how are you guys connecting your laptops inside your car? I see where the computer plug in on my car is but its not a 232 plug.. I build computers so im not computer dumb or anything..

 

I have tried that also hotwire Spent numerous hrs with it..

Cody

 

>This is great (not your problem , but this topic) I am getting ready to get a laptop that will be compatible with LT1 Edit so I will monitor this thread . I was looking towards the Dell Inspiron 8500 model

 

man, what the hell? I lugged my home tower out in the garage, set it up and the usb to serial interface will not work on it either, getting the same communication log about not connecting. i'm running win 2k pro on this system and I know everything works.

I have checked my cables, know for a fact they are working. tested the serial and aldl connector through the adapter and both are working. sounds like we are all having a problem w/ the software not being compatible w/ the usb connector.

I think we all need to contact carputing about this and have them make up some kind of patch. This is ridiculous. There should be no need to spend this kind of money to get a stupid little serial program to work.

I sent both akmcables and carputing an email earlier today complete w/ all my tests, a copy of my communication log so they could see what was happening and asked them for a resolution, of course I haven't heard back and probably won't.

I work for a major semiconductor manufacturer with all kinds of engineers and information service guys. I am going to ping everyone i know and show them the communication log to see if they can help me figure it out.

One question that ran through my mind, how long is everyone's data cable they are using? Mine is cobbled up from a bunch of different cables (purchased from madz28) changing genders and such. from usb to aldl dash connector it's about 15 ft long! Does anyone know if the usb device buffer/driver will be able to handle something that long? Also, does anyone know if these cables are custom wired, or are they just 1 - 1 wiring, if so, I will get gender changers and shorten it up to about 5 ft.

EVERYONE THAT HAS A USB TO SERIAL ADAPTER THAT IS WORKING, HOW LONG IS YOUR CONNECTION CABLES!?!?!?!

 

Hi Jeff,
We have not had any issues with XP. We currently have one issue
with Win2000 with SP4 (SP3 is fine).
So let me confirm one thing. You say you use the same interface
cable on the same vehicle with a Pentium 166 and it works fine? So the
only difference is the laptop with the USB convertor? I just want to
be completely sure that the ONLY difference is the laptop and convertor.

We have had some troubles with various USB to serial convertors. But
the issue is always timing. Your logcomm does not show timing issues,
at least it does not appear to be timing issues. Although I do see it
finding 'extra' data coming back. This is very odd.
We have 2 suggestions. First try turning the hardware handshaking
off (and flow control off).
Second, we generally don't like USB convertors. We have not had any
troubles with PCMCIA serial port cards. Those are true serial ports,
and the laptop works directly with the serial port, not converting USB
to serial.

Dave @ carputing.com

 

Although the PCMCIA card to RS 232 9 pin serial port adapter may seem expensive at 129.00, it will always work with any laptop that has a cd drive(to load the software) and is a true com port. The time you guys will save not having all these hassles and some stuff working and other stuff not is worth the extra money.

97 Z28 Vert A4 3.73 ,HPP ,SS Hood w Airbox, LT-4 KM ,Granatelli MAF, SLP Shorties, Random Tech 2 cat y pipe, Throttle Enhancer,Transgo + B&M Shift Plus,Factory 98+ SS Muffler(quiet) SLP Line Lock, 16" Cragar SS 5 spoke Wheels.

 

.... and avoid Microsoft anythng.

I've really had worse luck with XP (I have two in my office) than I did with Win2000 (and I have 3 or these in my office). I see no good reason (other than it's forced down your throat when you buy one new) to upgrade to XP. I manage hundreds of Windows workstations and always try everything out myself before I give it out to my users. XP isn't going to be one of those things my users get for quite a while or unless I'm told I can't get a new machine any other way. And then I might wipe it out and install 2000 back over it!!!

 

thanks guys. i pulled my aldl converter box open this morning, going to borrow a scope from work and watch the signals on rs232 chip with both a true serial port and when plugged to the usb adapter to see what's happening (hope I can trigger on something), see if I can tell what's going on. i may have to bite the bullet and get a pcmcia card. there are some on ebay, do you all recommend going that route, or paying retail for a name brand?

thanks again, i would have liked to get this resolved for others as well, but 2cub49 has a undeniable statement....

just wondering how i'm going to swing it by the FFC (Female Finance Committee... )

 

The Quatech card i got comes with a 5 year warranty. It's model # SSP-100.(1 Port) I had it replaced under warranty after using it for 6 months but their service was excellent. Quatech ups'd me a new one as soon as I called.They were aware there was a problem and stood by their product and that's why I recommended them. I'm already set so good hunting on ebay or google if need be.

 

Has anyone been able to get the Belkin F5U409 to work with LT1 Edit? I picked up one of these for cheap, and haven't had a chance to try it out yet, but just wanted to see if anyone has been successful.

Thanks,
Dean

 

I worked with usb to serial port adapters when they first came out. The issue is this: There are two manufacturers of the chipsets used. One works with our OBDII port and cables and communications protocol, one does not. Unfortunately, the adapter folk are not going to tell you which chipset they use. It is strictly trial and error.
The issue is not Windows. I have used my adapters on W98, XP, and currently on W7. It is the adapter chipset, not Windows, not LT1Edit. I ran into the same issue getting a friend's HPTuners working on his XP laptop.
I suspect it is a timing issue, but I never put an o-scope on it to check.
And the chipset is found on the expensive adapters, I have never seen it on the cheap ones.
I just checked both my adapters, one has no markings at all, the other says model GU232A. It has no brand name on it, but I believe it is an IOGEAR.
Hope this helps.

 

I got a serial to usb adapter at Best Buy and it works great with LT1 Edit.

 

This is a really really old thread

I ended up getting frustrated and coughed up the extra money to get a USB cable from akmcables. No adapter I tried worked. I also figured it might work then it might not... if that happened during an OBD I flash it would render my ECM junk... I wasn't willing to take that chance.