Since most tuning software have similar layout, i am hoping someone will take the time to either write up a primer or point to a good place for one on basic navigation in the popular software (hondata, neptune, etc.)
i am a complete neophyte and would benefit greatly from it.

 

Unfortunately, that area of technology and usability is so preferential that you'd never get a completely unbiased opinion based upon your needs. There are so many different choices available for Hondas that it will make your head spin. there are diagrams that are available that can help, but the decision will be completely up to you. Its all on your budget.

 

i think you misunderstood me.
i am not asking for advise on which system to use, what i do need help with is how to use the software.
since it is all cell based, and mainly use similar terminology, it should be universal.

 

The Greg banish books a cheap but invaluable. Look into them. One focuses more on maf systems, but the other is geared toward our speed density setups. You are doing itb's iirc, start reading up on alpha-n tuning.

 

I don't know about other systems, but Hondata has help files in the Smanager software, that lead you through pretty much every different tab and cell, explaining how to use them and what they do to your tune.

Before I even purchased my ecu, I had downloaded the software, gone through that and learned about how the interface worked, and downloaded some maps to compare and mess with a bit. Very helpfull IMO, and made it easy to start making changes when I fired up my new engine, and jumping into the tune.

 

Neptune has some pretty great documentation. I have been thinking about doing a basic how to that would cover:

AFR gauge install
ECU wiring
Street tuning

all for Integras. Just a primer like you're mentioning. I'm kind of shocked that there's nothing like that. The tuning community is very DIY-oriented but at a fairly advanced level. It can be a little daunting for beginners.

 

exactly what i mean by that. how to navigate through the layout, get the car to idle, etc. etc. etc.

 

My apologies.. Its cell based, but not all systems have the same "value" in each cell to represent the same thing. For example, from The Emanage ultimate, the "0" value represents the stock value in the computer. Not actually a "0".

The Hondata, Neptune, AEM cells are the same. The Haltech, Power FC and Motec are a bit different from what I've experienced. but I'm no tuner.

 

Crome tuning manual (well sort of) www.google.com