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Hardway Performance  ·  Standalone Electronics

Build Electronics Guide 2026

ECUMaster
Electronics

The factory electronics were engineered for commuters. Your build isn't a commuter. Here's the ECUMaster hardware Hardway Performance trusts — and how to use it.

16 PMU-16 Outputs
8 CAN Keyboard Buttons
CAN Integrated Network
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Stop Running Factory Electronics on a Build Truck

ECUMaster is a European electronics manufacturer that builds some of the most capable standalone engine management and power distribution systems available for motorsport. Their product line is precise, configurable, and engineered to survive the abuse a performance diesel dishes out.

At Hardway Performance, we stock the full ECUMaster electronics lineup — from power distribution and CAN keyboards to digital dashes and sensor modules. Every product communicates over CAN bus and integrates natively with the rest of the system. Pick the pieces your build needs and run them together, or start with one and expand from there.

Driver Control

CAN Keyboards

4 through 15 positions — RGB-backlit, CAN-programmable buttons for map switching, PMU output control, and feature arming.

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Display

Digital Dashes

ADU5 and ADU7 — motorsport-grade digital displays that replace your gauge cluster and visualize live CAN data from any device on the network.

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Data

CAN Modules

Lambda, GPS/IMU, EGT, and USB-to-CAN — precision sensor inputs that broadcast directly to your CAN network and feed your dash, PMU, and ECU Manager.

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16 or 24
Channels.

The PMU-16 is how serious builders replace every fuse, relay, and manual switch on their truck with one programmable, fault-logging, CAN-controlled unit. Sixteen individually configurable outputs. Every circuit protected, monitored, and logged.

Traditional wiring panels rely on fixed-value fuses that either blow — or don't blow fast enough. The PMU-16 sets a precise current limit for each of its 16 outputs, cuts power the instant a short is detected, and logs exactly when and why it did. No more hunting for a blown fuse at 2am in a trailer park. No more guessing which relay is sticking.

What you can control

  • Fuel pumps — high- and low-side with programmable prime timing
  • Radiator and intercooler fans — temperature-triggered PWM control
  • Air solenoids and boost controllers — precisely timed outputs
  • Nitrous, water/meth, and intercooler sprayers — RPM or MAP-triggered
  • Auxiliary lighting — roof bars, underlighting, work lights
  • Any relay, solenoid, or load your build demands

"The PMU-16 completely changed how we wire build trucks. Every circuit is accounted for, every fault is logged, and the wiring is clean enough to show."

— Ryan Milliken, Hardway Performance
Plan before you wire. The PMU-16 is straightforward hardware, but a clean install requires a detailed wiring plan before a single terminal is crimped. Hardway Performance can help you plan your output assignments before your unit arrives.

Output Channels

16

Max Current / Output

20A

Total Max Current

100A continuous

Current Limiting

Per-channel, programmable

PWM Outputs

Yes (all channels)

Fault Logging

Timestamped, per-channel

CAN Bus

2 × CAN 2.0B

Physical Inputs

8 digital

Analog Inputs

4

Software

ECU Manager (PC)

Enclosure

Sealed, motorsport-grade

Operating Voltage

8–18V

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4 to 15
Positions.

The CAN Keyboard is the cleanest way to put driver-selectable control in the cab of an ECUMaster-equipped build. Available in 4 through 15 positions, every keyboard is RGB-backlit and fully programmable via ECU Manager, communicating over CAN bus to any ECUMaster device in your system.

Mount it on the dash, center console, or steering column. Set each button as a toggle, momentary, or rotary input. Use it to arm launch control, activate PMU-16 outputs, toggle fans, or trigger any programmable event in your system. If you're already running the PMU-16, the CAN Keyboard is the logical final piece — a clean, professional driver interface without a nest of individual toggle switches.

  • 4–15 fully programmable buttons — toggle, momentary, or rotary mode per button
  • RGB backlighting with individual color and brightness control per button
  • CAN bus communication — integrates natively with the PMU-16
  • Compact footprint — clean cab integration, no rats nest of switch gear
  • Software-configurable through ECU Manager — reassign functions without rewiring
  • Status feedback — button color can reflect live system state (armed, active, fault)

Available Configurations

All CAN Keyboards communicate over CAN 2.0B and are programmed through ECU Manager — the same software used for the PMU-16. Every button is individually assignable with its own mode (toggle, momentary, or rotary) and RGB backlight color.

See Everything.
In Real Time.

The ECUMaster ADU series are motorsport-grade digital dash displays that replace your gauge cluster with live CAN data, shift lights, lap timing, and programmable alarms — in sealed, high-brightness packages built for the track and the street.

Every ADU display connects to your CAN bus and pulls data from your PMU-16, sensor modules, tuning platform, or any other device on the network. Configure your screens, alarm thresholds, and data logging through ECU Manager — no subscriptions, no proprietary software locks.

  • Full CAN bus data visualization — display anything on the network on any screen
  • Programmable shift lights and alarms — RPM, temp, pressure, or any parameter you choose
  • Integrated data logging — record full CAN data to a microSD card for post-session review
  • Lap timing — GPS or beacon-based, built into the unit
  • Configurable via ECU Manager — same software as your PMU-16 and CAN Keyboard

Factory Electronics
vs ECUMaster

The factory wiring harness and fuse panel on a performance vehicle were engineered to meet a cost target, not a performance target. Here's what changes when you build on ECUMaster instead.

Feature Factory Electronics ECUMaster
Fuse/relay protection Fixed-value fuses, standard relays Per-channel current limiting, instant fault cut
Fault logging Limited OBD-II codes only Timestamped, per-channel fault history
Output programmability Fixed — factory-only assignments 16 fully configurable outputs
PWM fan/pump control Basic, temperature limited Full PWM with logic-based triggers
CAN integration Proprietary, closed Open CAN 2.0B — all devices talk natively
Driver interface Fixed switch functions CAN Keyboard — fully software-configurable
Software access Dealer-only reflash or third-party tools Open ECU Manager — full user access

How We Build ECUMaster Systems

Every ECUMaster build at Hardway Performance starts with a conversation — not a parts list. The right hardware combination depends on what your truck is doing, what's already in it, and where you're taking it.

  1. Define the build scope

    We start by understanding your truck's application: street, tow, drag, show, or a combination. This determines which ECUMaster products your build actually needs — and we'll tell you honestly which ones it doesn't.

  2. Map your outputs (PMU-16 builds)

    Before any wiring starts, we plan every one of your 16 output channels: what it controls, what triggers it, what its current limit is, and how it integrates with the rest of your system. A clean PMU-16 install starts with a clean schematic.

  3. Harness build and installation

    We build custom, labeled harnesses designed around your chassis. No splice taps, no quick connectors, no zip-tied rats nest. Every terminal is crimped, heat-shrunk, and routed for your specific application.

  4. Software configuration

    Using ECU Manager, we configure every output assignment, logic trigger, current limit, and fault response for your PMU-16 — and assign every CAN Keyboard button to its intended function with the correct mode and color.

  5. Data review and handoff

    Before your truck leaves, we pull a data log and verify every system is operating as configured. You leave with a complete wiring diagram, your ECU Manager project file, and a system you understand.

Not local to us? Hardway Performance also provides remote ECUMaster build consultation and software configuration support for shops and owner-builders. Contact us to discuss your project.

Common Questions

What does the PMU-16 actually replace on my truck?

The PMU-16 replaces your traditional fuse box, relay panel, and manual switch gear. Instead of individual fuses and relays for every circuit, you get 16 fully programmable, fault-logging, current-limited outputs controlled from a single sealed unit over CAN bus. It's especially popular on show trucks, drag race builds, and any vehicle with a heavy custom electrical load — anything where factory wiring is a limitation.

Is the PMU-16 hard to install?

The hardware itself is well-documented and straightforward to mount. The complexity is in planning your wiring diagram and programming each output channel in ECU Manager. Most experienced installers complete a basic PMU-16 setup in a full day of focused work. Hardway Performance can assist with output planning, wiring schematics, and software configuration — contact us before you start.

Can Hardway Performance install ECUMaster on my vehicle?

Yes. Hardway Performance installs, wires, and configures ECUMaster systems for performance vehicles of all platforms. Whether you need a PMU-16 for complete power distribution control or a CAN Keyboard for a clean driver interface, we handle the complete install and software configuration in-house. Remote consultation and support is also available for builds not local to us.

Is the CAN Keyboard hard to program?

The CAN Keyboard is configured in ECU Manager — the same software used for the PMU-16. If you're already in that environment, programming the keyboard is a natural extension. Each button's function, mode (toggle/momentary/rotary), and RGB color is set in a straightforward interface. No additional hardware or software is required.

Is ECUMaster platform-agnostic? Will it work on my vehicle?

Yes. The PMU-16 is completely platform-agnostic — it works alongside any existing ECM or tuning platform on any vehicle. The CAN Keyboard communicates over standard CAN 2.0B and integrates natively with the PMU-16. Neither product requires replacing your factory ECM or changing your current tune.

What is the difference between the ADU5 and ADU7?

The ADU5 Rev 2 is a compact 4.3" display with IP65 sealing — the right choice for open vehicles, tight dash spaces, or any build that needs weather resistance. The ADU7 is a larger 7" touchscreen with more real estate for data screens and is available in both standard connector and Autosport connector versions. Both display live CAN data and support data logging, shift lights, and programmable alarms through ECU Manager.

Do the CAN modules work with my existing tuning platform?

Yes. The Lambda to CAN, GPS to CAN with IMU, and EGT CAN module all broadcast data over standard CAN 2.0B — the same network your PMU-16 and CAN Keyboard operate on. That data is readable by your digital dash, ECU Manager, and any device on the network. None of these modules require replacing your factory ECM or your existing tuning platform.

Ready to Build It Right?

ECUMaster PMU-16, ADU dashes, CAN Keyboards, sensor modules, and accessories — all in stock at Hardway Performance. Questions? Call or message us — we'll help you spec the right system for your build.

Ryan Milliken
Founder & Lead Calibrator · Hardway Performance
Award-winning diesel performance specialist. All tuning packages, calibrations, and technical content on this site are written by Ryan — not a copywriter, not a template. The hard way.

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