Problem with MJ, and I cant use a computer!
Turbo Mini Forums

I have loaded a map onto the MJ but I did it on my pc, and not had a problem. I borrowed a laptop and have loaded the software on, but when the program is running it shows a message at the bottom of the screen "unable to open port" ive checked the settings for the port in device manager and compared the settings to the pc, but cant get it to work, any advice?
Cheers
Shane

Hi,
Are you using a real com port on the laptop or a usb adaptor?
Cheers,
Gavin :)

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Using the com port, rs32. Cant get my head round it?
Shane

Hi,
AFAIK there's only 23 things that can cause this;
either another program is using the com port
or you've not got the same com port number in the MJ software as the com port number for the laptop.
Cheers,
Gavin :)

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I checked the port no in the mj prog via the tools menu. How do I check to see if another program is using the port?
Cheers Gavin
Shane

Hi,
It's a look and see process, check for things like pda software, MS active sync, dial up modem sort of things...
What are the com port numbers for the laptop and for MJ?
Cheers,
Gavin :)

Edited by Bat on 26th Apr, 2008.

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Well I had to return the laptop last nite, so cant check till I get it back, but pretty sure they was both set to com port 1?
Shane

did you have the port on the latop set to the correct speed and with the correct start/stop bits set?

Edited by miniboo on 27th Apr, 2008.

You are using a straight though serial cable, and not a null modem one?

Yes I compared and adjusted the speeds on the laptop to match the ones i knew worked on the computer.
I cant answer that as I dont know the difference, sorry, im useless with computers
Shane

if it worked with the pc then the cable must be ok.

might have to take the pc out into the garage!!!

Edited by miniboo on 27th Apr, 2008.

Lol, dont joke about it, if I cant get it sorted the im going to have to take my pc when it goes on the rollers!
Shane

Edited by Turbo Tel on 30th Apr, 2008.

website:- http://www.terryhunt.co.uk

Cheers Tel, will that when I get the laptop back, the bits per second, on my pc im running 4800, and that works, what does changing it do?
Shane

Edited by shane on 29th Apr, 2008.

You are correct, The setting should be 4800, though it works at 9600 (the wonders of computing!!) I guess the MJ program actually does the configuration for you so this may be mute.. but still worth checking.

I have edited the post to prevent confusion..

Autosportslab has some info on using hyperterminal. You can find it under

start->programs->accessories-> communications.

cant link it so heres an extract.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Troubleshooting with Hyperterminal
Open up Hyperterminal. create a connection, and configure it to connect directly to the COM port you are using for the MJLJ.

When it asks for the communication settings, use the following:

Bits Per Second: 4800
Data Bits: 8
Parity: None
Stop Bits: 1
Flow Control: none

When you get to the main screen, send a capital 'C' to the controller. you won't see what you type echoed on the screen, but the controller should 'reply' with what looks like a sequence of random data. This simulates the Configuration software requesting the controller's current configuration

Pressing 'S' returns the current runtime status; You will see only a few characters displayed.

If the above does not work, or if Hyperterminal indicates a COM port or communications error:

Edited by Turbo Tel on 30th Apr, 2008.

website:- http://www.terryhunt.co.uk

i cant find the hyper terminal bit..

Hi,
Click Start, all programs, accessories, communications. Assuming you're running XP
Cheers,
Gavin :)

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IM still really struggling with this LOL, have manged to got the software to display "timout reading runtime data" instead of showing "could not open port" but I cant retrieve maps or load maps to the ecu, this is getting really frustrating! Any thought appreciated.
Cheers
Shane

When you looked at the ports how many did you find? There is most likely at least 1 maybe 2, one will be the serial connector, the other the modem. They dont always come up 1 and 3 so if you see any ports in the device manager try each in turn.Also poke around the modem settings in Control panel and try to find out what com port the modem is on on then you will know it aint that one!

Did you try hyperterminal? it usually only lists active ports.. If it only shows one then it may be the modem..and that could be the problem. sometimes people disable the serial port in BIOS because they feel they wont be used and then cannot be seen by windows.

The "port not found" error probably means there is not a serial line on that port, the "timeout reading data" probably means that there is a port but its the wrong one and you may be trying to use the modem.

website:- http://www.terryhunt.co.uk

"timeout reading runtime data" can also mean no power to the MJ

website:- http://www.terryhunt.co.uk

Or maybe he ran the MJ unit off a 9V battery when using the PC before is was wired in? Check your live maybe?

I checked all of the above, and totally lost my patients with it and gave the laptop back, I ended up taking my Pc with me to the rollers, wasnt ideal but it done the job.
Tanks for the help guys
Shane

Edited by Turbo Tel on 8th May, 2008.

website:- http://www.terryhunt.co.uk

Yes tel it was the laptop causing me the problem.
Cheers
Shane