I want to build my own cable to connect my laptop to my 730 ECM. I just finished the swap from 165 to 730 ECM. There is a wealth of information out there about this, but I can't make sense out of it all.

Does a diagram exist that shows EXACTLY what I need to do to make this cable? I don't want any info about a Lotus or the 165 ECM. I'm finding a lot of info along with diagrams that basically says, "this is the diagram, but you have to make these additional modifications.....or you don't have to do this...."

Put simply...I need to make a cable to connect either my serial (or parallel) port to the ALDL that is on my 730 ECM.

I also need software. What can I use?


Craig's software page (http://www.moates.net/gmecm/software.html) is very confusing. For someone who is just learning, it is not making sense to me what link to click on for:

"Stand-alone free communications software for
GMECM 1227165 & 1227730 (all TPI systems)"

and

"730 ECM ALDL Interface Cable"

 

Everything you need to know is here..
https://www.thirdgen.org/newdesign/tech/promintro.shtml
Yes its a lot of info, but thats about a easy as it gets explaining it. cheers, Bob

 

I briefly went through that and nothing jumped out at me to say "this is exactly what to use for a 730 ECM". It contains links to other places that give me all the info I need and then some...which gets confusing.

Does anyone have a schematic for an ALDL cable for only the 730 ECM. Please don't provide a link that takes me to the 165 cable or the Lotus Esprit cable.

 

This is exactly what to use: your brain.

The Moates site has free software that works on the '730:

http://www.moates.net/zips/ECM852.ZIP

It also has a pointer to ALDL to laptop serial cables for sale:

http://www.akmcables.com/ic.htm

I use and recommend #1 at the bottom of the page:

1.) Cable with molded OBDI Connector, approx. 15 ft. in length
Recommended for use with LT1_Edit Software, TTS Datamaster, and other high performance communications software (go to my order form)

Moates has info about building your own cable and saving a few $$, but that involves reading so I'm assuming it's not an option.

 

Thats because the 730 cable is the 165 cable is the 747 cable.. For the most part they all do the same thing. The only big difference is baud rate depending on ECM type. All hook up the same way. Most need ground/ +12V power and data from pin E or M on the aldl connector, depending on year.

FWIT the lotus cable aka 2 transistor cable works fine with both Freescan and Craig's software on a 730/749.

 

This isn't entirely true. The '747 only transmits. Can use a 1 transistor convertor. Turn the key on and it is sending the only ALDL stream possible. Engine running and the same stream is transmitted. The '165 I know little about, so I won't say anything.

Now, for the '730 (at least the $8D | $88 mask) a two transistor interface is required. This is because a link needs to be established to the ECM.

This link is bi-directional communication. Until request packets are sent the ECM only transmits chatter.

Attached is the interface I use. It works for both the '747 and the '730. I haven't seen this schematic around for a while but it works. Fits in the DB9 housing too.

RBob.

 

Thank you, that's exactly what I was looking for.

I know I was being very specific, but I'm trying to eliminate any/all future frustration by knowing that I'm using the correct interface up front. It wasn't that I wouldn't read about this, I did and it was starting to take me in circles.

Thanks guys!

 

HEY RBOB WHAT SOFTWARE R U USING FOR THAT CABLE? AND THAT DOES PLUG INTO THE SERIAL PORT ON A REGULAR CPU RIGHT? AND WHAT ABOUT THE MX232 OR WHAT NOT THAT ALL THE REST OF THE CABLES USE? IS THIS UNNECCISARY FOR THE 7730ECM? SORRY BOUT ALL THE QUESTIONS.

 

I recommended to use DataMaster software with own max232 interface cable !!!!!
http://www.ttspowersystems.com/dm_dload.htm