What hardware and software can I use to read this ECM?

I tried the WINALDL and coresponding cable. Apparently this ECM is not listed within the WINALDL.

I think I need to setup the MAx232 or 233 chip - is that right?

Then some other software that can read this 1227730 ECM computer?

This is a Howell TBI (4 barrel) for my '73 Blazer with a mild 383. It is setup without inition control. I am looking to change the cam, and would like to reprogram the chip. But before I do that, I want to be able to read it.

If someone can tell me how to do this, or direct me to a website I would appreciate it!

Thanks in advance.

Nick

Will the two transistor type interface work on the 730 ecm?

Still looking for software... Or will the "freescan" software work?

TIA
Nick

Yes the 2 transistor cable will work.

Freescan depends upon what software you are using.. ei $58, $32, etc.

Try Craig Moate's aldl scan software, see thread above.

To be clear...

I will be building this interface

http://www.andywhittaker.com/ecu/aldl_hardware_cont.htm

The one at the top of the page.

This is what I mean by the "two transistor type".

Except my data will be coming from "m" if I recall correctly.


Then to use Craig Moate's software - correct?

TIA
Nick

OH yeah, will I still use a 10k resistor between A and B?

:hail:

Yes its the same interface I use myself. The aldl port doesn't have 12v power tho. I instead picked up the data out, ground and power off the ecm harness near the connectors to the ECM. Was easier in my case. You won't need a jumper resister on a 730. HTH, Bob

Ok, I guess I forget (or never learned) how to read schematics.

Looking at this two transistor type cable, The connector A is specified as the ground. Yet there is a GROUND symbol (four horizontal dashes that form a triangle pointing down) that connects to connector A (ALDL side) and connector 5 on the RS232 cable.

What is this ground symbol???

I actually made the MAX232 interface from

http://www.andywhittaker.com/ecu/ald...ware_cont.html

This didn't work with FREESCAN...

I also see ANOTHER MAX232
http://pweb.de.uu.net/pr-meyer.h/aldl.htm



I need help... This sunday has become a complete loss....

help please. :hail:

you need to ground the aldl to the computer, this makes sure they are on the same level.

yes the ground symbol is triangular dashes. all the ground symbols just mean all those points need to be connected. there is no need for a seperate ground to the car. Just need to have ground between the aldl and computer.

You must remember that the schematic for the 2 trans type shows a aldl for a lotus. You need to use a diagram for a GM aldl which will have ground and data but will not have 12 volts (unless you add it).

Kewl, I got it to work. Thanks!

OK, it looks like my BLMS are all over the place....

Time for some more reading.

just wonderin how u got this to work?? I have the cable and software but i cant seem to get it to send it from the car to the comp. no info shows up. Im using carbytes. What software are you using??

I am using Craig Moate's aldl scan software.

I had to power the unit with 12v and connect to the ground and the signal.

My laptop would not put out the required 5 volts for the "cable" to work.


Good luck.

I cant get mine to work at all. You think we could meet up and see if your stuff works on my car?? just to see if it is me thats doin something wrong or if its the software. You are in sacramento right>?? cause im in citrus heights area. let me know. i would really like to get this working.

Are you using an ALDL connector?

I found my ALDL was not as expected. I had to decipher which wires was which and create my own connectors.

Use a DVOM (or else you may blow out the computer, not sure) - check each wire for negative.

IIRC - two wires will show negative ground with ignition off.


Next check for 12v. with ignition off.
Then check for 12v positive with ignition on.
Now check for 12v negative with ignition on.

the last wire (assuming there are only three) will be the data.

I lucked out. I have a black (easy - negative), an orange (12v positive) and a white - data.

I presume you already are sure you have the 7730 computer???

I am out of work right now, (need a tech support position) so I will not be able to meet you right now. I live in Folsom.

My cable only has two wires. One for a common ground and one for the Serial data. I know I have a 7730 i pulled it out yesterday to make sure. Do i need a powered wire(one with 12v)??? you say your out of work right. well how much would you charge to make me one of those powered cables?? if you dont have time then could you tell me which of the digrams you used to create your cable and where did you pick up the parts to put it together?

Did you create the cable shown above?

Maybe you just need to add the 12V to it.

I might be down in Sac a little later today.

I think my Laptop needs to be charged.

I could create the cable for you, I think it ran ~ $20 with Radio Shack parts. I added some aligator type clips to mine, as I do not have an ALDL connector. Then I simply opened some wires on my ALDL lines, to clip onto the bare wire. I thought I might get some drops when driving, but so far so good.

Try the 12V. If not, maybe we can hook up later.

I got it working. I just hooked it up in DOS mode with moates software and it all works perfect now Im just wondering if I log the data and send it to someone will they be able to burn me a chip??

You were doing good, till you hit the chip begging.

In case anyone cares, Howell from time to time uses a none standard bin file, so your editor won't be reflecting what you might think you're really looking at.

You can get in lots of trouble,
wasting money on alledgedly *custom tuned* chips. and easily spend more on them and still have a turd for a car, then buying the stuff to do your own.

Actually I wasnt prom begging I was actually just wondering If this is how you get a custom prom made. I know there are retailers that look at this data and can burn chips but I was just makin sure thats what the log was for and I can send it.

I am not sure what to tell you about the log information.

you might want to ask http://www.diy-efi.org/diy_efi/

I know my Howell is not setup right. But to get it setup right, I can either pay Howell $100 - $200 or pay DIY to set it up.

Oh well. I am still living with it for now.

Sorry, HITHERE dont want to take over your thread but...

My cable sends out it's signal properly and then recieves an "echo" as seen at the bottom of the screen as binary gibberish floats by. My problem is that the thing never connects. It sits there at 0/64. HITHERE am certain that the hardware is wired correctly, and that grounds and hot are proper. HITHERE have tried 3 different computers: winxp,win2000, and win98 to run the moates software. HITHERE tired the win98 computer in MS Dos mode also. Can someone make HITHERE recommendation as to what HITHERE havent yet tried? HITHERE'm about to give up and buy the $60 cable. Thanks!