[GaryDoug]

Most likely the driver for the cable device isn't installed or is the wrong one for the device. Which cable are you using? You can check the port by using Control Panel/Device Manager/Ports. It should appear as a USB Serial Port. If it appears there, try typing in the Port name in the app's Com Ports box, like "Com2" for example.

 

[2cat95TA]

Most likely the driver for the cable device isn't installed or is the wrong one for the device. Which cable are you using? You can check the port by using Control Panel/Device Manager/Ports. It should appear as a USB Serial Port. If it appears there, try typing in the Port name in the app's Com Ports box, like "Com2" for example.

I was trying to install the wrong driver. My bad. It works now, thank you for the help!

 

[schollianmj]

and nw for some stinking reason this app will NOT talk to my car... tried re-downloading the current, tried different USB ports, double checked the COM port... rebooted the comp, everything. Just forsome reason will NOT talk. any ideas? Im sure its something Im doing...

 

[GaryDoug]

and nw for some stinking reason this app will NOT talk to my car... tried re-downloading the current, tried different USB ports, double checked the COM port... rebooted the comp, everything. Just forsome reason will NOT talk. any ideas? Im sure its something Im doing...

What cable adapter are you using? Is it an FTDI type? Did it work before, or is this your first attempt? Does it work with other apps like Freescan (which is also available at my download site)? What port number is shown in the app? When using the pc Control Panel/Device Manager, is the USB Serial port in the Ports(COM & LPT) group or in Other Devices?

 

[GaryDoug]

Here is something I recently discovered that may help folks with the cable drivers. As I have said, only the FTDI chip will work with these and you can download a driver from the FTDI web site. Actually Windows will download one from the Windows Update site if it is left to do so. Unfortunately some of the cables available have the older FTDI parts (made before April 2012) and that device needs an older driver, no later than version 24. Now if your pc is set to automatically check to see if you have the latest drivers for whatever device you plug into it, it may download a FTDI driver that is too new for your cable. All will appear to be ok, the message will say the driver has installed correctly, but the app will not work. You will then have to either reinstall the older driver or do a Rollback Driver operation from the Properties window of the USB Serial Port device and the USB Serial Converter device. This applies to all cables and all apps, including mine, Freescan, Datamaster, et al. The real solution is to set your pc to not automatically check for a newer drive, download, and install it.

 

[GaryDoug]

I need to make something clear that has been passed along slightly inaccurately. On my download site, I have place an older and scarcer version of Datamaster, Version 3.4.1 which will only work on WinXP and maybe earlier OS's. This is NOT the latest version available from TTS which is Version 4 and if you are using the 20 free uses, you may want to opt for the newer version to start with. I only posted the older version for those interested in it specifically for "other" reasons.

 

[GaryDoug]

Update: Thanks to a generous Ken G. at the camaroZ28.com forum, who sent me an ABS-TC module for a 96, I can now say that this app and the one for the V6 will read and reset the ABS trouble codes for the 96. It will also, at this time, display the non-TC live data. Having a TC-type module that is compatible with the 94/95, the TC data is now something I can add as time permits. The app will not, of course, read the OBD2 PCM; but you can use it for the ABS only, after turning off both the Engine and Transmission scans.
The cable for this would be the same as for a 95, since the ABS module was still on the ALDL/OBD1 bus in that year.

There was only one minor change to be made, to the app's MALF.csv file, to add a TC-only DTC34 for the left rear wheel. It would appear without a description before the change. BTW, in 96 they added the number "12" to the front of all the ABS codes, so DTC34 became DTC1234. The app still shows only two digits for all codes.

 

[2cat95TA]

With Windows 8 do you need driver 2.08.28 or 2.08.30? I tried downloading .28 from your files and nothing seemed to happen so I downloaded .30 from the FTDI site and I keep getting an error message. My new laptop had to be sent in for repairs so now I need to download everything again

 

[GaryDoug]

The version you will need depends on the date code of the FTDI FT232R device inside your cable. Versions on or before Apr 2012 need version 24. Since it isn't always easy to open them up to look, I recommend using the version 24 driver. It is available on my file storage web site. Don't forget to reboot after installing the drivers. Since you would have multiple driver versions installed, it might be smart to delete the other ones first so there is no confusion at a later date.

 

[2cat95TA]

I tried what you suggested and here is the error message I still get: Could not find file C:\Users]User\Documents\MALF.csv

 

[2cat95TA]

I finally got it, I had the 9495 file saved in two different locations and the one location was not working

 

[GaryDoug]

Yes, the "Scan9495.exe" file and the "MALF.csv" file must be in the same folder. BTW, the MALF.csv file is separate and in simple text format so you can modify the DTC descriptions if you wish.

 

[gleeperkin]

OK, First background-My name is Greg and I came across your post looking for info about reading the trouble codes. July of this year I purchased a 94 Firebird T/A. Equipped with the LT1. The SES light has been on since the day of purchase. The seller told me about 85% of the cars problems. The distributor was bad, neither cooling fan worked, the water pump was bad, no thermostat in housing, reverse safety lockout would not disengage, no backup lights and a couple of minor problems with the convertible top, the radio and the driving lights. How's that for a start. Having built and played with engines my whole life (just turned 65) the mechanical problems I could handle. However, I have never messed with OBDI or OBDII equipment. A little research told me about the paper clip trick, I only found out later that on the 94 LT1 it did not. I then came across your post. I purchased a Red Devil River ALDL cable which came with, TunerPro RT installation, WinALDL install, FreeScan_207 install and GMTD Scan basic. I guess my first problem is what program to use since. Do you know if the Freescan I have I have the same one you mention in your thread? Do you have a preference as to what I should use, ok silly question, yours.. What direction would you suggest I take. I can put a sbc together in my sleep, but once they got past points etc I'm dead in the water. I could tune an engine by ear and get the most out of it. I haven't got the vaguest idea how to tune one and get the most out of it. I need serious help. The engine temp is about 190, idles at approx 1600rpm and seems to have a flat spot when pulling hard around 2600 to 2800. SES light still on and no idea why. Any help, and I mean any help would be greatly appreciated. This car has been well taken car of by the original owner. Both the body and interior are in excellent shape which is why I bought it even with all its problems. I mean no rips, dents cracks etc. One last thing, I have a 13 year old grandson who (spends hours in the garage with me working on things, anything I need his help with) is praying I get it fixed so he can be taken and picked up at school. Anyway, thanks for your time. Greg

 

[GaryDoug]

I have Freescan version 2.1 and that is the one pictured and referenced in this topic. It is also the one posted on my web file storage area with the Scan9495 app, and there is also an XP version of Datamaster as well. Freescan has served us well over the years, but has quite a few shortcomings and bugs. My goal is to provide something easy to use for most diagnostics, and provide more coverage as well (actuators, ABS, SIR). Mine provides absolutely no engine "tuning/programming" capability for adding performance. There are lots of those available. Scan9495 mimics about 90% of the features of the GM Tech II shop scantool. If you are doing basic diagnostics and repair, this should suit you well.
Your engine temp is ok, maybe a little bit low to be honest. It was designed to operate at about 210F, but it may now have a lower temp thermostat as that is fairly common practice for adding a small amount of power. You have an idle speed issue which could be caused by many things, from a defective IAC valve to a buggy Optispark distributor (believe it or not I have seen that).
You should feel free to add new topics to this and other forums in asking for help with various issues. Most folks at these forums are actually eager to share their knowledge with you. This forum is very good, as are FirebirdNation.com, LTXtech.com, CamaroZ28.com, camaroforums.com, and many others.
Good luck.

 

[GaryDoug]

OK guys, I am finally working on the record and playback feature, as well as some better graphing to go with it. Maybe in a few weeks...

 

[GaryDoug]

OK guys, I am finally working on the record and playback feature, as well as some better graphing to go with it. Maybe in a few weeks...

Ok took me 4 weeks but better late than never. The new record/playback version is posted with the date of 27Sep2013. I left the August version there also in case this doesn't work out just yet. None of the instructions are updated yet so this is just an early release for evaluation for some of the more adventurous of you guys. The app is always recording data but not necessarily to disk depending on the checkbox setting on the engine tab. However you can save to disk after the scan is complete, but before exiting or resetting. The Connect button now serves dual purposes of starting the connection and resetting (erasing) the data. Also, more of the settings are "remembered" so you don't have to set them again each time.

There is also a sample recording file "DLOG......" so you can see how it works.

 

[cocobolo95]

Way to go GaryDoug. It won't be long before DataMaster is just a fond memory.

And as always, we here at ls1lt1 thank you for your efforts.

 

[GaryDoug]

Newest version (29Sep2013) can now play back D/M ".uni" files.

 

[zeeman]

Gary Doug what is this service that has your files? I am not too computer savy, so I need to ask what this Media Fire is and why does it want me to upload my files to it? I cant seem to down load your files without opening an account with this service. Is it necessary? I am not a fan of unknown 3rd party "services".

 

[GaryDoug]

MediaFire is a file hosting site. They store my files for free in return for showing ads to people who download the files. You do not need to sign up for anything or upload anything.