My first attempt to data log my 88 Camaro IROC has not been very successful. I'm using DataMaster 8D with the Steve Ruse interface cable. The interface seems fine (I get terminal ECHO and bottom of DataMaster window reports Ver. 0.0) but when I send a connect request DataMaster reports "No Sync". Using a toshiba 233Mh laptop, com port set for 9600, 8,N,1, hardware control. My ECU is a 1227165 Prom ID is ACXS. I connect cable to ALDL pins A & M, load DataMaster with vehicle selected, ignition to run, wait 30 secs, send connect request and all I get is a "No Sync" report.

The interface powers from RTS-DTR pins of the laptop coms port can the be a problem?
Any advise is most appreciated.

 

ACXS looks like a 1987 bin, are you sure that you don't need $32b ecm file? Isn't 8d for 7730 ecm's. Just a thought.

 

One more thought, I took a look on datamaster's site, it looks like you can use their beta sofware DM32 X 32, it is an application for 86-89 f & y bodies. That should get you running. There are instructions about usinng a 10k resistor on pins a&b. Don't miss this step.

 

I guess like most things digital...everthings either right or its wrong. I'm not sure if I need the 10k across A & B? Sounds like you think so, I'll try with and without. I have been using spade type pin connections to the existing ALDL plug, so to avoid a poor connection I will install another 5 pin din parallel to the ALDL plug just to be sure. Yes, bin $32b should be the correct one I'll look for the .32 at the Datamaster site. I have also tried unsuccessfully using the 6E bin and other $32 bins with both EFIlive and Tunerpro.
I'm thinking that using only the RTS and DTR laptop output to power the interface may not a good idea, I will input 12vdc (add a LED) from car to the new din plug.
The 1227165 ECU & ACXS chip is strange, the VIN 1G1FP31F5JL151709 indicates a (J) 1988 model. this IROC (new) was an export model to Japan and later exported to Australia secondhand.

 

The ecm definiton file is very important to match to scan definiton files. It is the language your ecm speaks. Example; your 165 ecm speaks $32b langauge in conjuction with your acxs bin. You can't talk to it with 8d or 6e langauge. All must be the same. 6e is a 165 langauge but used with a bin file specific to 6e used in 1989 cars. With your combination you need a $32b ecm file. The 10k resistor is used to "kick" the ecm into diagnostic mode, 165 ecms talk at a baud rate different from newer ecms. So the 10k is needed. Sometimes you can start the scan with the 10k, then remove it & keep scanning.

 

87TPI7749, Thanks for the very good info which should help me.
I will be a day or so finding time to install another ALDL socket I'll pm you to let you know what happens.
This is all so very interesting, I've installed a LED to indicate 5vdc present on the RS232 interface....I noticed that of the software that I'm using (Datamaster, EFIlive, Tunerpro) only EFIlive has a setting to set RTS and DTR high and there by powering the interface and that was the only software to lite the LED in static test (laptop side only). I know there are various interfaces but the low cost RS232 2 trans (AKM design) seems to rely mainly on laptop power, but does have option for external 12vdc.
I checked the Datamaster site and will try the 32+32 beta version which according to them is the correct software for my ECM.

 

Well I got connected OK, not sure exactly why I was having problems. I made sure that for all the software I tried I used the correct bins and ECM files, I also fitted a deticated 5 pin din plug as I was unable to source the correct ALDL plug. I noticed that when I spiced my wires the original socket pins on the factory ALDL plug had that dull grey weathered look, my IROC is a convert, this may have been a problem?
I found that I could now log data using Datamaster, Tunerpro and EFIlive V4. I did notice while logging that my ECM ran open loop at ilde showing CL only when off idle and I was also showing DTC errors, I now need to learn how to read all this information correctly.
Thanks for the help