Yeah, thanks to Mulga doing some searching it turns out I need a special Support Tool for the EManage Install, being a special USB cable. (e-manage > USB > Cable > Serial > PC)

Now I don't know if I need 'THE' Greddy USB cable or whether I can get away with using an equivalent product such as what is shown further down in this page... http://www.mohdparts.com/emanage/support_tool/cable/index.html but this mystery chip is concerning me! It is possible it is nothing and that the equivalent products do the same thing. I am hoping it is a simple matter of getting the USB serial signal back into the old style DB9 connector. I guess the signal travelling across the cable would have to be slowed back down or something and this chip is acting like a resistor or something.

If anyone can get back to me with any info or thoughts over the next few days I would be most greatful, I will be doing a heck of a lot of phoning. Cos hell or high water this GReddy is going in!!!

I am going to phone the workshop to ask why they need this cable if they have the software (if they do!!) as I would have thought this cable would have come with the software. Ok I am in a mild panic now!!!!

I know this is a new thread, but I need answers fast and I am going to be at work until Sunday!!! So if I don't reply until Sunday it is only because I don't have internet access!

Many thanks in advance :confused:

why do you need the serial connection? Why not E-manage > USB > PC ? Or is the serial connection at the e-manage end? Won't you run into problems seeing as USB transfers power while serial doesnt or not in any great capacity anyway?

Good point about the power in the USB, maybe this in part is what the chip manages. I am tipping that the GReddy reuires no powering from the cable so it might be safe... hey, I just assumed originally that i could use a male-male USB cable but according to that website this is not the case! thanks for that point Rusty, I might need to reference it.

weird having to go from a USB to an old technology and then back to a USB again, crazy kooks.

Your best bet would be to PM a member who has got one and see if you can borrow it. :)

Maybe Tooslow?

Damn, not CD copy protection, but cable copy protection. :rant:

That really sucks the fat one.

Sounds a bit odd that these installers have the software but not the cable. :confused:
They are either not computer literate( scary) or not too sure what they are doing(scarier)

Or, if you're in Lilydale go and see Tony at Dyno Dynamics. They're in Industry Ct. just behind the high school, BMX track. :)

Are you programming the Emanage yourself? :confused:

There is a bloke called simon on the yahoo group emanage (link on mohdparts.com) he does the cables by themselves ($50US or something). Then you can just download the software from the same yahoo groups file area.

Hey, thanks for the replies everyone,

Call me dumb, call me stupid but I was still in panic mode yesterday and went to Dick Smith and bought a cable ($70 panic impulse buy!), looks like the same deal and yeah, looks like that chip is just to get the speed of USB down to conventional serial (DB9). I will be going to the workshop on Monday just to double check and will make a few phonecalls, and if all goes arse up, I will be doing what you have suggested.

DynoDynamics is where I had my Dyno tune done but I did that in Bayswater or wherever it is. Is there like a Franchise of them? If this mob don't convince me that they know what they are doing I will take it there instead. Cheers :D

I am not programming the GReddy myself, I am not edumacated enough for that! lol

Thanks again, appreciated. I'll keep you posted.

They are manufactured in Lilydale.

If you go there check out the beast they use to calibrate the dynos. It's like a big forklift/small tractor with a 1000hp truck engine in it!!! :D

They don't normally tune cars for customers as such, but they should be able point you in the right direction about Greddy and who in Melb. can tune with them.

They are manufactured in Lilydale.

If you go there check out the beast they use to calibrate the dynos. It's like a big forklift/small tractor with a 1000hp truck engine in it!!! :D
Wow, ok, will go and have a look tomorrow if I get a chance thanks. You know there is a remote chance that this might be where the car is going anyway, don't know, hopefully all will be clear tomorrow! :confused:

:cry: I just read this... back to panic mode!!! :mad:

E-manage Support Tool – Now we're getting somewhere. Included in the
kit is a serial to USB cable and a CD with the Support Tool software.
The cable is proprietary, and not a standard cable. The software
unlocks the full potential of the E-manage – 16x16 fuel maps, changing
airflow meters, using the other optional harnesses, etc. You really
need to have the Support Tool for the E-manage to be of any value. The
tool retails for $129, with a street price of around $110.

I think it is like the Nokia Data cable, that is usb but it acts like a serial cable with a chip in the cable. Hope everything goes well the this.

This is from the E-manage FAQ on the yahoo group that Tooslow mentioned-

QUOTE-
10. The Support Tool cable

This cable is a special cable of some kind – it doesn't seem to have
any advanced logic, but it is weird and special enough that you can't
just get one at a computer store. It plugs into your computer via the
serial port and into the E-manage with a USB plug.

Clone cables are currently available from Robyn in Malaysia. Here is
contact and pricing information:

People interested can send me US$40 either cash
(prefered) or bankdraft/money order made payable to
ROBYNTAN LEE YU CHEONG. Price includes worldwide
airmail delivery.
Send to:
ROBYN LEE
A46 MENARA MUTIARA
TAMAN TAR
68000 AMPANG
SELANGOR
MALAYSIA.
email: robyn@housemusic.com

I have purchased a cable from him, and had quick response and delivery,
not to mention it works perfectly and is of high quality.

Information on making your own cable isn't known at this time.
-END QUOTE

Malaysia isn't too far from OZ, but you probably won't get it by Wednesday.

In my town, the mechanics next door are Magna experts. They've worked on them since they came out, know every issue with them, and they are top blokes who look after me with pricing coz we get the work cars serviced there. :cool:

The local Mitsu dealer have never taken an engine/gearbox out of a Magna, and weren't too keen on putting a H/D clutch in my TH. Guys next door said " no problem".

But when it comes to getting a Greddy done, I'll take it to Melb. to someone who has done it before.

The point of this rant is to illustrate the point that aftermarket fuel computers have a steep learning curve, and you don't want to be the guinea pig car for someone to learn how to tune one, and then they rush the job coz you want the car back for MM04. :cry:

You'll be spewing if someone ****s your car up, then still wants to charge you, then denies ****ing it up. etc. :mad:
My advice would be to chill out and get it all done right rather than rush it and risk a drama. :)

For anyone curious I am going to create a EManage info page as info is sometimes just so hard to find... hopefully it might help others!! I will add to it as I go... like a project page (even though I am not installing it!)

http://neilk.customer.netspace.net.au/greddy.htm

Good advice Mulga, cheers, yeah I read that info too just before !!

I will try to suss it out tomorrow and if I am not confortable I will pull the pin :cry:

Now I have to return this blooming cable, it's ok, can return, no dramas.

Good luck, dude. :D

Your experiences are gonna be helpful to any members who get a Greddy. (and it looks like alot of us are keen on getting one!).

Thanks in advance for taking the time to do an FAQ page. :thumbsup:

Well I have clawed, fought and battled for other mods to date with blood sweat and tears, this may as well be another one!! (a bit dramatic I know!)

I posted a message in the EManage group and this was the reply I got... :redface:

I'm sorry, I dont understand. Your mods dont require use of any kind
of engine management. Unless you plan to go turbo, you are really
not going to gain anything from using e-manage. The stock ECU should
be able to compensate for what you have done.

and my reply... (I have said before I am no expert on car tech talk, so don't laugh at my reply! :redface: I just wanted to sound sensible at least, then if it works out that I do get gains I will go in and blow a rasberry at him, otherwise I will just go and hide and sulk!" he he

No they don't require it, but I know of others who have installed it
and have a much better overall performance curve when tuned properly
and I have even been quoted gains of between 10 - 20kw when tuned
correctly using the 2 harnesses.

I am considering turbo install for 2005.

Stock ECU in the Magna is tuned for standard conditions, I am on the
understanding that it will enable me to have it tuned slightly
aggressively, and take more advantage of the mods I have to date... it
will be an interesting project anyway. I will be getting before and
after dyno's so I can let you know how it goes.

Thanks for the feedback

I am considering turbo install for 2005.

you are? uber.

Someone replied! I now breathe easier!!! :D

Hi All, allow me to share my views and experience.
HyperTF, the cable used for communication between the E-Manage unit and
the notebook is not those ordinary USB cable.. it has some sort of a
resistor in between. The cable can be purchased at price ranging from US$50
to US$55.
Sileightys13, pardon me but I beg to differ. I do not have turbo setup in
my humble car but after installing E-Manage and proper tuning with the help
of dynojet, I gain 28hp (improved from stock 160 to dyno tuned 188) and
about 57nm (improved from stock 221 to 278) of torque. This figure was
confirmed by a dynojet showing clearly the stock figure and the improved
figures. I was and am still very please with E-Manage..not just performance
has been improved, the overall fuel consumption and response improves too!
Hope my input helps.. :-)

Excellent!! :thumbsup:

neil, have you asked nick (euroaccord) what the address of his tuners is (and how much it will cost you)?

Yeah I did ages ago and Nick was very helpful, it was just a bit out of the way for me to go knowing that I was going to be without a car for the whole day. And also these guys are top spec tuners and yeah, it would come at a price (not saying it wouldn't be worth it)... I admit in the long run it would have been wiser but I sort of cant believe I am paying for this now anyway!... now on the off chance I go to town on the car next year ( ;) ) I may opt to follow that lead up.

Just an update.. I went to the workshop today and they took the cable and EManage to the tuners who said that they have done it numerous times using a male to male USB!!! after all that!!! Anyway, I am still not 100% settled on it, but I will leave them with every cable I have and we will just see how they go. I know some might think I am crazy but hey, how do people find out about these places if it weren't for the first person to try... who knows I could be leaving it in the hands of one of the most qualified tuners around (and the same can work the other way I know).

So Wednesday is the day!! Keep yer fingers crossed all goes well cos I have run out!

thats the spirit!!! they may even turn your car into GT-R!! :doubt: hehe j/k. hope its done in time for festivities!!!!

Jeez it is like my child is going in for an operation or something... I am actually getting nervous :nuts:

I drop the car off 8:30ish tomorrow morning, come home, stress a bit, study a bit, get ADSL connected, go on a date to the movies (day time date!) then hopefully pick her up again (the car! lol ) then I will no doubt go for a spin and report back here with the outcomes. What a day!!!

I cant wait now!!

It was the wrong freakin cable ARRGGGGHHHHHH!!!! :tantrum: :rocket:

They will have the car until a cable can be transported up from Geelong tomorrow hopefully... not f'in happy Jan!!!

That was the whole point of me going to see them on Monday to see if the $70 cable was going to work! and they said nah, it's all good USB to USB works... well I found the answer to that one this morning reading through the manual it said YOU CANT USE USB TO USB!!!

It better be fixed up tomorrow or I will not be a happy chappy....

Ok there, I've vented!!! Thanks :confused:

Just spoke direct with the installers and they say the unit is in and working, just not tuned. They are doubtful the car will be ready today, all dependant on courier :cry: they hope to get at least 10kilowatts gain on what it already has... he was impressed with the power output the car has as is.

At least I know where it is being done now... I did some investigation lol

he was impressed with the power output the car has as is.
Which was?


At least I know where it is being done now... I did some investigation lol
And where is that?

well he said by memory it was about where I said it was 114.6, but he said it powered up well on the dyno? :confused:
And I will be careful stating who it is right now... might feed that one back later


NEWSFLASH: I have an idea... he said he could not physically fit the cable cos it was the wrong gender type... I am going to race down there now (in mum's festiva lol ) and buy an adaptor from good ol' Dicky and see if I can get this thing going myself... wish me luck!!!

Here I am in a rush to get down there and I have spent the last 5 mins looking for my car keys!!!! my brains have gone!!!

I give up! spent another $10 for nothing, he said he tried using what I had bought already and seemed a little peeved that i was even there... though he did look busy. I just hope he noted the look of disapointment in my face.

I might have to take my business elsewhere in future, I don't appreciate being given the run around. If you say you can do something then you should be able to back yourself up. I even went in with that cable to ask if it was the right one and they said 'yes'...wrong answer! That was on Monday. I hope they don't think I am going to pay for the courier from Geelong! as it is they should be paying me for that $70 cable they said would be ok.

Why does it seem that workshops seem to treat you like they are doing you a favour? When it is in fact in most cases the other way around... I swear I am bloody jinxed when it comes to mods... the only reliable people I have had so far is Midas in Lilydale.

Ok sorry, another venting session, I am just so pissed off right now :rant:

I just called again. They said I need to be more patient, the cable has not come. It might be there by 11am tomorrow and then they can do the work from there. So much for MM04.

LOL, mate, are you anything like Harold Bishop off neighbours as I'm starting to see the resemblance :bowrofl: :bowrofl: :bowrofl:

(deep breaths now....deep breaths) lol


By the way, we know how the car is, how did the date with the chick go? more successful I hope :bowrofl:

Tell them to get off their asses or your taking the car somewhere e lse to get tuned and not paying them. That will get them off their asses

LOL, mate, are you anything like Harold Bishop off neighbours as I'm starting to see the resemblance :bowrofl: :bowrofl:

(deep breaths now....deep breaths) lol


By the way, we know how the car is, how did the date with the chick go? more successful I hope :bowrofl:
hrmm, I wonder what image I am portraying! lol

The date went well, the relationship is going really well so far I am very happy thanks for asking, she is very nice. Going slow and steady!

Tell them to get off their asses or your taking the car somewhere e lse to get tuned and not paying them. That will get them off their asses
The way things are turning out I am not impressed... hell I just want it done now, what I do after is another issue.

Cable has arrived... after the guy has lunch he will get it on the dyno!!!

*TheDifference waits patiently*

*TheDifference waits patiently*

Im with this guy!

Im with this guy!
I'm with both of you!

The wait is over!... the guy seemed to have lots of dramas given there was no instructions for a magna but he said he tweaked and tweaked and by the graph I have 9-10 kw gain it seems...

How does it drive? still a pig at take off, but it really wants to push the gears out now and up past 80 it finds extra power... the whole kw and torque range was improved on over all, but I have a feeling he rushed it and I believe there is a possibility of further gains if tuned later.

The guy said the conditions today would not have helped the dyno results one bit, but he did suggest taking it back to the other dyno tuners and giving it another go in shootout mode and see how it goes. So from what I can tell around 122-125 kw... rough calcs. hope to find out later.

Need to get this take off sorted out considering CAI and FPR... starting to really bug me! time to dremmel out this TB me thinks... that might be a good starting point!

Oh and a cocky Commodore lost the battle on the way home! ha ha

Good to hear you got your car back and the initial results are positive. Definetly keep us all posted on wether another tune manages to unleash anymore ponies without the compliments of other mods.

Just a broard question.... Once you have a piggyback ECU fitted, is it the sort of thing that needs to be tuned everytime you mod something else? I know the factory ECU will 'learn' to a certain extent, allowing it to compensate for induction/exhaust mods for example.

The date went well, the relationship is going really well so far I am very happy thanks for asking, she is very nice. Going slow and steady!
Thats good to hear. Going by a lot of threads on here, you could be one of the few "happy" magna owners in time hehe. Anyway, you have started the long road for something which may well be more valuable than a dozen greddy's. Just dont try and "mod" her ok? :bowrofl: :badgrin:

:bump:

sorry to be thread mining but it is relation to my original post... I found out today that when they used the USB to Serial cable that I bought that they did not appear to use the supplied driver CD for the cable. Now I am wondering if it might still be possible :headbange just for those who were following it. I am hoping to retune it again in a few weeks hopefully after a few more mods ;)