My laptop hates me???

[Coedy]

Hey everyone, this is my first post and my first attempt at megajolt

Ive taken 4 days to neatly run all the wires mount the trigger wheels, sensor brackets, EDIS etc etc etc.
i went to upload a map a friend gave me and MJ was having none of it
the megajolt is working! (it came with a map already loaded onto it for testing purposes) and it definately isnt on limp home mode.

trouble is i cant upload my map onto the megajolt... in fact i cant communicate with the Megajolt at all.... it crashes the configurator on the laptop...

i get no runtime readout, cant read maps from the unit, cant write to the unit, i cant do anything.

my laptop has no Serial connection, so i got a USB>Serial convertor. i made sure it was a supported one with the correct style drivers before i bought it (prollific?).

ive installed it correctly onto the laptop, found out its COM Port 5. opened up the config program, set it up to be COM 5. then as soon as i start the engine the config program gives me the following error:::

Code: Select all

Runtime Error!

C://Program files/etc/MjConfig.exe

This application has requested the runtime to terminate it in an unusal way.
please contact the application support team for more information"

And shuts down.

Ive no other computers at my disposal by the way...

I am at a loss, and need this sorted asap so i can drive it to the MOT ive got booked for Mid week. [/quote]

[brentp]

Hello,

A few questions to start narrowing down the problem.

What MJLJ hardware are you running- V3 or V4?
What version of the software are you using?

Can you communicate with the MJLJ with the MJLJ powered up, but the engine is not running? (Ignition Key to the 'ON' position)

[Coedy]

Hey,

Sorry, forgot to add that...

Im running the V4 Unit and im using V4.0.1 of the software, which i believe is the newest one?

Ive got my Megajolt unit connected to the original Coil +12v because otherwise the unit would turn off as the system cranks (which i thought would be bad?)
if it doesnt crash the system i get a 'Time out cylinder count' or similar. If i use other com ports in the drop down list i get the 'port not in use' or whatever it is (sorry but the laptop is in the car for now as its far too wet and dark to work on the car now).

ive still not managed to read or write anything to or from the unit and i cant even get the runtime up.

[brentp]

Ok- thank you.

Other than the laptop not communicating, have you verified the unit is functional by observing the ignition advance is changing using a timing light? And the power LED is on consistently?

Best way to troubleshoot at this point is to work backwards from a known good configuration, eliminating variables that may cause problems:

- Bench test it using a fresh 9V battery, so you can troubleshoot in a comfortable setting and eliminate the car's electrical system.
- Find a PC with a standard serial port (friend or work PC) where you can at least verify functionality.

Once you get to a 'known good' state, work back towards the preferred configuration:

- Try a different USB-Serial adapter if you can. Does it work on the bench for you?
- if you can beg/borrow/steal a laptop with an in-built serial port you may be able to at least get your preferred ignition map loaded.

Which USB-Serial adapter are you using? Did you buy it online or at a local store? We may be able to test with the same unit and attempt to re-create your problem.

Also, what version of windows are you running?
When you installed the software did you install it in a directory called 'etc', or did you not want to type all of that information?

C://Program files/etc/MjConfig.exe

When you observed the error, were there any additional details available in the error message?

Please let us know what you find.

[Coedy]

Ive not checked with the timing light yet, but i have driven it around the block and felt far too pokey to be in limp home mode, so im guessing its utilising the map that came on it when i bought it.

The power feed light stays on the entire time.

I dont know of any laptops or computers in the family or with friends that still have inbuilt serial ports

I got the convertor from an online shop. here is the link: Maplins Online
Its from a company called 'Nikkai' i cant find a part number on the box though sorry

Im running Windows XP Home.

I didnt save it to a directory called 'etc' i just wrote that to save me writting out the entire path, i just used the default location in the install wizard.

the only other thing in the error message is in the title bar which says

Code: Select all

Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime Library

Other than that ive given all the information i was given on the error. i will upload a screenshot i took on my phone shortly so you can see the error for yourself.

[brentp]

Thanks. XP home should work fine.

The old troubleshooting tips using Hyperterminal is still useful for the V4 controller. Just change the baud rate to 38,400 instead of 4800 for your V4 controller.
http://www.autosportlabs.net/Troublesho ... erterminal

Do try to get it working on the bench. And it is still worth trying a different computer, even if you use the same USB-serial adapter.

Regards,

[brentp]

I'd like to get my hands on this adapter so I can test with it and add it to my vast collection. I've looked for a local dealer for this adapter and didn't find one yet...

[Coedy]

Thanks, ill try HyperTerminal tomorrow, and ill nag my friend for his laptop for the day, i only want to put a suitable map onto MJLJ so if i can just get it working for long enough to add a map it will be fine for me

heres the error screen by the way:



Thanks for your help! ill let you know how i get on with it tomorrow!

[brentp]

Thanks- will watch for your update.

The data in the grid behind the error message- was that loaded from a file or was it read from the controller?

Regards,

[Coedy]

That was loaded from the file my mate sent me.

i intended to open that file. connect up the MJLJ, then write the file to the MJLJ....

it doesnt even connect though when its just loading up the program empty either.

[Coedy]

Ive just updated my USB drivers. and i realised something.

If the ignition is just in the 'on' position i dont get the error that kills everything. but i do get the 'connection time out' message.

as soon as my engine is started the error appears and kills the program.

i thought maybe my adapter is picking up interference so i took the DB9 cable as far as it would go away from the car and tried again, exact same result...