Possible to loose/alter data when downloading 2.0 ECU

[vspdave]

I have a Spec fuel tune in shop, and was curious if there is a possiblility of altering customers data when I download ECU data with 3.52 version? It looks like the 3.52 software notes have several areas that may be altered to operate with the newer version managaer. I do not want to alter any TC,FBW,Etc settings while I'm playing around with Ign and fuel tables - if ECU was tuned with an earlier version manager that is?..just paranoid.

Would it be safer to download the version 2 software manager and try that first perhaps?

[vspdave]

No one run into this? or dumb question

[Mazi]

No! It is an easy question but answers are not. First check ECU Manager V3**Help:

Important Notes for Version 3


IMPORTANT NOTES WHEN UPGRADING FROM A PREVIOUS VERSION
V3 includes major changes to the operation of many of the ECU’s functions, as a consequence the upgrade process may not be able to convert these functions perfectly.



INITIAL ENGINE TESTING WITH VERSION 3 SOFTWARE SHOULD PROCEED WITH CAUTION, PARTICULARLY FOR TURBOCHARGED OR NITROUS ENGINES



Before Upgrading
Before upgrading the ECU, ensure that you have a copy of the ECU’s current configuration on disk, this is in case you need to revert to the old version of software.

Upgrading
Upgrading the ECU takes longer than for previous versions and may take up to 10 minutes (typically less than 2 minutes). Please be patient - do not disconnect the communication cable or power down the ECU during the upgrade process.

During the upgrade it is recommended that Ignition modules are disconnected as there is a risk of overheating. Caution should also be exercised with other output devices as they may turn on during the upgrade. If using power hold relays they may need to be forced on as the relay may shut off as the upgrade begins.

Notes on the Upgraded Configuration
Boost Control, Idle Control, Traction Control and Nitrous
These functions have all had major changes and improvements, all parameters and tables for these functions should be checked thoroughly and testing of these functions should be performed cautiously.

Inputs
The configuration of the sensor inputs has changed significantly. Check that the Input setup has been converted correctly by checking that all sensors read correctly.

Cold Start Parameters
The Cold Start parameters are no longer available, instead starting is now controlled with the Engine Temp Comp, Cranking Comp and Post Start Comp tables. The upgrade process will convert the old parameters into the equivalent values for these tables.

Acceleration Enrichment
The Fuel Acceleration Enrichment Sensitivity & Decay factors no longer exist. The Fuel Acceleration setup is now done exclusively with tables. The upgrade process will convert the old parameters into the equivalent values for the tables.

Mandatory Tables
A number of tables that were previously optional MUST now be filled in. Note that these tables should already have been filled in by the upgrade process. The tables are:

Injector Bat Comp (General Setup | Fuel)

Ignition Dwell (General Setup | Ignition)

Lambda Characteristic (Sensor Setup | Wideband Lambda Setup)

REF Filter Table (Sensor Setup | REF/SYNC Sensor Setup)

SYNC Filter Table (Sensor Setup | REF/SYNC Sensor Setup)

Table Axis Setup
The table site setup is now done individually for most tables. Also the channel that is used for each axis is selectable. Check that the upgrade process has set the sites correctly for all tables and that the correct channel is assigned to each axis of the table.

Nitrous
Nitrous users should note that the "Nitrous Offset" parameter no longer exists. Instead, a table MUST be generated to supply the correct fuel at each RPM point as it is now % of IJPU instead of % of total fuel flow.

Digital Input Channels
The channels Digital Input Speed 1, 2, 3 and 4 no longer exist. If using the ECU in conjunction with an MoTeC dash logger the following channels we be sent instead: Ground Speed, Right Ground Speed, Left Drive Speed, and Right Drive Speed. To have these channels appear correctly at the dash logger the CAN comms must be modified or an updated CAN template must be used.

[vspdave]

Thanks for the reply, I read the update notes, but I'll spend some more time with the manual. Not sure if pulling ECU data would actually alter ECU data automatically? I would think it would only the current edit data but I need to read up.

[IDP]

You will not be able to download ecu data with V3.5 if it has V2 installed.

Your options are, Upgrade ECU to V3.5, which will upgrade the data and "possibly" change things.

Or,

Install V2 on your PC and use that without upsetting anything.

I would install V2 and download and save the data. That way you're safe.

After that it's up to you whether you try the V3.5 upgrade.

[vspdave]

I had just got done blowing out 3.5 and loading 2.3 - Thanks for the input. I has been a long time since I have used a Motec product and it does not look like they have been sittting still with new ECU updates.

[IDP]

There's no need to get rid of V3.5.

You can have both versions on your computer and use whichever suits your needs.