I was just in at Rollies getting the data cable and the bloke there reckons its much better to download maps and do the setup from a desktop rather than a laptop, anyone got any thoughts on this. 

I use the TTS, and yes it is easier once you have the data.. On the road stuff you are stuck with the laptop, but for initial settings and adjustments prior to going out then the desktop is a lot easier..

cheers AJ

glad to hear youre happy with the Thundermax as a few people have some negative comments on them. I have windows 8 on my laptop so not sure about compatibility yet. I will have to wait until next weekend to fit as I thought I had a serial port it but its not, so I need to get the adapter. The main reason I went for the Thundermax is so I have the option of running some cams in it at a later date. I also got it for a good price, $430 including the new cable and adapter, at least half price from any new ones I have found.

well just fitted up the Thundermax, not as easy as I first thought it would be. I have a laptop with windows 8 and my son inlaw has windows 7 on his and fucked if we could get either computer to recognise the serial port to usb connector. We tried all types of things but to no avail. I bought the unit second hand and the bloke removed the unit when he sold his bike. Knowing he had a softail simular year with no major mods I decided to chance it and fired it up. It started but ran like shit back firing thru the air filter and getting very hot. I turned it off and left it for a few minutes and fired it up again. What a difference it started to idle better and you could here the bike doing small adjustments, after a minute or so it was sounding good. I decided to take her around the block to see how it was. It was running very nice and the decal popping had almost gone and by the time I pulled back into the garage it didn't pop at all. So it definitely does work this auto tune stuff and I was pleasantly surprised. The bike seems to have a little more down low and pulls a bit better from lower revs, overall I am very happy with the result.

Has anyone else had problems trying to get the serial port to USB connector to work.   I would still like to be able to hook it up to the laptop to make sure all the settings are good and check the speedo calibration.

nah didn't get to do anything as we couldn't get the computer and Thundermax to connect. It is running very well and with no decal pop it must be getting more fuel now. My missus is home now and she is a lot better than me with computer shite. Thanks for your help mate it is much appreciated, I will keep you updated, cheers Steve.

Also make sure you turn windows updates off...Windows will update the driver and this will stop it from working...

 

cheers thanks fellas

 Hey Steve, to save a lot of stress with USB to serial drivers, see if your L/top has a pcmcia card slot - usually on the side and about 45mm wide.

I got fed up with drivers and windows conflicts and unable to link, I bought a card for my L/top off ebay for about $20 - haven't looked back since.

Its a serial PCMCIA card and you get the correct driver with it. Don't let windows load its driver - use the supplied driver - not all laptops operate the same way with the same operating system.

Cheers

Chris

Cheers Chris I will give it one more try and if no good i will get one of those.

 Hey Steve

Here is link to the type of card you need. It's for Win 7 & 8.

If the link don't work, copy and paste into the address line of your browser.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/CARDBUS-PCMCIA-RS232-SERIAL-DB9-1-PORT-CARD-WINDOWS-8-7-32-64-BIT-LINUX-DOS-/111081983182?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19dd008cce

Cheers

Chris

thanks Chris

Steve L,

try this link...you can buy a USB to serial adaptor that works with WIN 8

https://www.lindy.com.au/online/arrshop.exe?anonymous=true&cat=e2

==================================================
PL2303 Driver Setup Installer, Prolific Edition
Setup Installer Revision Note History
==================================================


** Prolific recommends using PL2303HXD (HX Rev D) or PL2303TA chip version **
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: PL-2303HXA (HX Rev A) and PL-2303XA have been discontinued (EOL) on October 2012.
Customers and end-users are advised to change to PL2303HXD or PL2303TA chip.

http://www.prolific.com.tw/US/ShowProduct.aspx?p_id=212&pcid=41


===========================
Windows 8 Driver Support!!!
===========================
Please note the following for Windows 8 Driver Support:
    - PL2303H      (Not Supported) - will show yellow mark Error Code 10 in Device Manager. This chip is EOL.
    - PL2303HX Rev A (Not Supported) - will show yellow mark Error Code 10 in Device Manager. This chip is EOL (10/2012).
    - PL2303X      (Not Supported) - will show yellow mark Error Code 10 in Device Manager. This chip is EOL (10/2012).
    - PL2303HX Rev D (Supported)
    - PL2303EA     (Supported)
    - PL2303RA     (Supported)
    - PL2303SA     (Supported)
    - PL2303TA     (Supported)
    - PL2303TB     (Supported)

 

Cheers,

 

Cheers,

cheers mate, don't why the pricks at Thundermax didn't just do a usb cable to start with.

so far so good, it is definitely running much better than before. I did the 30 on 30 off 30 on then started and t made it even better. I was in talking to one of the blokes in Gasoline Alley on Wednesday getting a price for the 24k service and mentioned it has a Thundermax, he started cringing saying he has had nothing but trouble with them, I am very happy with mine so far. He was saying that you need to update the software every 12 months to keep them running properly. I asked him what he meant but he couldn't elaborate on it, doesn't sound right to me. They only like to use screaming eagle tuners as they are Harley products. He quoted me $460 for the tune plus more if it needs plugs and another $30 for Synthetic oil, so could be over $500. That seems to be pretty expensive to me for a minor service or is it about right, cheers Steve.

 Hey Steve

The T/Max doesn't require a yearly software update to run properly - that's a load of crap. Obviosly the guy has no idea how to use the software - you don't need a dyno tune for the T/Max to operate at its peak performance - its an auto-tune program - it tunes to suit the AFR and ignition timing that the lookup tables produce for the map - you modify the base map with a regular automap run. Admittedly, it can try to tune an engine with a mechanical problem (valve train, induction leak, s/plug failure, broken/worn rings etc) but unless you are putting it on the 400 metre strip of blacktop and thrashing the crap out of it, you don't need a dyno tune - regular oil change, air filter, plugs, primary chain check/adjust etc is all you need and not taking out a mortgage to pay for it - Ned Kelly lives on - save a bucket load and learn to do it yourself - too easy fella!

Cheers

Chris

thanks Chris
I didn't think it would need an update as it constantly does it by itself,
cheers Steve.

 The only updates that are significant are new maps for different pipe/air cleaner setups that come onto the market or the interface program that runs on your computer. They have had a couple of firmware upgrades but these are for the internal operation of the T/Max - not absolutely neccessary but provided for a little more efficient operation by the user. My opinion - Trust Nobody - trust only your instincts, you will be right most of the time.

I'd be interested to hear what his reasoning was. The laptop can be moved to the bike for Automap and IAC (Auto - Idle air control). Otherwise you'd need a long lead or a dedicated desk top. If your internet connection to the laptop is reasonable there shouldn't be a problem. I've been using an older ASUS (over ten years old) with Vista and no problems. I've had 3 sets of pipes since Feb, which means I've remapped 3 times and IAC'd many times. Bike is 07 Softail standard with no engine mods.