ECU/ALDL Scanner - Freescan replacement?

[Todd_W]

Hopefully this is allowed, I apologize if not. I have been on here for a few years, mostly just reading and learning.

I thought I would offer my version of a Lotus 4 cylinder ALDL ECU application to anyone interested.

For a little background, I own an 89 Esprit Turbo SE, and had a few issues just before the pandemic. Check engine light etc. I found Freescan via this forum. I got my cable from Sanj like many people and was able to resolve my issues. Cars run great, thanks!

As we all know Freescan is a bit old and some people had some issues on Windows 10. I was able to find Andy's source code, thanks Andy. The first thing I did was to rebuild the appl for Windows 10 and gave a copy to a few people. It was not perfect but worked.

Then the Covid lockdown. I had some spare time and well I have an obsessive need to build/fix things.

So I wrote my own application using the latest tools. I am a software engineer by day, and a closet vintage British car restorer/fixer by evening and weekends. Yet I remain married; go figure.

I have used it many times on my car and had someone test it on theirs as well. It works. It does pretty much the same thing as Freescan and EspritMon with a few extra bells and whistles. The most useful for me is the graphing, recording, and playback. I added some gauges, but that’s mostly eye candy. It was a long lockdown.

I was never able to make contact with Andy the Freescan author but he was the inspiration and more importantly taught me how to parse the ALDL data stream. So credit where credit is due.

Also note, I haven't had the time (yet) to finish documenting anything. Back to work in the office and all. But thought I would just put it out there in case someone finds it useful.

So you're welcome to a copy, it’s free for your personal use. If it turns out to be useful, I will try to find some time to document and improve it. Of course I will watch this thread for questions.

I also just created a document where I attempt to help you install and run it. It's not perfect, but should help. Based on the recent experience, just install it manually; it's in the document.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15V9ab_G-WnIjy5pyh9I47WPAJEau1ImM?usp=sharing

 

[Todd_W]

A few screen shots for you. 

[Escape]

Looks nice, I'll give it try (if I find the time).

At least something good to come out of lockdown. 😉

Filip

[Chillidoggy]

Well done!

I do like the graph-plotting function, I can see that would make it easier for any diagnosis. I’m up for trying it.

[fjmuurling]

Looks very good.

Did you modify/correct the Freescan Baro and MAP calculations? As they are wrong in Freescan.

 

[Giniw]

This looks like a very good job @Todd_W, congratulations!

You must have spent quite a few hours on this! Thanks for your hard (long) work!

[Giniw]

⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️

For some reason it's detected as a malware on my computer though? Am I the only one?
Of course it may be a false positive though

[Todd_W]

2 hours ago, Giniw said:

This looks like a very good job @Todd_W, congratulations!

You must have spent quite a few hours on this! Thanks for your hard (long) work!

Thank you.

[Todd_W]

2 hours ago, Giniw said:

⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️

For some reason it's detected as a malware on my computer though? Am I the only one?
Of course it may be a false positive though

Not the only one; a few people. I get it as well and I wrote it. Happens a few ways, if you run the MSI installer, or scan the files. Although you will notice that Google also scans them and reports nothing.

I included a installation guide (PDF) with the files, but basically it says this... Windows Defender will most likely flag it is a malware because it (Windows Def) does not recognize it being digitally signed by a known "company".

If you are comfortable with doing this, you can follow the manual install instruction in the PDF and/or just run the .exe file directly.

[Todd_W]

First, I appreciate everyone's interest in the app.

Second, I apologize for my slow responses. I only received the notification a few minutes ago regarding your posts/questions.

It's a bit of challenge for me to check during day since I'm at work.

I am attempting to find a few free minutes here and there to put together a first attempt an a user's manual. At least something to get people started.

I will do my best to explain how it works and how the values are calculated like the Baro and MAP values asked about.

 

Edited September 7, 2021 by Todd_W