Issue 0.

6 August 2004

TransFlash
Troubleshooting Guide
This guide offers assistance with communication
problems when using TransFlash
with a PSECU Mk5 (or Mk4)

Contents Page

1. Introduction................................................................................................................... 2
2. Elementary Checks....................................................................................................... 3
3. PC Power Management................................................................................................ 3
4. IR Drivers...................................................................................................................... 4
5. Modem Drivers ............................................................................................................. 4
6. Windows Operating Systems........................................................................................ 4
7. Further Assistance........................................................................................................ 5

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Issue 0.6 August 2004

1. Introduction
This guide is intended to provide assistance when experiencing difficulties with TransFlash and PC to
ECU communication. Please take a little time to read the following information which has been compiled
to guide diagnosis of problems.

TransFlash is designed to work exclusively with the Mark 5 version of the ITL Powershift Electronic
Control Unit (PSECU Mk5). However, TransFlash does provide limited support for the PSECU Mk4 but
at the time of writing, it was planned for the Mk4 to be superseded by the Mk5 unit. TransFlash is not
compatible with earlier versions of ECU (e.g. PSECU Mk1 to Mk3), as these units can not be re-
programmed. Please consult the TransFlash User Guide for further information on ECU compatibility.

This software is intended for use on IBM Compatible Personal Computers (PCs) running Windows 95™,
Windows 98™, Windows ME™, Windows 2000™ or Windows XP™ operating systems but is not
compatible with earlier versions of Windows 3.x™.

All distributed software can be found on the ITL Technical Information Parts and Service CD-ROM, from
Issue ? (? 2003) onwards. Alternatively, in due course, software will become available for download
over the internet via the ITL Techweb service.

It is known that some laptop PCs can experience problems with serial communications.

In a few rare cases some PC hardware does not allow this software access to communications (COM)
ports.

ITL Service are in the process of compiling a 'recommended' list of laptops which we know to work
satisfactorily with ITL Software.

In the majority of cases, conflicts are caused by either software already running on the PC, or by certain
'driver' files which hog the COM port(s).

• A PC which has many users, and uses, is likely to contain some redundant software and drivers.

If you do not feel technically competent to mess around with the PCs' software & set-up then please
leave the following tasks to a trained professional.

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Issue 0.6 August 2004

2. Elementary Checks
Please make sure that the correct communications lead (part number: 892/01066) is being used and is
not damaged in any way.

• The previous lead (part number: 892/00952) can still be used but has been superseded by the new part
and so is no longer available to purchase.

Identifying Non Communication with an ECU

Once started, TransFlash continually attempts to
connect with an ECU.

Whilst communications can not be established, the

'ECU Setup' section of the screen (bottom right) will
display "<unknown>" against all the fields.

• The ECU must be powered for communications to work, i.e. the machine ignition must be ON (but the
engine running is not necessary).

3. PC Power Management
For various reasons, Power Management software on some laptops can disrupt the COM ports.

This is also a problem with many other proprietary pieces of software and not just ITLs', so the following
advice is worth bearing in mind.

If the user experiences communications problems with an ECU then they should turn OFF the laptops’
power management software.

Problems may consist of;

(a) Complete failure to establish communications with an ECU.
(b) A drop-out of communications (i.e. connects to the ECU but after a while the link fails).
(b) Intermittent failure (i.e. seems to disconnect and re-connect at random intervals).

Item (a) is probably the most common.

To turn OFF the laptop power management the user should open Windows Control Panel (e.g. via
menus Start > Settings > Control Panel). There should then be an icon to run the laptops’ power
management software. Turn OFF the power management, close the tool and then close the control
panel.

These power management tools are specific to individual makes and models of laptop. Some may
require the PC to be re-booted before the changes take effect.

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Issue 0.6 August 2004

4. IR Drivers
Many Laptop PCs have a built in Infra-Red (IR) communications port. There is likely to be some resident
software (or driver) to control this port. Occasionally this driver can interfere with the operation of the
COM ports. If this type of port is present, but never used, then try disabling the driver;

System Properties > Device Manager > Ports > ..... (infra-red)

5. Modem Drivers
Check that only the correct modems are installed on the machine.

Experience has shown that multi-user PCs often contain many modems, perhaps installed for use other
than in the office.

Disable any unused modems.

There has been no experience of correctly installed internal modems or PCMCIA cards (modem or
network) causing significant problems.

6. Windows™ Operating Systems

Please note that TransFlash is NOT designed to run on Windows NT™.

TransFlash has been designed to work with the latest versions of the Windows operating systems at the
time of release (e.g. Windows XP™). However we may not have exhaustively tested this software with
different versions of PCs and operating systems. As a result we can not guarantee that this software will
be fully functional with the very latest version of Windows™, although we are continually developing
support for different operating systems.

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Issue 0.6 August 2004

7. Further Assistance
If the above information fails to help to cure any communications problem then the following contacts
may be able to provide further assistance;

a). If applicable, try seeking assistance from your Computer Systems Engineer/Technician.

b). The first port of call outside your company should be the machine dealer, agent or Service network.

c). Your next enquiries should be with the machine OEM. If the OEM is unable to assist they will make
the relevant enquires on your behalf.

• If your communications problems persist then please let us know the make and model of the problem
laptop(s) so that we may investigate further.

For machine specific information please refer to the machine Handbook and Service Manual.

For all enquiries about TransFlash please follow your normal channels of enquiry. This ensures that
useful information can filter through to OEM & ITL Service personnel at all levels.

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