Setting up laptop to talk to VEC2/3

[Dave T(BADVENM)]

Anyone familiar with setting up their laptop computers to "talk" to the VEC? I'm trying to figure out how to find out the com port # in the laptop to make sure it talks to the VEC computer. I've loaded the cd rom that came with my VEC3 system.

I want to be able to pull the program out of the VEC (in the engine bay) and into the laptop where the VEC program also exists. My ultimate goal is to datalog my 1/4 mile runs then report my various parameters back to Joe at PBJ for possible adjustments through the software vs mailing the smartcard back to him.

Anyway, if anyone is familiar with setting up their laptop with the VEC computer I would appreciate it. It may be easier over the phone. I'm trying not to slow down ViperTruck2933's progress by calling Joe unless need be

 

[JRSVIPR]

Anyone familiar with setting up their laptop computers to "talk" to the VEC? I'm trying to figure out how to find out the com port # in the laptop to make sure it talks to the VEC computer. I've loaded the cd rom that came with my VEC3 system.

I want to be able to pull the program out of the VEC (in the engine bay) and into the laptop where the VEC program also exists. My ultimate goal is to datalog my 1/4 mile runs then report my various parameters back to Joe at PBJ for possible adjustments through the software vs mailing the smartcard back to him.

Anyway, if anyone is familiar with setting up their laptop with the VEC computer I would appreciate it. It may be easier over the phone. I'm trying not to slow down ViperTruck2933's progress by calling Joe unless need be

I think Patrick (Red) can help you.

 

[Brat]

i think Ken NBT can...

 

[RedSrt007]

You need to install a 9pin serial, and have a com on your laptop. From there you can read the Vec and look at the parameters.

 

[tidnab]

I got mine to connect 'said wow that's neat' then immediately disconnected it, as I have NO clue whatsoever what I was doing....

The only thing I remember being even mildly technical was ensuring that the cable I was using was the correct one... off the top of my head it requires an RS-232 C the C means it's basically a crossover cable.. i'm thinking female to female...<lol> but I'm 90% sure that's correct

Anyway that was on a vec2... I thought the vec 3 they went with USB... dunno never had one...

anyway... you'll want to make sure the ports are enabled in bios etc... then make sure that they look good in the device manager... it should work fine... mine did...

hope that helps <shrug>

good luck :>

 

[Dave T(BADVENM)]

I can talk between them using the usb from laptop to vec. I just need help with the "how to find this and that such as the ports and bios and stuff".

I'll dig through the instructions some more or call Joe when I'm ready.

 

[ViperTruck2933]

Anyone familiar with setting up their laptop computers to "talk" to the VEC?....... I'm trying not to slow down ViperTruck2933's progress by calling Joe unless need be

I believe Justin has his set up for laptop (I know he talked about it).


And thanks for thinking of me.

 

[NBT]

Anyone familiar with setting up their laptop computers to "talk" to the VEC? I'm trying to figure out how to find out the com port # in the laptop to make sure it talks to the VEC computer. I've loaded the cd rom that came with my VEC3 system.

I want to be able to pull the program out of the VEC (in the engine bay) and into the laptop where the VEC program also exists. My ultimate goal is to datalog my 1/4 mile runs then report my various parameters back to Joe at PBJ for possible adjustments through the software vs mailing the smartcard back to him.

Anyway, if anyone is familiar with setting up their laptop with the VEC computer I would appreciate it. It may be easier over the phone. I'm trying not to slow down ViperTruck2933's progress by calling Joe unless need be

You have a USB to Serial cable correct? I ended up getting a 6 foot cable from radio shack and installation / drivers CD... then after I plugged in... opened the VEC software...and it recognized the USB I was using... then used the software accordingly. I have not data logged any runs as of yet though, as my VEC is still in the engine bay as well. Not sure if that's what you mean:dontknow: You can call me at your convienience, and I can hook up my laptop and go through it with you? Pm'd you my cell #

 

[mmmmtorque]

As was mentioned, if you have a USB to serial cable/converter then you just need to select the com port.

Go to the settings tab and select PC settings.

Card interface should should have - Box as Card Reader / Write selected.

You can also use this pop up window to select the com port. If you are unsure of which com port is associated with your USB, you can just slowly go through each one and issue a Read in the direct communication portion until you have a successful connection.


In order to data log the runs, you are going to need a cable long enough to go from the engine bay into the cab...shouldnt be an issue. Just start the log of the variables selected in the burn out box just before the run.

 

[Dave T(BADVENM)]

I got to COM4 and got a read started then "could not read" error so I think this is the one. I dont have it connected to the vec in the truck (i'm in colorado right now) but all the other com port #'s dont give me the "could not read" so I think this is the correct one.

What do you have for your "box settings"? There are 2 that mention the gen2/gen3 Viper, one has "using internal map sensor (analog 3) while another has "using internal map sensor (analog1). Which one do I use?

 

[mmmmtorque]

I got to COM4 and got a read started then "could not read" error so I think this is the one. I dont have it connected to the vec in the truck (i'm in colorado right now) but all the other com port #'s dont give me the "could not read" so I think this is the correct one.

What do you have for your "box settings"? There are 2 that mention the gen2/gen3 Viper, one has "using internal map sensor (analog 3) while another has "using internal map sensor (analog1). Which one do I use?

I use the ""using internal map sensor (analog 1) " setting.


One other thing you may need to do is enter the box encryption code. It should be written on the instructions.

 

[Dave T(BADVENM)]

Thanks for the help. How do I transfer the program in the vec to the laptop? I know through the usb cable but do I have to do something special or does it recognize the software program in the vec and automatically load it into the laptop software?

I'll have to enter the box encryption code tomorrow when I get home (where all the instructions are at).

 

[mmmmtorque]

Thanks for the help. How do I transfer the program in the vec to the laptop? I know through the usb cable but do I have to do something special or does it recognize the software program in the vec and automatically load it into the laptop software?

I'll have to enter the box encryption code tomorrow when I get home (where all the instructions are at).

In the Direct Communication portion there is the 'Write' button. Once you have the config where you want it....I usually save it (Go to File and then 'Save As' ) then write it to the VEC. It will give you a message if it is written ok. You can also verify the config by selecting 'Read' . It will then pull up what ever conifg is in the VEC memory.

BTW, do not use VEC2 configs on a VEC3. You also need to have the Box Setting to use 500 RPM increments (not 250).

Believe the first time you use the software with the VEC, you need the encyption/Serial codes, after that you can run it in 'Uncoded' mode and you shouldnt have to enter it again.


The communication from the laptop to the VEC can be picky....There are times it takes multiple trys to get things working. Most of the time it works fine and you will get the hang of getting to to work if it doesnt

 

[Dave T(BADVENM)]

Looks like I'm good to go...sorta. Has anyone wired their wideband to the VEC so the software can datalog the a/f ratios and wideband data?

The weather this weekend should approach density alt that I'll experience in Denver during the summer so it will be good to see how the current program responds. Joe would like the wideband data but I have no clue how to wire it in to the VEC.

Thanks again for all the help, I appreciate it!!