Smarty the start of an new era.

[JasonCzerak]

Ya know what. bob, marco.... Your never going to make everyone happy...

And here's why.



There is no possible way you can test and tune every possible configuration. Ever. Never. not going to happen. You know this.



What your doing is a hair above the rest of the downloaders as far as I understand. Not to mention your reputation is top notch. Bonus!!



However, the only way to get near 100% with folks is to let them tune their own smarty. yep. You need to let the folks do it. The ones that have a clue, then ones that have money laying around for more turbo's and motors when they blow things up. These folks want an EFILive style programmer. Hell, I want one with my stock turbo!



These folks should in theory release their programs with their truck specs. So when I'm looking for a new program for my new turbo, I can look up a list and find the truck best matching mine and try it out!



Go the Open Source (truck program source) route Marco and Bob, let the public develop and test the programs for you. Build a software package that will allow them to do that.

 

[Jdonoghue]

And here's why.



There is no possible way you can test and tune every possible configuration. Ever. Never. not going to happen. You know this.



What your doing is a hair above the rest of the downloaders as far as I understand. Not to mention your reputation is top notch. Bonus!!



However, the only way to get near 100% with folks is to let them tune their own smarty. yep. You need to let the folks do it. The ones that have a clue, then ones that have money laying around for more turbo's and motors when they blow things up. These folks want an EFILive style programmer. Hell, I want one with my stock turbo!



These folks should in theory release their programs with their truck specs. So when I'm looking for a new program for my new turbo, I can look up a list and find the truck best matching mine and try it out!



Go the Open Source (truck program source) route Marco and Bob, let the public develop and test the programs for you. Build a software package that will allow them to do that.

I have never seen any of the software like EFILive, etc, so I can't comment much, other than the ideas that I have had recently. What I think needs to be developed is a software program that would allow the user to adjust the parameters, with warnings when the parameters are outside certain limits, and having built-in limits to prevent dangerous situations (runaway, etc. ).



I don't see why an 'open source' program can't be created that would make files suitable for download with Smarty - it's not like anyone would lose money by making it available, they would still need to own a Smarty in order to download the program to the truck.

 

[2Rowdy]

I just want my very first smarty. I've had edge ez. I have bullydog triple dog that I plan on selling when the smarty comes available for the 6. 7

 

[JasonCzerak]

I have never seen any of the software like EFILive, etc, so I can't comment much, other than the ideas that I have had recently. What I think needs to be developed is a software program that would allow the user to adjust the parameters, with warnings when the parameters are outside certain limits, and having built-in limits to prevent dangerous situations (runaway, etc. ).



I don't see why an 'open source' program can't be created that would make files suitable for download with Smarty - it's not like anyone would lose money by making it available, they would still need to own a Smarty in order to download the program to the truck.

I don't mean to open source the software for the smarty. If that happens I"m sure someone will get it to "unlock" from the truck and be reusable on multiple trucks.



What I"m looking for is open sourcing the programs that are uploaded to the truck. What ever software marco and gang use to create them. Make an enduser version of it.

 

[Cummins724]

Not much help, but all I can do for you.



I have updated my Smarty once before. Just now I did not get the "new hardware wizard" either, just the box with the big SEND button. Click on file to select the file you want to download.



You also have to download the 7Zip program to convert the file xxx. 7z file to a xxx. smt before the Smarty downloader will work.



Your PC probably just hates you... .



Jim

I figured out what I was doing. Smarty is successfully updated Thanks!

 

[DCreed]

I think you guys are onto the best way to satisfy everyone! An adjustable fueling and timing map with min and max guidelines on an rpm/tps grid or the like would do it I think, and we could download our own "custom" software. that way when we stack or upgrade the software can upgrade AS we need it and HOW we need it too!!! DO IT! DO IT!

 

[Jdonoghue]

I don't mean to open source the software for the smarty. If that happens I"m sure someone will get it to "unlock" from the truck and be reusable on multiple trucks.



What I"m looking for is open sourcing the programs that are uploaded to the truck. What ever software marco and gang use to create them. Make an enduser version of it.

That's what I was trying to say - make something to create the file that gets loaded into the truck. Not the actual code inside the smarty itself.

 

[JasonCzerak]

That's what I was trying to say - make something to create the file that gets loaded into the truck. Not the actual code inside the smarty itself.

Ok, just making sure.



I"m sure even a simple Web Application can be developed in a very short period of time. Heck. I can even help with that. The website catalogs things bleh bleh bleh. pull down and drop into smarty and pop in truck.



It's prolly much easier then one may think to get the application in line to create the data files, however, setting certain limits so that one can't hose up the ECM in the truck is a different story and would be kinda bad.



Bob? Marco? What are you thoughts?

 

[WOT]

I like their beta version!

If you want to use your truck as the testbed please let me know.

Thanks Bob... here are my result on the beta version you sent me. It's nice to have vendors willing to let you try stuff out!



Its very drivable since it smokes MUCH less then the other Smarty versions on the low end/light throttle. Exhaust hits 1300 on a hard run down the highway - forgot to ask the dyno guy what the exhaust number was during the run.



WOT

 

[JR2]

Hey Bob, Any luck with the transmission shifting problems yet?? Its driving me crazy...

 

[PRout]

Just wanted to say Thank You to the Smarty team. . Nice improvements. .

Haven't had time yet to read through all the details of the changes, but maybe its just me (and eating crow) but it seems smoother all the way up the line on the revs, starting right off the bottom. With these smaller injectors on SW#5 with a good flowing air intake and just an HX35/12 this thing spools like "right now", but it seems to be in a more controllable way than previous versions. . Like i say, maybe im just imagining a smoother low end, but, did some city driving on saturday, and the overall drivability is very good. Also has good power at ANY rpms. Turned up the fueling box once and yep, theres plenty of pull on top.

Whats is good is I dont have to drive by the right mirror anymore watching for smoke. In fact, you have to work at it to catch it under the turbo to make some. (Talking without the added fueling box on), but there's plenty of power without the added fueling box already. No, its not a neck jerker, but it DOES pull pretty well, even with just a mild setup.

While taking a ride home today the freeway was rolling at 72 mph. At that speed it was just purring along with only 4 psi boost at 600 degrees.

This is on a 6 speed truck.

 

[Boondocker]

Hey Phil, sounds like you got some demoware. Good for you. I'd like to know more of the details and hope to get to try it on my Mach 1. 6s.

Neil

 

[PRout]

Hey Neil, Actually just downloaded the recent versions that were added to the site on the 20th.

MADS Electronics - Smarty - CaTCHER - Download

I used the file: SmtEV1_22D407A. 7z It is working quite well in my mildly fueled truck. You should like it pretty well with your M1. 6's on SW#5. Nice wide usable power range. . It should pull like a mule with those inj's.

Good luck!
Phil

 

[Boondocker]

I noticed the recent file dates, but the description didn't lead me to believe there was anything new. I guess I can try it and see what the SOP meter says. I'd just feel more comfortable if there were some release notes or at least a word from the MADS staff about the changes so I'd have a clue what to expect.



Cheers

 

[ddunk]

If you look on mads website under "news" it tells you what they changed!

 

[Crazy Horse]

The User Guide shows allot of updating as well. I can't tell however; if the ABS settings for tire height adjustment is maintained after setting it back to stock.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

If you look on mads website under "news" it tells you what they changed!

HMMmm - unless I missed something (it happens!), all that the latest September download provides for 2nd generation Smarty units is:

Sep. 20, 2007 - Software updates



Smarty S-03: Programmable Speed Limiter

SO, I sure can't see why Phil noticed any significant running improvements, less smoke, etc. , because no such programming changes are listed in the MADS news section regarding the latest upgrade...

 

[Boondocker]

I'm reading it the same as Gary. That's why I suggested that maybe PRout got some demoware to beta test, despite the fact that he made no such claim.

The only difference I see in the User Guide is about the speed limiter.

A little hopeful, aren't we :/

Now that the weather is cooling off, I may be able to get off stock and back into some CaTCHER.

Neil

 

[PRout]

"A little hopeful, arent we" Answer: YES

******

"So, basically on my truck, not loaded down with extra fuel that would smoothen out any touchiness off the bottom, it does seem to not be dumping fuel as aggressively right off the bottom as was before. (SW#5).

The main difference I detect is in the "taper" of the pedal. More predictable or manageable across the board. It doesnt (key word again) "seem" to be compressing the entire throttle range in a smaller travel. The same change in throttle down low seems to make about the same change as the throttle say at higher speed. . Predictable might be a way to explain it. Not "peaky".

I ended up trying 2 APPS units back to back several times (A-B comparison). Almost no difference, except the old one will sometimes give the dead pedal event and throw a code (voltage out of normal operating window). But, they gave about the same response and really couldnt tell any difference between them, so ruling out different apps curves.

One thing that was always an issue (even with the bigger injectors in the past) was for example driving HWY 40 across Az. Its 75mph speed limit. After 72, it felt like I had to push it a little to keep the speed up as it wanted to drift back down to about 68. I thought it was due to being out of its efficiency range, but would run 75 all day without problem. You just had to pay attention and keep it there.

With this new software, that issue is gone. It is as happy at 72-75 as it is at 65-68. So, that indicates it had something to do with the fueling curve before. Now it has a wider (more usable) "powerband". Still, predictable off the bottom. Its not just "dumping fuel", its as I say. . predictable. (but still plenty "torquey" if you want it, down low - or at any RPM) Very nice power range.

Will be dynoing in about 2 weeks in Vegas since we have "Comped rooms at the Rio - : ) " but dont have a baseline with these 275 injectors yet. Just looking for more balance as compared to the DD3s from before which were overkill for this setup. Will post the numbers. .

So, Sure, if Mads comes out with an even milder "next logical step down" of their catcher software, that would be nice. Maybe call 2&3 "Mini Catcher".

But their progress so far shows they are working for us. . Giving credit where it is due. . Thanks.

Forgot half the other stuff that was typed - lucky for you. .

(My apologies for the redundancy - getting late and trying to be thorough)

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

All the above is good, and helpful Phil, and I don't doubt your report - but still leaves open the question, WHY, if all the parameters you seem to be enjoying in the latest September program upgrade ARE in there, WHY are they NOT listed as program "features" in the MADS News or program download description?



UNLESS there ARE significant, but unlisted additional programming updates in the latest version, there's really no particular incentive to download and install it - and all this ALSO resurfaces the next logical question - is THIS latest 2nd generation revision the one and only that we will be seeing in the near future - or is more to soon follow, and this only an appetizer?



Inquiring and skeptical minds wanna KNOW! :-laf:-laf



BOB?