timeout when reading data from mega jolt

dan · Post by **dan** » Wed Mar 28, 2007 2:58 pm

hi guys,
my megajolt arrived on monday! looks really good, i have wired the plug up ready to go and downloaded the tuning program.
i have a problem though. when i connect my laptop to the megajolt and open the tuning program, i get a message in the bottom right saying timeout reading data (or something along those lines) i made some changes and clicked to send it to the unit and get a message saying wrote to megajolt (or something similar) indicating that i can send, but not recieve anything back.
i am using a usb to serial adaptor, the correct port is selected and the settings are as per the guide. The driver for the cable is by prolific i think.
i tried the test using hyperterminal but had no luck.
any ideas?
Dan

Post by **brentp** » Wed Mar 28, 2007 3:19 pm

Hi Dan,

All of the USB-related fixes are in the newer version of the configuration software (which requires a MJLJ firmware update).

You can download V3.2 here:
http://www.autosportlabs.net/MJLJ_V3_Downloads

Upgrade guide here: (replace 3.1 with 3.2, etc. until I update the documentation...)
http://www.autosportlabs.net/3.1.0-2.7.0_upgrade_guide

dan · Post by **dan** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 11:45 am

thansk for the reply, i have downloaded the V3.2 configurator now and also downloaded the V3.2 firmware. i have followed the process for updating the firmware, but the furthest i can get is where the command window comes up with:
Waiting for HC08 reset ACK...
when i apply power to the megajolt nothing happens thats as far as it goes. I have checked my live wire and it has 12volts to it and checked my earth which is fine as far as i can tell, i have also rechecked all the little plugs on the wires going in to the molex connector and all is good there.
do you think it would be benficial for me to try and beg/steal/borrow a laptop with a serial port and try and get it working that way? there must be a problem with my usb-serial convertor, it seems that it will send things no problem, but it will not recieve any information, does it seem that way to you?
cheers
Dan

Gilesy998 · Post by **Gilesy998** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 12:47 pm

dan wrote:the furthest i can get is where the command window comes up with:
Waiting for HC08 reset ACK...

I had the exact same issue just last night, doing the same thing for the same reason! Schpooky!
I got to the same point and it hung up, and I waited a while but nothing happened - until I switch the controller's 12v off and back on again. I got a load of positive looking stuff on the screen, loaded up a new map and gave the MAP hose a quick suck&blow (ooer missus!) to make sure the comms were good. All is fine now, and the comms issue is resolved.

dan · Post by **dan** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 1:01 pm

Gilesy998 wrote:- until I switch the controller's 12v off and back on again.

the answer to everything, switch it off and on again! i will give it a go and see what happens.
any other ideas?

dan · Post by **dan** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 2:42 pm

IT WORKS!!!!

i did the above (switching off and on) and all is good! honestly you have no idea how good this feels! i took my car off the road last july to start this, initially with megasquirt, but i got fed up with the complexity of it all. Megajolt rules!
see you out on the roads soon!!
Dan

Post by **brentp** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 2:43 pm

The bootloader provided by motorola might be picky as to what type of serial port / USB adapter it can work with. If you don't have a different USB/serial adapter you can take it off of the car temporarily and bring it to a computer that has a regular serial port. Power it with a Fresh 9V battery and go through the flash process.

Regards,
Brent

dan · Post by **dan** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 2:51 pm

see above post, must have been typing at the same time!
i am sooo chuffed right now!

Post by **brentp** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 3:56 pm

Wow, great to hear it works! If you haven't done it already, one of the final steps is to use a timing light to verify the ignition is being controlled by the MJLJ. You should see it increment in precise steps as you blip the throttle.

Be sure to add an entry in the "Powered by MJLJ section". Your Mini is gorgeous, by the way.

*edit* Ok, I saw that you just did that. Excellent!

dan · Post by **dan** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 7:05 pm

thanks for the compliment, i can take no credit for the look though, that was done by the previous owner.
i will check with a timing light tommorrow, its getting late now and the neighbours don't like the noise