Cannondaler: Jim, how long have you been with Optimum Power Technology (OPT)?
Optimum: Since September, 2001

Cannondaler: What did you do before Optimum and how did you join their team?
Optimum: I was with Suzuki Canada for almost 17 years. I started out as a District Sales Manager building a dealer network from scratch in a tough market. Working through Regional, Zone, Assistant National and National positions, I ultimately became the Division Manager, Recreational Products Group. That left me responsible for national sales, marketing, advertising, Divisional operations, Dealer development, product planning and all the racing activities. I sat on the world distributor council for Suzuki and served in a variety of executive and director positions (Chair, Sec. Treas., etc.) for the Motorcycle Moped Industry Council (MMIC), the All-Terrain Vehicle Association (CATV) and the Marine Manufacturers Association (CMMA). OPTIMUM Power Technology (OPT) needed someone with extensive motorcycle industry contacts and experience in all areas of the business to OEMs, Dealers and end-users. We shared a philosophy for customer care and a strong passion for the industry. The chemistry was there.

Cannondaler: What are you doing for Optimum now?
Optimum: I am the Sales and Marketing Manager, GP Control. However, when we first went to market last year, and with such a small team, I ended up assuming the role of customer/technical support. This forced a steep learning curve, but as I had to dive deeper and deeper into the minds of the engineers who created this technology, I became better able to convey it to our customers in language that was easier to understand for more of us mere mortals. I was even the technical writer going back to the original Cannondale installation instructions. As the nature of our business evolves, I have to spend more time elsewhere. Luckily, Scooter, who is the project leader for Cannondale, stepped up to the plate and assumed primary responsibility for the support lines.

Cannondaler: What is a typical month like for you?
Optimum: I’ve worked almost every single day since I came to OPT. I spend as much time at the office as possible during the week, but most weekends are working a race, consumer, trade or Dealer show. I spent a lot of time helping Nac’s Racing earlier in the year. Even did the SuperMotard intro with Cannondale. September and October saw me spending a lot of time in Europe, working with one of our technical partners in France, the Intermot show in Germany and testing with a major manufacturer/race team in The Netherlands. We are developing a number of new products and I spend a fair chunk of time preparing business models for some high profile future partners. I sit on the Executive team and help develop the website. The list goes on. There are a few members of this team that work just as hard or harder

Cannondaler: How many people work for Optimum?
Optimum: There are about 25 of us. Seven of our administration and IT team do double duty with a sister company and six are exclusive to our engine design and simulation product lines. There are eight of us dedicated specifically to GP Control.

Cannondaler: What is the history behind Optimum Power Technology?
Optimum: Glen Chatfield is a visionary from the software industry who had a great passion for engines, cars and motorcycles. After a number of successful software ventures, he started OPT in ’91 to develop engine design products. In ’93, he entered into a sponsor program to develop new engineering talent with Queens University in Belfast. He and Professor Gordon Blair, one of the most renowned and published luminaries in the engine simulation field, stepped up the QUB road racing efforts by forming Team OPTIMUM QUB Racing and take on the factories in World GP. The factories either didn’t have, or wouldn’t share, real good engine management strategies, so OPT decided to develop their own. OPT partnered with Pi Technologies, now owned by Ford, to produce their own world-class EMS. In ’96, we entered into an agreement with Sagem. Team OPTIMUM QUB began stealing valuable podiums from the big guys and earning top privateer honors with a 6th place overall finish in ‘97. GP Control announced plans for an aftermarket Fi system for off-road motorcycles in ’00. Meanwhile, OPT’s Virtual Engine products were being embraced by Toyota Racing and Development, Volvo, Bombardier, Rotax, Mercury, S&S and many other big name players.

Cannondaler: How did Optimum and Cannondale hook up to do business together?
Optimum: Cannondale came to us in February of 2001 and by May, they were evaluating a prototype. The results were so impressive; GP Control became standard equipment on all 2002 Cannondales produced since August 2001.

Cannondaler: How closely does Optimum and Cannondale work together?
Optimum: We maintain strong lines of communication with Cannondale at all levels.

Cannondaler: What parts manufactured by Optimum go into a Cannondale bike or quad?
Optimum: We don’t manufacture any parts that come OEM on a Cannondale. We created the operating code that resides on the Sagem MC1000 ECU. Cannondale technicians utilize our software and engine management strategies to create model specific maps and to tune each unit for it’s individual injector characteristics. Just recently, they decided to use our engine design products as well.

Cannondaler: What do you think the advantages are of having GP Control fuel injection in an off-road vehicle?
Optimum: There are so many, but don’t forget the Cannondale has programmable ignition as well. Fuel injection is so precise. Instead of waiting for airflow to dictate fuel delivery through a carb, fuel injection reacts within an engine cycle. The real advantage of the GP Control Fi is the proprietary transient control. Not only can the tuner assign the amount of fuel applied to a change from steady state operation, they can dictate how quickly it is applied and how quickly it returns to steady state. This is the “hit” we all talk about. Dial in smooth to ferocious or anywhere in between, it’s all up to the rider.

Did you know that a Fi bike will run lying on its side? Try that with a carb. Fi also allows the bike to maintain a more narrow Air Fuel Ratio (AFR) throughout the operating range. With GP Control, one also has the ability to add Map Select and Rider Trim/Trim Defeat to maximize the on-board system.

Cannondaler: Any disadvantages?
Optimum: Increased power requirements to run the fuel pump while starting, maybe. With current battery technology and the good charging system on the Cannondale, no.

Cannondaler: It is well known that Cannondale had a few growing pains with its early quad and motorcycle line. What kinds of things did Optimum learn during this period?
Optimum: We were not involved with Cannondale in those early years. We wish we could have been there from the beginning.

Cannondaler: What are some of the main differences between the original MC500 ECU and the latest ECU the MC1000?
Optimum: Both ECUs are made by Johnson Controls, which purchased Sagem a while ago. Their MC500 is neither flashable nor dynamic. The MC1000 is both flashable and dynamic, so operating codes can be changed, maps can be layered in and real time communication can occur with our communication devices. The MC1000 supports multiple cylinder applications. It is an automotive grade unit tested to 100,000 miles.

Cannondaler: What does this mean to the rider?
Optimum: With real time communication available to the tuner, set up and changes can be facilitated quickly and cleanly. With the aftermarket add ons, this can even happen while riding. Being a volume automotive piece, the price of the MC1000 remains realistic for lower production manufacturers. It is durable and proven.

Cannondaler: What tools does Optimum offer to assist owners in troubleshooting their own vehicles?
Optimum: GP Control Diagnostic and Maintenance Kit and an on-board fault detection LED.

Cannondaler: When riders run into problems related to your equipment or software, what is the most common problems found?
Optimum: The equipment meaning our aftermarket switches and LEDs? They are engineered to the highest possible standards, so we experience little to no problems with the hardware. On the software side, it is simply the education process that prompts the most calls.

Cannondaler: How closely does Optimum work with Cannondale dealers and are the dealer tools different than what owners would use? Why?
Optimum: We work very closely with the Dealers, more so for those that are hungry to embrace the technology. The neat part is that as we help Dealers get comfortable working with it, they help other dealers along. Typical motorcycle family, great people. The Cannondale Dealer D&M software is CPU specific, but will talk to any Cannondale MC1000 ECU. Dealers can perform operating code downloads through designated windows based PCs or Compaq iPAQ Pocket PCs. It is rare that a code change would be required and really should only be mandated by the OEM, so this function was left solely in the hands of the dealer technicians. The consumer D&M software is ECU specific, but will work in any windows based computer and/or Compaq iPAQ Pocket PC depending on which software is ordered. The communications cable, or Comms Box, is the same for Dealer and consumer. Every rider has different wants and most bikers like to play with their own toys. Even though the carb has disappeared, they still have the chance to enjoy.

Cannondaler: How are the Cannondale dealer mechanics getting trained to use these tools?
Optimum: We have done training sessions at the Cannondale Dealer meetings, training sessions for the Cannondale customer support staff, worked with some dealers at the dealership, extensive phone support and plenty of time sharing daily experiences with people like Mark, Mark, Dale, Bill, Steve and Don at Cannondale.

Cannondaler: One of the early complaints by owners of Optimum tools was pricing on your kits for the average rider. What drives the pricing points of your products?
Optimum: We have millions invested in this technology. Only the top teams in Formula 1 had this luxury before. We’ve created ways to bring the cost to a small group of motorcyclists down by an order of magnitude far greater than most would ever attempt. Our tools save time and money in the long run. I also think Cannondale needs to be applauded for absorbing so much of the cost by including the hardware on the bike in the first place. They could’ve gone an easier route to make a mainstream product, but they were determined to leap ahead of the others.

Cannondaler: Are there any dangers associated with an owner using one of your GP Control Kits on their own vehicle? Can a person “blow up” their motor?
Optimum: Our tools are very powerful, but you’d have to try pretty hard to damage a four-stroke engine with them. A little common sense dictates how far to go when tuning, same as any other product. If you tune a four stroke in the wrong direction, it just starts to run poorly. With our stuff, you can immediately go back to a safer state and try something different

Cannondaler: What kind of information does Optimum provide to assist owners who have purchased one of your Kits?
Optimum: We are constantly developing new documentation and expanding our website to include more information. Most of the support outside the provided documents comes from direct contact with the customer.

Cannondaler: How many parametrs does the MC1000 ECU control and monitor in a Cannondale fuel injection system?
Optimum: The Cannondale ECU controls approximately 59 different parameters.

Cannondaler: What is an engine map and basically how does it work?
Optimum: An engine map is a generic table that essentially layers over the operating code. Working with the (also generic) code and, in the case of Fi the vehicle’s specific injector cals, calculations produce the instructions to ignition and fuel delivery. Think of a map looking like an Excel spreadsheet with hundreds of cells. The grid is RPM one way and throttle position the other. Each cell contains a numeric value, whether it be a fuel mass or a timing value.

Cannondaler: Does Optimum use an “open loop” or “closed loop” fuel injection system design on Cannondales? And why?
Optimum: OPT uses an open loop system, but it will support 02 input. Our strategies are intelligent enough to produce incredibly stable AFRs without an expensive on-board Lambda. Cannondale tunes each bike with 02 on the factory dyno, before it leaves. From that point on, the 02 is of minimal value to the user.

Cannondaler: Is there an automatic shut down if an engine overheats?
Optimum: The ECU will calibrate up to 140C. Anything higher than that will cause the ECU to protect itself from internal damage by shutting off communication with the temp sensor. Our System Status LED provides real time reporting of engine temp, system sensor failures and electrical. We highly recommend serious off-roaders protect their hard earned investment with this accessory item. You never know when you’re going to loose a hose or puncture a rad.

Cannondaler: How well does the ECU adjust to altitude changes? What do you think the limit is?
Optimum: The ECU has baro in it. There are glowing reports on some of the forums from those riding from low to high altitudes. I don’t remember the exact specs, but I know it’ll work higher than any rider could function.

Cannondaler: If you and an MC1000 ECU were submerged under water together, who would die first?
Optimum: No question. Me. I’ve seen them go through ridiculous conditions and still function perfectly. They probably get more abused in a car, just because the number of hours of use in bad conditions is so much higher.

Cannondaler: What kind of G-Forces is the MC1000 ECU designed to withstand.
Optimum: I don’t have those specs, but I would think the Triumph and Aprilia sport bikes and some of the cars that also use this ECU would present more of a challenge in this area than that of an off-road bike or ATV.

Cannondaler: What are a few other things you would like to tell us about Optimum or it’s products?
Optimum: OPT is a good company. We sincerely care about quality and customer perception. Riders and Dealers who call here will testify to our determination to help. We believe the customer to be intelligent and very competent. No idiot lights and self locking doors from us. Using the products takes riders to a new level of understanding how an engine works and what it needs to be perfected to an individual riding style. Hey, Michael doesn’t drive with Ruben’s settings, right?

Cannondaler: Lastly, what can we as owners or potential owners look forward to in the future from Optimum Power Technology?
Optimum: GP Control Yamaha products were launched in Germany in September. We are developing some strong partnerships with a couple of World GP, European and USA teams to help them win championships. SuperMotard is growing fast and we’re involved with some development in Switzerland. Cannondale has expanded to Europe and we look forward to helping their new Dealers over there. We are setting up the OPT Japanese office now and expanding our presence in the UK. We are producing proof of concept and prototyping of some exciting new private label products for a group of well-known global aftermarket companies. Other motorcycle manufacturers are discussing their future plans with us. The ride just keeps on getting faster, keep an eye on us.

Cannondale owners got in on the ground floor, consider yourself ahead of the pack! I would personally like to thank the enthusiasts who call to share their experiences and concerns and all the people we meet at the various events. We’ve made some real good friends out there. You can never have too many!

Thanks!