ECU and computer help needed

[Storer]

My skill level with a computer is such that if a sharp clout doesn't fix it I'm stumped.

My laptop (running Vista) with the TVR diagnostic software does not seem to recognise the USB port I am using to connect to my car's ECU (I have the USB to serial cable connected inside my ECU).

Anybody with computer knowledge know how to sort this please.

[MackemPete]

Hi Storer,
Does Vista try to install the USB to Serial port when you plug it in? If it attempts and fails then its probably a driver issue. If it doesnt even try to install and you cant see anything in device manager then I would try plugging it into a different USB port.


Vista is the root of all evil IMO and I bet this will be causing most of your problems!!!

[Storer]

I wish you could open a computer up and see what it is doing and then I might stand a chance.

I think the diag software does not recognise the multi-use comms port that the USB plugs into. I installed the software that came with the cable (USB to serial adaptor cable) which installed OK. It's just teaching the software where to look that's the problem I think.

[Storer]

Spent 4 hours trying everything I could find to try to get TVR software to recognise the USB/serial lead Saturday. Still no luck.

I can't be alone in not having a computer with a serial port so how have others sorted this.

I now have it on 2 laptops - one with Vista and one with XP but both have the same problem.

HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLP............................ Please

[MackemPete]

I take it you have tried both versions of the ECU software? I know this can be done as i've seen posts from people who have used USB->serial convertors. I might be wrong in this but I think that the software looks for COM Port1 by defaults. Is there any options in the Serial port software or device manager to setup the port to be COM1?

[Storer]

Hi Pete

I have to admit I have only tried the older software but I have tried to re-allocate the USB port to Comms 1 with no effect. I will try the newer software later today or tomorrow.

I hate computer problems. If only they worked like a steam engine I might then stand a chance.

[Duke Thrust]

I could never get the USB to serial to work, bought a 5 quid PCMCIA to serial and it works a treat.

[Byker28i]

I've had no problems with usb to serial - even sent a few spare ones out to people on here.

Main thing is to move the ports around so the usb device comes up as Com1

[MackemPete]

Storer said:

If only they worked like a steam engine I might then stand a chance.

You need one of these then!

[zedlord]

hi storer i had same problem it kept saying not conected to ecu so i switched to xp and all was fine.

[MackemPete]

zedlord said:

hi storer i had same problem it kept saying not conected to ecu so i switched to xp and all was fine.

Think he's tried xp. Did you do anything else when you switched to XP?

[Steve_T]

I'd suggest an old laptop with a proper serial port on the back. I have an old IBM thinkpad and it worked first time, they're pretty cheap on ebay.

[MackemPete]

Steve_T said:

I'd suggest an old laptop with a proper serial port on the back. I have an old IBM thinkpad and it worked first time, they're pretty cheap on ebay.

I've got an old one under my desk. When I get round to it I'm going to set it up so that its under the seat in the car and outputs to a flip out monitor in the dash automatically when the cars switched on. Just need to cobble together a nice looking custom keyboard with a few keys to provide the functionality that the software requires and mount this somewhere that looks good. Dont know how useful a real time display will be but it will sure look cool


Yes I know I'm a geek....

[Storer]

Just had a thought (it happens very occasionally).
I have got an old desktop in my store with a serial port that I could sit on a table next to the car in the workshop. It may take a few mins to get out and set up but it would probably faster than sorting my current problems with the laptops.

All I need now is the time.

Pete
I like the steam powered computer. You would need a big bag for the charger though to be able to recharge your laptop when you're out and about.

[MackemPete]

Storer said:

Just had a thought (it happens very occasionally).
Pete
I like the steam powered computer. You would need a big bag for the charger though to be able to recharge your laptop when you're out and about.

Hmmm where ever could I find a mobile source of hot air.... Wheres our lass when you need her