ALDL data logging

[YakkoWarner]

I'm making a new topic for this so it doesn't completely take over the EGR question topic.....

Thanks to folks on here who found it, I ordered (and was asked to follow-up on how it worked) the Moates' EXTREME ALDL reader which communicates with a computer via USB to supposedly get real-time data monitoring/logging from the GM ALDL connection.

I received it last night - it looks well made and came with everything they said would be included (plus a bonus pen and cool sticker...free swag!!!). Their site claimed that Windows10 would already have the necessary USB to serial interface driver, but my Windows10 machine did not. Unfortunately there is no real documentation other than what they had on their site (which means I'm kind of flying blind at home since the internet is here at work). Apparently some ECUs require a 10K resistor across a couple of pins while others do not (there is a switch on the device for this purpose), and there is no way to know if you need it or not other than try it and see?

In preparation I previously downloaded and carried home the installer for TunerPro RT, and that installed on the laptop easily enough. It seems to have a "definition file" for the 1227747 ECU that my truck has already present. Without the correct USB to serial driver not much more I can do on that end.

While I am here at work today I've downloaded what I hope is the correct driver and I'll try to get it communicating with the truck tonite or tomorrow nite. So no immediate word on functionality....

 

[Sad Sack]

I'm making a new topic for this so it doesn't completely take over the EGR question topic.....

Thanks to folks on here who found it, I ordered (and was asked to follow-up on how it worked) the Moates' EXTREME ALDL reader which communicates with a computer via USB to supposedly get real-time data monitoring/logging from the GM ALDL connection.

I received it last night - it looks well made and came with everything they said would be included (plus a bonus pen and cool sticker...free swag!!!). Their site claimed that Windows10 would already have the necessary USB to serial interface driver, but my Windows10 machine did not. Unfortunately there is no real documentation other than what they had on their site (which means I'm kind of flying blind at home since the internet is here at work). Apparently some ECUs require a 10K resistor across a couple of pins while others do not (there is a switch on the device for this purpose), and there is no way to know if you need it or not other than try it and see?

In preparation I previously downloaded and carried home the installer for TunerPro RT, and that installed on the laptop easily enough. It seems to have a "definition file" for the 1227747 ECU that my truck has already present. Without the correct USB to serial driver not much more I can do on that end.

While I am here at work today I've downloaded what I hope is the correct driver and I'll try to get it communicating with the truck tonite or tomorrow nite. So no immediate word on functionality....

By any chance are you needing the FTDI Chipset drivers or Prolific Chipset drivers?
Win10 should be FTDI.

 

[YakkoWarner]

By any chance are you needing the FTDI Chipset drivers or Prolific Chipset drivers?
Win10 should be FTDI.

On Moates' site they have links to download the FTDI drivers which is what I grabbed - theres 3 choices so I snagged the one that comes straight from FTDI themselves - I'll probably grab the other 2 to have in reserve as well since I won't be able to do it one I'm home.

Still trying to find an answer on the 10K or not option, there is no definitive information I can find.

 

[gmbellew]

I have a 1320 electronics Bluetooth ALDL and I do not use the 10k mode. And you will be 160 baud setting for the update rate.

 

[Ricko1966]

I'm making a new topic for this so it doesn't completely take over the EGR question topic.....

Thanks to folks on here who found it, I ordered (and was asked to follow-up on how it worked) the Moates' EXTREME ALDL reader which communicates with a computer via USB to supposedly get real-time data monitoring/logging from the GM ALDL connection.

I received it last night - it looks well made and came with everything they said would be included (plus a bonus pen and cool sticker...free swag!!!). Their site claimed that Windows10 would already have the necessary USB to serial interface driver, but my Windows10 machine did not. Unfortunately there is no real documentation other than what they had on their site (which means I'm kind of flying blind at home since the internet is here at work). Apparently some ECUs require a 10K resistor across a couple of pins while others do not (there is a switch on the device for this purpose), and there is no way to know if you need it or not other than try it and see?

In preparation I previously downloaded and carried home the installer for TunerPro RT, and that installed on the laptop easily enough. It seems to have a "definition file" for the 1227747 ECU that my truck has already present. Without the correct USB to serial driver not much more I can do on that end.

While I am here at work today I've downloaded what I hope is the correct driver and I'll try to get it communicating with the truck tonite or tomorrow nite. So no immediate word on functionality....

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[YakkoWarner]

Wonderful info - I'll definately have the 10K resistor turned on. Thanks for the clarification!!!!

 

[YakkoWarner]

I played with it some last night - the FTDI driver seemed to be the correct one, now TunerPro RT passes the cable connection test. Was really late at night by the time I got to that point, and I didn't feel like stringing up extension cords in the dark. Since my laptop batteries are smoked I have a friend ordering me a couple (I'm paying for them but he has Amazon). They should be here this weekend, so I will try communicating with the truck once those arrive.

 

[Fat 454]

Cool - glad to have found this thread - hopefully we can make this a single place for ALDL info?

Pics of cable ends and ECU access point would be great ( for those of us too lazy to get our butt off the sofa and poke around under the dash right now .. ;-)

 

[YakkoWarner]

The ALDL connection on my square Suburban is under the dash right below the steering column, and the ECU itself is suprisingly easy to get to behind the glovebox (I believe most of the trucks and larger cars have that same position?) I was helping a friend yesterday get his 454/TH400 combo motorhome fired up (dang that engine runs nice) and the ALDL connection was right under the little psuedo-hood you open to check the fluids, complete with one rodent-chewed wire. Still no idea where the ECU on that beast is - maybe the bathroom?

 

[Ricko1966]

Cool - glad to have found this thread - hopefully we can make this a single place for ALDL info?

Pics of cable ends and ECU access point would be great ( for those of us too lazy to get our butt off the sofa and poke around under the dash right now .. ;-)

It's not just connecting the cables point a to point b, there is circuitry involved in getting it to talk to the computer.

https://www.firebirdnation.com/threads/make-an-obd1-cable-for-under-20.457761/

 

[Fat 454]

Hmmm - see there is going to be some work to be done here.

I assume the Moates cable is effectively what is shown on the OBD "do it yourself" setup described above, you are just paying for the convenience of not having to find and assemble all the components ? ..

 

[Fat 454]

What is FTDI, and why should ( you ) care -

Because I'm dumb, lazy and have an engineers brain, I have a/. done everything I can to avoid learning about micro electronics and programming and remained a "user" for as long as possible and b/. need every last detail explained and presented logically so I can understand what is actually going on, so ..

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the following unashamedly ripped from Gary Doug - Firebird nation - 2011 - thank you. Pls read the link posted in the previous post for context of how to put this all together. we have JayCar here, similar to Radio Shack - guess I'll be paying them a visit next weekend :

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USB - RS-232 protocols I'm OK with. TTL/UART will have to wait to another day ( assuming they are relevant )

"That is all."..

 

[Fat 454]

ALDL - just for those that were wondering why not just OBD II :

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[Ricko1966]

ALDL - just for those that were wondering why not just OBD II :

You must be registered for see images attach

Our trucks are not OBD2 and we can't read OBD2 data from them. They use a GM only system and GM used 4 different protocols between 1980 and 1995. OBD2 is 1996 up. OBD1 wasn't even thought of until 1988 and wasn't mandated until 1991 only on California cars,even then it wasn't a standard system like OBD2. You had to have a different scanner for every manufacturer. That's why the Snap On 2500 series readers were so popular,expensive but popular,by changing out the cartridge like an atari cartridge you could use it on multiple different manufacturers.

 

[Frankenchevy]

I also picked one of these kits up from Moates, but haven’t had a chance to play with it yet because I’m working on replacing some stuff on the Burb.

Looking forward to this thread.