Guy, i am having some problems connecting to my ECM. I have the GM OBD1 scanning software w/ a new laptop that windows XP. I have a converted 730 to a 749 ECM. Maybe this is the problem? The serial port on my laptop is different than the cable that EASE has given me. So what i did was i bought a adapter so i could plug it into the parralel port. Could this be my problem? Do i absoulty have to use the serial port and not the parralel port? Help would be greatly appreciated. I have been struggling with harware and software forever.

 

Yes, you need to use the serial port. In what way is the serial port on the laptop different then the cable?

RBob.

 

My serial port or at least i think it's a serial port has a diffrerent pin configuration. The pins have a different offset. What can do?

 

A small D connector but with 15 pins? How new is the laptop, if it has a USB port a lot of folks are having luck with a USB to serial adaptor cable.

RBob.

 

Yeah, it's a small D connector with about 15 pins. Is the serial to USB a sure thing? Because i think that costs about 30$. But hell with all the money i have invested already, what's 30$. Why wont a parralel to serial work? I am not very strong when it comes to being technical with computers. Thanks

 

OK, that 15 pin D connector is for the video. You can plug a regular monitor into it.

As for a USB to serial convertor, several people on the DIY PROM board have used the Radio Shack unit successfully. It may be worth a try.

RBob.

 

At this point i try anything. Thanks for the help i will give it a try. Man i tell you, if it's not one thing it's another. My first laptop i borrowed wouldnt run the software because it was missing some type of utility or something. So, now i buy a new one and i dont have the right connection. My car just wasnt meant to be tuned. Or at least it seems that way. Oh well it's a learning experience. And belive i am learning, the hard way.

 

Serial ports are very slow and used to be used for periferals like joysticks and scanners etc. They are becoming obsolete so many new laptops or even pc's are not coming with them any more. Just go to best buy or comp usa and buy a serial to usb converter.

 

Thanks guys i appreciate the help. I will gve it a try this weekend and let you know if i am able to connect.