ok so i have a hp pavilion dv1000 with windows xp.. im using a usb 2.0 to serial adapter and i have it installed but then it is set at comm port 3.. i was wondering how do you make it comm port 1 so my haltech would read it.. i tried going to system and looking in device area but then it only gives me the option of comm port 3 under the port section... hope this makes sense.. can anyone help me with this..

 

Go into halwin and change it to COM 3.

Should fix your problem.

You can also change it in windows but if your pc has a built in COM port or any other device is using COM1 the option will not be availabe and will have (In Use) by the com port selection.

Off of memory - Control Panel --> Hardware manager --> find your USB device ---> Com settings ---> then there an advanced button---> this has a drop down of the COM ports avaialbe/in use. Select the COM you want and it will change it.

Also - some usb to serial converters are DTE and other are DCE (not sure why).

I have a fancy one that you can select 5v on pin 1 (you don't want this - used to power devices like fiber trancievers etc) and a switch for DTE/DCE mode.

Basically the difference between the two is a null or straight cable.

Data Terminal Equipment - Normally end device (in this case haltech)
Data Communications Equipment - Normally the console (in t his case your PC)

If they are setup that way (pin outs) then you can just hook a straight cable up and everything works fine.

But if the pin out of the USB convert is swapped (pin 2/3 and 3/6) you have to use a null modem cable to swap them back.

I've heard alot of info about "X and Y USB to serial converts don't work on the haltech".

I honestly think its the case of swapped pins or a configuration option.

Serial is an easy concept but there is alot to it.

 

what is halwin and how do i get into it and change it to comm 3..? im really new to this and i dont have a clue at all..

 

The software you install on your computer to connect to the haltech.

You can download the latest version from haltech's website.

Go under

Setup ---> Com Port Setup

Then just change the port (this is on the E6X software)

For the new ECU series go

Tools ---> Options ----> Communications tab

Then select your Com Port.

I'm assuming your running a E6X or earlier if you have a usb-to-serial converter......

 

Ok. Semi-related question. I have tried numerous times to use a couple of different USB-serial adapters with my Vista computer and DOS Box. For a reason I have not been able to determine, the Haltech will read fine for a bit (anywhere from 5 -20 minutes or so) and then it will start showing all values as fluctuating excessively. i.e. Engine speed will go from 200-12000 RPMs, H2O temps, TPS, etc will jump all around.

Does anyone have any input on why this is happening and what I can do to rectify it?

 

Do you have flow control (Xon/Xoff) enabled on both devices?

I've seen devices send bad data because there wasn't any flow control and had data collision.

By nature of Serial both devices should not talk at the same time - why they have ready to send (RTS) and clear to send (CTS).

In the old day this was done with actual signals over wire..... we don't do that much any more and just use software to tell when it's done sending.

 

ok so im using dosbox.. i dont know how what to do with the dosbox to set it up to the comm port 3.. and where could i go to download halwin and is it easier to use..?

 

It's not easier to use..... you have to use it

http://www.haltech.com

Once you dl you'll start to understand it...... or better yet read the instruction manual (can also be dl'd there).

It will tell you how to connect to your haltech.