SASSER

Now in the FAQ it says for the v3...

"cut two opposing teeth out of the CAS, and use only the single built-in vr sensor conditioner."

Now this being the easy way cuz I can't see myself adding a second vr sensor conditioner without messing up something, that's why I will buy one already made.

By cutting the teeth out will it have any effect on how MegasquirtnSpark-extra runs and wroks with the ecu and car, or will it even work at all? Little confused because the FAQ doesn't say much about this method, maybe because it's the worse way, but I don't know.


Input plz.

monkhommey

both ways have their own pros and cons. you have two main methods. you can 1. use the single vr conditioning circuit that is built into the V3 and then you have to cut 2 teeth out of the cas. this is good because you dont have to build anything else. this is bad because if your cas goes out for some reason and leaves you stranded then you have to get another cas and modify that one also.

or you can build another vr conditioning circuit. this is good because you can use your stock cas. but bad because you have to build it and if you build it in the proto area then you have less room for other cool things like launch control.

or i guess there you can buy error*s daughter card.. it has 2 vr circuits built in.. but i have never seen a place that has it.. so i dont know much about it.


*** ol and read this

http://www.msextra.com/manuals/MS_Ex...nual_Index.htm

there is alot of good info in here that you should know about..

SASSER

Since I am running stock ignition, is there ways to use the stock ecu to control it? I have a turbosmart e-boost boost controller already, so I just need the rest to get the car running with the megasquirt like ignition, etc. I started readingit and made since until it got to the shorting out the circuit ports or something to just install the firmware. I thought the framewire would be something I could just DL, extract, and go. :/

renns

Both options will work, with only minor software setting differences between the two. Most automotive hobbyists will find it easier to knock two teeth off the CAS than to build and interface the second signal conditioning circuit, particularly if they cheated and bought a pre-built MS!

There are ways to interface MS with the stock ECU, but unless you really know what you are doing I'd suggest avoiding that route.

To install firmware, you need to short a boot jumper on the board to get into 'firmware upgrade mode'. A little piece of wire is all that's needed. Newer code versions can jump to this mode via serial port command and don't need to be jumpered.

SCCA RX7 RACER

You said???

" Newer code versions can jump to this mode via serial port command and don't need to be jumpered."

How is this possible? I have version 29Q and want to try out the "W" version. Each time I down loaded the firm ware to the MS1 chip it has asked me in the steps provided to put in the boot jumper. If there is a way with out removing the cover and running the jumper wire that would be awesome.

Thanks

renns

When a V3.0 code MS box is powered up, it first checks the status of the boot jumper. If it's in place, it runs the bootloader, and waits for serial commands to erase or write new firmware. If the jumper is not in place, the efi code executes like normal. In the old days many of us added a momentary switch to the end plate of the MS box to save removing the cover each time a new code was tested.

To address this issue, some early code hacks proposed a software method of entering bootload mode, and it has been the defacto standard for all custom codes since. Basically if a "!!" command is received via the serial port, the MS box stops running the efi code, and enters bootloader mode directly. This saves opening the box and adding the boot jumper each time. Most downloader programs attempt to send that "!!" command already, so you don't need to open the box. I use EasyTherm for downloading, and although it does still pop up a window reminding you to place the jumper and power cycle, that message can be ignored. Give it a try next time, and you'll be pleasantly surprised!

SASSER

Thanks for cleaning that up, it doesn't sound to bad I guess. Can you do the process with the ecu no where near the car just hooked to any PC, or does it have to be hooked to the car when you short it? And do you have to short it everytime you start the ECU, or is it just a one time deal?

Thanks in advance for the help.

monkhommey

you can load new code with the megasquirt not being in the car. however the megasquirt has to be powered up. so this means that if its out of the car then you need the megastim plugged in and on. you also only have to do the boot jumper when you are loading new code into the megasquirt. from what renns says, you may not even have to use the boot jumper.

renns

The MS box has to be powered up in order to flash new code. Usually the stimulator is used for this purpose, as it powers the MS, and allows you to test the code on the bench. The jumper is only needed once when flashing from the old original code to a newer code version. Once that's done you never need to use the jumper again.

SASSER

Ok, sounds pretty straight foward. Thanks alot for everyones help.