Getting ready to start this whole "datalogging and tuning" part of my life. It seems very intriguing to me this whole PCM tuning. I like the geeky-ness of it...right up my alley.

Anyway,

What cables are you guys successfully using??

Are USB cables the consenses or should I stick to a serial?

If it matters, I have a '96 M6 car and my laptop is a new(ish) Toshiba Dual Core with 4gb of RAM.

I don't want to get all nuts and run my junk on PINKS but would like to start doing some logs and see what I can learn about what my setup is doing and maybe move into doing simple things as I read and learn more from you guys here.

While searching alot of threads it appears like a lot of fellas get hammered for not giving details.

So, thanks as always and I look forward to sharing with you as you have done with me. Seems like there are all kinds of great tutorials that everyone has done and waaaay alotta info if you search.

So much so that I think everyone should feel confident trying it after reading,
Ivan

 

When I made my tuning cable it had a serial connection. Then my serial port died, so I converted it to USB. New computers don't even bother with serial ports anymore. USB is just better.

 

When I purchased my JET software....I don't recall USB as an option. It was serial all the way. However, I have a Dell Inspiron 8500(it has serial). If your software requires serial and you only have USB on your computer, you can get a USB to Serial adapter. However....you must be very careful about what type to get. Some of them don't work perfectly and drop connections or screw up communications.....which when programming......will brick a PCM in a heartbeat.

I did some research on the subject a few years ago....there were only one or two USB to serial adapters that were rock solid. Things change over time, so they may be better now. Just be careful. If your programming software does offer USB, get it.

 

IMO...For a new tuning setup go USB. For all intents and purposes serial interface is a dead interface technology on laptops. And dwindling fast on desktops. If you have to use a serial ASDL cable on a USB only PC check to see if the Cable/SW manufacturer mentions a specific and tested compatible brand.

 

232 is preferable, but you already chose a laptop, so the question is moot.

 

go to moates.com and get one of there tuning usb cords.

I use an old serial one tho.

Jay

 

Como "232"?? lol.....

I'm using my wifes school cpu since school is out. She's a teacher. Her crap rocks *** all over my desktop.

Is everyone pretty much using LT1Edit then?? I mean those of you who drive '96s??

Thanks for the input and I appreciate any/all comments even if you think that they are invalid or too small.

Thanks alot guys,
Ivan

 

I think RS-232 serial is better than a USB-RS232 converter, but if you gotta go that way, get one with the FTDI chip and drivers. Straight USB works OK, but if you have RS-232 equipment then a PCMCIA serial port card is a lot better than using a USB/Serial converter.

 

IM using tunercat for mine 94-95 tho. I hear tunercat is a bit better then lt1edit, well when it comes to turbo cars for 2 bar tuning at least.

Jay