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Megasquirt help
ChrisLeary - 21/7/11 at 07:44 PM

Evening all,

Just a quick query about megasquirt, the car I now own runs Megasquirt 1, V3. If I buy a cable that adapts the serial port in the car to usb (I've downloaded TunerStudio and MegaLog already) is it correct to assume that it's a plug and play system? or will I need some other software on the computer?

Many thanks,

Chris


ChrisW - 21/7/11 at 08:04 PM

You'll need a USB to serial adapter, and a 9-pin M-F cable. It should all be plug and play after that.

Note that some USB convertors are fussy with Megasquirt. I use one with a 'prolific' chipset and that's always been perfect, but I have heard of people having trouble.

Chris


ChrisLeary - 21/7/11 at 09:07 PM

quote:
Originally posted by ChrisW
You'll need a USB to serial adapter, and a 9-pin M-F cable. It should all be plug and play after that.

Note that some USB convertors are fussy with Megasquirt. I use one with a 'prolific' chipset and that's always been perfect, but I have heard of people having trouble.

Chris


Brilliant, thanks for the reply, I'll have a look in pc world tomorrow and see if they sell the cable and I'll see if I can start having a play. Cue 'praying before bed that my laptop isn't the fussy kind!'

Cheers again,

Chris


snapper - 22/7/11 at 04:09 AM

The only trouble I have had with USB adaptor is the computer assigning a different com port every time I plug it in this means sometimes the allocated com port is out side of the range (higher than 10) this is with Megajolt so may not be an issue with Megasquirt.


ChrisW - 22/7/11 at 10:22 AM

Yeah, that can also be an issue! More of a PEBCAK than an actual problem with MS tho. You just need to check device manager to confirm which port has been assigned. Worst case, shorting pins 2-3 on the cable and checking with terminal is a foolproof way of deciding whether the problem is with the PC and adaptor or with the Megasquirt.

Anyway, unless you're in a hurry, I'd recommend buying this off eBay..

[ebay] 170604850979[/ebay]

Note: I've no connection to, or experience with the seller. Just that it's the right product with the right chipset. If you go to PC World they probably won't even know what a chipset is.

Chris


matt_gsxr - 22/7/11 at 10:34 AM

I had some success with the one that Chris suggested (and they are cheap).
But developed some intermittent problems with my blue prolific one when I was running MS2 (never any problems with MS1).


If you want the ultimate then FTDI chipset is the best. More like £20 but guaranteed (by seller) to work with MS.
Item number: 170668992255
j.harris85

no connection to me, just a happy customer.

For MS2 I found these instructions quite helpful.
http://www.msextra.com/doc/ms2extra/serial_setup.html

MS1 will be different.

Matt


ChrisLeary - 22/7/11 at 12:16 PM

Thanks for the help so far, I just need to get the starter problem sorted and then I might be able to try a touch of diagnostics on the engine and the running problem I've got.

I went into PC world thismorning, and funnily enough, the lad I spoke to didn't have a clue what I was talking about!

I've added those cables to my watch list on ebay, when the engine actually starts I'll get one ordered and see where I go from there, so if you don't mind... keep an eye open for me needing help!

Thanks again,

Chris


matt_gsxr - 22/7/11 at 12:45 PM

Chris,

Just noticed you are so close to me.

If you are passing Yarnton (home) or the JR (work) then let me know as I can let you have my prolific cable.

Happy to come around if you need a bit of random help on the MS stuff.

Matt


ChrisLeary - 22/7/11 at 01:12 PM

quote:
Originally posted by matt_gsxr
Chris,

Just noticed you are so close to me.

If you are passing Yarnton (home) or the JR (work) then let me know as I can let you have my prolific cable.

Happy to come around if you need a bit of random help on the MS stuff.

Matt


Matt you have U2U.

Thanks mate,

Chris


coyoteboy - 22/7/11 at 01:48 PM

£1.50 ebay specials seem to work just fine on my 'squirts, screw right into the ECU and USB right into the laptop, find the right port and you're away.