Craig Moates

Yep, basically. Just need a socket at the ECM to plug it in. Chip adapter helps there.

87CIZ

iTrader: (8)

good deal! It'll be about 2 months before i can get one. I just had my 350 machined and i have to get some parts in it before it goes bad. But after that you can count on my order

jamesbob02

Speaking of which, I already have an adapter of yours on my 730 as well. How well does the AutoProm hook up to the 730 with your adapter? Will it require any fabricating to make it non-cumbersome?

I cut a hole in my little "plate" to allow the adapter to stick through, so it would be cool if it sat right on top of that and was flush with the ECM. I'm sure it's a little late to change the design, though, if that's not the case. So how does it hook up exactly?

Thanks.

Craig Moates

It hooks up like most real-time emulators, with a 28-pin DIP header on the end of a 1 foot ribbon cable. So it should work like a charm. The header itself, where it plugs into the socket, is about the same height as a chip, so it should fit fine. I'll try and take some good pics this weekend, maybe even some video (Aww yeah!).

jamesbob02

Ooh, that sounds great! I'm not quiet clear in my head what a DIP is, but I think you're saying the ribbon cable has a connection on the end that is like a chip.....awesome!

Yeah, I'd like to see some pics of the AutoProm, so I can start thinking of where to mount it.

Now I've got another question. I think I read somewhere that the AutoProm is just for tuning, and that a physical chip must be put in its place when you're done, right? Is it possible to just leave the AutoProm in as an emulating chip, and permanently mount it out of sight, so I can leave it there and only hook up when I need to, or do I HAVE to take it out and put a chip in? I think I remember seeing that it burns chips, too, so this wouldn't turn me off from buying it, I'd just rather leave it in place.

Thanks.

Mangus

jamesbob -

The AutoProm has non-volatile NVRAM used for emulation, so technically you could leave it hooked up indefinately and allow the car to run off of the emulation buffer, even without the host PC attached. I'm not sure I would recommend it for extraneous amounts of time though. If you're happy with your tune, pop a chip in the AutoProm's onboard ZIF and burn a chip. It only takes about 10 seconds to burn a 29C256. Id say its worth the piece of mind.

Yes, the ribbon cable has a "chip-like connector" on the end that is inserted where the chip would normally go in your ECM.

For pictures and the manual that describes all the AutoProm's functions to date, go to www.moates.net and check out the opening page. All the information is there, albeit a little hard to find as we're working to get everything documented clearly and in one place. :-D

LnealZ28

Dual In-line Package. It means that there are two parallel rows of pins on the IC chip; your EPROM is a DIP.

Stevie

Craig,

Does the AutoProm support programming for the 27sf512 chip?

Thanks,

Steve

Craig Moates

No it doesn't support the 27SF512 chip unfortunately. I had it kinda working doing that, but ran into some other crazy stuff so backed down to a simpler design.

It only programs 29C256 and 29F040 chips. That being said, with the proper adapter, you can use these two chips to do just about anything, such as using an 040 in place of a 512.

Maybe one day I'll try a circuit to get the 27SF512 to be included again. For now though, the existing layout doesn't support it. That is something that's missing

On a positive note, under emulation for realtime tuning, it will certainly support emulation of a 27SF512.

Zepher

iTrader: (1)

I am very impressed with products you make Craig. I didn't see the software screen shot of Marks program, but I bet that is very good too.

I can't wait to see the next version that is incorporated into the ECM housing.

Mangus

http://tunerpro.markmansur.com/

jamesbob02

Craig,

Is there a reason you didn't enlose the connection end of the unit? Seems like it would acquire too much dust that way. I'd also be afraid of getting something up in there I didn't realize, like if I had it laying in a backpack during unuse. With the end closed, it would be quite a sturdy piece, that you wouldn't have to be overly fragile with, like a lot of the stuff we have to mess with. I figure you'd be more than capable of closing it up considering how sleek the case is. Is it to allow the unit to breath/cool better?

Mangus

If I may be allowed to speak for Craig, I think the reason is more that Craig would have to hand cut each backplate to fit. With all the switches and connectors, that'd add quite a bit of time to the already lengthy manufacture and test time of each unit.

I'm certain a backplate could be made by the end-user just as easily by those who find it necessary. Who knows. Maybe units will have a back plate eventually.

jamesbob02

Did he hand-form the cases? I figured they were manufactured somehow. Maybe they're a universal case for that size board?

Mangus

no, the cases are manufactured, but in a generic sense. craig manually fits each PCB in the case, manually cuts out the top of the case for the ZIF, and if he had to create a backplate, would have to manually cut that to fit too.

clippjr8

how are the autoproms working out for those of you that already have one? i ordered mine and im waiting for it to get here. thanks

jeepguy553

Works great! I have had mine for about a week now and I have put it through the paces as best I can. I have run my Jeep off of it and I have burned several chip images with it.
Read the online manual. I even took the quick start card that comes with it and laminated it so that it won't get trashed in the Jeep.

jamesbob02

Craig and Mark,

Have any of you guys tried using the AutoProm and TunerPro with Windows XP?

I ask because when I got my ALDL adapter from Mattei, it didn't work with my XP laptop, and I had to use an old laptop to make it work.

Also, I don't have a serial port, and the USB adapter didn't accomplish anything, so I'm going to have to get a tried-and-true PCMCIA adapter that'll work.

I really want to get this to work on my newer laptop, considering it has over ten times the processing power than the old one, which is painful to use.

Thanks.

Mangus

yes.

jamesbob02

Ok, maybe I should have been more specific.

How did testing on XP go?

Craig Moates

We're doing most all of the development work on XP platforms, so the Win98 is actually bore of a second thought than anything from a dev standpoint.

Also, I've got a layout almost ready for a USB version. Don't know if it'll work, but I'm gonna give it heck. The serial version will still be available.

jamesbob02

That's awesome.

The only thing thats keeping me from buying one right now is I don't knowif it'll work with my laptop. I'll just wait a little longer to see what develops.

Thanks.

jamesbob02

Ok I have a new question. Have you tried it out on a laptop that didn't have a built-in serial port? I mean, like trying to use a USB or PCMCIA adapter? Just wondering, thanks.

Craig Moates

I just got a couple of real cheap 'generic' USB-to-Serial adapters in just for the purpose of trying out. I'll give em a good workout on my XP & 98 machines via the USB port and make sure things work with TunerPro and the AutoProm. Should have an update this weekend.

jamesbob02

That's great, Craig - thanks!

Craig Moates

Looks like everything works with the cheap USB adapters (Prolific). Looks like they're both the same design and driver.

Works with the AutoProm without any problem, and the 'moderated' ALDL communication seemed to work also at 8 Hz. In standalone passthrough mode, the 160-baud suff worked with WinALDL, but when trying passthrough/8192, it didn't work. Dont know why. This was on an XP-based C450 machine.

jamesbob02

So at this point, it looks like I may not be able to ALDL log with my 730?

Craig Moates

Yes you can, but not in 'passthrough' mode. I'll have the USB version together next week as an additional possibility. But as it stands now, it should work for you. I was logging 8192 on my 165 without any problem really...

jamesbob02

Do you mind explaining what passthrough mode is?

Craig Moates

In passthrough mode, a switch is set on the AutoProm so that it acts like a regular ALDL cable. So, in this mode, you should expect the exact same behavior as any MAX232-based ALDL cable.

In the other mode, the RS232 information goes to the AutoProm's onboard microprocessor, which in turn communicates with the ALDL port. The ALDL response is fed back to the microprocessor which in turn sends the information back to the PC.

Craig Moates

Oh DEAR!

Look at this picture and tell me what you see. I'll tell you this, it works with TunerPro as shown! Gotta do the full shakedown, but it looks REAL promising!

Can you say 1Mbit/sec? Didn't think so...!!! We'll try...

JP84Z430HP

Hmmm....I think I see a BIG step toward the future! Seeing how the good ole reliable serial and parallel are almost obsolete I think USB is going to be a good thing for the Autoprom!

Am I one of the very few left that has a printer that attaches to the paralle port? Hehe

jeepguy553

Interesting...

Craig Moates

OK, it's shaken down as much as I can shake it. So here it is:

- Both USB and Serial versions now available.
- USB version has/needs no provision for external power. Serial has a jack and comes with transformer, but it is not needed when hooked to car.
- USB version connects directly to AutoXray cable. Serial version comes with AutoXray cable that has a modified connector at the cable end.
- USB version adds programming capability for 27SF512 chips. Can't fit this on the serial version layout, just no room.
- Software and firmware cross-compatible. At least for now.

JP84Z430HP

TechSmurf

Bloodshot eyes indicative of someone staring through that optivisor for far too many hours?

nape

iTrader: (1)

Damn! Is there anyway to convert a serial verson to USB so I don't have to use an external power source

As it stands right now I'd have to get a power inverter and then plug the AC-DC brick into that, then plug in my AutoProm to program chips in the car.

Is there anyway that I could get credit for my serial version on trade in?

Craig Moates

All part of the 'infinite support'. No problem to trade up.

jeepguy553

Craig, I am interested in the USB trade up too. How much is the difference? I'm there. PM me.

AustinT

Hi,

Could you please tell me everthing that I would need to order to get this to work on a 8746 ecm.

I am going from a 305 tbi to a 350 4 barrel tbi. What chip do I need to buy to leave in the ecm when I am done? What adapters or cables do I need?

I am starting new, I have not bought anything yet, not even the laptop
THanks

Craig Moates

For folks that originally used 2732A chips in their ECM, you will want to install a G2 adapter. That way you can use the 29C256 or 27SF512 Flash replacement chip, and also have a 28-pin socket to hook up with.

So all you'd need are the APU1 and G2 pieces, nothing more except maybe a couple of extra C1 or C2 chips. Hope this helps.

Searay90

Craig

I am in the process of transplanting a 747 ECM and TBI setup from a 90 GMC 1 ton van (5.7L, TH400) to my 79 Dodge Ramcharger 4X4, 360 CID. I recently purchased a G2 adapter, Flash chip, and ZIF's from your website (excellent product and ultra fast shipping by the way), and intstalled them in the 747 ECM. I have a couple of questions.

1) what "address" do I load the 2732 PROM image into the AT29C256 chip to get it to work.

2) Earlier in this thread you mentioned that you couldn't do RT emmulation and ALDL monitoring at the same time with the 160 baud , but only with the 8192 baud rate ECM's. Is this still the case, or can the Autoprom now do both at 160 Baud. (Yes I am seriously considering selling the PP2, UV eraser light, and ROMEM 8MB emmulator I just bought off of e-bay within the last month and getting the USB version of your Autoprom !!!... Just wish I had found this site before getting those items)


3) If the answer to question 2 is "no it can't do them both at 160 Baud", then is there another version ECM that can be substituted for the 747 that has the higher buad rate and will still work with the TBI setup and wiring harness that I have?

Thanks,

Harry

Craig Moates

Harry,

Yes, it can now do both at the same time.

You will want to load the image to the 7000-7FFF locatioon on a 29C256 or F000-FFFF on a 27SF512.

Not sure about the higher baud rate conversion in terms of ECM, but I'd bet that one of those 94/95 truck TBI PCMs could be made to work.

Hope this helps,
-Craig

Mangus

yes, the autoprom can do simultaneous 160 baud ALDL logging and emulation.

jeepguy553

Got the USB AutoPROM today! VERY NICE EQUIPMENT CRAIG!!!! Now let's see if my datalogging troubles are over and done with...