Minor issue with timeout after connection

sunray · Post by **sunray** » Sat May 29, 2010 2:46 am

I just installed my new V4 mjlj to replace my damaged V3 mjlj. Had a friend put the kit together and used a 9V battery with my wife's windows 7 laptop to upload my first map. Worked just fine! I even figured out how to make windows 7 load new firmware ( but it turns out it was already loaded).

Anyway, my older windows xp laptop would not connect but I'll worry about that later.

My issue is that I start the car and connect my wifes laptop (yes, windows7). Once the car has been running for about a minute the configuration software freezes and shows a timeout message. If I disconnect and reconnect the usb/serial adapter it works again. If I do not start the car and just leave it KOEO the software works fine, you can flash new settings etc. Issue only happens when the engine is finally running. Using a usb/serial adapter that I used with the V3 unit and no issues. Also using the autosport labs serial/rj11 adapter and rj11 cable.

Other than this it runs like a champ again, thanks to Brent and Ryan!

sunray · Post by **sunray** » Sat May 29, 2010 5:37 am

Oh, forgot to mention that if you close the laptop to enter hibernate and then open it again, the configurator communicates again for maybe another 30seconds and then freezes.

Post by **brentp** » Sat May 29, 2010 5:21 pm

So only when the engine is running? Its likely due to interference in the usb-serial adapter fom the ignition coils or alternator. On reason to explain why its not happening on v3 is that the baud rate is higher with v3- 38000 vs 4800 baud. The higher speed may be more susceptible to noise.

Previous users with this problem have solved it by extending the usb-serial adapter further away from thr unit / car through the use of a extension cable. You might want to try that too.

sunray · Post by **sunray** » Sat May 29, 2010 6:36 pm

I'll give it a try, thanks Brent! Right now the mjlj is mounted on the right kick panel so the adapter sits on the passenger seat when the car is running. The nice thing at least is this issue doesn't prevent me from changing settings it just prevents datalogging.

Post by **brentp** » Sat May 29, 2010 9:30 pm

Let us know what you find out.

If you test it on a system with a built-in serial port I'd bet dollars to doughnuts you won't see this issue.

sunray · Post by **sunray** » Sat May 29, 2010 11:00 pm

That is likely true but I haven't seen a system with a built-in serial port for at least 6 years. We have a very effective electronics recycling program combined with very techy people in Victoria.