Thanks for the clarification of the torque simulation definition; it is still not clear that all systems that use this term use it the same way, though. I have never used any system that uses this term so have no direct experience with what they might mean by it.
You're probably right about the OSFW; the same is also true of other DIY solutions like using a CA to add functionality to controllers that don't have certain things (like the cadence-controlled variable assist we're talking about).
AHicks said:
I am NOT familiar with the Grin options, basically because I'm boycotting them until the update their display. Would LOVE to mess with one of their Gmac systems some day, IF they ever decide to bring the display up to current standards.
They dont' have a display, in the sense that the controllers you use (KT, etc) have a display that communicates with the controller and is required to make the controller work as designed with all features.
Their controllers (at least, the Grin-specific ones, Grinfineon, Phaserunner, Baserunner, etc) don't use a display of any kind. Grinfineons don't have any settings to change, and the PR and BR use a setup program to change their settings, from a computer or device, non-realtime. (they may have finished the phone app but I can't remember if that allows realtime settings changes or data display; if so, then those can use your phone as a display in a way similar to the KT/etc LCDs).
If your'e referring to the CA (cycle analyst), it's not a display; it's a completely separate and independent computer, not part of any controller system, and doesnt' do the things a "controller display" does.
You might personally call it semantics, but it is a very significant difference I want to be sure is clear to other readers; among other things, there have been numerous noobs that wanted to use the CA instead of their controller's display but couldnt' because they need that display to access controller settings as they ride (they had no other way to do it).
FWIW, if you are boycotting everything else they sell just because you don't want to use the CA due to it's screen design, well, that's up to you.

I understand it even if I don't choose to do so.
If you say they can measure speed using the cadence sensor, I find that a bit of a stretch, but I'll take your word for it.
It's most definitely true. It's very easy to setup in the CA; you can see the various modes right on the CAv3 info page where they show the setup menus.
https://ebikes.ca/product-info/grin-products/cycle-analyst-3.html
If you're really interested in the details, they also have a manual, and videos.
My bet is though, they're using/getting a speed signal related to the motor rpm, not cadence speed.
Not for PAS, they are not. That would not allow you to control the system. That would just get a speed signal for the motor RPM (and perhaps vehicle or bike speed), and that does happen on a completely separate input for a completely separate purpose.
I built my entire trike myself, and used the CAv3 to read a cadence sensor that controls the assist amount directly via pedal RPM. I discuss it now and then in various places in my SB Cruiser thread, mostly the last 2-3 years (I forget when I started using it this way) but that's a lot of reading for you unless you're really interested.
I ride it using the pedals to control the speed (I dont' recall if I used the power, current, or speed control method, but I am effectively controlling speed with the pedals).
I have a throttle for certain startup situations and in the case of leg/foot injury preventing me from pedalling, but I hardly ever have to use it.
Regarding this:
"As you pedal, the (cadence) sensor detects your cadence and increases the speed output from the motor accordingly."
I believe this fellow doesn't really understand his system. I've never seen or heard of a system that can/will do that. He says he's using a 12 magnet ring. What would happen for instance, if somebody installed a PAS sensor with more or less magnets on the ring?
Then the speed it detects would be higher or lower, and the amount of assist it provides would be more or less, proportionally.
Additionally, the less magnets in it the slower it's response time to changes in pedal speed, like when you first start pedalling from a stop.
But if it has any user-changeable settings, then it is likely that the system has a setup menu like the KT and others, that lets you change the number of poles (or magnets) in the PAS sensor specifically for this reason. If the number doesn't match then it will still work, it just won't be the same proportion of assist.
Further, to reinforce this gentleman's lack of understanding, this part of his quote proves he's struggling with how a PAS system works regarding sensitivity.
"This means that our kit features a rapid-response system turning the motor on immediately as the user begins the motion of pedaling."
It DOES NOT turn the system on immediately. It starts counting PAS sensor signals immediately and powers the system up when the programmed number of pulses has been achieved. Clearly I could be wrong here, but I doubt that seriously.
You could be right.
Personally, I know that different people certainly have different definitions of "immediately". It will definitely take some amount of time to begin responding, but if the controller he is using has settings for how quickly it begins to respond, and those settings go as low as a single pulse to trigger startup, it could be virtually immediate response as you wouldnt' have to rotate the cranks very far at all with 12 magnets. Just 1/12 of a rotation, the angle between two numbers on an analog 12-hour clock.
IF what he said were true, he would VERY likely be deling with frequent false start issues, triggered accidentally when the crank was bumped.
It might very well have such false starts. The CA lets you tune things, so they are less common, I had it happen a lot when first setting mine up for as instant a response as possible.
I eventually tuned mine for less of that, and to get better response I just move the cranks backwards a bit first then forward. Because of my specific chainline, a backpedal doesn't work like on a regular bike, it causes sag in the top of the chainline that gives me the slack to quickly move the cranks forward again and get started from a stop without putting pressure on my bad knees and ankle, under most situations (the throttle is there when this won't work).