EPEC-Communication problem-HELP

[Lyles]

I have tried to get open communication up between several computers and my EPEC box....for some reason. I can not download the information from my epec. When I hook up the serial cable it says connected...but when I go to file...it will not let me download from the epec. What am I doing wrong? VERY FRUSTRATING! HELP....any and all help is appreciated. Thanks

[gnklr50]

make sure your computer does NOT have a newer operating system then windows 95 or 98..

[SwillRacer]

Bob is correct. EPEC is a 16-bit system vs. the new 32-bit stuff. If you use any OS newer than win98, it will not work. There are software packages out there that can convert from 32 to 16 bits, but I don't know of anyone who's tried it on an EPEC.

[Lyles]

I have tried with my windows 95....then I have tried with my Windows XP. I can tell you it is frustrating to say the least. Both computers will show it hooked up in the lower right hand corner when I plug it in, but when I go to hit file...it does not high light the down load from the EPEC unit. so I can't manipulate the program. The car runs great...but I want to data log and then add the Igloo to my car to get some more HP out of the car. The Car was tuned by LaRocca's 2 years ago....but due to the construction of my house the car was sitting. Now I can start working on it...I can't get in. I will see about getting a computer with windows 98. Anyone live in Richmond, VA that has windows 98? I also heard you can't run anything higher than a pentium 3...any truth to that?

[SwillRacer]

Hmmmm....hadn't heard that one about the pentium 3. If it doesn't work with Win95, it's got to be something else. I've used my old EPEC with win 95 and win 98 on the same laptop and it didn't seem to make a difference.

You might want to try calling either Andrew over at LaRocca's or GSR Electronics.

[Lyles]

Is GSR still around or are they closed. I tried to Google them...no luck.

Thanks for the tips. Do you have a number for them?

[SwillRacer]

GSR is really called General Systems Research. They are located in Dearborn, MI.

I googled them and came up with this for an address and phone number:

General Systems Research
411 S Lafayette St
Dearborn, MI , 48124-1383

Phone: 313-562-3835

Try that.....

Or like I said, call LaRocca's and ask for Andrew. Jimmy was the master, but Andrew is pretty damn good too. As of a couple months ago, I know he still worked there even though Jimmy sold the business.

[Lyles]

Well....I just tried to run the patch/upgrade again. I also downloaded the version off a mustang website. When I plug it in...it shows powered...but it will not let me highlight the upload from module. If anyone knows how to get a hold of Jimmy L. or GSR....man I would appreciate it. I am at witts end. I don't want to go out and buy a laptop with Windows 98 if I don't have too. I am sure you know what I mean. Please help. Thanks

[Lyles]

I will try to call them again. I had just heard that Andrew left LaRocca's. I will also try to call GSR. Thanks

[Lyles]

Voltage shouldn't be an issue...should it? I have changed from running one 16 volt to 2 16 volts. I can't believe that would be a problem.

[andrew barrale]

Does it say powered in the lower right corner ?

[Lyles]

Tried calling GSR today. Disconnected. Andrew-I will try calling you later...I can get it to say connected and powered...at seperate times...not together though. Can you use a regular serial cable or do I need a special serial cable? 9 pin? this thing is killing me. :mad:

[SwillRacer]

Hey Andrew....do you know where I can get my EPEC's injector drivers upgraded for low impedance? Is there anywhere left?

Thanks,

[REN#4106]

As of last Spring (05)..... Sam Guadio (GSR) was still serviceing the EPEC.....I sent my old one to him for a once over check up and connector replacement....I think he can still do the low impedence driver upgrade......I had all his new contact info but its buried somewhere.......

[SwillRacer]

post his info if you can....thx

[REN#4106]

Scott pm sent

[Lyles]

Can you sent it to me too? I tried to call them...and the number is no longer in service.

Thanks

[REN#4106]

Can you sent it to me too? I tried to call them...and the number is no longer in service.

Thanks


pm sent

[SwillRacer]

Can you sent it to me too? I tried to call them...and the number is no longer in service.

Thanks

I have no info as of yet....when I do, I'll make sure you know too...

[Itsabouttime]

Well....I just tried to run the patch/upgrade again. I also downloaded the version off a mustang website. When I plug it in...it shows powered...but it will not let me highlight the upload from module. If anyone knows how to get a hold of Jimmy L. or GSR....man I would appreciate it. I am at witts end. I don't want to go out and buy a laptop with Windows 98 if I don't have too. I am sure you know what I mean. Please help. Thanks

I have been using the EPEC system for about six years now and have a good understanding of how it functions. It is a great system imo. I have used Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows 98 second edition with the EPEC and they all work fine. From my experience, your problem could be caused by three possible issues. The first issue you should confirm is that the communication protocol parameters set in your EPEC software table exactly match the communication protocol parameters that are programmed in your Windows software for the computer port you are using on your lap top. The second issue to check is the communication cable. You need to use a straight RS-232c communication cable. This means that pin A on the male end should go to pin A on the female end and no other pins, pin b to pin b and no others, pin c to pin c and no others, and the same for all nine pins. you can confirm this with a continuity meter. If those two issues check out, you need to verify that the communication port that you are using on your lap top is functioning properly. Try connecting that port to some other serial device and verify it is functioning properly. If all those things check out, you will most likely need to confirm your EPEC is functioning correctly. This can be done by hooking your box up to a known working system and verifying its operation. Hope some of that helps you out. Good luck.

[Lyles]

I think you hit the nail on the head...I am using a serial cable...RS232 cable must be hard to find ..the serial was difficult enough. I will either cut this cable I have or look for an RS232 cable. Serial cable is wired different correct?

Thanks, Greg

[Lyles]

I just took a meter..and tried a few different 9 pin serial cables I have...seems like only a few of the pins go straight through. Do I need to make a cable?

[Lyles]

The key....I had used several different 9 pin cables...none of them were pinned one to one. That's was my problem. Radio shack still carries the RS232 9 pin that is pinned one to one!
Thanks for everyones help.