Grim Reaper

I just upgraded to version 1.61 of TunerCat (using 8D), and I made a few changes to an exising (and good working BIN). When I put it in my car, it ran fine for about 15 minutes, and then threw SES Code 32 (EGR).

Having 2 memcals, I put the orginal in, just to confirm whether the EGR was functioning or not. No SES codes. So I take that version and make the changes to the BIN again...SES Code 32 again (exactly 15 minutes later again too).

To confirm whether it was the changes I made or whether it was the upgrade to TunerCat V 1.61 that I made on Wednesday, I uninstall V 1.61 and reinstall 1.60. I make the same changes, and no SES code.

I am going to do a few more tests, but it appears the new TunerCat V 1.61 may trigger an SES Code (I get Code 32). So if any of you are also getting an SES Code (especially Code 32), let me know. The changes I made were to my VE tables and Spark tables btw.

Grim Reaper

I am still working with TunerCat on this mystery. They would like me to do a couple of tests with both V 1.60 and 1.61 to re-create the scenerio, which I will have to do next weekend (due to work commitments).

But, this is a great reason to promote the merits of registered software. Obviously TunerCat is quite interested in the error I have seem to found and wanting to resolve this for both of our benefits. If I just had a demo or had unregistered software, I would not be able to get TunerCats assistance.

I also have to give a "thumbs up" to TunerCat for their interest in this problem. In the past, I have encountered problems with other vendors' software and often they will not even bother giving you the time of day and attribute it to your "system/hardware configuration" leave you on your own. I wish more companies had TunerCat's attitude in resolving problems.

KeithA

I had a similar experience with Tuner Cat. They actually built add-on software to help me with the problem that I created. If it had been me, I would have sent the money back and said "sorry", but they did the right thing and corrected my mistake. I'm sold on the support and the software ain't bad either. Hopefully people will support them by buying their software.

C-1500TPI

Yep ! Excellent back-up !! I had a problem and it got solved in no-time !!! REGISTER !
-CGL

Grim Reaper

Well, after a lot of testing, I conclude that there is no bug in Version 1.61 which triggered the SES Code 32. In fact, I cannot replicate the error!!!

I can only conclude that either something was amiss in my erasing/burning procedure, something flakey with my computer or prom burning hardware, or my car actually experienced an SES Code 32 and is giving me the first signs that it is about to die on me. Regardless, TunerCat V 1.61 has nothing to do with it and any problem that exists is at my end.

As a software vendor, I have to top marks to TunerCat's technical support. They definitely earned their $69.00 from me.

89bonestockiroc

I am thinking about buying tunercat software, but i have an 89 iroc with a maf. I have read things about it not being the best editor for maf cars,is there any truth to that. I have never burned my eprom before but i am buying the equipment to this. Is there something else that i should use instead? I do know i have the 165 with $6e software. Also, since i am a beginner at this, do they have any kind of guide that explains what each value in the program is and what impact it has on the car?
Thanks for any info

blowen90ta

i'm using tunercat and have registered is there any reason at this point to even bother upgrading for the 8d file is there any other reason than it's free

thanks pete

------------------
1990 Trans Am,350 TPI(L98),WS6suspension ,bridgestone RE71's /245/45/zr16
paxton supercharger,afr heads, alston sfc's,msd 6AL-BTM,
8.5 superconductor wires SLP 1-3/4 headers,duel cats,3"slp exaust, lakewood LCA's,T.B.Bypass
160 degree stat,alum driveshaft,fiberglass wing, secret mods

"if you cant win fair CHEAT"

Grim Reaper

When you register, you get your choice of TDF for free. The most recent of version of TunerCat is V 1.61, but the most recent version of the 8D.TDF is Version N.

Check your version info on the "Help" of TunerCat. You must request the most recent verion of a TDF by e-mailing TunerCat and they send you a copy if you are a registered user.

Personally, I think it is a good idea to have the most update version. With TDFs, they generally fix bugs (if any have been found), but more often it is a new table that is offered.

Blade

I think you should get your choice of TDF file when you download the demo, so you can REALLY get to try the program for your particular application. Not everyone has a truck ECM with a $42 calibration.

------------------
92 Z28 L98 350
---------------
Ported stock heads, XR270HR-10 cam, TES headers, Crane AFPR, Flowmaster catback, MSD ignition components.
Best ET 13.5@105 mph
"Take that auto, drop it in first, hold the brakes, stomp the gas and grin from ear to ear! :-)
Click here to see my car at Truspeed.org

Check out TruSpeed at http://www.truspeed.org
Check out the Bin Archive at http://www.truspeed.org/bins.html

Grim Reaper

I agree with that idea. I can understand why they don't...not because of the risk of someone using it to make a quick change, but the inability to control what happens to those TDFs after they are downloaded. They have that risk with the demo with the TDF Editor; where we could adjust the TDF for a table that is currently not defined in the current version of TDF available.

Of course, they could make older versions available and thus you wouldn't have the most recent (and useful) version of the TDF.

Also, since you must be registered to request future revisions to TDFs, the older ones become useless afterawhile.

But, I am willing to bet that if you were to contact TunerCat and request the specific TDF for evaluation purposes and you were serious. I make this comment after the dealings I had with them; they truly are concerned about their product AND their users.

From a few others I have chatted with, if you do find what you believe to be a useful table in a particular calibration and can give TunerCat the specifics, they will try and incorporate it their future TDFs for everyone's benefit.

Again, I am glad to see that TunerCat is always trying to improve their product and open to new suggestions; unlike many software vendors I have had the misfortune of dealing with in the past.

P J Moran

I know how you feel. I wanted to use the demo to see what was on my chip and what I might want to change, but have to disagree. Too many people would use the free software to burn proms and TC would go out of business.

You can get a feel for how the program works and if you can "handle it" using the demo TDF. I do suggest, however, that they include a BIN as well so that you don't have to scare one up somewhere. Without the help of people on this board, I would have never known about the BIN's on diy-efi, and which one would work with a $42.

However, instead of letting you play around with a useless application, I think it would be better to make all TDF's available with the demo, but make it impossible to save any changes without registration. This way, you get to really see what you might be into and able to do, but be unable to actually burn any proms. Perhaps the TDF's could be set up so that they have to be registered, too, so that they could still get paid for those like they do now. In other words, instead of registering the tuner and buying the TDF's, supply demo TDF's along with the tuner and have to register both to get any results.

I'm mailing my check to TunerCat today.



------------------
'87 IROC 5.7l TPI - original owner!

Grim Reaper

I think the idea of registering both AND not being able to save the BIN without a registered version is a great idea. It would allow people to evaluate the software for their specific ecm; yet force people to purchase it they want to make a change.

Supplying a 42.BIN would also be a great idea, but I suspect legal (copywrite) issues may be the reason.

But I like the "less than full functional" software idea. This is a common technique that many software developers use.

MikeT 88IROC350

This is a good topic. I tried the demo, long enough to figure out I need the correct TDF to make sense of it for my application. I did send TC an email with my request, and they stated that the software is $69.95 PLUS 19.95 for the definition file that I wanted. They did not say anything about getting the TDF of my choice when I register.

Also 10bucks more for the software on CD, which is kind of a good thing to have if your machine dies alot, or you have more than 1 PC. I don't have a problem sending them a check to buy the program. Heck, I paid over 300 for my scan tool!! I just want to get the TDF that I need for my 70 bucks.

I will wait for their response back.

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

Grim Reaper

They definitely gave me my TDF file for free when I order it via Paypal. Just include a request for the TDF of your choice with your order, or when you get the CD request your TDF. It states this on their web site on registering...so make sure you get your free TDF.

PS: I still think it is good value. You might want to grab a "hack" for your car and use the TDF Editor to add tables or constants the are not defined in the standard TDF for your car. I am finding a great tool for customizing the TDF further and you can use that for free for 30 days. TunerCat does strive to constantly update the TDFs with known changes that appear to be beneficial. But what might be beneficial to me...may not be for you.

But wait awhile and play with TunerCat first and then consider the TDF Editor. Effectively, you can make ANY TDF for ANY CAR if you have a hack for it.

P J Moran

I e-mailed them on this very question. They told me that the only free TDF I could get was the same $42 that comes with the demo. I could not specify which free one I got. So to register the program and get the correct TDF, I had to pay an "extra" twenty bucks. I still get the useless $42 TDF. Go figure.

------------------
'87 IROC 5.7l TPI - original owner!

MikeT 88IROC350

Yep, here is what I got from TC today:


"Sorry, but we've priced the software so that the other
Definition Files are an added cost. We will, however,
waive the shipping and handling cost for the CD for
you."

I guess we cannot get the TDF that we need, unless we pay the extra 20 bucks!! At least I can get the CD sent to me with my purchase price.

What about just using the free downloaded version, and then just paying the $20 for the proper TDF? (And registering it of course)

Is this an option?

Grim Reaper

Scope out their registration info with Paypal payments and you will notice that they say to include the definition file you want in the notes on the payment.
http://www.tunercat.com/tnr_desc/do_tc.html

I note that they do not appear to offer the definition file if you chose to pay by cheque or if you request the CD.

So if you want the free definition file (beside $42 that comes with it), you must pay via Paypal.

GMTech

Well, I sent tunercat my money, we will see what happens. I was very impressed by the software demo. Now I just can't wait to put it to good use.

Grumpy

The *thing* with using the 42 is that was the first one offered and everything has sprung from that.

For any one really interested in how things have jumped to life in prom burning reading the DIY_EFI archives is kinda interesting.
things like Promgramming 101 programming 101 programming 808, The Ecmguy, tunercat, all are interesting searches.

Grim Reaper

Welcome GMTech to eprom burning. You will those links that Grumpy suggests are all in Traxion's article and I believe some of the earliest posts on this board. Just set topic display to 1 year and read a few of the "where to get started" posts...they contain the actual links to those web pages that Grumpy is suggesting...all very good reading...and worth reading again (even 4 months later in my case).

I still find there are "suggestions" in those links that kind of initially went over my head when I first read them, but now make perfect sense.

The biggest thing to do is to take it in "small" doses initially, building up a good foundation of knowledge. Then, when you are ready, start making simple changes to the eprom in a methodical method; working on one area (eg. VE Tables) and when you have a fairly close table, moving onto another area (eg. Spark Tables); while reviewing the effect (and possible tweaks) to the VE Table.

I definitely do not recommend "wholesale" changes to every table you can find in the eprom. If something weird happens (and it will), you will have difficulty in determining which change caused it. That is why I recommend working on one table at a time; with reviewing the tables you previously worked as other tables can affect it.

Your knowledge will be a welcomed addition to the PROM Board. Thanks for joining the board.