Okay, I just received my copy of DataMaster and my ALDL Adapter and Cable.

I'm a little pissed that I read no where that I needed to buy a "standard" serial cable I thought it would come ready to go. No where on the web site or when I spoke to TTS did they mention that.

Anyway, I will go buy one but I can also find no mention of the proper procedure for connecting the laptop to the PCM. I would assume there should be a "proper" way to do this so that you don't run the risk of damaging either the PCM or the laptop or am I over thinking this?

Do I have the laptop running and DataMaster running and plug in? Should the car be running yet or not?

I figured the car should be off and the laptop can be on but I don't know whether DataMaster should be running yet or just what.

Someone please give me an answer as I'm a bit computer challenged

Oh, also, do I assume that you can't just go for a ride and watch the readings? It looks as though you always have to record then you have to replay it to see what's going on. That is also confusing me a bit.

TIA

 

Leave the car off, leave the laptop off. Plug in the cable FIRST. Then turn on the car and laptop. Generally just don't plug/unplug any cables hooked up to your computer or car while power is going through them.

 

Okay, that makes sense. Thanks!