MAD ECMs question

[joel]

Marco - I'm quietly waiting for the MADs to be done and ready for prime time. In the meantime, I was wondering if anything will be changeable by the user via Palm or laptop or whatever. Specifically, would it be possible to code in a means to change the tire size the system uses - in case we swap out tires?

 

[Michael Hughes]

That is a function of the PCM. I don't know if he is doing anything with the PCM. I thought he is just working on the ECM.

 

[Marco]

A short update.

Joel,

MH has already provided you with a pretty good answer.

Sorry I'm late on this one, I've noticed this topic only now.



I'd like to take the opportunity to provide you with some update about the M. A. D. ECM's.



First off, thanks for your patience!



I know, it's taking a long time to develop those ECM's. Consider that I'm walking in a unknown land, where none else has been before.



Even if you don't hear much about me, I'm working on them since Oct. 2000 nearly full time. It might seem a simple task, believe me when I say, it's NOT!



The latest problem I've discovered was a Data sheet for the chips I was using with " Typograpical Errors"! Needless to say that I had to start from the beginning one more time!



What I want to provide is an ECM with the ability to change different files for different needs. Well those " Typograpical Errors" have been missleading! It's not possible to do what I want with a single chip in the ECM, because the chip needed for that purpose isn't able to communicate with the DC service system.



In other words a DC tech would think you have a bad ECM and probably change it. Also no update to the ECM could be performed!



Ok,OK, I'll stop boring you now!



Here is todays latest tecnology.

Twin Chip ECM!



Means that the ECM will have TWO chips in it. One will be the original Chip with it's original file . The second chip is the one with four different modified files. (Different performance levels)



If you bring your truck in for service you simply flip a switch, et voila, the original chip is now talking to the DC system. They can reflash whatever they want, the modified files will not be affected.

If you like the reflash you can use it, if not...

Needless to say that DC will never be able to detect the modification while the ECM works with it's original chip and file... .



BUT there IS another problem! The fuel!!!

The fuel you're using in the States is very different from the stuff we have here. This translates into the fact that the timing I set up HERE, has problems THERE. SH**!!!!



I've worked very hard on this problem over the last weeks. I have now a file that should solve also this problem. It's also true that I've thought to have solved this problem sooooooo many times that I have to wait for the results of the test dummies there in the States before I'm able to say it's solved or not!

If not... it's only a matter of time!



Thanks for your interest!

Marco

 

[rono]

Marco, I have been watching this thread for some time and more than appreciate the time, effort, headaches and mental fatigue you have endured. I have been in the electronics field for the past 29 years and know some of what you are up against. A project like this takes both knowledge and extreme endurance to see through to the end. I am very much looking forward to aquiring the finished product when available. To many indivduals and companies rush to get a product to sell without perfecting it first, letting the customer be the test tube. When we are able to get and use your product, I know it will be right and very usable. Thanks for LOTS of hard work and dedication.



Ron

 

[Todd T]

maybe we can all ship Marco a care package, containing a quart jar of fuel.



then, he could work with the stuff we use here in the states.



Keep up the hard work Marco.

 

[Diesel Freak]

Re: A short update.

Originally posted by Marco

BUT there IS another problem! The fuel!!!

The fuel you're using in the States is very different from the stuff we have here. This translates into the fact that the timing I set up HERE, has problems THERE. SH**!!!!

that's a new one



the minimum ASTM spec for diesel here is a Cetane number of 40



the US average is 44



what is it over there?

 

[BLACKRAM]

So where do I send the check?

 

[DocStressor]

Diesel Freak -- The diesel sold in Europe is far better than anything available in North America. It typically has a cetane rating of >50 and is very low in sulfur and aromatic content. So the timing needs to be different. Also, European fuel produces much less soot than the stuff we get here. Engines designed for European diesel don't run very well on North American fuel. The only European diesel motor car still sold over her is the VW TDI. And these cars have all kinds of problems with fuel quality. Marco has a tough problem to solve.

 

[TxDieselKid]

So Marco...

Marco,



Not trying to rush you here, take your time man, but another couple of months or what? I am wondering so I can plan to budget. If so I think I have a new Christmas Stocking Stuffer for Santa on my list now.



Also, what do you think, or maybe the guys from ADT can answer better, will the File#4(heavy fuel fast) be to hard on the auto transmission in stock form?



AJB

 

[Marco]

I can't give any estimate. How much longer it will take? Really dunno! You can take for granted only one thing. None will get a M. A. D. before it's completly tested and ALL problems are solved!



Period.



To give an realistc view of the thing. The hardware IS ready and debugged. At this point in time the only problem we're aware off is the timing.



Hmmm, the timing...

Shipping fuel isn't as simple as you might think. No "dangerous" liquids allowed. Also I would need at least 30 gallons to complete the testing. Shipping alone would cost a leg and a arm!

Nah, if that was feasible, I would have done it a long time ago.



None the less, I have now a rather good idea what's different in our fuel. Your fuel must have a slower burning rate than ours. Thus, it needs a (much) more advanced timing. This is mostly evident during a "cold start".

As I've said in my previous MSG, I think I got it!



I've written those files and am road testing them now. After that they will be tested in the States... .



Tx, to answer your question about the AT. The ECM defuells when the transmission shifts. I have increased that defuelling durning the shifts in way to save the transmission.



Marco