With the classifieds still down, not sure where else to post this where fellow thirdgenner PROM tuners will find it. My apologies if anyone is offended, and I understand if the moderators lock/delete.

I recently swapped from '165 to '730 and have no further need for my '165 tuning stuff.

I have two ZIF socket-equipped '165 MEMCALs (one for '87 Vette, one for '88 GTA, both 5.7 liter automatic trans) and a smattering of 27128 chips.

Pics of one of the MEMCALs can be seen at:

http://members.fbody.com/kevinc/ecm/

Asking $60 plus shipping for one MEMCAL and a minimum of 5 blanked 27C128 or 27128A EPROMs. Total of two MEMCALs for sale.

E-mail me directly at kevin@warpten.com if interested, no I won't burn chips so please don't ask.

 

Ouch, those poor Memcals! That's what's need though I suppose.

I'm going to go ahead and put in that PCB order for the ECM-to-ZIF adapter I talked about a while back. When I get them in, I'll post some pics & see if anyone wants some.

I had ordered the parts otherwise needed some time back for several units. Should work pretty cleanly.

-Craig

 

I'm in for one of your PCBs, Craig.

 

I guess I still don't know what you're trying to do here...This post seems to indicate that your adapter doesn't modify the Memcal...Does it leave the OEM EPROM chip in place???

 

The PCB adapter would leave the OEM PROM in place on the MEMCAL, but re-route the conductors from the ECM to an alternate socketed PROM located on the PCB. The stock PROM is just along for the ride, you could desolder it if desired.

Very slick way to go, much prettier than hacking up a stock MEMCAL.

 

So, the ECM knows enough to read the piggyback EPROM? That's cool...

How about the Limp-Home chip(s)??? Still active???

I looked at Craig's graphics when he originally posted...So, this little PCB fits *between* the MemCal and the snap-socket on the ECM???

...And, since I forgot already, this will work on both 7165 and 7730 ECMs???

(Thank You, by the way!)

 

The ECM doesn't know anything. There is a big IDC connector on the ECM printed circuit board, onto which the MEMCAL connects. 28 of the pins connect to the 28-pin PROM, the rest go to the limp-home resistor packs (and ESC module, in the case of the '730).

The PCB project mentioned above inserts between the MEMCAL and the ECM's IDC connector. It redirects the 28 pins which would otherwise connect to the PROM, such that they instead connect ot the PROM socket on the PCB.

The other pins are passed straight thru to the MEMCAL, and connect to the limp-home and whatnot same as stock.

Don't know offhand if it would work on both '730 and '165, haven't compared pin counts on the IDC connectors.

 

I'm reading this to mean that folks in general would rather have a PCB which was sandwiched between the whole MEMCAL/EPROM carrier and the ECM, with a little shelf on the side containing a ZIF and altered EPROM. Like you say, the stock one would be 'bypassed' when the insert was in place. Let's consider that as option (1), with the potential difficulty of not being able to reach in & get to it without cutting the ECM case hole wider.

OK, here's option (2): Same as Option (1), but a two-piece deal with 28 'legs' that allow the altered EPROM/ZIF to be mounted just above the existing EPROM. Clearance issues may exist with the ECM lid, don't know. This is slightly more complicated & expensive, but surely doable. I doubt the legs would be subject to noise interference for their short length, but who knows.

Now my preference, option (3). It's just a clean replacement for the EPROM half of the MEMCAL/EPROM carrier. It requires that you cut the carrier cleanly in two pieces, one of which is the EPROM half. The EPROM half can be stored for later use, and the 'replacement' piece can be inserted instead, with ZIF and altered EPROM, next to the remaining half of the MEMCAL.

Drawbacks of options (1) and (2) are complexity and bulk. Drawback of (3) is you still have to cut your carrier. In all three cases, the original MEMCAL/EPROM remains fully usable, but in (3) it's in 2 pieces.

Can someone tell us about the sameness/differences bewtween 730 & 165 pieces? If there is something different, #3 should still work. Want to be sure though.

 

OK; I think I got you now. It appears I'm not the only one with difficulty understanding, either...

I'd be interested in trying it out. Count me in for one.

Though, since it requires cutting the MemCal, and since I have no problem getting a low-profile ZIF w/EPROM soldered to MemCal to fit under the aluminum cover, it doesn't really offer me any advantages...

Craig: Have you looked at a Jet cartridge to see how they manage to fit the MemCal into their unit *and* get it under the cover??? Their was a post a few weeks (maybe months) ago by Traxxion or Glenn as to trying to get a group order of some of those, but it fizzled out...

I am more interested in something like that. But your PCB board is a step in that direction, and you have my support.

 

I agree. The Jet adapter works like you say; it lays the MemCal on its side, and has redirects for the pinouts. No cutting of MemCal.

...But that's not what Craig is aiming for...

...But it is slick...

 

Couldn't edit with new image - see below!

 

Hmmm...The new forum only allows posting one image, so here's the complete jet adapter, image stolen from Traxxions site -

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/...2145&uid=96398

 

Anyone have a pic of the underside of the Jet adapter? How about a pic of a '730 unit, same as 165?

 

Traxxion might...Here's another pic from his site - it looks quite a bit like what you were thinking, but with socket and right-angle header combined...I'm thinking the pinouts on the bottom are straight...No crossovers or angles...

This doesn't look too difficult at all...Even for a burned-out '60's loser like me...

 

Ok let me get this strait. You can get the Jet/Hypertech adapter, plug it into a none-modified memcal (example 91'), and it will by pass the stock chip? This means that you can program your own stuff and plug it into the adapter (Jet/Hypertech) and your ready to go?

I'm getting ready to purchase all of my burning stuff and I've been doing a lot of reading........

 

Ummmm ... yea

Also - I am using a modified version of what you see above. I posted about this new way this past September. The link is here ...
https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...threadid=38944

Tim

 

Yup; I recall it. Craig seems to have a link to someplace that will make up a PCB board *similar* to the Jet adapter that Jet won't sell. I say similar as Craig would like to slice the MemCal in half and just make up a PCB board to mount the ZIF socket.

Mounting a ZIF socket on a Jet-type adaptert would definately be the way to go.

But, let's get behind Craig in what he's trying first, then expand on it...

 

Many good ideas here... I say it is up to the person burning his chips how get the PROM in and out. Basically whatever you are comfortable with. I do like that JET adaptor, you don't have to touch the stock memcal, just stick a new PROM in the socket on the PCB. That way you keep the original memcal intact, kind of like a "backup", if the new burn fails. It looks like it would be a tight fit in the ECM, however.

I kind of see this as way to (quickly) burn a new PROM for a buddy, without messing up his OEM memcal. You would just have to get your hands on one of those adaptors. :cool

I wouldn't put the ZIF into the socket that is already there....just de-solder the socket and put the ZIF right down on the JET board. That would help keep the "profile" low. Or just use the 28pin socket as is....and just make sure your PROM pins are nice and bent straight, for easy chip insertion. Should use a small tool (pocket screwdriver) for removal.

 

Why do I feel like I'm missing something?

Now is this what Mr. Moates is going to attempt to make, or already has made? Something similar to this so we dont have to hack up are stock memcals? If so, you can count me in on some of that action

 

...Ummmmm...Maybe Craig might be persuaded to do a total adapter; we just have to make him an offer he can't refuse...