DSMLink? Just software?

[always_broken]

I've read about a tuning tool named DSMlink. If it's just tuning software for a PDA or a laptop, you think I can buy a copy from someone who already owns it? If I'm mistaken please correct. I'm open to corrective criticism.

 

[Woodsy0]

Nope, not just software. You have to send your EPROM ECU down Maryland (or Virginia, I forget where they're located) to Mr. Mertz to be socketed with their hardware. In addition, you need the software.

For more info regarding DSMLink:

http://dsmlink.com/faq.html

http://dsmlinkwiki.redacresracing.com/default.aspx/DSMLink/DSMLink.html

 

[always_broken]

Oh alright. I got it twisted with the EPROM's. I was thinking since I already have the right ECU I can get the software and take it from there. Thanks for clearing it up. BTW, as you know dsmlink isn't cheap, so is the SAFC a good substitute for now?

 

[drivemusicnow]

Well, first you may catch some flames because you're essentially asking to steal two of the best DSM ECU experts in the world (Tom Dorris and Dave Mertz) years and years of work, and I highly doubt that most people appreciate that.

A) No, its not just software, it is hardware as well. You also won't find too many of the DSMLink owners that would be willing to help anyone re-create hardware, or copy software. There may be a couple, but for the most part the DSMlink community respects Tom and Dave to the utmost degree.

B) It is, in my opinion, the best option for under 1500$. AEM EMS is very overrated, but you could potentially setup a Haltech or Autronic for 1500-2400$ but for whatever reason I don't think I've really seen to many DSMs using Haltech/Autronic ecu'd DSMs.

C) search... a lot. There is a ton of information regarding DSMlink, and comparisons between it and many other options out there (the common ones being SAFC, custom chips, and AEM EMS)

 

[91etalon]

you dont really have to send your ecu. dsmlink requires an eprom ecu, if youre able to find a socketed one or if youre able to socket it yourself or have someone socket it for you then all you need is the chip. I believe dsmlink only drops like 50 bucks tho.

 

[95blackGsTurbo]

Depends on your mods. Since you don't have them listed we can't tell ya.

 

[drivemusicnow]

Oh alright. I got it twisted with the EPROM's. I was thinking since I already have the right ECU I can get the software and take it from there. Thanks for clearing it up. BTW, as you know dsmlink isn't cheap, so is the SAFC a good substitute for now?

Depends entirely on your goals. If you are up to the task, you could potentially learn/work with the binary code inside the EPROM and create/burn your own chips for approximately 500$ (eprom burner, chips, and SAFC to fine tune)

 

[drivemusicnow]

you dont really have to send your ecu. dsmlink requires an eprom ecu, if youre able to find a socketed one or if youre able to socket it yourself or have someone socket it for you then all you need is the chip. I believe dsmlink only drops like 50 bucks tho.

It's actually a seperate mini circuit board that is plugged into the new socket, rather than just a chip.

 

[GVR4592]

It's actually a seperate mini circuit board that is plugged into the new socket, rather than just a chip.

The 1g's use the memory board, 2gs are just a chip

 

[ba109296]

Just save your money and buy the link. It should be the very first upgrade and will give you the most bang for your buck.

 

[always_broken]

I think that's my problem, I don't have the patience to save. That's something I need to work on. I get everything now, thanks.

 

[Splitpi]

Its not just the chip... DSMLink nearly gives away the chips and software. It is the cable that is important as your DSMLink and proof of purchase is the cable. Lose the cable and you have to purchase a whole new DSMLink. Destroy, mangle or fry the chip and they will ship you a new one for practically nothing. So even if you have the chip and software it will not work for you. You need the cable most importantly and that really is what you are purchasing.

 

[FORMONTOYA]

You need the cable most importantly and that really is what you are purchasing.

Never really thought about it like that............but you're right, without the adapter, you're screwed. New chips cost around $30ish, socket job about the same. You can download the software off their site.


The only other thing you're purchasing is access to the forums, which IMO is as valuable as the adapter.

 

[always_broken]

Ah, the cable. Well thanks for putting that useful piece of information in. I was about to abandon the thread. Anything else that I'm unaware of?

 

[Jagyr_97gsx]

If you read on their website, some people used to call in saying their link was stolen. So they just wanted a cable. After a few times of this, they had to quit selling just the cables, because that basically is what DSMlink is. The software is free. I downloaded the software, now I just need the $600 cable! . And a socketed ECU of course.

 

[FORMONTOYA]

I don't know how the 1G version operates, but on the 2G the cable is actually a 6' serial patch cord that you can purchase just about anywhere.

What you actually need is the adapter "dongle" that hooks up to your OBD2 connector. Without that, ya ain't doin' sh!t.

 

[always_broken]

Can't you make your own adapter? I'm sure there's a corner we can work around if that's all we really need.

 

[Splitpi]

Can't you make your own adapter? I'm sure there's a corner we can work around if that's all we really need.

If your going to steal, why not just rob a bank and get enough get 30 of them?

Its proprietary info. Yes you can figure it out and reverse engineer it... probably isn't all that difficult either. And the eproms can easly be copied. But that doesn't make it right to do. The guys at DSMLink developed this stuff, they have excellent customer assistance and the product works great. Pay for it or settle on a cheaper lack luster product. But don't try to steal their work... its a crime (literally and figuratively).

 

[FORMONTOYA]

If your going to steal, why not just rob a bank and get enough get 30 of them?

Its proprietary info. Yes you can figure it out and reverse engineer it... probably isn't all that difficult either. And the eproms can easly be copied. But that doesn't make it right to do. The guys at DSMLink developed this stuff, they have excellent customer assistance and the product works great. Pay for it or settle on a cheaper lack luster product. But don't try to steal their work... its a crime (literally and figuratively).

AGREE 100%.

Tom and Dave (plus others) have spent months/years developing a package for DSMs that is second to none as far as function and price goes. Don't think about stealing it!

 

[always_broken]

I'm not trying to steal, just improvise. I respect their work, I really do.

 

[hereitcomes]

then pay them for their ideas. If you can get everything for DSMlink for free except the 600 cable. A standalone management for $600 is damn good. Buy the cable, support our existance.

 

[always_broken]

Thanks.

 

[Defiant]

That seems pretty-well summed-up.