TheRecklessEngineer Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 I've posted this on the MSEFi forums too, but thought I would post here too as there seem to be quite a few MS users... After a few problems with version numbers (thanks Fridge and Nige!) I managed to get MegaTune straightened out and loaded with a basic RV8 tune. However, when MT tries to talk to the ECU, the gauges jump and bounce all over the place - about once/twice a second, but appears in a random rhythm. It almost makes you feel nauseous! However, when using the standard B&G code, the problem is much reduced. It still bounces, but only about once every 45 seconds or so. In the bits when it isn't bouncing - the sensors/values all look normal with both code versions. I suspect my USB-serial adapter/vista is the cause. I have a cheap eBay adapter (HL-340/CH341), and it passes all the loopback tests you care to do. It is also quite happy flashing firmware to the ECU. Can anyone suggest why my adapter might be causing this, or could it be something else entirely? Ooooo...MS1 hardware version 2.2, firmware 029v and it isn't in the vehicle. Simply a PSU connected to the right pins on the connector. James. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_d Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 Diyautotune claim this one works well http://www.diyautotune.com/catalog/usb-ser...atune-p-67.html Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRecklessEngineer Posted March 4, 2009 Author Share Posted March 4, 2009 Yes, I've seen that. Quite tempted, just annoyed that mine seems to do everything perfectly except real time data! I've even gone as far as tweaking bits in the driver files, but still nothing. I might try on an XP lappy and see if that yeilds results... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hybrid_From_Hell Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 I tried 4x USB to serials before I found something decent. In the end it was the one I got from maplins that sorted it for me with the in car Compaq tablet and it has USB to serial that works everytime, I'll see if I can find the exact model Nige Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRecklessEngineer Posted March 4, 2009 Author Share Posted March 4, 2009 That'd be awesome if you could. I've got to go in tomorrow to get a decent soldering iron. Mine's packed up. (I've got a top-secret techy project in place of an ignition key that will need a lot of soldering!) edit: after looking on their website, they only have two types. One with a wire, and a one piece DB9 connector with a USB socket in the other end....which one do you have? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 There is a whole thread/FAQ on the MSEFI forum devoted to these little blighters (and no, I don't know the link), the long and the short is that they buffer data which works fine if they're connected to a printer or such like but bu**ers things up that need real-time communications. You need to either buy something that's known to work OK with MS (see the forums) or take your chances with whatever you've got. Or buy a cheapo laptop with a serial port, £50 would probably get something more than capable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobtail84 Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 I got from maplins that sorted it for me and it has USB to serial that works everytime, I'll see if I can find the exact model Nige Same for me and I've just had a hunt around but I cant find the model No. I will find and report. Jeff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hybrid_From_Hell Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 Same for me and I've just had a hunt around but I cant find the model No. I will find and report.Jeff I've spent 15 mins and the same - can't either Nige Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landmannnn Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 There is a whole thread/FAQ on the MSEFI forum devoted to these little blighters (and no, I don't know the link), the long and the short is that they buffer data which works fine if they're connected to a printer or such like but bu**ers things up that need real-time communications. You need to either buy something that's known to work OK with MS (see the forums) or take your chances with whatever you've got.Or buy a cheapo laptop with a serial port, £50 would probably get something more than capable. Or if you can find a docking station for the laptop/tablet that will give you a serial port. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 Or if you can find a docking station for the laptop/tablet that will give you a serial port. Can get a bit bulky in a car TBH you can buy a laptop that will run MegaTune for ~£50 on eBay, all you need is something that will run Windows 98 and has a serial port. The advantage is that if you get the thing muddy, wet, drop it out of the car etc. you haven't ruined a nice shiny laptop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobtail84 Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 Right I've looked everywhere and I'm blowed if I can find the name. This seems to be the same as the one I have which is unbranded from Maplin.. Clicky HTH Jeff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRecklessEngineer Posted March 5, 2009 Author Share Posted March 5, 2009 Thanks very much - I'm going there this afternoon. James. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bowie69 Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 Certainly for MegaJOLT I found the one I bought for an LPG system works faultlessly, the chipset should be 'Prolific' is all that I can remember from the thread mentioned above ^^^ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRecklessEngineer Posted March 5, 2009 Author Share Posted March 5, 2009 Wooohooo! She lives USB to RS232 adapter On special offer too at £14.99. Plugged in, within 15 seconds had MT connected and working....properly! It claims to be a 'Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port'. Thanks all for your help. Right, now to crack out the soldering iron and connect it to the engine! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hybrid_From_Hell Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 Yep dats da one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted March 6, 2009 Share Posted March 6, 2009 Prolific make the USB-to-serial chip that lives in the converter box, they're one of the good ones although often you have no idea what's in the box until you buy it and try to make it work - some are total rubbish and do all sorts of weird stuff like appear as a different COM port every time you plug it in Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bowie69 Posted March 6, 2009 Share Posted March 6, 2009 For future reference, and those without a Maplin nearby, this is the one I mentioned: http://www.tinleytech.co.uk/acatalog/Software_and_leads.html Definitely a Prolific chipset Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
red90 driver Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 we've had similar problems with our systems that use a serial to RS232/485 port. Other usb to serial converters would work for a while, then the port would stop communicating. We have found these work rather well, and are simple to wire: Moxa uport1110 http://www.moxa.com/product/UPort_1110.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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