Timeout reading runtime data

General Topics for configuring, operating and tuning the Megajolt. Also see the <a href="http://www.autosportlabs.net/MJLJ_V4_Operation_Guide">Operation Guide</a>

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boostedmini
Posts: 58
Joined: Mon Feb 05, 2007 9:17 pm

Timeout reading runtime data

Post by boostedmini »

Hi all,

its been some time since i have been on the site, mostly because the MJLJ has been such a great item on my mini that i have had to do very little with it.

however, i have just done a engine rebuild and gearbox rebuild and am putting the motor back on an engine dyno and would like to go over the ignition system while on the dyno.

now i have removed the complete MJLJ system from the car and set it up on my bench and have tried to get connection to it without success, now i have changed laptops since last connection but i am using the samer serial to USB adaptor and have reladed the driver to the laptop but still i get timeout reading runtime data error again.

I have even connected the unit to my old desktop that has serial port and it still will not communicate with it.
I have tested for power at the molex and earth (9volt battery or a 12v jump pack)

I have even tried a second usb adaptor but nothing

anyone got any other hints or tips for me as i am looking to get it back on the dyno in the coming weeks.

thanks Guys

NixVegaGT
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Nov 08, 2010 2:18 pm
Location: Minnesota
Contact:

Post by NixVegaGT »

I'm having the same problem. Aside from my laptop changing which COM the USB is randomly, LOL, I'm able to connect, download the ignition map, and upload a new one. It dumps the "timeout" error when I try to write the global preferences, like when I'm telling it to be an 8 cyl. vs. 4 cyl.

That's weird.

Not trying to hijack your post, just hoping to piggyback with the same problem. Hopefully it adds some weight.

I'm hoping with this issue solved for the both of us my next posts will be to the ignition map forum because my engine is running great.


Thanks in advance to all who post a reply.
- Nic '73 Vega GT Aluminum Buick/Rover Stroker 5.0L
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2357894

NITROPIXIE
Posts: 704
Joined: Sun Sep 07, 2008 1:54 pm
Location: Fareham, GB

Post by NITROPIXIE »

Boosted mini -

Can you give a bit more background on the:-

type of unit V3, V4,

where you bought it from and built or kit

It sounds like you have followed the correct method to confirm its not communicating properly using a desktop with dedicated serial connector.

For some basic fault finding could you please check the voltages as stated here http://www.autosportlabs.net/MJLJ_V4_ki ... g_Voltages to confirm your getting the right voltages. This will give us a bit more of an idea as to where the fault lies. You can quite happily use a 9v battery for this. I have used the same 9v battery for about a year now with no problems yet..
1310 A-series Mini, lightened and built myself. V4 board and loving it

Rasputin22 - The Mini Forum
Rasputin22 - MK1 Golf Forum

Megajolt repair for the UK available

NITROPIXIE
Posts: 704
Joined: Sun Sep 07, 2008 1:54 pm
Location: Fareham, GB

Post by NITROPIXIE »

NixVegaGT

Could you please start a new post as you may have a slightly different fault and it will be too confusing doing it all under one topic. Just cut a paste your post and I'll delete it once you have done so.

Many thanks Ryan ;)
1310 A-series Mini, lightened and built myself. V4 board and loving it

Rasputin22 - The Mini Forum
Rasputin22 - MK1 Golf Forum

Megajolt repair for the UK available

boostedmini
Posts: 58
Joined: Mon Feb 05, 2007 9:17 pm

Post by boostedmini »

Thanks Ryan,

I will carry out these checks and let you know how i go, weird that it was working and now nothing so i guess t could be anything....

its a V3 on 3.2.1

Grant

boostedmini
Posts: 58
Joined: Mon Feb 05, 2007 9:17 pm

Post by boostedmini »

Hi Ryan,

I have tested all the 5v supplies and all are ok and i have 12v at the last point (as i am using a jumper pack.

So does that mean it is a PC problem?

I have contacted a mate who's PC connects to his V4 unit, i am heading over there in a few nights time to use his PC and see if my unit will communicate with his PC and test my cables etc.

concidering the unit was working perfectly whne i took the engine out and the only change i have made is the PC i think this is where the problem is.....
just weird that even using a serial port i have the same problem.....

I am sure i loaded 3.2.1 on the MJLJ, i have tried all V3 configurators and no luck.

I will see how i go

thanks again

Grant

NITROPIXIE
Posts: 704
Joined: Sun Sep 07, 2008 1:54 pm
Location: Fareham, GB

Post by NITROPIXIE »

Ok so we have the correct voltages powering the correct components on the board. No this does not mean its a PC problem.

Trying to connect it to your friends computer, which is known to work, is a good idea. Report back with your results.

A few other things to try are:-

1) power up the unit and measure the voltage on pin 10 of the processor chip. The processor chip will have the digits 68HC908KX8 written on it. To identify the pin on the chip start at the top left, which is Pin 1, then count down to Pin 8, then on the right hand side of the chip opposite pin 8 is pin 9, so count 1 pin up from that and this is pin 10. It should read around about 2-2.5v. This will help identify if the Xtal is operating properly.

2)
a) If the above is ok, then it maybe a communication chip area. The communication chip basically converts the signals coming out of the processor so it can talk (in the same language so to say) to the computer. The communication chip has MAX 232A written on it (top left hand side of the board, near the serial connector).

b) So to test you need to remove the processor chip (carefully). Then place a small piece of wire connecting pins 11 and 12 together of the chip socket. Once this is done open a hyperterminal window (from your start window, then Acessories, I think. With the MJLJ unit connected to your computer and powered up you should be able to write on your keyboard and the buttons you press should be emulated onto the screen. You may need to go into settings of the hyperterminal window to setup the correct com port and baud rate. If you google it you may find a better description/explanation. I think I may have also covered this in a previous topic somewhere else so have a search of the forum.

Where are you located??

Ryan
1310 A-series Mini, lightened and built myself. V4 board and loving it

Rasputin22 - The Mini Forum
Rasputin22 - MK1 Golf Forum

Megajolt repair for the UK available

boostedmini
Posts: 58
Joined: Mon Feb 05, 2007 9:17 pm

Post by boostedmini »

OK I HAVE SUCCESS

it looks like i had a dud USB in my laptop.

I removed and reinstalled the driver and operation is now perfect.

thank you very for your help Ryan

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