ECMlink Cheap serial/usb adapter for 1G?

[kamronman]

I just yesterday installed my new eprom ecu with dsmlink in it!! Then put in my evo injectors! Then replaced my isc o-ring that was causing a mad boost leak! So by now I'm stoked, then I realize after I download ecmlink v3 software onto my laptop... The laptop doesn't have a male serial db9 connector! I've looked at compatable cords I could buy that will work on 1g's.

Does anybody know a cheap/easy way to plug my dsmlink cable into the laptop!? I read that someone found a little adapter at radio shack for 35$! But it's super rare to just find one that works on a 1g. Sooo Somebody PLEASE help me out, after work I'm gunna swing by radio shack and take a look.

 

[1gDSM4g63]

Just buy an RS232 Serial to USB for $5 on eBay.

 

[dsmfa9nutter]

It's surprising that after all this time, link still uses an outdated port that most new laptops don't even have anymore. Tom, if you read this, it's time to update to a usb cable!

 

[tkelly27]

Just buy an RS232 Serial to USB for $5 on eBay.

usbtoserialadapterinfo [ECMTuning - wiki]

I messed around with different adapters for a long time. Ebay, radio shack, best buy. I broke down and bought a keyspan. You can't go wrong.

 

[kamronman]

I found a page that showed me only 3 compatable 1g cables from sears and even walmart(got the page from ecmlink.com). I'm trying to avoid ordering one because my car's my daily driver!! There's TONS of compatable cords for 2g's which sucks for me..

But keyspan/ecmlink/ other brand cords are super expencive. I don't even need a cord, just a little plastic adapter labeled "high speed" or "db9" or "2920" adapters. There has to be a little hidden computer store around olympia that has one so i can just run and pick it up Any suggestions?

Hah the guy who posted before me just posted the link i saw last night!

 

[mike96]

wait. A friend of mine just bought ECMlink V3 for a 1G and it came with USB connection, i thought with V3 they did away with serial, or did you have a older version of the cable to start with?

 

[tkelly27]

keyspan usb to serial adapter, Computers Networking, usb to serial adapter. Great deals on eBay!
Amazon.com: Keyspan High Speed USB Serial Adapter ( USA-19HS ): Electronics

$30 isn't that bad. They are $25 at best buy. Go ahead and try all of them and return them if they don't work. It's worth the extra $5 for me to not have to go to walmart or best buy. Bleh.

FTDI is the chipset you want, you can get the little controller and make your own I'm sure.

 

[kamronman]

Yes i have the version 2 hardware (chip/cable) but on my computer I have downloaded the v3 software. So it shows me the speed density page and tables up to 10k rpm. I bought a 42$ cable today from radio shack, I installed it and configured dsmlink to pick up on com7 of the laptop which is where the usb was connected..and nothing! So I'm still screwed guys. I'll have to return it tomorrow. PLEASE someone find me an option besides ordering a 70$ ecmlink cable or 50$ keyspan cable.

 

[slowgsr]

IOGEAR works very well. its about $30. Check out their website to find a distributor near you.

I use a cheapie one on my aem ems.. actually i got it for free, with no software when my friend upgraded to the new aem that is usb to usb.. anyways. my windows here helped my solve my missing software issue when i pluged it in.. it asked for software, I didn't have it well there was a box i clicked on that was to some extent of asking windows for help, it somehow found the brand of the cable and linked me to their website where i downloaded the software, it has worked great ever since.

But yes, IOGEAR makes a good, affordable USB to Serial adaptor. its recommended by AEM.

I use a cheapie on my AEM, works flawless NEVER an issue
my friend uses a cheapie on his AEM, (srt4), works flawless NEVER an issue
my other friend uses a cheapie ($5) on his megasquirt (2.4l turbo neon), works flawless never an issue.

Good luck.

 

[steve]

Yes i have the version 2 hardware (chip/cable) but on my computer I have downloaded the v3 software. So it shows me the speed density page and tables up to 10k rpm.

It will show that stuff but you can only use the V2 features that the chip supports.

 

[GSXSixteenG]

Where are you seeing the Keyspan for $50? I think the Walmart website has it listed for like $30 and Ebay has them around the same price.

 

[steve]

The key here is that the USB to serial converter needs to support the non-standard data rate used by the 1G ECU. At least one Radio Shack adapter (26-183) is known NOT to work with 1G's.

usbtoserialadapterinfo [ECMTuning - wiki]

If a device is using the FTDI Chipset it stands a chance of working.
The Keyspan USA-19HS is known to work.

Amazon.com: Keyspan High Speed USB Serial Adapter ( USA-19HS ): Electronics

 

[kamronman]

It will show that stuff but you can only use the V2 features.

duh bro When i look around for overnight shipping, it costs more than 50$ for it. It's all just really getting too late. I need my car asap. And everyone telling me to order shit isn't helping. If someone can tell me how to hardwire my laptop's usb com1 into the wires inside the serial cord, i will seriously tear my laptop apart to do it. I don't want to spend a DIME on an adapter unless i can have it NOW.

 

[GSXSixteenG]

It might be easier finding a friend with a laptop that has a db9 serial port. That's what I had to do when I first got link (v3 wasn't out yet). I ordered a keyspan and used a friends laptop to get a basic daily tune until I had the adapter for my laptop to tinker more. That's the only other resolution that I can think of. I did the same thing you did at first and tried to find some cheap adapter at a local store and had no luck.

 

[kamronman]

Thanks man That was great advice. I do have a friend with a laptop he uses to tune his car(with a db9 serial port). But he lives like 300 miles away..So I did think about that. A moderator told me that Office Depot may carry Keyspan products! Anyone know about this? I'm returning my Radio Shack one i tried, didn't work. Then I'll most likely swing by office depot

 

[GSXSixteenG]

Hmm not sure if they do or not. I was just looking at the Circuit City and Target websites as well. Looks like Circuit City might have the Cables Unlimited one listed in the wiki for $15.

http://www.circuitcity.com/applicat...1&csid=ITD&recordsPerPage=5&body=#ReviewStart

A guy listed in the review the he used it for OBDII.

 

[evood69]

Get the one from ebay for like 5-10 bucks, it works just as good as any of them. There all the samething you just pay for the "name" on the more expensive ones which are pointless! Ive been using the one from ebay for a year now and with my degree in Information Technology I deal with computers and components on a daily basis. No need to shell out the extra 20-30$

 

[GSXSixteenG]

Get the one from ebay for like 5-10 bucks, it works just as good as any of them. There all the samething you just pay for the "name" on the more expensive ones which are pointless! Ive been using the one from ebay for a year now and with my degree in Information Technology I deal with computers and components on a daily basis. No need to shell out the extra 20-30$

As he stated before, he doesn't want to order one. He needs it right now.

 

[kamronman]

I just went everywhere over the past 2 hours. Wal-mart/Office Max/Office Depot/Staples. And the local circuit city here closed down..This is so ####ing stupid that a simple adapter is so hard to find. And minimal shipping takes 3-5 days. which isn't at all this week.

 

[twdorris]

It's surprising that after all this time, link still uses an outdated port that most new laptops don't even have anymore. Tom, if you read this, it's time to update to a usb cable!

V3 has been shipping with custom molded USB cables since its release over a year ago.

We had been using DB9 up to that point mainly because we didn't want to have to produce 4 different versions of our cable to support Palm guys (that require DB9 cables) and laptop guys with USB connections on both 1G and 2G cars. So we opted for the lowest common denominator, which was DB9. Palm guys could still use our cables and the laptop guys could too if they had a DB9 port or they could use a USB to DB9 adapter. So everyone had *some* way of getting what they wanted.

With the release of V3, though, we knew hand held support was going to fall off pretty quickly anyway (the feature set was too large and constantly evolving, making coordinated hand held development a little impractical), so we switched over to USB-only. That combined with cheap, small mini laptops now really made the whole hand held market less appealing.

That's some of the history behind our usage of DB9 vs. USB for those that were not aware of it.

To the OP, contact me offline if you want and we'll see if we can get you something in your hands tomorrow.

[email protected]

Thomas Dorris

 

[kamronman]

Ok guys, well this thread is definitely closed! I've never had so many problems solved in less than 5 minutes..Thomas Dorris-founder of ecmtuning called me on my cell phone and made things happen! I recommend you all upgrade to v3 dsmlink or try the painless v3 usb cable they provide! New slogan for Ecmtuning, "Unbeatable in customer service".

 

[GSXSixteenG]

Congrats on finding a fast resolution and +1 to the great supporting vendors we have!