mounting

The LC-2 controller body should be mounted inside the cabin or in another
dry, protected location away from the elements. Physically mount the unit
away from all ignition or stereo components and other potentially RF or EMI
emitting sources.

Route the sensor cable in a manner that avoids contact with the exhaust
piping and other extreme heat sources that could melt the cable. Also avoid
routing the sensor cable near ignition components or other sources of RF
(radio frequency) and EMI (Electromagnetic interference).

2.2 Wiring
The LC-2 has 4 stripped wires.

1. Connect the RED wire to an isolated switched 12V source in your

vehicle. A switched 12V source goes ON as soon as “key on” power
is active. The circuit to which you will pull power from should be able
to support a 3 amp draw. Make sure this connection is protected with
a 5A fuse.

Circuits that share power with the vehicle’s stereo, ignition system,
ECU, lighting, or fuel pump should not be used. When in doubt, create an
additional circuit using an automotive relay available at any automotive parts
supplier. See the next section for a relay installation diagram.

2. The BLACK wire should be grounded to a solid ground source. The

best possible ground source would be the battery ground (-) post.

If other Innovate Motorsports devices are going to be daisy-chained

along with the LC-2, it is recommended that all devices be connected to a
single ground point, ideally the battery ground (-) post.

3. Optionally, the YELLOW (Analog out 1) and/or BROWN (Analog out

2) can be connected to the analog inputs of other devices such as
data loggers, aftermarket programmable ECUs, or AFR display
gauges. If either one or both of these wires are not being used,
isolate and tape the wire(s) in an out of the way location. Each of
the two analog output wires can connect to one device that can
accept this 0-5v potential output.

The default analog outputs are as follows: Analog output one (yellow) is 0V =
7.35 AFR and 5V = 22.39 AFR. Analog output two (brown) is 1.1V = 14 AFR
and .1V = 15 AFR. Note: The LC-2’s ground should share the same
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grounding source as the device to which you are feeding the analog outputs,
the easiest wait to accomplish this is to run an aux ground wire from the
ground point of the LC-2 to the ground or signal ground of the device you are
interfacing with.

2.2.1 Single Innovate Device Relay Wiring Instructions

3 Sensor Placement
Optimum bung placement will vary from application to application, but using
the guideline below will ensure the longest sensor life with the most accurate
readings. Using a bung is the preferred method for mounting the oxygen
sensor in all applications.

 Weld the bung at least 24 inches downstream of the exhaust port outlet
(after the collector), or 24 inches after the turbocharger if so equipped.
The bung should be welded before the X or H pipe if so equipped.

 Using a clock as reference, mount the bung between the 9:00 o’clock
and 3:00 o’clock position. Welding the bung in the lower section of the
exhaust pipe can result in sensor damage caused by condensation
making contact with the sensor’s internal heating element.

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 A 1” bung (provided in the kit) will best protect the sensor. When fully
threaded, the sensor’s tip will sit flush with the exhaust pipe, this does
not adversely effect the readings.

 The bung should always be welded before the Catalytic Converter.

Welding the bung after the catalytic converter will skew the readings
toward lean. The skew in readings will vary with engine load and the
efficiency of the catalytic converter.

 Leaded fuel and two stroke applications will reduce the sensor’s life.
There are many other factors that dictate the sensor’s lifespan so it is
impossible to predict it’s total longevity.

 Exhaust leaks, camshaft overlap, and open (shorty) exhausts will cause
false lean readings at light engine loads. Typically, once the engine is
under load and the exhaust gas volume increases, you will see accurate
readings.

 When installed in the exhaust, the oxygen sensor must be connected to

a powered, functional LC-2 (no error codes) whenever the engine is
running. An un-powered sensor will be damaged in a short period of time
when exposed to exhaust gas.

 Do not pre-warm the sensor before starting the engine, simply start the
engine as normal. Allowing the sensor to pre-warm before starting the
engine will increase the possibility of damaging the sensor from shock-
cooling.

 The maximum temperature of the sensor at the bung (the sensor

mounting location) should not exceed 500 oC or 900 oF. If these
temperatures are exceeded in your application you should install the
Innovate Motorsports HBX-1 heat sink bung extender. (p/n 3729.)

As the O2 sensor measures the oxygen content of the exhaust

gas to provide an accurate O2 reading, even a small pin-hole
leak in a poorly welded sensor bung will effect the accuracy
and performance of your O2 sensor. Remember, any deviation from
the instructions provided for proper sensor installation will lead to
inaccurate O2 readings.

4 Sensor Calibration

Once the LC-2 has been wired and a suitable location has been found for
both the controller and the sensor, it is time to perform the sensor calibration.
Innovate Motorsports’ ‘Direct Digital’ wideband measurement technology
allows you to calibrate the sensor to compensate for sensor wear and
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atmospheric pressure variances. This procedure takes just a few moments
and it will ensure the most accurate readings throughout the oxygen sensor’s
life. This procedure is required anytime a NEW oxygen sensor is
installed.

The calibration procedure requires that the oxygen sensor be in free air, this
means removed from the exhaust system completely.

1. With the sensor disconnected, apply power to the LC-2. When power
is applied, the status light will light up green for 2 seconds while the
controller initializes. The status light will then turn red and flash a two
blink sequence indicating an Error 2 condition. This error state
indicates that no sensor is detected. Leave unit powered on for a
minimum of 30 seconds while it is flashing the Error 2.

2. Power down the LC-2 and attach the oxygen sensor to the sensor
cable and the sensor cable to the LC-2. When making these
connections, make sure they are fully seated and locked. Again,
make sure that the sensor is in free air (not in the exhaust).

3. Power up the LC-2. The status light will light up green for 2 seconds
while the system initializes. The status light will then start flashing
green twice a second indicating that the sensor is heating up to it’s
operating temperature. After 30-60 seconds, the status light will flash
green for a series of very quick flashes indicating the sensor
calibration is being performed. Lastly, the light will light up solid
green indicating that the unit is operational and ready to take read
O2 content in the exhaust gas.

You may disconnect the sensor from the sensor cable in order to
thread the sensor into the exhaust. To do this without losing your
calibration, make sure the unit remains powered off while the sensor is
disconnected. If you power up the LC-2 without a sensor connected,
your calibration will be lost and require the calibration to be repeated.
(see step #1 above).

4.1 Calibration Schedule

Normally aspirated daily driver:
- Calibrate before installation of new sensor
- Calibrate new sensor again after 3 month of use
- Thereafter calibrate once a year or every 20,000 miles, whichever comes
first

Turbo car, daily driver (richer mixture):

- Calibrate before installation of new sensor
- Calibrate new sensor again after 3 month of use

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- Thereafter calibrate twice a year or every 10,000 miles, whichever comes
first

Race car
- Calibrate before first installation of new sensor
- Calibrate once per race weekend

Dyno use
- Calibrate new sensor
- Calibrate every 2-3 days, depending on usage

5 Software (LogWorks 3 and LM Programmer)

5.1 Download the Logworks 3 software package

1. Open your web browser and go to:
http://www.innovatemotorsports.com/support.php
2. The LogWorks 3 software download will be the very first thing on the
page, click the link to download the software.

5.2 Installing software

1. Double click on the Logworks 3 installer previously downloaded.
2. The installer will start, follow the prompts to install the software.
3. Once the software has been installed the LogWorks software, LM
Programmer and LC-2 manual can then be located by navigating
through Start->Programs->LogWorks3.

5.3 Connecting to LM Programmer

LM Programmer is used to update firmware, change fuel types, change
sensor type, and program the two analog outputs.

1. Connect the OUT port of the LC-2 to the provided serial

programming cable. Connect the other end of the serial
programming cable to your computer. If your computer does not
have a serial port, you can purchase a USB to Serial adapter from
Innovate Motorsports (P/N 3733) or use any USB to serial adaptor
that includes drivers. Make sure that nothing is connected to the IN
port of the LC-2
2. Power up the LC-2.
3. Launch LM Programmer. The LM Programmer application can be
launched from Start->Programs->LogWorks3->LM Programmer from
the Windows task bar.

5.3.1 Analog Outputs

1. Connect the LC-2 to the computer and launch LM Programmer.

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 2. Select one of the Analog output tabs. The Analog output tab looks
like this:

This shows the analog output voltages versus Lambda for one of the two
analog outputs. The graph display is automatically scaled to the selected
voltages. For each output you can specify a minimum and maximum lambda
or A/F ratio value and the associated voltages.

By selecting the ‘use Air-Fuel-Ratio’ button you can program the curve by
AFR instead of Lambda. This does not change the programming, only the
unit of measure displayed.

Click the ‘Program’ button to upload the new programming data into the
LC-2. Once the unit is programmed the ‘Program’ button will grey out.

Factory Programmed Defaults:

Analog Output 1 is programmed to output between 0 V for an AFR of 7.35
(gasoline) and 5.0V for an AFR of 22.39. Analog Output 2 is 1.1 V for an
AFR of 14 and .1 V for an AFR of 15. Other settings, of course, are easily
programmable between the minimum and maximum range specified earlier.

Avoid connecting or disconnecting any of the serial ports labeled

IN or OUT while the unit is powered ON.

5.3.2 Advanced output

programming
The ‘Advanced’ button allows the
user to set the analog out update
speed and the voltage output
during sensor Warm-up and Error
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Condition. The factory defaults of the analog outputs update 1/12 of a
second. The default voltage output is set at 0 volts for both the Warm-up
and Error Condition.

When setting the LC-2 to the slower response speed, the measured mixture
data will be averaged over the response time setting before being sent via
the analog output.

5.3.3 Updating the Firmware

Do not update the firmware if the versions are the same or older
than already loaded. A firmware update should only be necessary if
there has been a new release that specifically fixes a problem that you
are experiencing with the controller.

1. Connect the LC-2 to the computer and launch LM Programmer.

2. Once connected, LM Programmer will display the current version of
the firmware that is installed in the LC-2. Do not update the
firmware if the versions are the same. A firmware update should
only be necessary if there has been a new release.
3. On the very first tab of LM Programmer you will see a button labeled
“Update Firmware,” click this button.
4. Select the firmware file with the dld extension. If there have been
revisions to the firmware, you will find them available for download
from the Support section of the Innovate Motorsports web site.
5. The software will now prompt you to confirm that you wish to
overwrite the firmware currently on your LC-2.
6. Click OK, DO NOT power off or disconnect the LC-2 from the
computer until the firmware progress screen completely disappears.
Once finished, you may disconnect the unit from the computer and
exit out of the software.

5.3.4 Changing Sensor Type

Note: The LC-2 must be running firmware version 1.01
or later with LM Programmer 4.0 or later to access the
sensor type menu.

The LC-2 is multi sensor compatible with the Bosch LSU 4.2 and 4.9
sensors. In order to go from one sensor type to another the LC-2 must be
connected to the LM Programmer software and the appropriate sensor type
must be selected. The “Sensor Type to use” setting can be found in the ‘Info’
tab when LM Programmer connects to the LC-2. Once the sensor type is
changed a sensor calibration must be performed with the sensor outside of
the exhaust (see Sensor Calibration chapter.)

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Sensor Cable P/N 3ft 8ft 18ft Sensor P/N   
LSU 4.2 3843 3810 3828 LSU 4.2 3737
LSU 4.9 3890 3887 3889 LSU 4.9 3888

Note: All sensor cables for the LSU 4.9 are easily identified by a ‘4.9’
marking molded on the sensor connector side.

Use the appropriate sensor cable for the sensor type as each
sensor has a different style connector. Spliced cable can not only affect
the wideband’s performance but in worst cases it can damage the
sensor and/or controller.

Selecting the wrong sensor type to the sensor being used will
not only give you erroneous readings and/or errors. It can also
permanently damage the sensor.

5.4 Logging data from your LC-2 with LogWorks

1. Connect the OUT port of the LC-2 to the provided serial

programming cable. Connect the other end of the serial
programming cable to your computer. If your computer does not
have a serial port, you can purchase a USB to Serial adapter from
Innovate Motorsports (P/N 3733) or use any USB to serial adaptor
that includes drivers. Make sure that nothing is connected to the IN
port of the LC-2. Power up the LC-2
2. Launch LogWorks. The LogWorks application can be launched from
Start->Programs->LogWorks3->Logworks3 from the Windows task
bar.
3. Once LogWorks launches go to File->Connect. You will be prompted
to connect to the serial COM port. Select the COM port the device is
connected to and then click Connect.
4. To start recording go to File->New Realtime Log or, in the Toolbar,
click on the Tool.

5.4.1 Adding and Logging MTS channels

The Innovate Motorsports’ MTS (Modular Tuning System) allows you to
daisy chain multiple devices together via the serial IN and OUT connectors to
form one single synchronous log. MTS log chains can consist of a single unit
connected directly to a laptop (connect your LC-2 directly to a computer,) two
units, or multiple devices connected together, up to 32 channels. Below are
some MTS logging examples using a PL-1 to record the information on a SD
memory log:

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Innovate Motorsports’ MTS devices have two types of serial interface
connectors, the legacy 2.5mm stereo and the 4 pin Molex. The following
patch cables are available to interface your devices together:

4 Pin Molex to 4 Pin Molex - 4ft p/n 3846

2.5mm to 2.5mm Stereo - 4ft p/n 3760
2.5mm to 2.5mm Stereo - 6in p/n 3789
4 Pin Molex to 2.5mm Stereo - 4ft p/n 3812

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Appendix A: Limited Warranty
LIMITED WARRANTY
Innovate stands behind the quality of its products. Innovate makes the following
warranty to purchasers of its products: All new Innovate products carry a one year
warranty from the date of purchase. If proof of purchase cannot be provided, warranty
will be determined by date of manufacture.

When Warranty Void

This warranty shall terminate and Innovate shall have no obligation pursuant to it if (i)
your Innovate product has been modified or repaired in a manner not previously
authorized by Innovate in writing, (ii) the identification markings on your Innovate
product have been removed, defaced, or altered; (iii) your Innovate product was
subjected to accident, abuse, shipping damage, or improper use; (iv) your Innovate
product was not used or configured as specified in the product manual; or (v) your
Innovate product was subjected to operating conditions more severe than those
specified in the product manual.

Exclusions From This Warranty

Oxygen Sensors are excluded from this warranty.

Repairs Under This Warranty

In the unlikely event that your Innovate hardware product should prove defective
during the warranty period, contact Innovate Customer Support at
www.innovatemotorsports.com for a return material authorization (RMA). Products
returned for service must be securely packed to prevent damage and shipped
charges pre paid, along with proof of purchase and the return material authorization
number, to the Innovate repair location as instructed by Customer Service. Innovate
within a reasonable amount of time from its receipt of your product so shipped, will
ship to you, at its option, the repaired product or a new or reconditioned product of
comparable or greater specified functionality. All repaired or replacement products
shall be warranted for the remainder of the original product warranty.

Disclaimer
INNOVATE MAKES NO OTHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY WITH RESPECT TO
YOUR INNOVATE PRODUCT OTHER THAN THE LIMITED WARRANTY SET FORTH
ABOVE. No Innovate dealer, agent, or employee is authorized to make any modification,
extension, or addition to this warranty, unless enforceable or unlawful under applicable law,
INNOVATE DISCLAIMS ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, NONINFRINGEMENT, AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND THE LIABILITY OF INNOVATE, IF ANY, FOR DAMAGES
RELATING TO ANY ALLEGEDLY DEFECTIVE PRODUCT SHALL UNDER ANY TORT,
CONTRACT, OR OTHER LEGAL THEORY BE LIMITED TO THE ACTUAL PRICE PAID FOR
SUCH PRODUCT AND SHALL IN NO EVENT INCLUDE INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL,
SPECIAL, OR INDIRECT DAMAGES OF ANY KIND EVEN IF INNOVATE IS AWARE OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an
implied warranty lasts or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so
the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.

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Appendix B: LC-2 Error Codes and Troubleshooting Tips

Error Error Likely Root Cause Fix

Code Message
Error 1 Heater circuit Short in sensor Replace sensor.
shorted
Error 2 Heater circuit 1. Damaged sensor 1. Verify that all sensor
open cable or sensor. connectors are fully seated and
2. Sensor connector not locked into position.
fully seated and locked 2. Replace sensor
into position. 3. Replace sensor cable.
Error 3 Pump cell 1. Short in sensor 1. Replace sensor cable.
circuit shorted cable 2. Replace sensor.
2. Short in sensor 3. Perform sensor recalibration.
3. Sensor calibration
incorrect
Error 4 Pump cell 1. Damaged sensor 1. Verify that all sensor
circuit open cable or sensor. connectors are fully seated and
2. Connectors not fully locked into position.
seated 2. Perform sensor calibration
3. Sensor calibration 3. Replace sensor cable.
incorrect 4. Replace sensor.
Error 5 Reference cell 1. Short in sensor 1. Replace sensor cable.
circuit shorted cable 2. Replace sensor.
2. Short in sensor
Error 6 Reference cell 1. Damaged sensor 1. Verify that all sensor
circuit open cable or sensor. connectors are fully seated and
locked into position.
2. Connectors not fully 2. Replace sensor.
seated 3. Replace sensor cable.
Error 7 System error System error Reboot LC-2 by cycling power.
Error 8 Sensor 1. Sensor over-heating 1. Perform sensor calibration.
Timing error or over-cooling (error 2. Move sensor bung as far
(typically a condition only occurs downstream as possible.
damaged at wide open throttle ) 3. Add an HBX-1 (p/n 3729) to
sensor). isolate the sensor from the
2. Sensor is damaged pipe.
4. Replace sensor.
Error 9 Supply Supply voltage too low 1. Verify you have 12V at your
Voltage too for sensor regulation power source and the circuit
low can support a 3 amp draw.

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