ECUTalk Consult Interface, $50-55 including post

NewKleer · 04-22-2007, 10:35 PM

ECUTalk Consult Interface (Serial)

All interfaces are allocated to users, and there are more than enough people on the reserve list - no more will be added

So I got sidetracked from doing uni work a couple weeks ago when yet another person asked about the now antiquated DIY Consult Kit that I made a while ago now, and I routinely get asked whether there are any decent alternatives to the more expensive consult interfaces available. The DIY kit group buy finished at the start of last year, and since then I was working on the consult lcd display, which will make a second appearance in Q3 2007, after uni is over and done with (finally!).

So anyway, I made a surface mount/SMD (aka "small") circuit that will fit inside the grey DB9 serial connector (no box in cable or any other adaptors). Will come with proper consult plug. Check out the pics at the top of this post for a quick "mockup" cable I made. Cable length will be 200cm. Plugs into serial port (9 pin male) on your laptop (or serial sync cable + null modem adaptor for Pocket PC). I will have limited usb/serial converters available, these will be +$18. Note: you can use pretty much any USB/serial converter, though FTDI chip ones are best (others may crash/restart ur laptop randomly).

What is Consult?: Consult is a dianostic protocol in Nissan cars produced in the 90s that have a grey, 14 pin diagnostic connector (usually near fusebox, see pic below). Features include ability to read sensor values (afm, rpm, speed, coolant, o2, etc), trouble codes and active tests (eg shutting cylinder off), depending on which software you use. It should work on: B13/N14, B14(up to consult 2 switchover, 98+?)/N15 , R32 (~11/89+), R33, R34, Z32, S13 (not CA18), S14, S15. It will work on standard Nissan ECUs only, not aftermarket computers. No, it won't work on PowerFC (google fc datalogit). Should work fine with piggyback computers and remapped ECUs. Some daughterboards, eg Calum's, already have consult interface on board. Anyone with engine conversions should ensure the consult plug is there and connected properly. You can't change or remap your ECU via consult! You might read the initial ROM contents with consult, but thats about all it has to do with remapping (aside from monitoring/diagnosing issues with a remapped ecu).

Software - will NOT be provided on a cd - can be download from here:
ECUTalk - made by yours truly. Screenshots here. Works on laptop/pc and Pocket PC! Requires .NET Framework 1.1 (.NET Compact Framework 1.0 for Pocket PC). Read/clear fault codes, log sensors, view gauges. Has additional instant fuel economy L/100KM (or MPG) "sensor". I'm sure its all on the website.
TECU - use for active tests
Calumsult - use for rom dumping, but use this .exe placed in same dir after you install.

Scheduling:
Monday, May 14 is the expected start of availability. I won't take payment up front, but would ask you dont ask people to register interest who have no intention of going through with it, just to boost the numbers. I only do this as a hobby, a way for me to learn new things.

The interfaces require minor assembly, so they'll be sold from first to last as determined by the order on the list - it may take a few weeks to get them all done. As interfaces become available, people in turn will be asked to make payment. If you dont do so within a reasonable period, you will be placed at the end, and in my naughty book! If you are a girl and want to pull out, just tell me so I dont waste any more time than need be. Otherwise you'll be able to get one after everyone else, assuming there are some left.

Cost:
$55US including postage
+$18US for usb/serial adaptor

Note: price may vary change if there is a significant change in USD/AUD exchange rates.

Payment is via Paypal only! (can pay with credit card via this link you dont have an account).

Shipping is via Airmail, normally 5-7 working days.

Sent
1. 97se-rblown Tues 15 May
2. Dan9 Tues 15 May
3. hpro123 Fri 18 May
4. TurboTank Fri 18 May
5. nickg07 Fri 18 May
6. Wicked R Mon 4 June
7. Nitelife Mon 4 June
8. BoggeN Tues 5 June
9. hpro123 Tues 12 June

Reserves
1. locomexican013
2. cmng
3. nnoriega
4. stinky180
5. Rob_96 (+usb)

Fonque · 04-23-2007, 01:36 PM

I wish this was available when I bought my cable from PLMS. Their cable is twice this price.

Freak Style · 04-23-2007, 02:46 PM

Anything for Mac's?

Truett

NX2KTPR · 04-23-2007, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fonque

I wish this was available when I bought my cable from PLMS. Their cable is twice this price.

I feel the same way. With the PDA market crashing, I would think that you can find a cheap used PDA on eBay that will run the software, come with all the cables, charger, etc. for under $80 US. This way, you've got 6 more legible guages in your car. Its pretty sweet....

NewKleer · 04-23-2007, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freak Style

Anything for Mac's?

Truett

http://members.cox.net/epooch/

also http://www.mono-project.com may allow u to run .net apps (ie ecutalk) on a mac. no idea whether it will all work well, depends how well its implemented, esp serial port stuff and graphics

another alternative to a laptop or pda, but not going all the way to a car pc, would be a tablet pc - ebay search link.

win98 one would run most consult software (maybe not calumsult), win ce.net 4.1 and up should run ecutalk (.net compact framework 1.0 works on ce.net 4.1 and higher). you'd want one with a serial port obviously, maybe not all will have one

97se-rblown · 04-23-2007, 10:03 PM

I am in for one. what is your paypal?

NewKleer · 04-23-2007, 10:12 PM

no need for payment yet, ill give people details once interfaces are made, tested etc

Dan9 · 04-24-2007, 10:19 AM

Put me on the confirmed list. This is exactly what I'm looking for. I expect to pay a few bucks more to ship to Canada.
D

NewKleer · 04-24-2007, 10:29 AM

postage same to canada

LikeTheMovies · 04-24-2007, 01:05 PM

I'm very interested but I got a couple questions. Will you be able to change the rev limit and governor on the ECU with this? Would that be part of the rom dumping? And I duno if this is possible but I have no cat on my car would you be able to permanently clear the code?

NewKleer · 04-24-2007, 01:55 PM

to change ecu settings at all you need a daughterboard, see calum's forum section.

the rom dumping is the starting point to that. you get your current ecu rom, and then find/edit things like rev limit, speed limit, etc, along with changing fuel/ign maps. outside the scope of this though, plenty of info in calumsult forum section

its unlikely you can permanently clear the code, better thing to look at is mounting cat sensor elsewhere or attempting some form of resistor trick.

llaprad1 · 04-24-2007, 03:02 PM

I'm still not clear if it will work on a Jim Wolf remapped ECU.

Is it considered a remapped ECU or an aftermarkert computer?

eric96ser · 04-24-2007, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by llaprad1

I'm still not clear if it will work on a Jim Wolf remapped ECU.

Is it considered a remapped ECU or an aftermarkert computer?

The ECU talk is not for changing the ROM, it's like a Consult type program and interface.

llaprad1 · 04-24-2007, 06:08 PM

Yeah, that's what I thought...I just got confused reading the wrong section.

NewKleer · 04-24-2007, 10:15 PM

but it should work with any remapped ecu, assuming the remap has not butchered the consult code (which it normally never should). proprietary remaps are the only exception - they might mess up the consult code to stop u downloading their rom via consult. perhaps a question for someone who knows more about proprietary remaps

hpro123 · 04-25-2007, 07:40 AM

Put me in the LIST as Confirmed.

NewKleer · 04-26-2007, 06:49 AM

upped default cable length to 200cm, this should make it long enough to be easily routed behind dash and come out the glove box to reach passenger seat (for those who want it out of the way)

NewKleer · 04-26-2007, 07:07 AM

sure will...any of the normal consult software around should work fine

NewKleer · 04-29-2007, 09:33 PM

parts have been received by the place doing board manufacture/assembly, still looking at either side of the weekend of 12-13 May for when boards are received, then a couple days from then for when first interfaces will be available (need the cable/connector assembled)