When to use a generic sensor
NSP has dedicated setups for common sensors like MAP, coolant and oil pressure. When you want to measure something that isn't on that list, a pressure in a place Haltech didn't plan for, a switch on the dash, or an extra temperature on a differential, the Generic Sensor function is how you do it. Once it's set up, it behaves like any other channel. You can log it, show it on a dash and use it in conditions, generic outputs and tables.
Naming and calibration
The Name field matters more than it looks. Whatever you type is what you'll search for when you pick channels elsewhere in NSP, so use something clear like "Diff Temp" rather than "Generic 1".
The calibration can be typed in by hand or loaded. If the sensor came from Haltech, use Load from File to drop its calibration straight into the table. For a third-party part, take the voltage (or resistance) points from the maker's data sheet. Use Save to File to keep a copy for your next build.
Sensor type and input type
Two choices define how the ECU reads the sensor. Sensor Type is what the value means: Switch (on or off), Voltage, Pressure, Temperature or Percentage. ECU Input Type is how the electrical signal is read:
| Input type | Use it for |
|---|---|
| Digital - Switched | Anything that is simply on or off |
| Analogue - Voltage | Sensors with a 0 to 5 V output, like most pressure sensors |
| Analogue - Resistance | Sensors that change resistance, like two-wire thermistors |
| Digital - Frequency | Signals whose frequency changes, like a flow meter |
| Digital - Duty Cycle | Signals that vary their duty |
| Digital - Period | Signals measured by pulse width |
| Digital - Active Time | Inputs measured by how long they're active |
| Onboard Pressure Sensor | Using the ECU's internal pressure sensor for something else |
| Thermocouple Type K | A thermocouple read through a Haltech TCA unit |
For thermocouples you'll need an amplifier like the TCA2 dual-channel thermocouple amplifier.
Choosing the right pin
- AVI: handles voltage and resistance sensors and switches. Our default for analog sensors.
- SPI: can do everything an AVI does, plus frequency and timing-based signals. Save these for signals that need them.
Quick checklist
- Name the sensor clearly.
- Pick the sensor type and input type.
- Assign an AVI or SPI that suits the signal.
- Load or enter the calibration.
- Check the live reading against a known value, like atmospheric pressure or ambient temperature, before you trust it.
For the wider picture, see our generics overview and generic timer articles.
