PC Hangs when car is started

[racebmw]

Hi

I have just installed an MLJ on my BMW 2002 racing car. The car starts and runs so the install appears functional.

The problem is with the PC Connection. I can connect to the MLJ and read and write data to it. It communicates fine when the engine is not running.

When I start the engine the run-time data appears for about 20 seconds and then the screen freezes and a communication timeout message appears.

When I check my computer the MLJ Configuration program is running full-tilt absorbing 100% of the CPU capacity. This happens with both 3.0 and 3.1.2 versions. I have to kill the Configuration program with the task manager.

I running Win XP and using a USB to Serial converter.

Again the computer will comunicate fine until the car is started then things go wrong.

The car runs while the PC is frozen. The problem appears to be just with the PC.

I have an older computer with a serial port I am trying to get running. Maybe the USB converter is the problem....

Jeff

[brentp]

Hi,

let us know how it works out with the other PC so we can narrow down the problem. What USB-Serial adapter are you using?

Regards,

[racebmw]

The USB to Serial is a generic made in China one from the local Circuit City/Radio Shack store. It is all I can buy locally.

THe other computer runs Win 98 and I don't have a serial cable so I have to go buy one at the same store.

Should I be looking for a better USB to Serial cable?

Any ideas?

Jeff

[brentp]

Yes, the last two releases of the 3.1.2 configurator software were specifically around compatibility issues with various USB-Serial adapters.

The adapters that have the following chipset are known to work, with the latest 3.1.2 software:

Prolific Chipset
Huge-Pine chipset
FTDI chipset
+one more that I can't identify the chipset - it's a cheap 'generic' adapter, however.


Also -- i take it you've flashed the firmware to 3.1?

Regards,

[racebmw]

The Driver is v.2.0.0 5/19/2006

Is this the FTDI that is supposed to work?

THanks

Jeff

Yes I have flashed the new version. Worked perfectly. The only difference is that before the screen would freeze immediately when the engine started. Now I get 20 to 30 seconds before it freezes.

[racebmw]

There are VCP drivers that offer Virtual Control of the serial port and

D2XX drivers that allow dll's to directly control the USB.

Which should I be using?

Thanks

Jeff

[brentp]

Here's a screen shot of the FTDI driver I'm using. It seems to be quite stable. I had tested it on XP, and now on Vista.

Did you get it to work on the other laptop?

[racebmw]

I did not get to work on the car any more yesterday due to family committments.

Today will be the same. I have to get a serial cable from somewhere before I can try the other cpu.

I was wondering if there is some way to shield the USB cable. I expect the chip etc is in the serial connector itself.

I am also wondering if the coil is too close to the MJLT box even though there is a firewall between them.

I will see if I can find the older FTDI driver somewhere. The new one is on their website.

Thanks for you ongoing help.

Jeff

[ellis9436]

I'm having a similar problem.

My laptop will talk fine to the megajolt unit when the car is not running, but with the car running it simply freezes after 4 or 5 seconds.

I'm using a PCMCIA card to connect to the megajolt, and have downloaded and installed all the uptodate software/firmware.

Pease Help!

[brentp]

What brand PCMCIA-Serial adapter are you using?

Have you tried a different adapter, like a common USB->Serial cable?

[ellis9436]

The PCMCIA card is produced by BBL

I have tried using 2 diffrent usb to serial cables (FTDI chip) but could not get the cables to work properly at all. i gave up and turned to the PCMCIA card.

[brentp]

I'm working on a known issue with a later variant of the FTDI chipset. I discovered that one FTDI chipset works, the other still has problems.

You can try another USB-serial cable- the prolific or hugepine chipset adapters work, and they are inexpensive.

Thanks,

[ellis9436]

Ok i shall see if i can get hold of another USB convertor! I'm getting quite a collection of these now!

[ellis9436]

I've now got myself a Prolific usb convertor, i also bought a 2m extension lead at the same time

It all started well, worked a treat, however after about 45seconds it stopped and froze again. tryed it a couple of times and every time the same thing happend.

i also tryed it again with my pcmcia card + extension lead and the same thing happend although the hole computer froze not just the program

I need help!!!!!

[MartinM]

Where are you in Devon - I shall be in North Devon at the weekend.....