| Author | Message | ||
     Electraglider_1997 |
It would be nice to be able to download VSDT for TPS reset use for a nominal fee. I should think that a 24 hour usage of VSDT software for 10 or 15 bucks would stand to make the VSDT software licenser a lot more profit from a lot of Buell owners than expecting a person to pay 10 times that just to reset TPS. I understand that it does more than reset TPS but that is all I really would use it for. I envision a downloadable version that becomes inoperable after 24 hrs. Also the user would see if the software was worth buying by actually giving it a test usage. If the user decided to then buy it at that point he would be given a discount of the 10 or 15 bucks he had already spent. Sounds reasonable to me and there is also the fact that 2008 buells owners will have little reason to even consider VSDT software. With all life's day to day demands for my limited funds I just have not been able to justify laying out around 200 bucks for limited use software no matter how nice it might be to have it. | ||
| Stevem123 |
Actually the software is downloadable free. You need to buy the special cable to allow it to work. BC Steve | ||
| Maximum |
Downloading the cable would be the hard part.  | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
What type of cable is it and what's it cost?? And is this free downloadable VSDT fully functionable? Where is it downloaded from and if it's free then why does American Sportsbike get 200+ for it? Or am I terrible misinformed because it wouldn't be he first or last time. | ||
| Stevem123 |
The people that make VDSTS provide the software on their site. I'm at work so I don't have that info. American Sportbike sell the product. The cable uses an RS232 converter to change the format of the data to be compatable with the VDSTS software. That's obviously proprietary and the reason for the cost of the cable. Why would someone go through all the trouble to make software that any joe-smoe could use for nothing? VDSTS has only basic functions such as re-setting TPS and clearing historical codes. To get the fully functional version requires buying a special dongle (another cable) that only works on one bike. It's also much more expensive but not needed unless you plan to use it for re-mapping the ECM. Of course you would then need some time on a dyno..... BC Steve | ||
| Chadhargis |
Anyone with a breakout box could probably discover the pin outs of the cable...but it comes down to doing what's right. For $200, it's a nice thing to have. It's saved me that already, as well as a few fellow Buell riders. | ||
| Iugradmark |
For those that have the software and cable: There has been much fanfare regarding the changes to the '08 model eliminating the need to reset the TPS yet it is my understanding that most only need this done about every 10,000 miles and it is relatively inexpensive part of a service (I seem to recall people paying less than $50 for the reset). With that said, if you own the software are you resetting more often? Are you finding that it indeed helps the bike run better to have more frequent resets? Thanks, Mark | ||
| Maximum |
I have the software, and reset my TPS at least every oil change, just because I can. I also own several pipes (stock, race, Drummer) and three ECM's ('06 map, '07 map, and race), so I don't have to worry about anything when I get to urge to try a different setup. I have been thinking about having the '06 ecm re-mapped to Al's Drummer map, but the price tag of the Direct Link key has stopped me so far. Anyway, back to the subject at hand. It is great to have the flexibility that comes with owning VDSTS. | ||
| Teeps |
Chadhargis Posted on Wednesday, July 18, 2007 Anyone with a breakout box could probably discover the pin outs of the cable There is more to the VDSTS cable than pinouts. There are logic circuits in the dongle between the connectors. VDSTS was brilliant using hardware to protect their software. | ||
| Chadhargis |
I did the TPS reset at 1000 miles, when I changed to the Race ECM, and at 10,000 miles. Not having to drive (or tow) to the dealer who's 50 miles away (100 miles round trip) was worth the $200. I just hook it up and badda-boom, badda-bing...all is well. The Uly was my first Buell, and I'd heard all the negative stories regarding problems, so I thought having the ability to do my own diagnostics would be nice too. | ||
| Stevenknapp |
There are smarts in the cable. I'm sure someone who really wanted could reverse engineer it or hack their labview app. Note I said someone who cares. But I agree with Chad, they did the work, I paid for it. I know the work that went into it, and I think it's a pretty good value. Having said all that, I did the TPS reset, and honestly I keep forgetting when I'm supposed to do another one. Maybe if/when it starts running bad. But it's not at all like the throttle body sync on an oilhead BMW "quick, I felt some vibes, let's do a sync roadside!" I don't see what the big deal is with the TPS. | ||
| Packdog |
I have the software and I reset the TPS at every oil change "just because I can" as Maximum said. Another thing I do is after setting the idle, I write down the voltage level of the TPS. I check the reading at the next oil change with the one I wrote down at the previous oil change. I find that the value changes by as much as half a volt between oil changes. Again, I do this just because I can. I don't actually notice any changes in rideability between oil changes. Plus there are several reasons the readings could change, including temperature, so this isn't really a good indication of anything. I just do it because I've got the software so I feel compelled to play with it! I have done TPS resets for a couple of other local riders and they now have 10,000 + miles without another reset. I think that if it's done correctly at the 1K service, it doesn't need it again for a long time. I'm not really sure why it needs it at the first service. My guess is mechanical wear of the mechanism makes puts it slightly out of adjustment. My bike was definitely running rougher at the 1K point than it was the day I got it and the TPS reset straightened it right out. The software really is well done and the latest update for it was free, so I think it is a good value. Being the geek that I am, I did ring out the cable - it's not a standard setup. I did it simply out of curiosity because I use several non-standard serial cables for various network equipment that I maintain. | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
OK you guys have SOLD me but I have need of guidance. I've only got a PC that runs XP. What VDSTS do you recommend. Should I buy a 50 dollar Palm off Ebay or is it easier to use with my 18" PC screen. USB ports of course. | ||
| Iugradmark |
Steven, I agree with your comments. I haven't bought the equipment because it seems like once you get it set correctly it can go 10,000 miles or more (except for those folks changing to race ECM, etc.)before needing another reset. While I appreciate the fact that Buell has eliminated this on the '08s, in the end it doesn't seem like a very big issue. Frankly, I'm surprised it even made the cut as a benefit to the 2008. I suspect the real improvements come from the more powerful computer and more frequent monitoring of data to smooth out the bike at different RPMs. - Mark | ||
| Jandj_davis |
Something you might look into is the new program ECM-Spy, designed by a Bueller in Germany. It does everything that VDSTS does, and even Direct Link, and it is free. THe only catch is that you have to build your own cable. Check it out on the UK Buell Board. I am currently getting things together to make a Palm cable. I'll keep the group up to date on how it goes. THere is a growing post in the KV if you care to take a look. http://www.bike-pix.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2034 0&start=0 | ||
| Stevenknapp |
Wow, a really simple interface to build. Should be noted that a lot of HAM radio gear uses TTL for serial, so there are lots of cheap converters there already. | ||
| Teeps |
Stevenknapp Posted on Thursday, July 19, Wow, a really simple interface to build. Should be noted that a lot of HAM radio gear uses TTL for serial, so there are lots of cheap converters there already. Better have a spare ECM; just in case... | ||
| Stevenknapp |
Point taken if it's homebrew, ham gear, or VDSTS even. It's not the H-D tool, right? But the ECU's are not that expensive, and I'd expect the interface on the ECU end to be pretty robust. At least all the automotive stuff I worked on was. | ||
| Packdog |
Electraglider_1997: I recommend the PC version. I plop my laptop on a cart and hook it up, then I can make adjustments using both hands and still read the display. With a palm I would either have an extra thing in my hand or it would be a tiny thing laying somewhere on the bike (or knowing me I'd end up duct taping it somewhere!) and leaning over it to read the display. I just think its easier and more convenient to use a laptop. Also if you use a palm device you will have to use a different adapter to get the cable to attach to the palm. I'm sure they're available somewhere, but you should make sure you can find one for the particular Palm you are looking at on ebay. If portability is really important to you, then the Palm may be worth the effort. Just beware if you plan on upgrading to Windows Vista - the software does not currently run on Vista. It only runs on XP and below. I also have an old desktop computer set up in my garage - I use it to look up stuff on the internet and it has other automotive software for dealing with cars. I will probably eventually install the VDSTS on that, but for now I just have it on my laptop so I can meet up with other Buell riders for midnight TPS reset redenezvous.  The PC in my garage is a really old slow thing that I picked up from a used PC place for $50. Perfect for what I use it for, but I'd hate to try and use it for anything else. (Message edited by packdog on July 21, 2007) | ||
| Buellsruell |
Are you sure? Brad from Sport Twin has stated that it will work with Vista: http://www.sporttwin.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=5164.h tml | ||
| Al_lighton |
VDSTS supposedly now works with Vista. It is a separate download, and that download for VDSTS standard isn't working on the TR site at this time. It didn't come on the last discs that I got, I'll be looking for it on the discs arriving this week. The Vista version is brand spankin new, I expect a couple bugs to be worked out yet. I haven't tested it on that platform yet, as I don't have a Windows Vista computer at this time. Living on the bleeding edge is to damned time consuming. Al |
