Finally loaded Smarty Jr. I like it but..

[JPul]

a few little issues.



I bought my Jr back in January and finally took the time today with a fully warmed up truck, to load it. Based on the recommendations here for better efficiency, I loaded level 2 at default and hope I can stay out of it to save the stock transmission. I noted that I had version 5. 10A on the module and the MADS site indicates 5. 11B. I mayl have to go through the previous threads on download instructions to get this latest version. What was updated from 5. 10A to 5. 11B?



When I took it out for a test drive I noticed right away, better response even at part throttle. When I kicked it a bit, I noticed boost went a bit higher and stayed higher. Then I tried a WOT run. I didn't notice if it pegged my Westach boost gauge ( I believe that its good for 35 psi), because I heard a pop and then a hissing sound accompanied by a zero reading on the gauge. I had roughed up the nipple a bit and added a ziptie over the hose on the nipple but that wasn't enough. What's the max boost provided by level 2? I may need to get another boost gauge. As well, what is anybody doing to secure the boost hose better on the gauge? I did rough up the nipple some more (radial sanding) and resecured with another zip tie but I'm thinking that it might be a transmission safety feature to leave it resecured as is to keep me (and anyone else) from hosing it.



I did check for DTC codes and none were found as expected.



All in all I like it a bunch and am wondering if there's any benefit to the next download. In the little bit that I hosed it, I noticed no smoke and it felt real good.



As always, I appreciate any and all comments. Sorry about the typical long winded post (from me).



Regards, John

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

Hmm. All the boost gauges I have seen have compression fittings on plastic line which sounds very different from what you have. If you have not tried compression fittings I highly recommend them. They are readily available at any good auto parts store.

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[Bob Wagner]

John, when running empty the 100 hp software may provide even better mpg increase or the 70 hp (tow software)



The ecm boost is limited to 44 psi and I also run a westach boost gauge and I have never had the hose come loose. Check with your supplier or maybe a small. . amount of sealant may help as I know a hose clamp would not work.





The smarty junior is a very safe product so let it work for you. No need to update the software at this time, you are good to go.



Bob

 

[JPul]

Thanks for the replies, Trent and Bob.



The Westech combo boost gauge that I have just has a straight nipple off the back that the supplied rubber hose slides over so I don't know how a compression fitting would attach to this nipple. I may have to use a sealant/adhesive if I attempt to use more of the 44 psi. As well, it looks like I may need to replace my 35 psi max gauge if I attempt to use the available boost. I think I will stay with the 70 HP tow setting.



Another couple of questions. What does torque management perform and where is the default setting in tow mode with respect to #1,2,3,and 4? As well, where is the default timing setting with respect to #1,2,3 and 4. I currently have the Jr set at the defaults.



Regards, John

 

[CKelley1]

i like the 511b software a lot better than the 510b. it is well worth the download.

 

[JPul]

CKelly1,



What did you notice to be different/better?



Regards, John

 

[CKelley1]

i had the 5. 06 beta test4 loaded in the jr to start with on three 06 trucks. i recently changed turbo chargers on one i had to add a boost fooler to keep from throwing a p0299 code i thought the 510 would be an improvement. it did allow the removal of the boost fooler but at the expense of 1. 5 mpg, some soot back and i definatly did not like the engine sound. i took a 6,000 mile trip, truck and trailer cgw was 20,000 lb i tried every combo and no setting was near as good as the 506 beta4. when i got back i was just fixing to reaload the 5. 06 when i noticed the 511b. i loaded it and the first trip was 1,200 miles the cgw of truck and trailer was 14,000 lbs the return with the wide track D3 was 33,000 lbs my mileage was back, soot gone and engine sounded good. i used default tow setting.

 

[crobertson1]

So the newer versions of the programs reduce soot? The only thing I don't like about the Smarty Jr, is the smoke. I have to be so careful when starting out not to smoke like a freight train.



I use the tow setting and torque management on 4.

 

[JPul]

Thanks CKelly,



I notice that you have a bunch of internal engine mods that I don't have so that may be an influence as well. I haven't had any chance to experience my Smarty Jr except for the initial hose blow-off, so I may leave it at 5. 10A for a while. I'm still confused by all of the adjustments that can be made from default so I'm going to leave it on default for a while as well before I start experimenting. I don't put many miles on this truck, it only has 16K on it now, so it takes a while to build up a data base.



Regards, John

 

[Bob Wagner]

Yes update to the newest software release for lower smoke tunes. This is for the guys that have purchased back a couple years ago.



Thanks

 

[crobertson1]

Thanks Bob. Now I just wish it was easier to get the update.

 

[Budpwr66]

John, I too have the Westtach combo set and have blown the hose off. I put a small amount of sealant on the nipple and used a small zip tie to secure it, no problems since. .

 

[Bob Wagner]

Thanks Bob. Now I just wish it was easier to get the update.

watch the 2 videos so easy to do







MADS Electronics - Smarty - CaTCHER - FAQ

 

[JPul]

Chris, What kind of sealant did you use? Was it an adhesive as well?



Bob, I did download the latest software plus the other tools but I haven't yet uploaded to the Smarty. I have had no real chance to experinece 5. 10a but you are suggesting that 5. 11b will provide little to no difference? Still trying to figure out where default is with respect to the other settings for timing and tm. Read somewhere that default is same as #2. Is this correct? What does tm do?



Sorry about all the quextions but I'm still somewhat confused.



Regards, John

 

[crobertson1]

watch the 2 videos so easy to do







MADS Electronics - Smarty - CaTCHER - FAQ

Thanks Bob. I did all that but do I need to pay $30 for the Zip7 to be able to unlock the files?

 

[JApol]

Go here: Download

or here:7-Zip - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com

Install the free version. I have used it for years. I like it better than winzip

 

[crobertson1]

I got it! Thanks JApol and Bob. It had to do with this:



"If this fails because of no FTD2xx driver available, then you must go back to the CDM 2. 00 folder and click on

the ftdibus. cat file, which will prompt extracting the . inf driver file (actually all files - click okay).

After that, unplug and plug in Smarty again, follow the USB driver instructions and point to the CDM 2. 00

folder. The installation utility will find the driver . inf files and complete the driver installation. Now you can click

on the SmartyUSB icon. "



I'm very pleased to find that the update did in fact seem to reduce the smoke. Don't get me wrong though, it'll put down some smoke if I want it to. It just seems like it will be harder to inadvertantly smoke someone out if I forget to be careful.

 

[JPul]

Towing Update

We towed the 9K 5th this weekend for the first time with the Smarty. First thing I noticed was that boost seemed to climb quicker and higher with less throttle but otherwise, I didn't pay a lot of attention on the way out.



On the way back yesterday, I was bucking a strong head wind and was paying attention to the effect on boost and EGT with this head wind. A steady 58 mph had boost at 18-20 and EGT at 1050 with the junior set on towing default POD99. What I did notice was that during an accel in the lower gears w/o lock-up, the boost could quickly peg my 35 psi gauge with not a lot of throttle but the EGT stayed below 1000. As soon as the trans locked up in 3rd or 4rth, the boost would drop but the EGT would rise to 1050-1150. The EGT never went over 1150 and would have hit 1350 previously w/o the smarty, so the Smarty is definitely keeping peak EGT's lower. But is the above action to be expected.



As well, on one of the cruising runs, I noticed the rpm was a little higher than usual and when I slowed down for the next corner, the rpms dropped about 200 back to the normal rpms. For the remaining cruises until I got home, the rpms stayed rock steady at normal cruising rpms. Truck has only 17K on it. Is this a glitch or is my trans needing some attention such as the items that Cerb has recommended in a number of other posts.



Regards, John

 

[WCOOK]

I see that Bob Wagner has posted a reply. I believe you can rely on Bob's advice. He's provided excellent service and information re: the Jr. I purchased several years ago..... even loaded an update for me recently free of charge when I was having trouble with my computer and the download process.

 

[DaveHess]

I have to say I am very happy with my Jr. I wish I understood what the changes to software were between versions. Mine has been on-board for a little over a year now and I have left it in the default tow mode the entire time. I played with performance once but I tow more than I play so..... I love how the truck will pull a grade when I am 17,000 GCW, EGTs will tap 1,200 and then decrease a little but the truck never stops pulling the grade. That is very, very nice! Before the Smarty Jr (VA C3. 1) EGT would keep right on climbing and I would have to get out of the throttle or back her down a gear to get EGT back down thus losing momentum on a grade. Just saying.....