No hacking, no soldering, no worry about overusing your ECMs socket (or your MemCal's socket, or your MemCal Adapter's socket).

I thought about this a long time ago but kept forgetting to try it. Today I did and I am glad that I did. Simply put, I combined a low profile ZIF socket and a MemCal Adapter. I don't have any pictures of the finished piece but I combined the following two parts ....

Low Profile ZIF


MemCal Adapter


This specific low profile ZIF presses right into the MemCal adapter and creates a nice tight connection. I used some hot glue as an extra means of ensuring that they don't separate but they hook up well without the hot glue. Press this new adapter (along with the attached MemCal) into the ECM's socket and BAM ... quick, easy ZIF'd adapter with no soldering, no hacking of the stock MemCal and no worry of overusing the ECM's socket. Takes all of a couple minutes to make and it works great. The height of the ERPOM installed in the ZIF is the SAME height as the MemCal installed on the adapter. Its very compact.

Little things ....
1) You'll need to remove the *white* ECM socket clip (not the blue one). Comes out easy with the use of a small screwdriver.
2) Its a tight fit in the ECM but this tight fit also helps to keep the ZIF in place when inserting and removing EPROMs.
3) Although this assembly is very compact the top cover to the ECM still cannot be installed due to that single depression in the middle of the cover. I am going to modify that depression so that the cover can be easily reinstalled.
4) This is for a 730 ECM. Should work with a 165 but I can't say for sure.

Why did I do this? Well, I really like the MemCal adapter approach because it requires no soldering and no hacking of the MemCal. However, this approach requires you to remove the adapter from the ECM every time you want to do a reprogram. This overuses the ECMs socket and eventually wears it out. This new method combines the best of both worlds.

Tim

------------------
TRAXION's 1990 IROC-Z
Best Time = 12.244 @ 112.51mph (1.778 60' / 7.819@88.32mph in the 1/8)
All Natural. No Force. No Drugs. Stock Bottom End. Stock Body Panels.
Gunning for NA 11's with bigger cam, bigger stall, and bigger exhaust.
-=ICON Motorsports=-
Moderator: PROM board at thirdgen.org

[This message has been edited by TRAXION (edited September 09, 2001).]

 

That would work but the problem is most people don't have the JET memcal adapter.

Luke

------------------
1989 Iroc-Z Blue T-Tops
Lightly Moded:
Headers, Rebuilt B&M 700R-4 tranny, Airfoil, K&N's

 

So long as the ZIF is narrow enough to clear the side of the case.

 

Bruce,

Yeeeeeeup. Works perfectly. With this specific low profile ZIF in place the MemCal adapter's overall width is the same. I can't believe how beautifully this works. Really does seem to be the best of all worlds. I need to get a picture ....

Tim

------------------
TRAXION's 1990 IROC-Z
Best Time = 12.244 @ 112.51mph (1.778 60' / 7.819@88.32mph in the 1/8)
All Natural. No Force. No Drugs. Stock Bottom End. Stock Body Panels.
Gunning for NA 11's with bigger cam, bigger stall, and bigger exhaust.
-=ICON Motorsports=-
Moderator: PROM board at thirdgen.org

 

TRAXION

Can you give us a part number for the ZIF you found.

Your quote:
This specific low profile ZIF presses right into the MemCal adapter and creates a nice tight connection.

I found a company that sells the MemCal adapter for $9.00 so i ordered 5 of them now i just need the ZIF.

Thanks for your help
Jerry

 

I found a company that sells the MemCal adapter for $9.00

Would you care to share the place where I can purchase the Memcal adapters for $9.00

Thanks



------------------
Jason "TrickFlow" Zajac

JnJSpdShop@aol.com

 

I'd be in on a GP of memcal adapters for $9 apiece.

 

I'd like to see the picture of your new invention. Allways looking for ways to build a better mousetrap!!

Those low-profile ZIF sockets are junk IMO. Or should I say cheap. I got 2 from Digikey, and both had bridged sockets on both sides of the ZIF. I found that out the hard way. I also had one fail right in my ECM, on a hot day this summer. Good thing I kept my original memcal, with a very low profile 28 pin socket soldered in, as a spare. I use the ZIF socket in my ADS memcal that I have. I'm on my second ZIF now, it seems to be holding up. I'd be looking for a better quality ZIF.

------------------
Best ET 14.413 @95.57 without
pulling valve covers or manifolds.
Also with stock 2.77 rear end!!!

 

The Low Profile ZIF sockets are not junk, there just very small so they are fragile. If you want a better quality ZIP don't get a low profile one. The only down side to this is that you have to leave the MemCal adapter cover on the computer case off. Here are some links.

Low Profile (fragile) ZIF socket:
http://www.jameco.com/cgi-bin/ncomme...&search=102744

Big Stronger ZIF socket:
http://www.jameco.com/cgi-bin/ncomme...&search=104002


------------------
1989 Iroc-Z Blue T-Tops
Lightly Moded:
Headers, Rebuilt B&M 700R-4 tranny, Airfoil, K&N's

 

Mike,

1) You indicated that one failed while in your ECM. How? What happened to it?
2) Bridged pins on both sides? Holy cow. I haven't had that problem with any of the ones that I obtained from Digikey. Hmmmm. Maybe a bad batch?
3) Based on what you said, I totally cracked open one of these specific Low Profile ZIFs and examined its insides (its guts). Looks AOK to me. Scratch one extra ZIF socket that I use to have

Tim

------------------
TRAXION's 1990 IROC-Z
Best Time = 12.244 @ 112.51mph (1.778 60' / 7.819@88.32mph in the 1/8)
All Natural. No Force. No Drugs. Stock Bottom End. Stock Body Panels.
Gunning for NA 11's with bigger cam, bigger stall, and bigger exhaust.
-=ICON Motorsports=-
Moderator: PROM board at thirdgen.org

 

Yes, please tell us who this company is. I think there would be a number of people interested in organizing a group purchase.

[This message has been edited by Glenn91L98GTA (edited September 10, 2001).]

 

I'm interested! Put me down for two! (I'm good for it!)

 

Tim -

If the width is the same, then why need to remove white retaining clip? For the ZIF lever? (Why not mount lever in middle?)

 

My very first ZIF was soldering into an ADS memcal. When I burned my first ever prom, I got a solid SES and car would barely run. First I thought bad burn/chip. I then got the same results with the ADS chip as well as the stock GM chip. So I pulled the memcal and took a good look at the ZIF socket. There were 4 sockets on one side, and 2 on the other that were shorted all togethor. I am talking about the top little metal sockets that squeeze togethor when you push the lever. I guess it was a manufacturing defect. I fixed it easily with an exacto knife.

The second failure was actually ocurred when my car sat in the parking lot at work. It was a fairly hot day, and when I attempted to start the car, it would barely run, and SES light. I just pulled the memcal and stuck in my backup, with a GM chip. It ran fine. The short this time was under the ZIF socket itself, on the PCB. I think I concluded that the glue I used got warm and created a short between 2 traces on the PCB. I ruined the ZIF removing it, but the other ZIF that I bought also had some bridges across the sockets. I used a different glue to hold that one down. No failures so far.

I like the ZIF for easy chip changes. I trimmed it down nicely so the clip on the end would latch. The cover for the ECM also fits nicely.

As far as my OEM memcal, I installed a low-profile 28 pin socket. I could even get the blue cover on with a prom in the socket. I mostly use this as a backup. I will put it in permanent when I get the bin settled down. It just takes a little screwdriver, or chip puller to get the eprom out. Makes a real neat install.

I paid $18.00 for 2 ZIF's and shipping from Digikey. Not worth it IMO. I suppose "fragile" is a better word.

89iroc, I didn't see a pic for the bigger, more robust ZIF that you posted. I would like to see what that looks like.

 

so where do you get the jet or similar adapter?

 

Anyone get a line on the Jet style mem-cal adapters?

 

TTT

Looking for that $9 memcal adaptor......

 

$9 would be great, but I'd just like to find out who manufactures the piece. Interesting, that the thread stopped when people started asking the important question. Where did you get it.

Dan Plaskett

 

I am a little confused here.... I just don't understand what the huge attraction to the ZIF setup is .

Soldering a flash PROM right into a memcal and using an adapter to plug the memcal directly into the burner has got to be the best setup oout there. And soldering and desoldering the legs of the PROM into the memcal is not that hard so the PROM can be replaced if necessary. But really, the lifespan of an EEPROM is extremely long making the actual replacement of the EEPROM on the memcal a non-factor..... So why the big hassle with the ZIFs and adapters?

 

I guess part of the attraction is that not everyone uses the pocket programmer and can plug the flash prom into an adapter. I for one use an old Data I/O 201 and 25 eproms so burning chips and plugging them in and out becomes an issue. I've had my memcal in and out at least 50 times. The pocket programmer seems to be a great way to do it, but sometimes you just use what you've got. Also, I don't always want to drive around with the burner, ECM and computer laying around on the floorboard.

 

Eh??? Hassle???

The attraction for me was being able to program several EPROMs at once; put one in, drive it, log the run; put another slightly different in, run, log; compare...

- Not have to return home to change to original configuration when I make a change with unexpected consequences...

I also carry a spare chip w/OEM configuration with me...If I do have a problem, I still have a working chip that I know will not harm anything...

Buying spare MemCals can get expensive...

 

So would you guys like me to get some JET-type adapters made also?

Should be easy enough, just need to find a right-angle IDE header long enough to grab the MEMCAL.

Now if someone would please get me that photo of the backside of the JET adapter, we'll get going!

-Craig

 

That would be awesome Craig.

As for how to get the one like traxion was using, seems like a simple answer to me. Find someone with a Jet chip for your particular car that doenst want it anymore, buy it, remove the jetchip install your own.

 

That is about the only practical use I have for those "off-the-shelf" piggy-back eproms. That's exactly what've done with my ADS Superchip - pulled the eprom and re-installed a Flash Prom.

Then I have my Memcal with a known good BIN for a "backup" as you never know when the BIN you just burned turns out bad after some driving.

 

...Yes!!!...

...Yesyesyes!!!...

 

I'd definately be in for that.

 

The attraction for me was being able to program several EPROMs at once; put one in, drive it, log the run; put another slightly different in, run, log; compare...

- Not have to return home to change to original configuration when I make a change with unexpected consequences...

I also carry a spare chip w/OEM configuration with me...If I do have a problem, I still
have a working chip that I know will not harm anything...

Buying spare MemCals can get expensive...

I second these comments by Sarkee. But Trax's "new and improved" Jet-adaptor is also a good idea, as long as you have one of those adaptors. I wouldn't pay $49 for one, however!!

I have 3 EPROMS that I rotate thru burn cycles. When I have 2 that are used, or not desirable anymore, I just take them into work and erase them on my lunch break, so that I always have some blank PROMS around. If I make a bin that I don't like, I can easily pop out the chip, and put the last bin in. I also keep a spare in the glovebox, just in case. If you are using those trick "flash" Proms, then you might use a different memcal method. You could still have 2 or more chips, for easy swapping, but they do cost a bit more. But since I got my 3 Eproms for free, I won't be changing ove to the EEPROMS very soon.

I think it is best that you leave the MEMCAL installed into the ECM, and change the PROM out using the ZIF's. The less wear and tear on the ecm pins (or memcal) the better. You could always replace the ZIF if needed.

 

The JET adapter looks handy. I'm really hamfisted when it comes to soldering, and I'm always having memcal problems.. The question is, how does that thing plug in and keep the limp circuit? Any pics?

 

Oh, I think I get it. Where can one be purchased?

 

IMHO the main problem is that you end up wearing out the socket on the ECM and the socket on the MemCal. For EVERY chip burn you need to remove the memcal from the ECM (wear on ECM = 1, wear on memcal = 1) and then burn the new image on the flash prom (wear on ECM still equals 1, wear on memcal now equals 3), and finally put the memcal back into the ECM (wear on ECM = 2, wear on memcal = 4). So - you end up with A LOT of wear and tear that you don't need. When I burn a new image all I have to do is remove the Flash PROM from the ZIF, program it, and then put it back into the ZIF. There is no wear and tear on the ECM or the MemCal. Furthermore, I can carry spare EEPROMs with me and just slap them into the ZIF whenever I want.

Tim

 

Traxion has pics on his site -

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/...2145&uid=96398

Right now, everyone seems to be keeping mum on where to buy one...But Craig Moates is working on a similar project...Give him an email and express your interest...

 

I want to get some PCBs printed up just like the JET ones in terms of functionality. Also want to get some printed up for just adapting a hacksawed MEMcal cleanly from ECM to ZIF.

I'd like to place the order this week coming up, and get some parts from Digikey for the angle header while I'm at it since I need some other stuff anyhow.

Any questions? If the adapters work, I'll make what's left available to the folks here for whatever the cost might be. It won't be 50 bucks to be sure.

-Craig

 

So, that sounds like you're just making a batch for your own use...

If I could be so bold, when you're done, could you release the source and parts numbers for others who might want to build some for themselves???

 

I'm interested in one of the memcal adapters. Just let me know when and how much.

 

I'd even be willing to pay the $50... I just need to find a seller! $50 is small potatoes compared to how much I have into the car... I stopped counting around 45k.

 

$45,000!!!
On what? And BTW why are you still fooling with the stock computer system after all that cash?

 

So far I've found the best way to get the Jet et.al. adapter is to buy them on eBay. Occasionally you'll find one for about $20. More than I want to pay, but...

Note that some other model ECMs will work for this purpose. I believe that the '95 C/K truck uses a plugin memcal like ours.

 

It's a Vette. Parts are $$. Shoot, I have 4k in the paint, 18k under the hood... Everything has broken at least once. Keep doing it for 10 years and it adds up! That aside, I've upgraded to a '730 from the old '870.

 

I can now believe you:

I've had my ol' 1984 Trans Am for twelve years now: I spent $12K on it in terms of purchase price ($6500) and replacement / parts upgrades, as of 1997. Then in 1999, I spent $2100 on suspension and brakes. Then, in 2000 I spent $2400 on engine upgrades. Then, in 2001, I spent $2600 on wheels and 1LE brakes. Now, for 2002, I already have $4300 into a stroked, Minirammed engine, and I havent yet bought cylinder heads! It'll be a $6500 engine upgrade for sure when I'm done.

So, what's that add up to? ...About $25,000, and it'll still have 17 year old paint...

 

Well, in response to those that responded to me on my questioning the usefullness of the ZIF setups:

I guess I can see how it would be nice to have the ZIF when you pull out of the driveway with a handful of different setups to try out. Myself - I keep it to one (well.....) change at a time.... I confuse myself easily .

I can definately see the wear issue coming into play in the long run - especially on the ECM itself..... Pin-fitness definately becomes an issue as the memcal gets older and is installed and removed a bizillion times as well.... I think this is the most compelling point for using the ZIF setups.

As for carrying an extra chip goes, I have two memcals with AT29C256 EEPROMs on them and I rotate them into the ECM (Hey, that cuts the memcal's wear factor in half!! ) as I do mods - always keeping the one I previously was successfully running in the center console as a back-up. I guess buying spare memcals does get expensive.... But you really only need to buy one extra one and they aren't all that expensive..... You can find them around here for under $10 from junkyards and they run about $37 from the dealer if you know someone that works at one (or is sufficiently "hooked up" ).

All in all I guess the ZIF setup is a bit better in the long run.... I kinda wish they would put longer legs on those ZIFs though..... They are a pain to solder....

 

Just slap that ZIF into a hypertech adapter. It press fits fine. Use some hot-glue for some extra piece of mind. This is my preferred setup. You still have the stock memcal, you have an easy install, and you have the benefits of using a ZIF.

Tim

 

Trax,

We'd love to use the hypertech adapter. Problem is, nobody seems to know where to buy one!

 

I am a little confused here about the Adapter how exactly does this thing work?


from the pictures it looks to plug in on the botton of the mem cal now what it wont fit in to the ecm.


second if these adapters are so hard to find. what would be the interest in making them I work for an electronics manufaturing company and I do some board layout and design . for those little boards I can see it costing more than 15 bux to make each

what does the back look like this might clear it up for me I dont see how that thing is useful....

 

..

 

The underside of the adaptor has the female socket that plugs into the ECM. The memcal and the ZIF plug into the top side that is shown.

 

so does it fit into the 165 ECM it looks too wide

 

The 165 and 730 (or 727) MemCals are physically identical. The only difference is in the attached chips.

The 730 MemCal I have here (AUJP) also has a small circuit board suspended over the limp-home chips. I'm not sure what that does, but the plastic carrier is the same as the 165.

 

I believe the circuit above the limp home chips is the knock module. In '91 and '92 the knock module was put on the memcal instead of a seperate module in the engine compartment.

BTW, I'd also be interested in one of those JET-style memcal adapters.

 

So is the MEMcal header pinout the same (in terms of size and pin count) on the 165 and 730s?

And if someone could get me a pic of the underside of the JET or Hypertech adapters, it would be helpful.

 

You can see a little of the female socket in this picture.

http://www.jetchip.com/domestic/largepic.cfm?pic=chips