I'm curious if it would be possible, to take one step closer to having a programmable computer, by installing an EEPROM burner inside the ECM... In other words, being able to pull over, shut the car off, and plug in the laptop to upload a new binary. I don't know what kind of voltages are involved in programming an EEPROM, or if the ECM would mind seeing those voltages while it's being programmed.. I guess another option would be building a board with optoisolators or some such between the PROM and ECM.

Basically I was just thinking how emulators are great and all, but you still have to program a chip or you'll be worried about losing your calibration. Plus you have all this extra crap and wiring lying around. Not to mention they're expensive compared to eprom burners. Did I mention I hate burning chips?

 

Pretty much has already been done. Check out MonteCarSlow's NVSRAM module ALDL programming board that you drop in an ECM for $50. No wires hanging out. Burn the chip via the ALDL and go.

 

wow, fantastic!!

Do you have a link saved somewhere? I've searched using google to try to find it, but nothing is turning up.

 

I don't have a direct link. I do have this "Third Generation F-Bodies > Tech Boards > DIY PROM > 4kb nvram expansion board for 730/749"

It should be in the recent posts from a few months ago. Maybe someone will see this and have the actual link.
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Give this a try

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/diy-prom/326987-4kb-nvram-expansion-board.html

 

Excellent, thanks. I guess I was using the wrong search keywords, I didn't know this was for the 4k expansion board...

I like the concept, but it's not what I'm looking for... I'd like to use the memcal's EEPROM, and a stock binary. Running the computer off an add-on RAM is what I'm looking to avoid. In addition, I'd need to modify my binary to do the "ALDL mode 4 NVSRAM write", which I'd rather not do.

 

You pretty much described the Prominator.

Well, except you don't have to shut off the car to change the bin. And you can switch between eight different bins (that you can pre-load) with just the flick of a switch without a laptop connected. OR you can upload a bin from a laptop while the engine is running.

There is a long thread on the Prominator in the above stickies.

I love my Prominator.

jms