Edelbrock 71900 User Manual

www.edelbrock.com

Page 1 of 17

Please study these instructions carefully before installing your new Progressive Nitrous Contoller. If you have any questions,
please contact our Technical Hotline at : 1-800-416-8628 from 7 am - 5pm, Monday-Friday, Pacific Standard Time or e-mail
us at [e-mail]

.

Important Information - You must use Static Suppression Ignition Wires with this controller. The

71900 Progressive Nitrous Controller contains high frequency digital electronics and will NOT function correctly
without suppression wires.

Warning -

Do not mount the progressive controller anywhere near ignition components or any other

source of electronic noise.

Notice - The controller must be grounded directly to the vehicle’s battery.

Caution - Do not submerge the controller in liquid or directly wash the unit with liquid of any type!
Warning - The programming switches are delicate electronic items and can be damaged by misuse

and/or carelessness. If the controller is close to your nitrous bottle, be careful when installing the bottle.
The weight of the bottle is enough to easily damage the switches. Switches that have been determined
to be damaged due to neglect will NOT be covered under warranty.

Notice:

It is the responsibility of the purchaser to follow all guidelines and safety procedures supplied with this product and any
other manufactures product used with this product. If is also the responsibility of the purchaser to determine compatibility of
this device with the vehicle and other components.

Edelbrock Corporation assumes no responsibility for damages resulting from accident, improper installation, misuse,
abuse, improper operation, lack of reasonable care, or all previously stated reasons due to incompatibility with other
manufacturer’s products.

Edelbrock Corporation assumes no responsibility or liability for damages incurred fron the use of products manufactured
or sold by Edelbrock Corporation on vehicles used for competition racing.

Edelbrock Corporation neither recommends nor approves the use of products manufactured or sold by Edelbrock
Corporation on vehicles which may be driven on public highways or roads, and assumes no responsibility for damages incurred
from such use.

It is the purchaser’s responsibility to check the state and local laws pertaining to the use of Nitrous Oxide for racing
applications. Edelbrock Corporation does not recommend nor condone the use of its products for illegal street racing.

Installation of this Edelbrock product signifies that you have read this document and agree to the terms
stated within.

Caution:

Follow all recommended safety guidelines from this and other manufacturer’s installation guides. Never install any
device which pulsates nitrous solenoids without a safety solenoid installed. Static Suppression ignition wires must be used with
this unit! Mount the unit as far away from secondary ignition components (coil, ignition wires, etc.) as physically possible.

©2008 Edelbrock Corporation
Catalog #71900

Brochure #63-0473

Rev. 08/08 - AJ/mc

Catalog #71900

Progressive Nitrous Controller

www.edelbrock.com

Page 2 of 17

71900 - Progressive Nitrous Controller

The 71900 Progressive Nitrous Controller was designed using the latest digital technology available. The
result is a controller which is extremely accurate and user-friendly. A simple and functional programming interface
allows the user to set important nitrous parameters in a matter of seconds, all without the use of external
programmers or computers. An Options Menu has been included to enable the user to customize the controller for a
particular application. The Options Menu also contains a function that if selected will return the contoller to its original
factory Pre-Programmed state.

Features:

Full Digital Circuitr

y:

This design approach assures the best in performance and reliability.

Digital technology provides extremely accurate control that cannot be achieved with analog systems.

Easy to Read LED Display with Touch Switch Programming: This user

interface is very user-friendly and provides quick and accurate programming of the progressive nitrous controller.

Integrated Batter

y Voltage Monitor:

The battery voltage is displayed periodically on

the LED display.

Non-Volatile Data Memory: No battery or power connection is needed to retain the

controllers parameter settings. There is no need to re-program the controller after the battery is disconnected. There
is NO internal battery, all data is stored in flash memory and will be retained for up to 10 years with no power applied
to the controller.

Separate Nitrous and Fuel Solenoid Outputs: This design provides more output

current capability. By using separate outputs, better control of the solenoid is achieved. The response of the nitrous
system is improved and much more accurate. The fuel output is programmed to function as though the fuel and
nitrous solenoids were on the same output terminal. The Options Menu allows the user to program the fuel solenoid
to operate in full progressive mode (i.e. - The fuel solenoid will pulse through the entire progression).

+12 Volt Timer Output: A digital timer is provided that can be used to activate an ignition retard

controller or a 2nd stage of nitrous. The output from activation terminal is on (+12 volt applied). If the activation
signal is removed, the +12V timer will halt until the signal is re-applied. The +12v timer can be programmed from

0.000 to 9.999 seconds. The Options Menu allows the user to configure the timer output behavior while the controller
is in the activated state. Optionally, the output can be configured to remain ON regardless of the activation input.
NOTE - Setting the timer to 0.000 will disable the timer output.

©2008 Edelbrock Corporation
Catalog #71900

Brochure #63-0473

Rev. 08/08 - AJ/mc

www.edelbrock.com

Page 3 of 17

Nitrous Delay Timer: A digital timer is provided that can be used to delay the start of the nitrous.

This timer begins counting down when the activation terminal is on (+12v applied). If the activation signal is removed,
the delay timer will halt until the signal is re-applied. The delay timer can be programmed from 0.000 to 9.999
seconds.

Nitrous Starting Percentage: The user can program the amount of nitrous power that will

be applied after the nitrous delay timer has elapsed (Immediately if delay timer is set at 0.000). This parameter is set
as a percentage and can range from 10% to 100%. If the starting power is more than the ending power, the nitrous
power will decrease with time.

Final Nitrous Percentage: This setting allows the user to program how much nitrous power

is applied after the nitrous ramp has completed. This parameter is also set as a percentage and can range from 10%
to 100%. By setting the final power percentage less than the starting percentage, the user can back off the nitrous
power.

The Options Menu allows the user to select a single or dual ramp nitrous power ramp. When the dual ramp
mode is selected, there will be two final percents and two power ramp times.

Nitrous Power Ramp Time: The power ramp time is used to determine the rate at which

the nitrous power goes from the start percentage to the final percentage. The nitrous power ramp time can be set
from .200 to 9.900 seconds.

The Options Menu allows the user to select a single or dual ramp nitrous power ramp. When the dual ramp
mode is selected, there will be two final percents and two power ramp times.

Intelligent Nitrous Progressive Timer: The progressive nitrous timer system will wait

at its present state if the activation signal is removed. Nitrous progression will resume when the controller is re­activated. The entire nitrous and +12 volt timer system is automatically reset 20 seconds after activation.

Optionally the nitrous timer system can be configured to RESET each time the activation signal is applied.
This method would allow the nitrous power to be applied with each gear change or each time the throttle is lifted and
re-applied. This feature is selected with the Options Menu.

An added feature has been included to the timer system to help the user tune the nitrous power ramp. When
the timer system is activated (+12v at the activation input) an internal timer is started which will record the time and
percent of the progressive cycle when the activation signal is removed. This data can be used to determine at what
point in the progressive cycle that the power ramp is too aggressive and the driver is lifting the throttle.

©2008 Edelbrock Corporation
Catalog #71900

Brochure #63-0473

Rev. 08/08 - AJ/mc

www.edelbrock.com

Page 4 of 17

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page #

Programming

+12 Volt Timer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Nitrous Delay Timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Nitrous Starting Percentage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Nitrous Ending Percentage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Nitrous Power Ramp Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Example Nitrous Power Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Options Menu, Programming

Viewing Run Data and Entering the Options Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Clearing Run Data (Reset for Next Run) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Resetting Controller to Factory Default . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Calibrating the Voltage Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Setting the Dual Nitrous Power Ramp ON/OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Setting Progressive Fuel Output ON/OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Setting Activation Wait and Hold ON/OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Setting +12V Timer Output Hold ON/OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Enabling Quick Data Access. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Setting the RESET Timeout Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Exiting the Options Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Using the Dual Ramp Feature

How the Dual Power Ramp Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Example Dual Ramp Nitrous Power Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Installation

Items Included with 71900 Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Items Needed that are NOT Supplied . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Cautions and Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Wiring Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Technical Information

Electrical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

©2008 Edelbrock Corporation
Catalog #71900

Brochure #63-0473

Rev. 08/08 - AJ/mc

www.edelbrock.com

Page 5 of 17

Programming the +12 Volt Timer

Press and release the FUNCTION switch until the message “+12V Timer Delay” appears on the display. After
the function message has scrolled across the display, the current +12 Volt Timer setting will appear on the display.

To adjust the +12 volt timer value, press the desired digit button and the value of that digit will increment.
The digit will roll over to 0 and begin counting up again if the user continues to release and press the digit button.

To exit without saving the new value, press the FUNCTION switch and select another function.

To save the new value, press and release the ENTER switch and the display will read “SAVED” and the new
setting is now saved.

The range of the +12 volt timer is 0.000 to 9.999 seconds with a .001 second resolution.

This setting will determine the amount of time in seconds before the +12 volt timer output becomes active
(goes to +12V) after controller activation.

NOTE - Setting timer to 0.000 will disable the +12V timer output. Set to 0.001 for quick
activation.

Programming the Nitrous Delay Timer

Press and release the FUNCTION switch until the message “Nitrous Delay Timer” appears on the display. After
the function message has scrolled across the display, the current Nitrous Delay Time setting will appear on the display.

To adjust the nitrous delay timer value, press the desired digit button and the value of that digit will increment.
The digit will roll over to 0 and begin counting up again if the user continues to release and press the digit button.

To exit without saving the new value, press the FUNCTION switch and select another function.

To save the new value, press and release the ENTER switch and the display will read “SAVED” and the new
setting is now saved.

The range of the +12 volt timer is 0.000 to 9.999 seconds with a .001 second resolution.

This setting will determine the amount of time in seconds before the nitrous becomes active (nitrous begins
at starting percentage) after controller activation.

©2008 Edelbrock Corporation
Catalog #71900

Brochure #63-0473

Rev. 08/08 - AJ/mc

www.edelbrock.com

Page 6 of 17

Programming the Nitrous Starting Percentage

Press and release the FUNCTION switch until the message “Starting Percentage” appears on the display.
After the function message has scrolled across the display, the current nitrous starting percentage setting will appear
on the display.

To adjust the nitrous starting percentage value, press the desired digit button and the value of that digit will
increment. The digit will roll over to 0 and begin counting up again if the user continues to release and press the digit
button. If the .1 digit button is pressed, the starting percentage will go to 100%, pressing again will set the starting
percentage back to 0%. The 1. digit is ignored for this function.

To exit without saving the new value, press the FUNCTION switch and select another function.

To save the new value, press and release the ENTER switch and the display will read “SAVED” and the new
setting is now saved.

The range of nitrous starting percentage is 10% to 100% in 1% increments.

This setting will determine the amount of nitrous to be applied after the nitrous delay timer has elapsed.

Programming the Final Nitrous Percentage

NOTE - If the dual ramp feature is enabled fron the options menu, there will be a “Final Percent #2” in the

menu list. The programming method is the same as the “Final Percent #1”. Please refer to the section “Options
Menu” and “Using the Dual Ramp Feature” for more information.

Press and release the FUNCTION switch until the message “Final Percent #1” appears on the display. After
the function message has scrolled across the display, the current final nitrous percentage setting will appear on the
display.

To adjust the final nitrous percentage value, press the desired digit button and the value of that digit will
increment. The digit will roll over to 0 and begin counting up again if the user continues to release and press the digit
button. If the .1 digit button is pressed, the final percentage will go to 100%, pressing again will set the starting
percentage back to 0%. The 1. digit is ignored for this function.

To exit without saving the new value, press the FUNCTION switch and select another function.

To save the new value, press and release the ENTER switch and the display will read “SAVED” and the new
setting is now saved.

The range of the nitrous final percentage is 10% to 100% in 1% increments.

This setting will determine the amount of nitrous to be applied at the end of the nitrous power ramp time.

©2008 Edelbrock Corporation
Catalog #71900

Brochure #63-0473

Rev. 08/08 - AJ/mc