ElanScan Interface

[mrsdapinky]

Hi Geoff

Angie would like a red interface cable please

Men!!.......they have no idea

Angie

[GeoffSmith]

Men!!.......they have no idea

And what colour cable would you like Angie?

[mrsdapinky]

would like the one on the left of the picture please Geoff

[paza1]

Hi Geoff,
Have you or anyone else tried a SERIAL-USB adaptor with your interface If so, I would be v interested in the details
Cheers
Mark

[GeoffSmith]

Have you or anyone else tried a SERIAL-USB adaptor with your interface

Yes. It didn't work, but that is only because the adapter doesn't comply fully (at all?) with the RS232 specifications but what do you expect for £3? The correct data is being sent from Elanscan so there do not appear to be any software/driver issues. I will get around to looking at it (but I can't promise when) because there might be a relatively quick fix.

Geoff

[Sy V]

I use a USB adaptor on my interface - it works.
Initially it was a driver problem, but once the correct driver was found by Alan - Eureka.

[paza1]

Sy, which one did you use?
Mark

[Sy V]

Yeah, I should have anticipated that question.
It's at home mate, but PM me and I'll check over the w/e.
I must say (although I doubt it'll make any difference) that my interface is not a Geoffsmith-made unit.

[ESM]

Sy, uses one of my old serial interfaces, and its a completely different circuit to Geoff's.

That said, I would have thought an FTDI based USB-serial converter ought to work but you'd definitely need to set the latency timer to 1ms and keep the buffer size low (both these items are in the advanced settings for the USB-serial converter) and I can't be certain it'll work even then.

[Sy V]

There you have it, then.

[nickb]

Hi Geoff, sorry for some reason I have had completly missed this topic????

I'd still like one but am in no rush, so as and when you have time would be fine.

Thanks


Nick

[Bobc]

Hi Geoff,

Please would you put me on your list. any colour will do, preferably with a USB connection.

Many thanks,

Bob

[ailwyn]

Please would you put me on your list. any colour will do, preferably with a USB connection.

Bob,

I think the USB interface is currently in development by Geoff. Alan (ESM) may be able to help you out in the meantime, or if you know any spotty kids who are handy with a soldering iron there are schematics available on the net (on ESMs website I believe).

Ailwyn

[Bobc]

Ailwyn,

I can solder, no problem, if I had any idea what I had to do!!!

Any help would be appreciated.

many thanks,

Bob

[ailwyn]

I can solder, no problem, if I had any idea what I had to do!!!

Then look no further:

http://www.astb91.dsl.pipex.com/ALDL%20circuit.html

Ailwyn

[Bobc]

Ailwyn,

Thanks for that, my brain really aches now!

I still have no idea what this ALDL cable is trying to achieve.

Surley it should just be a matter of connecting the ALDL connector in the Elan to the serial port in the PC? but from what I see there needs to be an interface in there as well?

I'm still in help mode I think?

Is there a cable available to purchase now? Serial will do as I will purchase a USB/Serial converter for the PC?

Thanks again,

Bob

[ailwyn]

I still have no idea what this ALDL cable is trying to achieve.

Surley it should just be a matter of connecting the ALDL connector in the Elan to the serial port in the PC? but from what I see there needs to be an interface in there as well?

The interface changes the signal voltages between that which the ALDL port uses and the Serial Port.

Is there a cable available to purchase now? Serial will do as I will purchase a USB/Serial converter for the PC?

For that you'll need to get in touch with Geoff who builds them at cost on an as-and-when he can basis.

If you did want a go then Alan has noted that the MAX232CPE version is the cheapest and recommended method, I must admit I haven't had a go at this myself, but it does look fairly easy, especially if you follow the instructions for breaking the connections on the stripboard:
http://members.lycos.co.uk/mcnica01/ALD ... uit_V1.jpg

Alan (ESM) may also be able to supply a connector, although I know he's more or less handed that over to Geoff in order to concentrate on the Chip development.

Ailwyn

[GeoffSmith]

Ailwyn is right, as you need to convert from the pc levels to ALDL levels otherwise you could cause damage to the ECU or pc.

I am about to run off some more serial interfaces (this weekend hopefully if the parts come in) for those that are interested. The USB interfaces are still under devlepment and a little way off being ready.

It is possible to use a USB to RS232 converter but there is a fair chance it will not work. I bought a cheap £3 converter and it is not fully/vaguely compliant with the RS232 spec but I may be able to do a minor modification to get it to work. I cannot do anything at the minute, however, as PJ has borrowed my only remaining serial interface.

I do have a stock of ALDL plugs if anyone is interested in trying on their own. I'm sure I've got some MAX232's kicking around as well.

Geoff

[Bobc]

Ailwyn,

Once again thanks for that I now understand what the ALDL interface is required for.

Geoff,

I do have a stock of ALDL plugs if anyone is interested in trying on their own. I'm sure I've got some MAX232's kicking around as well.

I would have a go at building an interface (i can't be that difficult!) if I could get a list of the components required?

Thanks,

Bob

[GeoffSmith]

Bob,

Earlier you posted you'd buy a USB/serial converter, which I took to mean you didn't have a serial port on your pc. Do you have a pc with serial (9 pin D type) port?

Geoff