TunerPro RT

[scooterwrench]

Hey Folks,
I've ordered a ALDL cable from http://aldlcable.com/aldl.aspm and am going to download TunerPro RT this evening.
When I get the cable it will be the first time I have ever plugged into an ECM other than a code reader.
The vehicle is a 91 C1500,305,700R4,2WD,3.08 gear and 90" of tire. ECM is a 1227747.

I've named it ol Smoky.(because it did) I'm not going for a race truck but I would like to get the most power and efficiency that I can. The motor is not long for this world so if/when it grenades I'll just sweep up the pieces and drop in my 355.

I'm totally techno illiterate but I do have a firm grasp of naturally aspirated engine theory and have built many engines and ported many heads for many moons so things like air/fuel ratios and timing curves and such are not new to me.

Reading them and changing them on a laptop will be.
What do I need to know to get started?

[TriumphR3]

This might be a good place to start.
http://www.gearhead-efi.com/Fuel-Injection/showthread.php?466-TunerPro-starter-Tutorial!-New-users-this-is-a-must-read!-)

[scooterwrench]

:thumbsup:

[scooterwrench]

I've downloaded Tpro and one of those bin files on the tutorial thread but can't seem to figure out how to transfer the file onto the program. I want to see/practice before I start screwing my own sh*t up.

[steveo]

with tunerpro, for tuning you load an XDF file and a BIN file. the XDF is a Definition File tells tunerpro what the hell is going on in your BIN and the XDF much be correct for your ecm or the BIN will show as gibberish. think of the xdf as the dictionary that teaches tunerpro how your bin file is layed out.

in the xdf menu you go 'select xdf'
in the file menu you then go 'open bin'

at that point there should be a ton of parameters to screw around with

for logging you load an ADX (aquisition definition whatever) file that tells it how to talk to your ECM, no xdf or bin necessary for that.

[scooterwrench]

One of us is not on the same page,probably me. I haven't received my ALDL cable yet. I was trying to load a $42 file that was in EagleMarks tutorial into TP to see what it looks like and play with the buttons to try and understand what does what. Like AFR and timing for a certain TPS and MAP(load) reading. Turning off Changing EGR and related code etc.

[steveo]

so you have a bin and an xdf?
dont need any cables or even a car to have a look just load the bin and xdf into tunerpro

[scooterwrench]

Thanks steveo,
I think I've got it figured out,had entered the XDF but not a bin:mad1:

[scooterwrench]

TunerPro does OBDII also? My brother has a 2003 Avalanche that has an intermittent no crank problem. He won't even go in it anywhere for fear it will show its ass. I'm kinda thinking it's the VATS giving him the problem and have found a OBDI to OBDII adapter to maybe help solve his problem.

[NomakeWan]

I guarantee you that "OBDI to OBDII" adapter is complete and utter junk. Do not actually try to plug it into a car. Don't have to believe me either, you could just take out the screws holding each end's plastic case together and crack the thing open and trace which wires are connected to which pins. 100% guaranteed the pinouts won't make any sense and, in the worst case, will connect 12V to something it really shouldn't be connected to.

TunerPro can technically do OBDII as long as you have an appropriate ADX but it's not very good at it. There are better alternatives for OBDII vehicles. If you just want general OBDII information, I personally use OBDLink SX for that purpose. If you want GM-specific OBDII information and/or want to perform more advanced procedures (bleeding ABS, energizing solenoids, etc) then you may want to consider investing in a Tech 2. A stock Tech 2 card will handle any GM vehicle from 1992 to 2013. An alternative program exists which will handle 1981-1997 as well.

If VATS is the culprit it will be insanely obvious. Every vehicle I've ever interacted with--GM, Chrysler, Honda, Toyota, etc--has a visual indicator on the dashboard that's insanely obvious and tells you explicitly that the key inserted doesn't meet the requirements to satisfy the anti-theft system. All three of my C4 Corvettes has that indicator. The Chrysler PT Cruiser has that indicator. The '14 Honda Civic has that indicator. The '15 Toyota Corolla has that indicator. That's nearly 25 years of vehicles from multiple manufacturers who made sure to put a super obvious visual indicator on the dash to indicate the state of the anti-theft system. As such, while I don't know anything about the 2003 Avalanche, I'd bet dollars to donuts that there's a dash indicator for VATS. So if your theory is correct, you won't need any scan tool whatsoever to prove it. :thumbsup:

Best of luck!

[scooterwrench]

http://aldlcable.com/aldl.aspm
Has anybody bought cables from these folks recently? I received my cable today but no CDROM for the drivers. Was wondering if it is something I need to download. The site is kind of vague about it. Supposedly you're supposed to receive a CDROM or you can purchase a thumb drive with the drivers on it.

[NomakeWan]

I have their 16-pin ALDL (OBD1) cable, it's legit. You don't need a CD or a USB drive. They use a standard FTDI virtual COM port driver. Not a special unique driver. Here you go: https://ftdichip.com/drivers/vcp-drivers/

[scooterwrench]

Well Got my cable,downloaded the drivers,chose the ADX,plugged in the cable and turned the key,,,,,,,,,nothing!!!!
WTF!!!!
Would somebody please explain this sh*t in plain english. I'm not a computer geek,I just want to tune my friggin truck.

[steveo]

the first step is not to panic. tuning is a somewhat complicated task that requires becoming a bit of a geek so you'd better accept that fact now or just give up. tunerpro isn't the easiest tool to use, it's really oldschool (but so is your truck so it's pretty much all you have)

first you have to configure the tool for your interface

tools menu
preferences
data acq and emulation tab
interface type: use plugin
configure plug in component button
choose correct port number there

what is your correct port number? google 'how to find com port number' or something if you have trouble

then in the acquisition menu use 'show monitors' or whatever so you can see some data

and then start/stop data scan in the acquisition menu again

[NomakeWan]

On Windows, you're gonna find the COM port by right-clicking the Start Menu, clicking "Device Manager," clicking the + symbol next to Ports (Com & LPT), and you'll see one that says like "USB Serial Port (COM3)" or "Virtual COM Port (COM2)" or something. The number in the parantheses is the COM Port number that you need to set in TunerPro RT.

[scooterwrench]

Thanks steveo,
I've got it set to com3 now,I'll try it again.

[scooterwrench]

On Windows, you're gonna find the COM port by right-clicking the Start Menu, clicking "Device Manager," clicking the + symbol next to Ports (Com & LPT), and you'll see one that says like "USB Serial Port (COM3)" or "Virtual COM Port (COM2)" or something. The number in the parantheses is the COM Port number that you need to set in TunerPro RT.

:thumbsup:Think I've got it.

[scooterwrench]

Well still no love.

[scooterwrench]

OK folks, I can't find the problem. My laptop says the cable is functioning properly,tunerpro say the cable is functioning properly.
I have entered the correct $42 mask(I think) to be able to read the bin in english but I still can't get a download from my ECM.
I have read over Marks tutorial a dozen times.
What am I missing? Is there a way to test the serial port(E) to see if it is actually sending data through. Is there a way to check it with a digital VOM?

[NomakeWan]

You do not download from the ECM.

With TunerPro RT you can do two things that are completely separate:

1. Datalogging. This requires the correct ADX definition file to allow TunerPro RT to connect to your ECM and display diagnostic data.
2. BIN Editing. This requires the correct XDF definition file to allow TunerPro RT to interpret a BIN file.

Note that these two things are completely and utterly separate and unrelated functions. You cannot use TunerPro RT to download or upload a BIN. Nor does an XDF definition have anything whatsoever to do with connecting to your vehicle's ECM and displaying diagnostic data, as that is what the ADX definition file is for.

As for checking the serial data, a multimeter is not going to cut it. You'll need a signal analyzer of some sort (oscilloscope, logic analyzer, software serial port analyzer). If you have a 'scope laying around, that'll probably work. If you don't, the only 'free' option would be to install software that can sniff your serial port output and return it to you. This software isn't free but does have a free trial if you want to try it out. https://www.electronic.us/products/serial-port-monitor

[scooterwrench]

I have installed an ADX and an XDF into TP. The files came from this website and are supposed to be the right files for 1227747 with 700R4.
This morning I got a DA connected once I realized I needed the ADX.
Are you telling me I cannot read the bin in my ECM with those files installed? How do I read it?

[steveo]

like most old gm computers, the 7747 has a chip you have to remove and place in an eeprom programmer to read and write

[scooterwrench]

Rrrrr!
What if I change to a 7427? Did I throw $60 away for the ALDL cable?

[steveo]

same idea with the 7427
you need a flash based ecm if you dont want to swap chips those were not popularized until the late 90s (although some earlier models had flash they were specialty stuff like the p66 v6 and the lt1)

[NomakeWan]

Rrrrr!
What if I change to a 7427? Did I throw $60 away for the ALDL cable?
You did not throw $60 away for the cable. The cable allows you to do two things.

1. Datalogging. This is very important especially for diagnostics and tuning.
2. Reading BIN. While TunerPro RT is incapable of performing this function, the cable connection will allow you to read the BIN should you decide to do so. Flashhack, steveo's program in his sig, has a "Universal" mode that lets you download BIN files over the ALDL connection. On a non-flash-based ECM you still can't write, so you'll still need an EEPROM burner, chips, and possibly a chip adapter (depending on your ECM) to use modified BINs. But you can at least read the BIN to a file directly over ALDL with the right software.

Embrace what you have. This is part and parcel for getting into these old GM cars. My '90 Corvette is the same way--it's all about burning chips and reading data over ALDL.

[steveo]

that flashhack trick won't work his ecm is 160 baud

[NomakeWan]

Ah, whoops, my apologies.

Yeah unfortunately those 160 baud ECMs aren't...really great. I'm pretty sure they all have that thing where if you connect a scantool (or TunerPro RT) to them, they go into service mode so you can't even get accurate datalogging for real-world situations.

Though whether you have a 160 baud or 8192 baud, steveo is still right that in the end you still need to burn chips if you want to tune. Only way to get around that is to switch to something significantly newer like the '411, which is its own can of worms.

[scooterwrench]

7427? or is there one that you may suggest to upgrade my ECM. Not EBL unless I just have to.

[steveo]

your ecm is fine for a beginner
the datalogging is very slow but you will still get it done

[scooterwrench]

Thanks for the boost of confidence. I'm gpnna go try it out in a few minutes. Need one of those fingers crossed emogi things.

[scooterwrench]

Well I guess I'm progressing. I was able to pull up the digital dash on TP and watch the 02 sensor toggling and ECT,MAP,etc. Someone enlighten me on how to create an xdl file. Start a file and name it smoky first run.xld or something like that.

Would this do me any good?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/295822559217?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D1110 01%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D202111301256 21%26meid%3D1839ac4c6f1c45a0a476ac51cc798906%26pid %3D101465%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D403818465742%2 6itm%3D295822559217%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D365 0466%26brand%3DUnbranded&_trksid=p3650466.c101465.m3507

[steveo]

yes it would. i use an almost identical crappy ebay programmer and i do advanced development of ecm software as well as tune all sorts of old redneck vehicles for people.

if you have logging working that's awesome

[NomakeWan]

Can confirm. I use the TL866CS personally and it's never let me down.

[scooterwrench]

Thanks guys! I'll drop the dime on it today.
What about the xdl file question? How do I store the log? Remember,I'm computer illiterate!!!

[scooterwrench]

OK,
I've figured out how to log my truck and store the log but now I can't get it to display on the screen. When I hit the play button I can see the cursor starting to move as if it's playing but my screen is blank. What am I doing wrong?

[scooterwrench]

Is there a way to make the data dash full screen? Mine compresses the dials into an ellipse and chops off some of the lower display.

[mecanicus]

Is there a way to make the data dash full screen? Mine compresses the dials into an ellipse and chops off some of the lower display.
"Remember,I'm computer illiterate!!!"

So you should first learn how to work with your computer respective with windows.!!!
If you drive with the mouse pointer over a corner of the tunerpro window, a double arrow appears.Now you can pull the window into any square shape with the mouse. When operating tunerpro yourself, you should look into the help.Almost everything is explained there. as well as how to change the ADX views. (Adx Lookup Tables)
Have fun with your studying!

[scooterwrench]

"Remember,I'm computer illiterate!!!"

So you should first learn how to work with your computer respective with windows.!!!
If you drive with the mouse pointer over a corner of the tunerpro window, a double arrow appears.Now you can pull the window into any square shape with the mouse. When operating tunerpro yourself, you should look into the help.Almost everything is explained there. as well as how to change the ADX views. (Adx Lookup Tables)
Have fun with your studying!
Really? Thanks for nothing! Apparently you don't know either.
I have used the arrows to try to stretch the window and I have read the help section. The window will only stretch as far as the toolbar at the top and taskbar at the bottom. I have found nothing that will full screen the dashboard.

[PlayingWithTBI]

Is there a way to make the data dash full screen? Mine compresses the dials into an ellipse and chops off some of the lower display.

Maybe go to the "Digital" dashboard option. You can modify/customize each "Gauge" by right clicking on it and selecting what you want. Here's an example of mine on my Laptop.
19372

[stew86MCSS396]

Haven't messed with it in ages but there's a way to make the dashboard "float" as a separate window. From there, can't remember if you can make that window full screen.

[TriumphR3]

Is there a way to make the data dash full screen? Mine compresses the dials into an ellipse and chops off some of the lower display.

Possibly go over to the Tunerpro site and ask the question?

[mecanicus]

You can even close the left side bar in "PlayingWithTBI"s picture.

Isn`t that enough full screen?

[NomakeWan]

So the actual non-sarcastic answer is TunerPro RT doesn't actually have the ability to display the gauges fullscreen? That's rather unfortunate. I'd ask if they'd consider adding that as a feature but I don't think it's under active development anymore?

[stew86MCSS396]

I have Floating Utility Tabs checked like in attached pic...not what you looking for???
19378
19379

[scooterwrench]

Thanks stew,that did the trick.:thumbsup:

[mecanicus]

I have Floating Utility Tabs checked like in attached pic...not what you looking for???
19378
19379


:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup: