ALDL module problems
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Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Dallas TX
ALDL module problems
I'm having some problems with the ALDL I made.. the place I got the kit from AKM, isn't answering my e-mails. I can't get it to work. I've tested just about everything I can.
Has anyone else tried using Hyper terminal and connecting to their cable/module and when you type, it echo's back what you type? I can't get mine to do that... :(
I also downloaded a ALDL module tester, and it fails saying that it has timed out.. :(
I've used these diagrams to try and figure out what is wrong. From what I can tell, everything is in working order...
http://www.elexp.com/t_test.htm
http://www.vematron.it/pdf/cap4_regolat_tens.pdf
http://209.1.238.250/arpdf/1798.pdf
[Modified by Glock'94, 6:55 PM 12/28/2001]
Has anyone else tried using Hyper terminal and connecting to their cable/module and when you type, it echo's back what you type? I can't get mine to do that... :(
I also downloaded a ALDL module tester, and it fails saying that it has timed out.. :(
I've used these diagrams to try and figure out what is wrong. From what I can tell, everything is in working order...
http://www.elexp.com/t_test.htm
http://www.vematron.it/pdf/cap4_regolat_tens.pdf
http://209.1.238.250/arpdf/1798.pdf
[Modified by Glock'94, 6:55 PM 12/28/2001]
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From: Bartlett Illinois
Re: ALDL module problems (-=Jeff=-)
Glock,
I was just looking at your picturtes of your PC board in your other post..
Did you double check your capacitors that connect to the MAX232? make sure the polarity is correct.. if these are backwards the Pump function of the 232 will not work correctly.. if at all
Also turn off hardware flow control in Hyper terminal.. That could be cause problems as well
[Modified by -=Jeff=-, 8:43 AM 12/28/2001]
I was just looking at your picturtes of your PC board in your other post..
Did you double check your capacitors that connect to the MAX232? make sure the polarity is correct.. if these are backwards the Pump function of the 232 will not work correctly.. if at all
Also turn off hardware flow control in Hyper terminal.. That could be cause problems as well
[Modified by -=Jeff=-, 8:43 AM 12/28/2001]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 786
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Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: ALDL module problems (Glock'94)
I built the AKM module and it works fine. When doing the assembly, I did have an issue as to the correct placement of the diodes on the board (in the pic that comes with the instructions the clarity is such that it is hard to distinguish between the caps and diodes and which goes where). An E-Mail to Andy brought a VERY QUICK response and clarification.
The unit passed the Hyperlink and ALDL tests on the first try.
Andy runs this business by himself as a sideline and if his real job or a vacation takes him away he could be delayed.
I did have an issue using Craig Moates software and getting it to connect with my car. My laptop uses Windows ME and the software will not connect in the DOS mode. The work around is to boot the machine in the "safe" mode and then everything works fine. Another way to do it is to use a Windows 95 boot disk to start the machine, but this is results an awkward shutdown when you want to turn off the machine. Apparently there are some conflict issues with this software when used with Windows 98 or later operating systems.
Anyhow the AKM module works as advertised! :)
[Modified by Wildride, 9:22 AM 12/28/2001]
The unit passed the Hyperlink and ALDL tests on the first try.
Andy runs this business by himself as a sideline and if his real job or a vacation takes him away he could be delayed.
I did have an issue using Craig Moates software and getting it to connect with my car. My laptop uses Windows ME and the software will not connect in the DOS mode. The work around is to boot the machine in the "safe" mode and then everything works fine. Another way to do it is to use a Windows 95 boot disk to start the machine, but this is results an awkward shutdown when you want to turn off the machine. Apparently there are some conflict issues with this software when used with Windows 98 or later operating systems.
Anyhow the AKM module works as advertised! :)
[Modified by Wildride, 9:22 AM 12/28/2001]
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Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Dallas TX
Re: ALDL module problems (Wildride)
Yeah, that's the right schematic. And yes, I have double and triple checked everything on the board and software settings... i'm clueless as to why it's still not working.
The connector I had backwards was the female db25 one.. going to the computer. By putting it on backwards, I reversed pin#20 (Data Terminal Ready) and pin#7 (Signal Ground)... I don't know what (if any) damage this caused.
I'm still registering only 2.5v out from the voltage regulator (i don't think this is right).
[Modified by Glock'94, 6:49 PM 12/28/2001]
The connector I had backwards was the female db25 one.. going to the computer. By putting it on backwards, I reversed pin#20 (Data Terminal Ready) and pin#7 (Signal Ground)... I don't know what (if any) damage this caused.
I'm still registering only 2.5v out from the voltage regulator (i don't think this is right).
[Modified by Glock'94, 6:49 PM 12/28/2001]
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Dallas TX
Re: ALDL module problems (-=Jeff=-)
Glock,
I was just looking at your picturtes of your PC board in your other post..
Did you double check your capacitors that connect to the MAX232? make sure the polarity is correct.. if these are backwards the Pump function of the 232 will not work correctly.. if at all
Also turn off hardware flow control in Hyper terminal.. That could be cause problems as well
[Modified by -=Jeff=-, 8:43 AM 12/28/2001]
I was just looking at your picturtes of your PC board in your other post..
Did you double check your capacitors that connect to the MAX232? make sure the polarity is correct.. if these are backwards the Pump function of the 232 will not work correctly.. if at all
Also turn off hardware flow control in Hyper terminal.. That could be cause problems as well
[Modified by -=Jeff=-, 8:43 AM 12/28/2001]
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Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 12,594
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From: Bartlett Illinois
Re: ALDL module problems (Glock'94)
Sounds like the culprit is the Voltage reg. Where are you getting the voltage source from? ALDL or Cigarette Lighter? check the voltage on the pins.. 1 and 3.. while having the neagtive on pin 2. Also leave it disconnected from both ends if possible.. if good.. then install on ALDL check again.. then on PC and check again.. maybe you have the VR backwards and smoked it
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 22,267
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From: Dallas TX
Re: ALDL module problems (-=Jeff=-)
Sounds like the culprit is the Voltage reg. Where are you getting the voltage source from? ALDL or Cigarette Lighter? check the voltage on the pins.. 1 and 3.. while having the neagtive on pin 2. Also leave it disconnected from both ends if possible.. if good.. then install on ALDL check again.. then on PC and check again.. maybe you have the VR backwards and smoked it
I put the voltage regulator in correctly, and yes I did the tests on leads 1&3 with neg on 2... the Vin is 5.5v (roughly) and the Vout is 2.5v(roughly).... Bill Hardy said that you need to have 7v+ for the regulator to output 5v(based on a datasheet for that regulator in itialian.. of course there couldn't be an english version... :rolleyes:), so i'm thinking maybe my laptop doesn't offer enough power for this thing... not sure..
I'm going to radio shack after dinner to look at some other voltage regulators I could use to try and get the voltage up.
Thanks Jeff
[Modified by Glock'94, 7:13 PM 12/28/2001]
[Modified by Glock'94, 7:14 PM 12/28/2001]
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Race Director
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 12,594
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From: Bartlett Illinois
Re: ALDL module problems (Glock'94)
if you are using the Schematic above.. the 7805 needs 12volts to run the 5 volts...
I am confused.. what VR are you using.. is the schematic different from above?
I am confused.. what VR are you using.. is the schematic different from above?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 22,267
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From: Dallas TX
Re: ALDL module problems (-=Jeff=-)
if you are using the Schematic above.. the 7805 needs 12volts to run the 5 volts...
I am confused.. what VR are you using.. is the schematic different from above?
I am confused.. what VR are you using.. is the schematic different from above?
I mean, I can see from that schematic above that there is a place to plug in either to a cigarette lighter or the 12v output from the ALDL.. but the module still isn't testing ok like people are saying it should... Am I supposed to have it hooked up to the car for that 12v just to test it as well?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Dallas TX
Re: ALDL module problems (Glock'94)
Ok, it's still not working even while hooked up to the car's 12v supply... :( . I'm only getting 4.5v out of the voltage regulator... this is really frustrating :(
Instructor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 153
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From: Cartersville GA
Re: ALDL module problems (Glock'94)
Curtis- you are not using the above schematic! That's for an earlier style of ALDL interface. The one you got from Steve is the same as mine according to the pics you posted. Its totally self contained for power. Although... When I hooked up the ALDL connector to the car it blew the 5a fuse in my car power adapter for the laptop! hmmmm.... :confused:
Have you looked at these yet?
http://www.wotelectronics.com/bottomtraces.jpg
http://www.wotelectronics.com/toptraces.jpg
[Modified by Sharkracer, 2:39 PM 12/29/2001]
Have you looked at these yet?
http://www.wotelectronics.com/bottomtraces.jpg
http://www.wotelectronics.com/toptraces.jpg
[Modified by Sharkracer, 2:39 PM 12/29/2001]
Thread Starter
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From: Dallas TX
Re: ALDL module problems (Sharkracer)
The only thing different about that schematic and the board that we have is the extra diode where the 12v power comes in (that I can tell). Andy affirmed this with me. He's giving me some help through e-mail right now. I'll be calling him later today if I can't get it working.
Thread Starter
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From: Dallas TX
Re: ALDL module problems (Sharkracer)
Yes, I've looked at the traces.. everything is perfect. I sent Andrew 6 pictures (very close up) of the board and he says it looks fine to him too.
That doesn't sound good about the fuse to your laptop! :eek: :eek:
That doesn't sound good about the fuse to your laptop! :eek: :eek:
Instructor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 153
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From: Cartersville GA
Re: ALDL module problems (Glock'94)
That doesn't sound good about the fuse to your laptop!
Have you made any progress with your module??
I sent mine to Steve and he should have it by now....
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From: Dallas TX
Re: ALDL module problems (Sharkracer)
Yeah, fuses are VERY good ! ;) .. i'm glad that etching on the board made a little fuse for me, otherwise i'd have a toast computer too probably!
No luck on mine, but he said that he would send me a complete tested module board for $15 since I've been trying so hard to get it to work right. So if I eventually get mine to work (i'll probably just throw it away though), then i may offer it to someone for free or something.
No luck on mine, but he said that he would send me a complete tested module board for $15 since I've been trying so hard to get it to work right. So if I eventually get mine to work (i'll probably just throw it away though), then i may offer it to someone for free or something.
