Is VDST Software Unstable?

[jgrm1]

I used my new VDST software for the first time today and am curious if only my copy is unstable and I need to return it or I need to learn to live with the frustration.

It repeatedly disconnected from the ECU with messages like, "Disconnected," "Finding SCM (USB/Com)," and "ECU/ECM Not Responding."  It seems like every command causes it to disconnect from the ECU. 

A few times, it even misidentified my 5AM ECU as a 15M.  I saw this message, "Vehicle Communication Module Not For This ECU/ECM.  Please See ECU/ECM Com."

Finally, it locked up my PC a couple of times.  I am still not certain my trim adjustments actually changed anything on the bike. 

Is this typical fare for this tool or did I get a dud?

Thanks,
Jeff

[vossy]

Check your connections to your battery and PC. The same thing happened to me a couple of times. I just got a better connection from the battery (made sure I had a solid connection) and BINGO! good as gold.

[jgrm1]

I am pretty sure I had good connections all around. 

One other oddity was the 27-28 degree difference between engine temperature between the display on the bike and the VDST.  For example, the bike said engine temp was 213-degrees while VDST said 185-degrees.  Why would this be and what effect could it have on the performance of the bike?

-Jeff

[♣ McKraut ♣]

i've run into the same issues with a friend's vdst, even the identification of my 5am ecu as a 15m.  battery connectors are on the terminals properly, etc.  it seems that it's just about impossible to actually do anything as it keeps have communication issues, or the software just randomly crashes to windows desktop.  and i have yet to see the gauge displays and sensor readouts to display anything with the bike running.  (windows vista operating system btw)

[jgrm1]

I'm running Vista also, which caught my attention when I could not access the VSDT help files.

-Jeff

[ZOSO]

OP, something is up.
My 2 VDST's have worked flawlessly, yours should not be doing what it is doing.
Assuming you are using a serial to usb adapter, that could be your problem (whose laptop is so old it still has a serial port?!).
The VDST software is very picky about compatibility with serial to usb adapters, many have "buffer" issues and corrupt the connection and sometimes the data readings.
That is why VDST kits are sold with a specific, recommended adapter (extra of course) that does not require a SF driver, buffer adjustment, etc.
So if you are not using the recommended serial to usb  adapter, may want to try.
FWIW, calling TechnoResearch is a pleasure, they are very friendly and helpful, and real enthusiasts.
Hope you get it working, it's a great tool to have!

And the bike readout measures oil temp (not engine or ambient air temp)

PS - running Vista.

[jgrm1]

Assuming you are using a serial to usb adapter, that could be your problem (whose laptop is so old it still has a serial port?!).
The VDST software is very picky about compatibility with serial to usb adapters, many have "buffer" issues and corrupt the connection and sometimes the data readings.
That is why VDST kits are sold with a specific, recommended adapter (extra of course) that does not require a SF driver, buffer adjustment, etc.
So if you are not using the recommended serial to usb  adapter, may want to try.

I am using the cabling supplied by Desmotimes.  Although it seems cobbled together with multiple connections, I assume LT would not sell it if it was questionable.  Bad assumption? 

FWIW, calling TechnoResearch is a pleasure, they are very friendly and helpful, and real enthusiasts.
Hope you get it working, it's a great tool to have!

I have not called TechnoResearch, but have visited their website and now realize there is a version for Vista.  The version I received was for pre-Vista.  I will contact Desmo-Times this morning to exchange the disc I received for the Vista version.

And the bike readout measures oil temp (not engine or ambient air temp)

Agreed.  The VDST screen is labeled "Engine Temp," though.

-Jeff

[booger]

Er, just go to the Technoresearch website and download the latest version for Vista. You're paying for the hardware dongle, not so much for a disk.

[♣ McKraut ♣]

Er, just go to the Technoresearch website and download the latest version for Vista. You're paying for the hardware dongle, not so much for a disk.

not sure what the desmotimes kit comes with, but technoresearch recommends cablemax:

  •     NOTE: if no serial port: must use a USB - Serial Adapter. Cablemax  brand is strongly recommended; see 'ACCESSORY'  below


the adapter i'm using is the keyspan USA-19HS (made by tripplite:  http://www.tripplite.com/en/products/product-series.cfm?txtSeriesID=849)  with latest drivers installed.  my VDST software is updated to the latest version.

[CDawg]

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[ZOSO]

Er, just go to the Technoresearch website and download the latest version for Vista. You're paying for the hardware dongle, not so much for a disk.

+1.

[♣ McKraut ♣]

this is from their FAQ section:  (looks like i need to do some tweaking to my adapter settings as well...i'll try this tonight)

FAQ: VEHICLE DIAGNOSTIC SCAN TOOL STANDARD, VDST PRO & CENTURION

1 Q: How do I ensure compatibility with my PC?
    A:   VDST Standard and Centurion are compatible with the following operating systems:
          Microsoft® Windowsâ,,¢  95/98/Me/2000/NT/XP/Vista
   
2  Q: What connectors/ports do I need?
     A:  For VDST Standard and VDST Pro units sold prior to January 2009: serial port OR
           USB to Serial Adapter. For Centurion: USB port
   
3  Q: Do I need to choose a specific adapter?
     A: YES - there are two choices: Keyspan model USA-19HS, OR
         Cablemax  USB 2.0 Serial RS-232 DB-9 MINI Adapter with Detachable Extension Cable

4. Q: Where can I purchase these adapters?
      A: TechnoResearch stocks them. You may also purchase them at major retailers or online.

5 Q: Do I need specific settings for these adapters?
     A: Part 1: For the Keyspan, YES:  Go to: All programs then Keyspan USB Serial Adapter.
               Run the Keyspan Serial Assistant.
               Under Properties set endpoints to: High Performance (Bulk);
               Transmit Completion Timing Advance to: Faster; and
               Receive FIFO Buffer Size to: 63.
     A: Part 2: For the Cablemax - NO specific settings needed.

       6 Q: How do I know what COM port to choose?
          A:  Click here for instructions   

[ZOSO]

3  Q: Do I need to choose a specific adapter?
     A: YES - there are two choices: Keyspan model USA-19HS, OR
         Cablemax  USB 2.0 Serial RS-232 DB-9 MINI Adapter with Detachable Extension Cable

4. Q: Where can I purchase these adapters?
      A: TechnoResearch stocks them. You may also purchase them at major retailers or online.

5 Q: Do I need specific settings for these adapters?
     A: Part 1: For the Keyspan, YES:  Go to: All programs then Keyspan USB Serial Adapter.
               Run the Keyspan Serial Assistant.
               Under Properties set endpoints to: High Performance (Bulk);
               Transmit Completion Timing Advance to: Faster; and
               Receive FIFO Buffer Size to: 63.
     A: Part 2: For the Cablemax - NO specific settings needed.

Told ya ;- )
TechoResearch sells the Cablemax, which is plug and play as stated (I didn't even load a driver).
Hope tweaking the Keyspan does the trick, it's a great program to have/use.
Let us know how it turns out . . .

[jgrm1]

Guys,

Thanks.  After downloading the Vista version of the VDST software making the above adjustments to the Keyspan adapter driver, communication between the VDST and the ECU has improved. 

-Jeff

[♣ McKraut ♣]

Guys,

Thanks.  After downloading the Vista version of the VDST software making the above adjustments to the Keyspan adapter driver, communication between the VDST and the ECU has improved. 

-Jeff

same here...have been adjusting my trim settings all over the place....  is 15 working for most people?