'08 XB12X ECM Spy problems

[Feequess]

Did it all as correctly as I can see. Made the donation, got a Windows (7 pro) machine, got the cable. Now, every time I try to do something with ECMSpy, I get Checksum Error. After restarting the program a half dozen times, it will download the EEPROM. I even managed to shut off the exhaust valve CEL activation (activator died). But, not able to get anything done. Wanted to test my fuel pump: Checksum Error.

I'm thinking my ECM might be on it's way out. Also, I'm not used to Windows machines. Is there anything that should be shut off or turned on?

Any input on this would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[ReadyXB]

Try connecting using the cable name instead of the COM port, or vice-versa (only works for FTDI chipsets).
It is possible you have a loose crimp inside the cable plug.
If you are new to Windows, does this mean you are familiar with Mac or Linux? If so, install ECMSpy on your other system and give it a try.

 

[Feequess]

I will give that a try and report back. Thanks.

I use Macs (let the hatred flow...) so I'm readjusting. I was wondering if there was firewall/antivirus/whatever that needs to be dealt with. I have an old Dell with Win 7.

 

[Feequess]

Well, I had my turn signals quit and decided to put on my big girl panties and tear into the wiring harness. Amazingly easy...once I figured out to remove the headlight assembly. We'll see if this clears up the ECM Spy problems.

 

[upaero]

I use the free ECMDROID app and a bluetooth adapter for troubleshooting and loading maps. You can make your own adapter or buy one at buelltooth.com. It's kinda fun to turn your fuel pump on with your phone.

 

[lowkey]

You say your bike is an 08 but I think most of ecmspy features only work on the 03-07 XB's. You need to use the other program out there, can't remember the name right now, I'm on a phone but someone will chime in with a link. IMO not a cable issue if you are able to connect to the bike though...

Edit: it's tunerpro

 

[Feequess]

Thanks, guys. Once the harness is buttoned up, that's the next thing to make work correctly.
About the harness: On both the black and the red wires where they split one into two, they were broken INSIDE the shrinkwrapped and glued up connectors. Like they were crimped by Charles Atlas and they sheared away from the copper connector before being sealed up. So there were just pushed up against it and after seven years migrated enough to intermittently open the connection. Makes me wanna open up every other connecter.

 

[lowkey]

Looks like EcmSpy mono will work with your 08 bike but http://www.tunerpro.net/downloadApp.htm is the better option to use as far as I've seen. Check this thread on the matter between the two programs on an 08XB http://www.buellxb.com/forum/showthread.php?40754-ecmspy-for-08-xb12. This thread http://badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/32777/691713.html?1346935252 has a GREAT step by step getting tunerpro up and running with map switching info etc...:up:

 

[ztied]

Ecm spy works on my 08

 

[Feequess]

Hope to put together the harness tomorrow then will start playing with the EMC Spy. When I first looked into the EMC Spy I'd read it was Windows only. So, I scored an older Dell with Win7 Pro from and IT amigo. Then I cruise Buellxb and see people using it with a MacBook Air. Is there really that much difference? I use my Air for work and wanted to use the Dell in the garage. (A $150 Dell in grease and dirt is easier on my nerves than my Mac) Does it make that much difference what OS you use? Thanks again for all the input!

 

[lowkey]

Hope to put together the harness tomorrow then will start playing with the EMC Spy. When I first looked into the EMC Spy I'd read it was Windows only. So, I scored an older Dell with Win7 Pro from and IT amigo. Then I cruise Buellxb and see people using it with a MacBook Air. Is there really that much difference? I use my Air for work and wanted to use the Dell in the garage. (A $150 Dell in grease and dirt is easier on my nerves than my Mac) Does it make that much difference what OS you use? Thanks again for all the input!

IDK about EcmSpy running natively in OS X... you would load windows on the Mac and dual boot (or VMware), at least thats how I do it. I only have windows on the Mac for tuning vehicles as all programs I've come across are written to work with windows 7. I'd just use the Dell now that you have it set up. EcmSpy is a really light program to run so you aren't missing anything by not running it on the Mac...

 

[Feequess]

Thanks, lowkey. For an old guy I do pretty well in the digital world, but it helps to have friends who are ITs and feedback from a board like this.

 

[Tork]

For folks wanting to datalog and tune, I recommend grabbing an old Dell Mini 9 or Vostro A90 notebook off ebay. Look for one with SSD storage. They're cheap (you can usually find them for $100 or less), very compact (fits easily in my tankbag for datalogging) and with an SSD, there's minimal concern for banging or bumping while datalogging and damaging the storage media or getting skips in your datalogging like with a conventional platter-style hard drive. Throw on a stripped down copy of Windows 7 (remove/uninstall any media player and other non-necessary apps/bloatware) and you've got a nice dedicated ECMSPY/Tunerpro tuning device. Just remember to go into the power/screen saver settings and set it up to not sleep when the lid is closed and you're set.

 

[Feequess]

I think I'm getting closer. After buttoning up the wiring harness, I still have a problem with the ECM Spy connecting. On a whim, I took a meter to the cable. It ain't right. When I wiggle it, resistance changes. Soldering up a new USB to the connector and we'll see how that flies. Stay tuned and thanks.

 

[mrlogix]

you would load windows on the Mac and dual boot (or VMware)

you would have to do this to run TunePro on a Mac also, TunerPro only runs in a windows enviroment. Just FYI

 

[Feequess]

Thanks, mrlogix. I'm running a MB Air and it has no RAM so I'm trying to not load it up with programs. I process photos and video (when I'm not near my real computer) and it's already crawling. I think the little Dell will work for this.

In a moment of unusual clarity, I actually cked before soldering up any USB I had laying around and read that they are not acceptable for making a ECM Spy cable. So, I rechecked the one I had and it's toast. Solid short. I think the shielding worked thru the insulation and grounded a few of the wires. Oops. Because buying a crappy cable off Amazon deserves more consequences, it appears I haven't the 5 volts across the data pins in the ECM Spy socket. So, I'm going to build my own cable (with blackjack and hookers) so I know it's right and try again. Hopefully, it didn't take out my ECM. Thanks again for all your comments.