I purchased a used Directscan. Dowloaded the program from the Chu website for 1.52, as the seller sent me a blank disk. I am also using DOSBOX, which Chu recommends. Plugged it into my ecm on my 87 GN. I get an error message- Directscan Hardware Not Found. Could the cable from the laptop to the black box be bad, or the direct scan black box be bad? I also get the same error code if I just run the program in my kitchen with the black box hooked up to it (but not hooked up to my ecm via the ribbon cable). My programmer friend was not sure if the program automatically reads the correct parellel port, so he will check it for me next week. Could my laptop not be configured correctly to read the black box? I guess this is what happens when you buy used stuff. Thanks.
DS error can't find hardware
- Thread starter GNRick
- Start date
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Not familiar with dosbox? ... unless you are referring to a laptop with only MS Dos loaded....
I can tell you... it won't work if you are trying to run it on a Win2k or XP or vista machine...... even if you run it thru a MS Dos command window.... it won't communicate.
Also... Pin one on the ribbon cable (the side with the stripe).... must be facing the side of the ECM with the other little flat connector there beside it....
Also... the flat connector on the ECM.... it is a mother hubbard to get cleaned properly for it to work. I recommend a piece of sandpaper or emory cloth and sand the pee out of it (both sides of the connector on the ECM board)... and clean it ..... then try and plug the box in....
HTH
I can tell you... it won't work if you are trying to run it on a Win2k or XP or vista machine...... even if you run it thru a MS Dos command window.... it won't communicate.
Also... Pin one on the ribbon cable (the side with the stripe).... must be facing the side of the ECM with the other little flat connector there beside it....
Also... the flat connector on the ECM.... it is a mother hubbard to get cleaned properly for it to work. I recommend a piece of sandpaper or emory cloth and sand the pee out of it (both sides of the connector on the ECM board)... and clean it ..... then try and plug the box in....
HTH
I have the ribbon cable on correctly. Little sticker on Dell laptop says Windows XP. So that could be my problem. Instructions that came with DS recommends DOSBOX, which I guess gets applied "under" Windows so it is better, more like native DOS. I'll email Chu and see what he says. Thanks!
I just looked up DOSBOX.... It apparently is an emulator for DOS...... not real sure if that will work or not on a winxp box.... I just loaded Win 98 on my laptop... on a 1 gig partition... then loaded XP on the remaining partition.... now when I boot up... it prompts me to choose.... win 98 or XP...... if I am going to log DS... I boot 98..... anything else... I boot XP....
HTH
HTH
The program boots up fine. The problem is when I click on a function, it says it doesn't see the DS hardware. Unfortunately there is no one near me who I can swap the black box with. Maybe Chu will let me send the box/cable back to them to check it. Or I could just bring it all into Radio shack and try a cable from them to see if that makes a difference. Can you disconnect the ribbon cable from your black box (the cable that attaches to your ECM) and tell me what the error code is when you click on a function?
I don't recommend sanding the ECM connector. I clean it really well with Goof-Off (or Un-Du) which melts the coating. Then I polish it some with a crisp dollar bill (seriously, the paper is ever-so-slightly abrasive)
Bob
Bob
Maybe my method was too aggressive.....
I had a helluva time getting my DS to connect when I first got it.. and modded the ECM to connect..... I finally got pissed at it.... and I guess desperate times call for desperate measures.... :redface:
Try Bob's way first.....
I had a helluva time getting my DS to connect when I first got it.. and modded the ECM to connect..... I finally got pissed at it.... and I guess desperate times call for desperate measures.... :redface:
Try Bob's way first.....
So far I've used paint/varnish remover, mineral spirits, nail polish remover. Also scraped it carefully with a razor blade. It feels like there is still some coating on it but I'm not sure. I'll try the Goof Off and see if that helps. Problem is, at this point Direct Scan isn't working so I can't test it yet.Maybe my method was too aggressive.....
I had a helluva time getting my DS to connect when I first got it.. and modded the ECM to connect..... I finally got pissed at it.... and I guess desperate times call for desperate measures.... :redface:
Try Bob's way first.....
Eric Stage I
TurboTweak Guy
- Joined
- May 25, 2001
- Messages
- 2,671
DS will only find the hardware if it's connected to the ECM and the ECM is powered up (ignition is on). Otherwise you'll always get that error.
Reply from Mr. Chu...
Hi Rick,
While DOSBox does allow you to review previously saved files while running the laptop in Windows, it will not allow you to connect to the Hardware Interface Module and record realtime data. The software needs direct access to the laptop's parallel port - which neither DOSBox nor Windows itself allows.
One option is to create a DOS bootable floppy disk, reboot the laptop to DOS, and trying connecting to the hardware and record realtime data. It sounds like your laptop has a native parallel port, so this is good. If your laptop doesn't have a native floppy drive, a USB based one will work. Alternatively, you could try creating a DOS bootable USB stick... but I haven't tried that, so I can't really give you any advice on it.
If after rebooting to native DOS and running the DS software, you still cannot connect to the hardware, let me know, and we'll go from there.
Thanks,
I would also like to point out that I explained to Mr. Chu that I bought the Directscan used. He is still willing to help me which is nice.
Hi Rick,
While DOSBox does allow you to review previously saved files while running the laptop in Windows, it will not allow you to connect to the Hardware Interface Module and record realtime data. The software needs direct access to the laptop's parallel port - which neither DOSBox nor Windows itself allows.
One option is to create a DOS bootable floppy disk, reboot the laptop to DOS, and trying connecting to the hardware and record realtime data. It sounds like your laptop has a native parallel port, so this is good. If your laptop doesn't have a native floppy drive, a USB based one will work. Alternatively, you could try creating a DOS bootable USB stick... but I haven't tried that, so I can't really give you any advice on it.
If after rebooting to native DOS and running the DS software, you still cannot connect to the hardware, let me know, and we'll go from there.
Thanks,
I would also like to point out that I explained to Mr. Chu that I bought the Directscan used. He is still willing to help me which is nice.
I never got my DS to work with XP. Even with booting up in DOS mode. I would try another old laptop with Windows ME or older. Mine worked with ME but not XP. My $.02.
Win98SE always worked perfect for me!!
Two requirements to run DS without trouble.
1. A laprtop that's running WIN98/98SE or older. I would definately NOT recommend trying WIN ME, as troublesome as that system was!!
2. A native parallel port on the laptop.
Sorry I haven't replied sooner, but DS works fine on my laptop with Windows XP. I just showed this thread to my programmer buddy who sold me the laptop and he did whatever he had to do to get dosbox compatible with DS. Hey Turbobob- are you still doing the modification to the ecm so I can hook up a wideband O2 sensor to it for DS to read it? If so please email me price and shipping info. Or just post it here. Thanks! My email is rudydog33@comcast.net
bmackinnon
Active Member
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- Feb 24, 2005
- Messages
- 2,092
post here please!! or pm me?? Thanks!!
