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.

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.