getting ready to tune my car with a madz28 file. i couldn't bring myself to spend the big bucks on a cable since i only plan to use it once or twice, so bought this cable, understanding that i would need to handle it gently:

http://www.aldlcable.com/sc/details.asp?item=aldlobd2

discovered that i didn't have a serial port on my laptop (only usb) so bought a "USB to RS232 Serial DB9 Adapter with Prolific chipset" I have heard mixed feelings from people about using this cheaper cable and/or usb adapter. Has anyone had trouble that was definately attributed to using this setup? The guys at PCMforless and Madz28 have told me they've tested this cable and haven't had any trouble.

Thanks

 

I use a AKM cable with a USb adapter, it is not as good as using a Belkins card but will do the job. I have datamaster and I need to be able to scan when needed.

I talked to Andrew at AKM cable and he sent me a proper adapter. I tried to buy it locally but what the problem is the rate of transfer between the units. Even though its a adapter, if the tranfer rate isnt right, it wont communicate.

http://www.akmcables.com/

 

but am i correct to assume that if i'm able to "read" my stock tune without any communication issues, i should be able to write to my pcm without problems?

 

I used CATS tuning software and I can copy down my PCM program, I do that so that I can make sure that it will DL to the laptop. If it DL then im good to go.

 

There is no guarantee, but it's a reasonable bet.

$40 for an ALDL cable is not "cheap." I made mine and it cost me about $10. That was because I bought a $9 USB cable to use for power.

The one you bought actually looks pretty nice and I wouldn't expect it to be too fragile. They integrated the conversion circuitry into the DB9 casing, which is pretty nice. $40 is probably reasonable for that cable.

 

cool....well i'll be giving it a try next week...hopefully all will go well. thanks for all the input!

robert