DSMLink questions

[WES_393]

So I have been looking into buying DSMLink V3. I have a couple questions though. Please don't give some half brained answer or link me to the site (I've already read it), if you don't know then don't comment. Thanks!

1. Do you HAVE to socket the ECU? I have EPROM, but it seems to me that you could just solder the chip to the board since it replaces the EPROM chip. Am I totally crazy here? I can get the board socketed myself for MUCH cheaper, but I'd rather not if I don't have to.

2. V3 lite is a bit cheaper than V3 Full. This is due to the 10K RPM limits and other features like that. If I can download V3 from the site, why would I pay more for one over the other? Can't I just buy the ECMLink package, install the chip, download V3 full and tada! I have V3 Full. Or is the one on the site just V3 Lite or some kind of "try me" program?

Thanks again for the input!

 

[Talondvr]

I'm really considering it too. You don't HAVE to socket, it just makes it easier if you want to upgrade or if for some odd reason something goes haywire you can then just pop the chip out and sent it vs the hole ecu.
The version you are buying is in the chip, not the software. If you download it now from the website you'll see some peoples logs will have extra tabs for the extra features. The software is capable of handling both versions.
Hope this helps.
edit: also I recommend (as you prya guessed already) to look over other peoples logs and trying to get used to the program as well as reading the ecmlink website.

 

[WES_393]

I'm really considering it too. You don't HAVE to socket, it just makes it easier if you want to upgrade or if for some odd reason something goes haywire you can then just pop the chip out and sent it vs the hole ecu.
The version you are buying is in the chip, not the software. If you download it now from the website you'll see some peoples logs will have extra tabs for the extra features. The software is capable of handling both versions.
Hope this helps.

Awesome, that helps a ton. So the chips are different, not the software? I bet that helps them get some cash . I really wouldn't mind soldering the chip straight on. I'm skeptical about sending in my ECU because they could say "Oh, it's completely trashed so we charged you $100 for a new one". If I buy V3 full I see no reason to have the luxury of easy removal. It's a microchip, not a pair of pants.

Edit: Yeah I downloaded the program and I've been looking for logs but can't find anything but troubleshooting logs. I'd like to find examples of great running logs. Thanks again for the info.

 

[Justin_l_]

Since you downloaded the program you can view any log, not just the ones they supply you. Go into the tuning section of this site and view some of those logs if you want.

As for sending you ecu into them to get the socketing service done, I wouldn't worry about them trying to overcharge you for unnecessary stuff. We are there only customer base, do you really think they are going to do something to mess that up? If that was the case they would not have lasted as long as they have of have the customer base that they do.

 

[Rich_Howell]

Awesome, that helps a ton. So the chips are different, not the software? I bet that helps them get some cash . I really wouldn't mind soldering the chip straight on. I'm skeptical about sending in my ECU because they could say "Oh, it's completely trashed so we charged you $100 for a new one". If I buy V3 full I see no reason to have the luxury of easy removal. It's a microchip, not a pair of pants.

Edit: Yeah I downloaded the program and I've been looking for logs but can't find anything but troubleshooting logs. I'd like to find examples of great running logs. Thanks again for the info.

You COULD hardwire the chip to the ECU board, but if it's about the same cost and trouble...better to have the ability to change them easily. I got DSMLink V2 a long time ago. Then V3 came out. If my V2 had been soldered to the board, I'd have had to do it again. What if your ECU dies and has to be replaced? What if you eventually want to sell the ECU and the person buying it wants it because they burn their own chips...the socket would be a selling point. What if the person really prefers the simplicity of V2? Options: always keep them open.

As far as them charging you for unneeded ECU repair...I wouldn't worry about that. Tom and Dave are really good guys and usually sell parts (sensors) at next to zero profit, just to support the people who buy their product. They're always helping in the forums, too. If they say something is broken: it is...and who better to diagnose/repair an ECU but the guys who deal with them on a daily basis. They'll even sell you V3Lite and let you upgrade to "full" for just about the original price difference.

You might be able to find DSMLink logs on this site, but you'll see a LOT of them once you have access to the DSMLink forums (a.k.a. once you buy it). I can't stress enough how useful that forum is. Lots of heavy hitters on there...including most of the knowledgeable people on Tuners.

No brainer here: get it and don't look back. I have it on BOTH of my DSMs and I know I'm not the only one. If I bought a 3rd DSM...I'd buy a 3rd DSMLink too, right off the bat.

 

[WES_393]

Thanks for the info guys. If I do go socketed, I'll probably be doing it myself. I'll also look into the tuning sectionof this site, but most people post them on DSMLink forums which I don't have access to.

 

[snowborder714]

The v3 lite vs. full is based on the firmware that's loaded on the ECMlink chip. They only use one model chip, and the software supports both firmwares. If you buy lite, it will come loaded on the chip. If you would ever want to upgrade to full down the road, all you would do is send them money and they'd send you the new firmware.

If you're comfortable soldering electronics, feel free to socket it yourself. Plenty of people have done it before. While you're in there, you will want to check (and possibly replace) the caps so they don't leak.

 

[9!'clipseDOHC]

Here is the Log File Advice sub-forum here on DSMtuners. It has 442 threads and almost all of them will have multiple logs posted. Get crazy!

I went the buying V3lite and then upgrading to V3full down the road. For most DSMers, V3lite is more then enough. The only reason I upgraded to V3full was for the BBG (Boost By Gear) setup. I don't use any of the other Full features at this point.

I just want to second Tom and Dave and ECMtuning! They know their stuff and are extremely honest and trustworthy.

 

[WES_393]

Thanks for the link! Some good stuff on there. I know of one site that sells the sockets, do you guys know of any others?

 

[snowborder714]

More info on their recommended socket that you can use to find them.
socketpartnumber [ECMTuning - wiki]

 

[T is for TURBO]

I'm skeptical about sending in my ECU because they could say "Oh, it's completely trashed so we charged you $100 for a new one".

Tom and Dave are stand up guys. They didn't get where they are by ripping people off. Plus, I doubt they even make much money from selling ECUs, especially since the there is a limited availability of EPROM ECUS. They make their money because they sell an awesome product and they have wealth of knowledge that their customers have access to. I cannot think of another product on the market that has a support network that these two have provided the DSM community.

 

[snowborder714]

They also will not perform any extra work to your ECU that you don't approve of. If you send it in just for a socket and caps only for them to find out you need a new sensor ground and ISC drivers, they will let you know what's up before proceeding with the work. They will not fix $200 worth of stuff when you only wanted $40 worth of work for the socket and caps.

As long as your ECU worked before sending it in, you can safely assume that it will most likely not need any additional work.

 

[XiKeiyaZI]

Keep in mind - These boards are very susceptible to heat. You're going to have to have a decent desoldering tool and gun where you can control the heat. A cheap Walmart one is not going to cut it - otherwise you're going to scorch the board.

 

[evileagleawd]

The guys over at ECM Tuning are awesome! Have always answered my questions quickly. They would not try and rip you off for unnecessary ecu repairs.

 

[krh195]

The guys over at ECM Tuning are awesome! Have always answered my questions quickly. They would not try and rip you off for unnecessary ecu repairs.

I agree with this, Tom seemed like a good guy. I would not worry about ECMtuning ripping you off. He helped me a few times throughout the process in a very timely manner.

 

[WES_393]

Glad to hear the guys at ECMTuning are cool. I guess I'm just skeptical from transactions in the past. Graveyard being one of the main reasons....

Thanks for the link, I am aware of the equipment needed. What I meant by do it myself was have it done myself. . I live down the street from the owner of a very reputable computer repair company who would do it for insanely cheap if I brought him the socket, chip, and ECU.