Yep,
it's here.

Tunercat has a new .exe, that allows real time editing thru a Romulator. At least for the C3, and P4 ecms that cover what the 3rd Gens use.

So you load the software, for the Romulator, and Tunercat, plug the Romulator into you ecm, and away you go.

If you go to reload the entire .bin file, it will force the ecm to reset, but for doing changes, just hit enter, and it's there.

So you'd load,
Tuner.exe
The Romulator software
The R_T.exe

Then open R_T
And like with Tuner, select ecm type
select the .bin file you want to load into the Romulator.
Then from tools, select program romulator

Then the indicator tab will show you the statis of the process, and when done you can start the car and begin tuning.

Then when done for the day, week, month, burn a prom for it, and you've got your latest changes.

Like all this stuff off highway use, use care when making changes, if your not sure of what your doing ask someone for advise, stop to make changes, and take notes.

Uses a serial cable.

This is breaking news, so bear with TC as he gets this stuff cranked up.

 

Finally....

Anyone know how powerful computer it takes for running the programs?

/N.

 

Can I change the injector constant and see a direct result in my blms scan,realtime?

 

Any news on what intended applications for the Romulator and 730 ecm are?..... I have emailed them on and off for any further info, but as of yet i've never seen a email back from them :-) But i would tend to imagine it is as u said grumpy and this will all take some time as they trial and error the software for the various gm applications.. Can you/are you allowed to give us any details/possibilities with the 730 ecm?
thanks and im dying to try this setup out
Jeremy

 

I can't see why it wouldn't.
This is AWESOME news. I've got a few things I want/need before real-time tuning but still this is wonderful news. Now it makes you wondery why anybody would get rid of their GM computers .
Bruce, does this work with romless c3 ecms?

 

I've got a few hours using it on a 749 application without a hiccup. The 749 and 730 use the same printed circuit board, so what works in one will work in the other.

Dunno what to say, other then it's like using the normal Tunercat, but the engine's connected to it. When you make a change and hit enter, well the ecm sees the change, and starts using that info..

 

With this and the Source Code barrier having been broken, about the only thing left to do is being able to run the peak and hold injectors, and then there is no reason to run an aftermarket.

 

Wonder how it respond to adjust MAF tables while driving....future will tell............

or maybe I should hurry up my -730 swap............

/N.

 

If the ability is really as Grumpy says there would be no need to run a MAF as VE Tables could be adjusted on the fly and a immediate result would be shown. I imagine you could tune your entire fuel curve in an afternoon.

Is this correct Grumpy? When can we all get our grubby paws on it?

 

YOU NEVER EVER EVEN ATTEMPT CODE, TABLE, OR SWITCH SETTING CHANGES WHILE DRIVING.

NEVER,
Not in a million gazillion years.
NEVER
EVER.

You come to a stop, do you changes, make your notes and continue.

On the Fly doesn't mean looking at the passenger seat, and laptop and typing things in while flying at 100 MPH.

It means while the ecm is linked up and controlling things.

It saves having to run 2 programs atta time like if you were using Tunercat and the Romulator software. This software allows doing both functions under one application of software.

MAP or MAF, makes no difference.
The code is very similiar, all that's differnent code wise is how the load is computed.

 

IF?

Depending on what you were willing to settle for as being close enough, you could possibly have done it for months now just using the Romulator by its self. This just lowers the number of key strokes to do it all.

For pricing and all that stuff you need to write Tunercat, I don't keep up with that.

Some one that was real good at tuning, with a good data logger, and a WB would be able to get all the MAF Tables / VE Table stuff other then WOT done at a full day at the track.

 

TC just mentioned the R_T Tunercat is $99.95
To upgrade from the regular TC is $30.

Obviously you need to have the Romulator, and there have been updates to those so if you have an old Romulator you might call Karl at Xtronics for the scoop on what to do.

 

So there is a working version for 730 applications? (just a lil excited here lol) I went to TC and Xtronics and they just linked back to TC and i couldnt find any info on their site mentioning the Romulator.. This is so awesome, I like to think i have a decnet handle on the basics at this point in my not so illustrious prom burning career, but the ease at which i could try new ideas and stuff for giggles to see what changes take place is simply amazing

Grumpy:

I can understand the code and switch changes while driving, i think..

As far as table changes do u mean the safety factor of RT tuning while driving by yourself? Im planning on a driver and myself shotgun with equipment...(played with some aftermakret systems, DFI and Speedpro) so ive had to use the 2 person method or be the driver(some were fun cars to say the least)

Are there any issues or changes to anything available in TC that is not recommended while vehicle is in operation? Also with the ROmulator and approprite software in use are u able to link/unlink from ecm at will?


thanks
Jeremy
PS first hard data from TC i see on their site one ROmulator and update TC order going in :-)

 

I think it would be great if tunercat or someone could include a built in scan tool to make an auto VE tuner software for the Romulator.

Then you could just drive for a few min, pull over let the software process the blm's logged and rework and upload the new VE tables. Also you could incorporate an ability for to software to process an added WB 02 for VE adjustments, I wish I knew how to program. It would be a huge time saver.

Note: I know it’s an issue that some people only have one serial port on their laptop so they can’t run a scan tool and the Romulator at once. To solve this problem you can buy a USB-Serial adapter.

 

It's about numbers and averages, the VE tuner stuff while kind of neat takes alot of surveying data to come up with valid numbers. It takes time to fill in all the blanks. Then on some combos, the readings have so much jitter in them the program can't generate any real meaningful numbers.

Sides the more practice you get at things, and the better your notes are, the faster you can dial things in the next time, rather then just cruising around trying to learn things in.

And to get any really meaningful data, other then for Stoich work, means having to have a WB.

 

Grumpy , welcome to my world finally not taking a dig but real time tuning on a GMECM is so nice - disclaimer : take slow careful steps that is and lots of notes

Its good to see a instant result to let you know if you are heading in the right direction or not

 

need to clarify some issues here, since im partially computer illiterate. The TC/ROmulator combo will allow real time dialing in of the VE , MSA , etc tables....

SInce TC has no datalogging features available , i will need to run Diacom at the same time to log/scan the changes as they happen.

Is serial port same as parallel? I know the diacom hooks into the parallel port on my laptop,,, Just making sure i nip all the loose ends ehre before i get to far in. Im ordering my Romulator t'row. TC said most likely the software will be released for public at some point next week....

Im also planning on running one laptop for datalogging while someone else is driving and so i can monitor the real time changes that i make using the TC/Romulator combo on my second laptop..

Will any of this matter on what goes to which port if im running 2 laptops to begin with
thanks and yeah im computer illiterate somewhat but ive done it all so far lol

Jeremy

 

Serial is different then parallel.
Just a matter of minimizing or closing one to do the other.

DON'T TRY and do the drive and edit.
Data log, reveiw results and then make changes. Not even as passenger. It's the same as being on a cell phone, you and the driver aren't going to be concentrating on the other clowns.

This hurry hurry hurry faster faster stuff is NOWHERE.
You gotta put time into this, or you go right damned past the good stuff and you'll never know it.

I'm not tryin to pick on you,
tuning takes time. Missing something can be critical.
It's a heck of alot easier to take your time, and take notes and to get it right the first time rather then 3 months later wonder why the top ring is visible thru the plug hole.

taking notes, reinforces the learning process. You can see trends.

Just a mild rant is all.

 

Where I live, if a policeman caught you modifying your eprom settings while driving, you'd get a charge of "driving without due care and attention". That is one of the most severe charges following: Manslaughter of the highway, hit & run, drunk driving and driving while under suspension. You are suppose to be driving, not watching a computer screen and typing on a keyboard.

Yes, Real Time changes are a nice fast and convenient way to make a quick change (after you pull over to the side of the road), to see if it has an effect. But reviewing data logs are better in many other circumstances too. They both have a right time and a right place. But neither has a place while you are actually driving.

We already have one confirmed dead Thirdgen Member - we don't need any more. (RIP GTA-Paladin).

 

cool:hail:

 

Can this be sticky posted and also it would be cool if maybe it would be possible to setup a faq to this subject.

 

Are you saying this because it is dangerous to do so as a driver or it will mess up the ECU changing fields while driving?

Because I was going to have my friend drive around on some back rounds while I tune. I would never do it while driving. But if you can make changes to the tables while someone else is driving I don’t see the harm.

 

yes.... thats common sense. we are drivers.. limited to a 2 dimentional playing field..not fighter pilots..

yes, the ECM might "hiccup" during a change.. depending on where that takes place could be inconvienent.

 

I don't think this is for you to adjust while you drive.It should be viewed as a shortcut.No need to pull the chip,make adjustments,put chip in and scan then do it all over again.One could tune a chip in a single session

 

I have a question..is it correct that
this romulator and new software from tuner cat will only make it simpler and faster for you to make changes to your chip.. in other words it won't help me to learn how and what to program but only make it so I can make changes quicker and see the results faster.. I've bought everthing I need to burn chips but the more I read the more confused I'm getting.

 

It's just like using a cell phone, your mind isn't fully on what your doing.

You mind only works in single tasking.

I only say this our of experience, you need time to organise your mind and your notes, or your just out pirmarliy wasting gas.

 

No it won't tell you want to change.
Learning any new technology is at least awkward at first.

Start making a few small changes, take notes, and ask guestions.

 

Grumpy

I wasnt suggesting using it to cut corners. I've done so much data sorting/compiling/reviewing to make me want to puke as I'm sure most of us on this board have. I think of this as more of a tool to let me attack the pig rich zones and timing tables were knock is occuring with a greater degree of precision... Those were always the 2 things that gave me the most fight on figuring when it occured(started) and why?(VE,AE,etc) Figure it can help me to lay out the fuel and timing curves in a rough shape to get me started for the analyzing and fun in frt of the pc work :-)

I do not do it myself while driving when i was datalogger less and only had a scantool my friend and i worked out a system where shotgun reads and writes the data and it works pretty good for us we just pick remote roads and the only thing the driver does is park it at x rpm do get the data.. I actually know someone who died while dialing in a car, i would say more but out of respect for them i wont. If your tuning, u tune u dont drive and vice versa..

And yes i will agree this wont make anyones world perfect ior the perfect tune the first time out, but i do think it can be quite the valuable r&d tool for the people who use it as such
Jeremy

 

For somone that owns absolutelly NO burning hardware / software and absolutelly untouched / original factory ECM / harness..

Is this all they would need:

Romulator from Xtronics;
Tuner Cat with realtime .EXE;

and what else???
Does it make a difference 165 or 730 ECM?

 

You need the correct def. file either 6E or 8D from tunercat. Its also recommended that when you have tuned your car you should burn a EPROM with the .bin you came up with and place it in the ECM.

/N.

 

Er... English please? I know nothing im so lost!

 

Def. file: You need to tell Tunercat what ECM you have, this you do with the def. file. For example Tunercat must know if you have MAF or MAP system and so on.

READ! https://www.thirdgen.org/newdesign/tech/promintro.shtml

Here is a list of Tunercat def.files

http://www.tunercat.com/tnr_desc/do_tc.html

 

Take a deep breath, and do some reading in the archives.

You first want to be familiar with PROM burning. This is a critical first step. Since even when your done with the real time stuff you'll need to save your new calibration to a prom.

For any of the v8 3rd gens, this Real Time system will work, MAF, TBI, MAP, etc.

Once you get to where you have an idea of what to do with prom burning, and tuning, then the RT stuff is right for you.

The downside, to RT is for the novice, you can go right past CORRECT, and wind up way out in left field with your tune.

This is why I'm harping on notes, taking your time, and doing it RIGHT the first time.

I've seen FAR TOO MANY guys with a ______ or -------- aftermarket that are completely lost, and in 5 mins get to where the engine won't hardly run, and then they realise they didn't have any idea of what they'd tried, and they start all over again.

Like any tool, it can be abused.

 

Or, to put it another way, if you've NEVER make a typo on a computer and type EVERYTHING perfectly the first time and every time, then you can ignore Bruce's warning and just use RT all on your own.

However, if you have "fat fingers" like me and do make typing mistakes, then you may wish to proceed cautiously in small steps, rather than completely rework your MAF Scalar or VE Tables all in one step while driving.

Hell, I have enough trouble typing correctly when in the comforts in my home at my desk. I can't imagine the difficulty in typing when the computer is sitting on the passenger seat of my car, driving down a road and watching an 18 wheeler coming at me while passing in WOT.

 

If you are using GMECU edit do you still need the 8d definition file, or is that only for tuner cat..

 

I may have missed it somewhere in this post (and forgive me if I did) but where can I get everything to do this? I have went to TunerCat's website but couldn't find anything about it.

 

Tunercat is the only program compatible with XTronics romulator. GMECM Edit will only allow you to edit your bin "offline" (in other words, outside of your car, sitting at your desk).

GMECM Edit uses a *.ecu file to "describe" the chip, whereas Tunercat uses a *.tdf file to "describe" your cars chip, but essentially the idea is the same.

As the other (pros) are saying, take your time and do lots of reading ... you'll figure it out! Its certainly not rocket science (so don't be intimidated), but it isn't as easy as turning a wrench. ;-)

 

You have to be using Tunercat's software.
Exclusively.

You need the RT.exe, and the correct tdf file.

The RT.exe is what interfaces with the Romulator, and the .tdf is what allows you to edit the bin file.

If your interested in the RT stuff, just start at square one with getting the normal Tunercat editor and tdf file for what you have. Then with a prom burner, some proms, and adapter you can get up and WALKING. You need to walk before you can run.

Going to RT from the normal tunercat is cost effective, the upgrade is only $30 so your not losing anything by starting out with the basics.

 

My apologies grumpy

Not related but could find no other way to contact u..

Will u be attendign the Buick Nationals this yr?

I will be going next wedns(early afternoon i should be there). Was thinking of draggin my chip burnign gear with me, not really sure. If u are going is there some way we could arrange a get together.. I want to see you GN too

thanks
later
Jeremy
PS PM here or hit my email

 

Ordered my Xtronic Rolumator today!

Should be neat to play around with.

I will keep you all posted on the results.

 

I'll be there.
I'll be driving up with a friend in his car, thou. Just another black regal <g>.

Hope to have a Golf Cart, 6', 220#, long hair. Indoors and around people I'll have a surgical mask on.

Anyone else wanna get together and talk prom burning there?.

 

I'm going to pray to G O D you get that surgical mask ripped of your freak face.Surgical mask or for babies

 

Why waste our time on your games? Give it up already, u can not nor will u win here....... Either contribute or ask normal questions and leave the hate out of it....


Grumpy:
Im staying at the Microtel and driving my burg 91 GTA, any way to reach u down there? Ill be arriving wedns afternoon. If u want to set up a loose plan or somehting please email me or pm me.
thanks
PS I got my Romulator in today just wainting for the TC release :-)
thanks and later
Jeremy

 

I'm sorry 3.8,That is the first really rude comment.I will refrain in the future.