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Joe,
In case no one has told you lately, I just can't express just how amazing what you've done, and are doing, for this community is. Mike and Dave Lindsey may have started the charge and Joshua has done absolutely amazing things for us. But you are really building on all that came before and carrying these cars into the future. When I thought solid-state relays and new DME computers were as far as we could go, you bring ODB to the table and charge into MAF conversions. This is exactly what makes this community great. I've seen no other community like it. The 80's and Motronic ushered in a new era in the motorsports landscape. But it also introduced an Achilles heal. All computers of the time came with a shelf life. Capacitors fail, boards fail. And maintaining them is beyond most of us. What to do when these age-sensitive parts go NLA? It's thanks to the work of those like yourself that the future of these cars is bright.
I've lucked out and have not needed the services you offer yet, but that day will come. It's not if, only when. I do have one of your relays, and I didn't order it because I needed it, but just because I supported what you were doing. It was my way of donating to the cause. And now I do have a backup old-school relay in the glove box. Not that I'll ever need it now, thanks to your solid-state design. Keep up the great work, and never doubt it's greatly appreciated.
Joe,
In case no one has told you lately, I just can't express just how amazing what you've done, and are doing, for this community is. Mike and Dave Lindsey may have started the charge and Joshua has done absolutely amazing things for us. But you are really building on all that came before and carrying these cars into the future. When I thought solid-state relays and new DME computers were as far as we could go, you bring ODB to the table and charge into MAF conversions. This is exactly what makes this community great. I've seen no other community like it. The 80's and Motronic ushered in a new era in the motorsports landscape. But it also introduced an Achilles heal. All computers of the time came with a shelf life. Capacitors fail, boards fail. And maintaining them is beyond most of us. What to do when these age-sensitive parts go NLA? It's thanks to the work of those like yourself that the future of these cars is bright.
I've lucked out and have not needed the services you offer yet, but that day will come. It's not if, only when. I do have one of your relays, and I didn't order it because I needed it, but just because I supported what you were doing. It was my way of donating to the cause. And now I do have a backup old-school relay in the glove box. Not that I'll ever need it now, thanks to your solid-state design. Keep up the great work, and never doubt it's greatly appreciated.
Thanks for the kind words, it does feel like I am standing on the shoulders of giants who came before. However, I also feel like 944 ownership has been evolving since the days of past. With the 944 riding on the coattails of the 911 market, a “cheap” 944 in good condition practically doesn’t exist anymore. I believe this is also shifting focus away from performance and racing to more of a “Porsche Experience” type of ownership. This also means the typical 944 owner is less inclined to modify their Porsche, especially if it’s a permanent change. In this vein, I try to envision products that enhance the “Porsche Experience” but in a direct-fit way with little or no modification. Next year’s product roadmap is performance focused, but you can also expect to see products like touchscreen MFDs (Multi-Function Displays). This MFD is for virtual gauges that, among other informatics, will display data like cornering G-Force and 0-60 measurements.
While the late model 944 Motronic ML3 DME was technology a leap ahead of the early 944 Motronic ML2, it was also meant to reduce costs. This cost reduction effort weakened the long-term survivability of the ML3 DME. Bosch designed-out a sealed enclosure and conformal coated PCB, which made the ML3 electronics susceptible to water/moisture damage. The ML3 is also much more prone to cracked solder joints mainly because Bosch also abandoned the die-cast aluminum frame that rigidly mounted the power transistors to the circuit board. Combine this with ageing and obsolete electronics, finding a good used/repairable DME is increasingly hard to come by.
I just installed version 0.26.272 on my new Dell 7670 Win 11 laptop; I get the following error messages when I open the OBD application:
These are the drivers that were installed, which are older versions than what another Win 11 user posted earlier in this thread.
FWIW, on my old Dell M4800 only the USB Bus Driver is installed and it's 07/05/2021 2.12.364. The USB Port Driver is N/A. This was also running 0.26.272 but had a previously "released" version installed prior.
I just installed version 0.26.272 on my new Dell 7670 Win 11 laptop; I get the following error messages when I open the OBD application:
These are the drivers that were installed, which are older versions than what another Win 11 user posted earlier in this thread.
FWIW, on my old Dell M4800 only the USB Bus Driver is installed and it's 07/05/2021 2.12.364. The USB Port Driver is N/A. This was also running 0.26.272 but had a previously "released" version installed prior.
Please let me know how to fix this, thanks.
Any MAF updates?
Hi Tom,
This can occur in one of two situations. First, if you have never connected the OBD+ module to this computer then a device driver was never loaded and the FocusOBD software has nothing to search for or connect to. To fix this, just connect the OBD+ Module and allow Windows to install the driver from the FTDI driver package. And second, Windows Update may have automatically downloaded an FTDI driver that is not compatible with OBD+. In this case, it is best to disconnect the USB cable then remove all FTDI driver packages from "Add or Remove Programs" then in "Device Manager" delete the devices drivers "Ports (COM & LPT) -> USB Serial Device (COM X)" where "X" is the assigned COM Port number, and under "Universal Serial Bus controllers -> USB Serial Converter". Right click each driver then select "Properties" to verify the manufacture is "FTDI" under the General tab before deleting the driver. Then in the FocusOBD software, select "Re-Install Drivers" from the "i" Info Tab. After the drivers are reinstalled, attach the USB cable to the OBD+ module, it should automatically connect.
Also, if the device is not connected, these drivers may not be visible in device manager. To make unconnected derives visible, in Device Manager, select "View -> Show Hidden Devices". Disconnected devices will have a grayed-out icon.
I ran into a technical issue that took while to resolved. The Ford type MAF sensor I was going to use could not read intake air temperature past -20C (-4F), proper automotive IAT range is all the way down to -40C (-40F). I then switched to a GM type MAF sensor and the IAT was good, but it did not output a standard 0 to 5 volt signal. Finelly, I was able use a Nissan type MAF sensor which was perfect. I just finished calibrating its AF (Airflow) and IAT signals today. So basically, I am back to where I thought I was a couple of weeks ago. I also designed new controller for my flow bench, it now can read signals accurately down to the high microvolt range and has more specialized support for development. With any luck, I will be into Alpha testing on Friday, but next week some time seems more likely.
fejjj (02-01-2023),J1NX3D (02-08-2023),jsheiry (02-03-2023),SeaCay (02-03-2023),spencang (02-01-2023),Tiger03447 (02-02-2023) and 1 others liked this post. (Show less...)
Joe, I resolved the driver issue with my new Win 11 laptop. All I had to do was connect it to the OBD and everything worked normally. Thanks for the input, and good to hear the MAF is progressing.
I have been driving my 944 NA around with improved calibration tables and it has been running perfectly. I had expected to encounter various issues I have read about from other guys who have gone down this path. Especially the notorious idle issue Rogue Tuning experienced. But so far drivability is identical to the AFM, just pulls noticeably harder on acceleration. I have also been carefully watching my WBO2 gauge, the DME is hitting its AFR targets the same as with the AFM. The next step is to drive to very high and very low altitudes to make sure everything still works as expected. But first, I need to perform some sorely needed maintenance, not the least of which is installing a new Sachs clutch and Bilstein shocks. Hopefully, I can bring the NA up to serviceable condition so we can get to Beta testing before the month is out.
I had an interesting MAF experience this morning...
I was building up a Sport DME for a customer and in his core DME was a LR MAF chipboard for the NA 944. Normally, I cannot road test with the LR MAF chips because I do not have a LR MAF sensor/housing. Then it occurred to me, I have the same Hitachi MAF0012 sensors and my MAF housing has the same internal diameter. So, I swapped out the Hitachi MAF0031 sensor I use with the MAF0012 LR uses then went for a test drive. As expected, the 944 NA ran excellent, and I spent some time this morning driving around just enjoying the LR/F9T MAF hybrid. Observing the WBO2 gauge, it was clear the DME was hitting its AFR targets meaning the F9T MAF housing is functionally very close to the LR housing. I then went back to the full F9T MAF setup with a stock program and tried to do an objective comparison. I had expected the LR MAF to be noticeably better mainly because of its performance tuning. And this is where I have a hard time trusting in my ability for an unbiased opinion. The F9T MAF setup seemed to be completely on par in terms of performance, even better in some respects. Granted, I was not using the LR MAF housing, so that might be influencing its performance. I will definitely try to include some beta testers who have LR MAF kits so they can weigh in with their experience. In any case, it is clear the F9T MAF is on a solid path, and given the projected lower price point, should be a very attractive option.
I have two Ftech9 relays (one with pump prime) and been using it without any issues for many years. Was excited to try the OBD DME. unfortunately my car wasn't happy with it and I ended up going back to my Bosch setup.
However, I just got to give Joe a shoutout for being patient with me and helping troubleshoot/explain things over the last few months. Who knows maybe I will go back to trying out the DME again if there's a new version. Kudos for world class support!
Also, I am testing out a different relay by Ftech9 (not sure if I can share details on it but it's extreme..haha)
... swapped out the Hitachi MAF0031 sensor I use with the MAF0012 LR uses then went for a test drive. As expected, the 944 NA ran excellent,... Observing the WBO2 gauge, it was clear the DME was hitting its AFR targets meaning the F9T MAF housing is functionally very close to the LR housing. I then went back to the full F9T MAF setup with a stock program and tried to do an objective comparison. I had expected the LR MAF to be noticeably better mainly because of its performance tuning. And this is where I have a hard time trusting in my ability for an unbiased opinion. The F9T MAF setup seemed to be completely on par in terms of performance, even better in some respects. Granted, I was not using the LR MAF housing, so that might be influencing its performance. ... In any case, it is clear the F9T MAF is on a solid path, and given the projected lower price point, should be a very attractive option.
Great that you were able to compare your MAF setup with a different MAF setup. A good reality check.
Hi Joe,
Any new information on MAF ECU development?
Thank you,
Tom
Hi Tom,
Unfortunately, getting taxes ready has been holding things up. I expect to be back on MAF development this week starting a production run of the MAF housings for Beta testers.
Joe, you know you need to be a sponsor to operate commercially, and i know that you used to be one. What gives? I don't want to ban you and delete all your threads, but you're not really playing fairly here.
12-25-2022, 06:14 PM
