new T-link user... not connecting!

[TireFryer]

I just picked up a laptop and T-link ver2.13 but cannot get it to connect to the ECM. I have converted to an 87 ECM. I even went through and changed the jumper location as noted in the T-link manual to try and remedy the problem, but to no avail. I am open to any ideas or thoughts as to how to fix this problem. FYI, I am running the T-link on an IBM Thinkpad 755C. Thanx in advance...

Basam

 

[kenmosher]

Thinkpads are notorious for strange things happening with the ports.

If the cable has provision for the battery pack (DO NOT PLUG A 9 volt INTO IT!), put the jumper back to the normal position and try the 4AA batteries.

9 times out of 10 that will cure it.

Also, check the BIOS and see if IRQ7 is assigned to the parallel port (LPT1). Sometimes they use IRQ5 (don't ask me why). If it is using IRQ5, then you can go to the Preferences menu in TurboLink and choose IRQ5.

 

[TireFryer]

Also, check the BIOS and see if IRQ7 is assigned to the parallel port (LPT1). Sometimes they use IRQ5 (don't ask me why). If it is using IRQ5, then you can go to the Preferences menu in TurboLink and choose IRQ5.

DOn't you mean change it to IRQ7?

Also, upon startup, what should I press to get into BIOS to check for IRQ5/7? thanx Ken

 

[kenmosher]

Not really, because sometimes they assign IRQ7 to something in the docking port. That's why TurboLink has the ability to use IRQ5 too.

Changing it to IRQ7 can work too, but some people find it screws up things in their docking station (usually has something to do with sound).

As far as getting into the BIOS, the Thinkpads are all different. Some it's F1, some it's FN F1, some it's ESC. Check http://www.ibm.com and go to the Notebook support area. They have the manuals online and it's a pretty decent resource!

 

[TireFryer]

cable integrity

I checked the cable with a volt-meter to make sure it is good and this is what I found:

(visual representation of the plugs as you look straight @ them)

1) the single spade in the ALDL connector on the far right (-_-___*_) is flowing current to the pin on the lower row, second from the far left on the connector going to the comp port (.*........)

2) the second spade from the left on the ALDL connector (-_*___-_) is not flowing current to any of the pins in the connector going to the com port

3) the first spade on the far left (*_-___-_) is flowing current to the 2 pins, second and third from the far right in the lower row (.........**.)

BTW, I have the jumper in the comp port connector as follows:


==
| | |
| | |

which is opposite to the way in the t-link manual ==
| | |
| | |

does this make sense or no? or what does this mean.....good or bad? thanx for bearing with me and answering these questions!

 

[kenmosher]

Well, you can't really tell much with a voltmeter.

All you did was check to see if there was a good ground.

My advice is to try it on another laptop. I think it's the Thinkpad not supplying power.

 

[TireFryer]

cable?

Ken:
What cable are you referring to...the laptop power cable or the T-link ALDL cable or some other cable?
thanx....

 

[kenmosher]

TurboLink cable.

The jump position should be set so it's on the center pin and the one that's "hanging out" beyond the "notch" in the board.

If you hold the board with the jumper facing you and the DB25 connector down, it's the left most two pins. (that's the normal position).

A voltmeter won't show you anything useful (except to verify ground going thru). Everything else requires the circuit to be operating and the ground plane connected end to end.

If you can get another laptop and try it we'd learn a LOT. If it all comes up fine on the other laptop, then it's the Thinkpad (and most times that means it needs the battery pack).

 

[jsta6]

fwiw, I have two thinkpads. One worked and one did not.

I am a computer guy, so I tried everything known to man to get the one that did not work to work. But it wouldn't.

I finally remembered that the thinkpads go in to "low power mode" when they are on battery power. I bought and installed a power inverter and then the laptop worked fine.

If you don't have a power inverter, you may want to change the battery settings. It may or may not work, and you will probably fly through batteries...