Hello gents.. I just recently received my LT1 Edit (OBDII) package. One of the problems that presented itself was that my laptop did not possess a 9 pin serial port connection.

I e-mailed Dave at Carputing about this and he informed me that they've had little luck in finding USB/Serial adapters that work well (due to timing issues in the adapter).

My first attempt had me purchasing a USB/Serial adapter from USBGear.com.
Model number USR-2309. The cable sent to me was an Omega brand made in China. This cable had trouble connecting and keeping a connection with the PCM. It turned out to be unsuitable.

For the second attempt I decided to go with a known brand name. In this case I picked up a Belkin USB/Serial Adapter (model number F5U103). It's not a cheap adapter at $60 (vs $30 for the Omega) but I had confidence and a receipt from Staples :)

The Belkin adapter works like a charm... connects to the PCM instantly and downloads flawlessly (albeit slowly). I'm running Win XP Pro and using the Win2K drivers for the Belkin (no XP drivers available).

I just wanted to post this info as reference for future LT1 Edit users (or those who upgrade their laptops). This combination of a Gateway Solo 1400se / WinXP Pro / Belkin USB-Serial adapter seems to be a functional combination.

I look forward to exchanging info with you guys on using this LT1 Edit software.




[Modified by Dan Parker '96, 5:14 PM 3/23/2002]

 

Update: Interestingly enough, updating drivers (using Win2k or XP versions) for the Belkin USB/Serial adapter caused it to not communicate with the PCM.

The original Win2K drivers (v 0.9.2) do operate flawlessly. This leads me to believe that it's not a hardware issue concerning the USB/Serial adapters more so than a Windows problem. Found this to be rather interesting and will be contacting Carputing about it.

 

:cool: I'm sticking with serial though :D

 

In G-Cube discussions, I've heard that the PalmConnect USB Kit
works when others don't. YMMV.

-- Gary

 

Thanks for the info.

 

Dan,
I have been using LT1 Edit with my 96 LT4 since last May, and I love it. It gives great adjustability of all sort of parameters. It is a ball to play with "carefully." I have been using a 2 year old Dell Desktop with a serial port, with flawless results, but I have longed to get a laptop. Thanks to you, and double checking with Dave from Carputing, I saved myself some problems by ordering a new Dell with a 9 pin serial port. I checked the base model Dell and Gateway, and found that either machine did not come with a serial port. I guess the configuration is considered dated. Customer service suggested just buy their machine and look around for a USB to serial adaptor. I got more info by surfing through the Dell website. By buying a plain jane Inspiron 4100, rather than a suped up Inspiron 2600, I got my serial port installed in a new machine, and for just a tad more money. I thank you for your advice. An installed serial port is simpler than looking for an adaptor. Thanks.

I will get the new machine in a week or so, and check it out. BTW, have you had any issues with the MS XP Home Edition when using LT1 Edit. Dave had a concern that XP monitors the IrDA port, which could lead to conflict. Have you had any problems with that???

Let's keep in touch.

 

So far I haven't had trouble with LT1 Edit and XP Pro (for some reason I got Pro and a LION battery instead of Home and a NiMh... odd). My reads have been great. Although they do take about 15 or so minutes. But from what I've read it's hit or miss with XP depending on the machine. Be prepared to install 2K, or 98se (drop me a line if you need assistance on acquiring these OS'es).

I should be getting EFILive v5 within the next couple weeks to use for datalogging. Nothing free seems to work with the Carputing cable. I'll be posting on my experiences with it. Stay tuned.

 

so LT1 edit is $500 bucks and does not ahve data logging. How much is the EFI going to cost?
thanks

 

$200 for the cable.... software is "free" :rolleyes: I know people may think I'm a moron for not going the OBDII to OBDI route, but I'm a sucker for a challenge and doing things just a bit differently than most.

 

dan, i too stuck with obd-ii. i just can't remember the reasons why, now...

oh, it works great, sure, but i could've saved some money. maybe i just liked that it was plug and play, rather than playing with knock sensors, etc.

the longtubes will be in soon. looking forward to it so i can play with the wideband.

 

Thanks for the info.
I don't know anything about any of these programs, cables and such so i can't laugh at you at all. I just started surfing the ECM section yesterday trying to figure out what I should buy since I now have a Pentium laptop with Win98 I can use. Every time I unplug my O2 sensors my 96 LT4 runs like crap. First time it happened after doing my clutch job. Dealership said they replace one of the sensors. I now have the same issue again after removing the exhaust. It will sometimes run rough; almost stall when coming to a stop. Some time runs better almost perfect but not perfect. Of course this lights up the Service engine light. I know it may be one of the sensor connectors and do not believe the dealership replace any of them the last time but just tighten the connection. Think one of the connectors is not making proper contact. How do I figure out which one? I have basic tools like multi meters. Would any of the ECM software like diacom and others or the scanner tools like Autoxray help me find the affected O2 sensor? Remember there are four of them on LT4's.
Also can the scanner tools and software version clear the code for o2 sensor?
If I’m going to spend more than $200 I would also like it to do more things like data logging, and advance tuning.
Thanks

:cheers:

 

For about $200... getting a cable/software package like Auto X-ray, EFI Live, or something equivalent would be your best choice if you already own a laptop.

They'll allow you to check/clear codes along with monitoring all vital engine functions.

If you don't have a laptop, then 200 bucks will get you a generic OBDII scanner that will read/clear codes only. You can find these units at many of the major automotive parts retailers (Autozone, Pep Boys, etc.).

When I first got my car I used a generic to solve a couple SES codes and the thing paid for itself in two uses. The problems were easy fixes for me once identified.