DIY USB 4 PLX (FTW)

kascade · **Posted:** Wed Apr 08, 2009 12:30 am

praedet wrote:

Do I need to send Kascade money to get it implemented for me?

Donations are always welcome!

But I'm not sure I need to do anything more - just download the release linked from the first page of this thread. Correct me if I'm wrong NSFW.

NSFW · **Joined:** Wed Nov 22, 2006 10:23 pm **Posts:** 1351

Yeah, I'm still using that version and it's working fine.

The only real quirk is that my laptop will sometimes freeze if I leave the logger open when the laptop tries to hibernate. I am pretty sure that's a Windows bug, though since I've had the same problem with the Tactrix cable and other loggers as well.

I have rewritten the first 3 posts to explain how to build one. I'm really kicking myself for not taking good pictures as I did mine, but I think that the one picture I do have (in the 1st post now) is clear enough - it shows what color wires go where, and that's all that really matters.

NSFW · **Joined:** Wed Nov 22, 2006 10:23 pm **Posts:** 1351

Praedet, if you really don't want to solder, you can buy a USB adaptor from PLX for about $70+shipping. Ask yourself if it's worth spending an extra $30 to just have one delivered.

It's not a bad price, actually.

praedet · **Posted:** Wed Apr 08, 2009 11:55 am

NSFW wrote:

Praedet, if you really don't want to solder, you can buy a USB adaptor from PLX for about $70+shipping. Ask yourself if it's worth spending an extra $30 to just have one delivered.

It's not a bad price, actually.

Hmmm, I already have that as it was part of a kit I got to test it out w/ StreetTuner...

So what you made is simply a cobbled together version of that?

Excellent

NSFW · **Joined:** Wed Nov 22, 2006 10:23 pm **Posts:** 1351

Yeah, same thing. They're both USB-to-serial interfaces, much like the once you can buy anywhere, but with a different voltage for the serial signal.

So in that case, all you need to do is download the RomRaider pre-release in Kascade's earlier post, plug PLX's adapter into your SM-AFR, and your laptop, and and start logging.

Note that you need to start the pre-release RomRaider by running "run.bat" in the RomRaider directory, and you'll need to choose the serial port for the PLX via the "Plugins" menu. At that point it should just work.

LittleBlueGT · **Joined:** Mon Apr 30, 2007 8:02 pm **Posts:** 511

My PLX WB is the one made for ST, it already has a USB out on it.

Will it work with the new version of RR?

funks · **Joined:** Thu Oct 15, 2009 1:32 am **Posts:** 14

Just a note - if you are using the PLX USB Logger Adapter (the one they sell for 70$), and you are running Vista 64-bit - you'll definitely want to install the latest drivers from FTDI. The drivers PLX provided on their site kept blue screening my PC during bootup (while the adapter was still attached during startup). For those people not wanting to pay 70$ for the PLX's adapter - other options below (the acroname unit originally displayed by NSFW is much easier to work with though).

FTDI MM232R - 18$ - You'll have to solder wires though, (the Ground - pin 13, and RXD - pin 7). The PLX adapter is just the MM232R couplced with a 1/8" female jack shrink-wrapped together (+ ridiculous markup).

OR FTDI UB232R (MiniUSB) -17.50$, solder GND -> Pin 1, solder RXD -> Pin 7).

Quote:

This might help somebody else.

Problem Description:

I installed the PLX iMFD SM to USB Adapter on Vista X64 System using the drivers from PLX Website (CDM_Setup.exe). Everytime I would reboot my PC with the adapter connected, it would BSOD when the adapter was attached. Detaching allowed the system to boot just fine, moreover - If I plugged in the dongle while Vista X64 was already running, it would work just fine..

Solution:

I fixed the problem by updating the drivers manually downloaded from FTDI's website (VCP, driver version - 2.04.16). Have to make sure both the

1) Control Panel -> System -> Device Manager -> Ports -> USB Serial Port (COM ?)

and

2) Control Panel -> System -> Device Manager -> Universal System Bus -> USB Serial Converter

are UPDATED (just click on Properties -> Driver -> Update Driver then point it to where you extracted the drivers). Once updated, make sure both have a Driver Version of 2.4.16.0. When I just updated #1 on the list above, it still gave me a BSOD during bootup. Doing both fixed the problem.

The drivers that were previously installed (my assumption via the PLX provided driver) were dated 2007 while these new ones are dated 2009.

4wDrift · **Joined:** Thu Mar 13, 2008 7:44 pm **Posts:** 2

Where can I find a version of Romraider that supports the PLX wideband? The linky on the 1st page is broken.

kascade · **Posted:** Tue Dec 22, 2009 10:03 pm

4wDrift wrote:

Where can I find a version of Romraider that supports the PLX wideband? The linky on the 1st page is broken.

topic5551.html

weps · **Joined:** Fri Feb 22, 2008 6:55 pm **Posts:** 3

I take it this would handily work with an LC-1 as well? I'm looking at buying one, but my laptop doesn't have a serial cable port (nor would I want it too...)

EDIT: According to the Innovate website they use a 2.5mm (3/32") plug. Can anyone confirm?

NSFW · **Joined:** Wed Nov 22, 2006 10:23 pm **Posts:** 1351

I have no idea if this would work with an LC-1. Hopefully someone who has one will be able to answer that question.

Please start another thread for your other LC-1 questions.

Sasha_A80 · **Posted:** Thu Feb 04, 2010 3:48 am

2 NSFW:

Is there any conflict when using FTDI chips for SSM data logging (OP1.0, OP1.2, OP1.3 cables) and for PLX at the same time?

Is it better to use another chip for PLX adapter (CP210x, Profilic PL2303, any non FTDI one) in order to avoid conflicts in such a case?

NSFW · **Joined:** Wed Nov 22, 2006 10:23 pm **Posts:** 1351

I have had no trouble with conflicts when logging. I have an OP 1.3 cable rather permanently installed in my car, along with a laptop and a 7" LCD, and I am reading from the OP and the PLX every time I start the car.

For reflashing, I need to disable the PLX serial adaptor. EcuFlash automatically selects the device, and it always chooses the wrong one. So, I have a "Device Manager" shortcut on my desktop, and I disable the PLX adaptor before reflashing. If I forget that step EcuFlash has the write button disabled.

I have not tried this with any other serial converter, but it seems likely that a non-FTDI converter would not have this problem. If do you make something similar with another brand of converter, please let me know if EcuFlash will coexist with it. It is only a minor inconvenience, but I might still be tempted to build another converter if that will solve it.

Sasha_A80 · **Posted:** Sun Feb 07, 2010 8:42 am

Unfortunately I do not have legal OP 1.3 cable at hand.

Thus I have tried ecuFlash 1.29. It does not conflict with CP2102(2103?), Profilic PL2303, MicroChip implementation of Microsoft USB-CDC device. I believe those chips will not harm to ecuFlash 1.30+ with OP1.3 attached since virtual COM port is not in use.

There was no conflicts with any combinations of FTDI, CP, PL, MicroChip for datalogging for the reason virtual USB-COM ports are enumerated.

NSFW · **Joined:** Wed Nov 22, 2006 10:23 pm **Posts:** 1351

Yes, I think that's the important distinction. I have a GPS receiver that uses a Prolific chip, I think it's the PL 2303 that you mentioned. It's always enabled and EcuFlash has no problem with that.

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