...Xcal 2 software question

[Petrograde]

ok,.. I've downloaded the SCT software, Xtreme tune, and live link.

Here's my question: How the hell do I upload the tunes from the Xcal2 to my laptop?

The instructions leave a lot to be desired. :rolleyes:

[Krytin]

I'll be watching this - same problems here!

[BK_GrandMarquis]

Doesn't look like you can.
http://www.sctflash.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2709

You can get a configurable file from the vendor and then customize it to suit your needs. Always make a copy of the original file though. Then send it back to the Xcalibrator.

[Petrograde]

Doesn't look like you can.
http://www.sctflash.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2709

You can get a configurable file from the vendor and then customize it to suit your needs. Always make a copy of the original file though. Then send it back to the Xcalibrator.

crap,.. thanks man,.. I guess I'll trying to get a hold of the dude that did my tune.

I wasn't really looking to screw with my tune, I just wanted to see what I could do with it.

I do like the datalogging. Once I figured it out. :rolleyes:

[DEFYANT]

With all the money they charge, you'd think they'd give the user a manual.

[BK_GrandMarquis]

With all the money they charge, you'd think they'd give the user a manual.

Yeah, they do. Sorta. :D It's more like a flyer. :(

[MM03MOK]

This is just a guess, now. The xCal2 came with a USB cable, which connects the unit into your USB port on the computer. The computer should find the new hardware and when you open Windows Explorer, you should see the file in the new "removable device," or whatever it may be called. It works the same was as connecting a digital camera or a smart card reader. Give that a try and see what you can see. I have not tried it myself yet.

[DEFYANT]

Logically that should work Mary. But the xcal2 has so many features but so little instructions. When you buy a new program for your computer.., say a photoshop, you get CDs and an instruction book. The Xcal2 has the Xcal2 in a box w/ a web site to SCTforums.com

Oh and if you have a chip, you need a special wire so the xcal2 will communicate with the chip. Lidio was kind enough to download my Trilogys program to the Xcal2 so I could remove the chip and upload my program to the EEC. That saved me a few bucks

[merc6]

Didn't get the usb cord with my Xcal2. I also couldn't figure out the datalogging feature ;)

[Marauderjack]

Unfortunately the "Brains" that do the programing and set up the complex software cannot interface with us lowly humans......What we need as instructions is second nature to the brain trust??:argue:

Read some of the computer software help notes and you'll see what I mean!!:mad2:

Marauderjack:cool:

[Marauder2005]

I gotta get an xcal2 for my 4:10s. I hopes its not going to be one big

pain in the a** :(

[MM03MOK]

Read here.......

http://www.sctflash.com/software/Xcal2FAQ.pdf

[Rider90]

Diablosport has a manual and excellent technical support... :cool:

[DEFYANT]

I dug these up from another thread I started a few months ago:

Check out this thread I started at SCTs Forums: http://www.sctflash.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2321 (http://www.sctflash.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2321)

PITA, but once I figured it out, it is pretty cool.

Two sticky threads walk you through the process. They are here: http://www.sctflash.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=72 (http://www.sctflash.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=72)

[Krytin]

I dug these up from another thread I started a few months ago:

Check out this thread I started at SCTs Forums: http://www.sctflash.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2321 (http://www.sctflash.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2321)

PITA, but once I figured it out, it is pretty cool.

Two sticky threads walk you through the process. They are here: http://www.sctflash.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=72 (http://www.sctflash.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=72)
Thanks Charlie!

[Dennis Reinhart]

ok,.. I've downloaded the SCT software, Xtreme tune, and live link.

Here's my question: How the hell do I upload the tunes from the Xcal2 to my laptop?

The instructions leave a lot to be desired. :rolleyes:

its very easy open the software and find where you have downloaded the files open them up and you are there

[Smokie]

I was going to buy one, changed my mind. The product is sold based on potential future software that might allow you to change parameters IF the guy that develop your tune agrees to send you your base file and turn on for you the features that you paid money for. A lot of features are claimed that the owner can't use because there is no manual that walks you thru the steps.

What I would like to know is why anyone would pay money for a product that requires "permission" from a third party before you can use use "some" of it's total potential....if a true end user adjustable tuner is ever sold that comes with a "true" complete owners manual on how to use "every single" advertised feature by the owner without the need to get an SCT dealer to "allow" what you can or cannot do with the "tuner and the tune" that you paid for....I'll buy one.

[DEFYANT]

I agree with alot of what you say Smokie. For me, its a good thing I do not have acess to my tune. For the price of the xcal2 it should come with more support material.

I wanted it for the data logging ability. And thats what I got.

[Dennis Reinhart]

I was going to buy one, changed my mind. The product is sold based on potential future software that might allow you to change parameters IF the guy that develop your tune agrees to send you your base file and turn on for you the features that you paid money for. A lot of features are claimed that the owner can't use because there is no manual that walks you thru the steps.

What I would like to know is why anyone would pay money for a product that requires "permission" from a third party before you can use use "some" of it's total potential....if a true end user adjustable tuner is ever sold that comes with a "true" complete owners manual on how to use "every single" advertised feature by the owner without the need to get an SCT dealer to "allow" what you can or cannot do with the "tuner and the tune" that you paid for....I'll buy one.

Smokie why would any company give you total permission to tune your car, without charging a fair price for it, its called a Pro Racer package, with that you can change almost every parameter concerning your car, SCT offers the best tech service of any company out there, they offer training classes, I don see Jet chips doing this or many other companies in the car tuning business.

With just a standard Xcal 2 and USB cable you can Data log and map every PID that can be pulled from the Diagnostic connector a scanner with this same ability cost up to 2000.00 dollars or more, the Xcal 2 cam monitor up to 20 Pids at one time with REAL time Data not the same data shown over again, you can add a wide bad 02 Sensor to the car as well and monitor AF.

A pro racer package is not for every one, and even user options. It all depends on who is using the tuner and there experience in changing the values they can access, also, SCT tuning is based on years of the owners experience, you cannot just turn any one loose, with full access of the full function use of the Xcal 2 without having some general knowledge you can make the wrong changes if you do not know what you are doing.
But the Xcal 2 is a bargain for what it does, and it can be upgraded to its full potential by calling SCT and getting a proracer package what other basic tuner sold out there has the ability to data log and retain data or pull and clear DTC. Look at what we had two years ago only a chip option. Now there are no closed doors.

[Smokie]

I agree with alot of what you say Smokie. For me, its a good thing I do not have acess to my tune. For the price of the xcal2 it should come with more support material.

I wanted it for the data logging ability. And thats what I got.

I'm really glad you are happy, that is the bottom line.

SCT has put out about 4 differents tuners in the last 18 months, you pay several hundred dollars for a product that they change 3 months later.....I agree some people would mess up their tune and possibly their engines/transmission, so what. It is their money and car that is at risk, nobody is going to fix your car for free if you blow it up at the track....regardless of what tune or blower you have.

The technology exist to create a tuner that the BUYER can purchase and it captures your existing file in the EEC and allows you to make incremental changes to whatever parameters you consider relevant. SCT for now is locked into the "third party dependance mode", if they develop a product that does not require third party input with a good owners manual; SCT will grow and prosper.

[TopCat]

IMO, the Diablosport Predator is far superior to the Xcal2. The Predator has better instructions, more features, and allows you to adjust a ton of parameters, all without having to "ask" anybody for permission. Also, their website and tech support are far superior for information purposes.I'm sure the members here with a Diablo tune know what I mean.

[Smokie]

Smokie why would any company give you total permission to tune your car, without charging a fair price for it, its called a Pro Racer package, with that you can change almost every parameter concerning your car, SCT offers the best tech service of any company out there, they offer training classes, I don see Jet chips doing this or many other companies in the car tuning business.

With just a standard Xcal 2 and USB cable you can Data log and map every PID that can be pulled from the Diagnostic connector a scanner with this same ability cost up to 2000.00 dollars or more, the Xcal 2 cam monitor up to 20 Pids at one time with REAL time Data not the same data shown over again, you can add a wide bad 02 Sensor to the car as well and monitor AF.

A pro racer package is not for every one, and even user options. It all depends on who is using the tuner and there experience in changing the values they can access, also, SCT tuning is based on years of the owners experience, you cannot just turn any one loose, with full access of the full function use of the Xcal 2 without having some general knowledge you can make the wrong changes if you do not know what you are doing.
But the Xcal 2 is a bargain for what it does, and it can be upgraded to its full potential by calling SCT and getting a proracer package what other basic tuner sold out there has the ability to data log and retain data or pull and clear DTC. Look at what we had two years ago only a chip option. Now there are no closed doors.

Dennis I agree things are better, and you are part of the reason that they are, all products and services that I have purchased from you over the years have met or exceeded my expectations.

I am not saying that the product SCT puts out is bad, it bothers me to see a string of products released (1725,9100, X-Cal, X-Cal2) in such short intervals that one product essentually makes the other obsolete.

Also in my opinion the X-Cal2 was released before the software was completely tested and there is no comprehensive owners manual.

[MitchB]

As a follow-up to what Dennis said, get the pro racer package. You will have access to more parameters than you'll know what to do with. This is what you want if you are hardcore. You can buy one right now.

Mitch

[SlowMarauder]

The 1725 is a product from Superchips Inc. The 9100 is a product that Superchips made for SCT. This tuner did not have support for any powerpc pcms. SCT released the XCal1 as a temporary product until they could finish the XCal2. SCT was the first to be able to tune cars like the SVT Focus and the 05 Mustang. I agree the manuals could be better, but their tech support is second to none. I have also used their support forums which walk you through the steps of using the XCal2.

[Smokie]

The X Cal2 is /was advertised or promoted as a product that would allow the owner (person that spent the money buying the product) to change the parameters of his/her existing tune and also capable of data logging on the fly (directly from tuner to car) it was released for sale before the software could do what the buyer paid for up front.

I am the type of person that when I buy a product I expect the owners manual to contain all information needed to use the product to it's full potential. SCT tech. support may be the greatest on earth, but if the software and manual were both complete I would have no need for tech. support.

I own a Superchips 9100 tuner that works perfectly as advertised, it does everything I was told it would do, it stores the stock program and 3 more custom tunes plus it is also fault code reader, the owners manual made it easy to use and I required no tech. support.

I still feel that the release of the X-Cal2 was premature and the buyer did not recieve ALL that it promised. I have no quarrel with those that believe otherwise; I have an opinion that I have presented in a reasonable respectful manner, I have done my very best to avoid writing anything that is not true and if I have made an error I will stand corrected.

The bottom line for me is that I did not make the purchase because of how I feel, It does not preclude me from buying an SCT product in the future as long as the product meets my criteria for satisfaction.

[Dennis Reinhart]

SCT is a new company and they have dramaticly improved in all aspects of there operations, and of course today the technolgy is connstantly changing and improving, and they have kept pace with this and have improved there products, starting with the 9100 then the xcal and finaly Xcal 2, SCT was the first company to ever have tuning for the Marauder, I feel its very safe to say if it was not for the owner we would never be where we are today with this car. Look at Micosoft Windows, it does not come with all options and they have had to improve and fix issues, SCT released a product that is three times as fast as a 9100, the basic Xcal2 is far faster and data logs more information than any other flash tool out there, so I am not sure why we have too re'hash this over and over, I respect your opinion you made your point. I have expressed mine as well.

[Smokie]

.... I respect your opinion you made your point. I have expressed mine as well.

...and I respect yours Dennis, I hope you are feeling better from that bout with stomach flu and a little late but better than never...Happy Birthday.:beer:

[ryan@sct]

If there is additonal assistance that is needed, feel free to contact our tech support (407) 774 2447 or support@sctflash.com

My personal e-mail is Ryan@sctflash.com and I will be happy to assist you.

Our 9100 tuner was designed to be custom tuner, you contact a dealer and they tune your vehicle to your needs.

In order to expand the functonality of the Advantage tuning software, we created the Xcal1, which works on all Ford reflashable processors. With this program the Xtreme tune program was created to allow some changes, and full control of the shift lock schedule, far more control than what 4 buttons on a handheld tuner can provide.

The Xcal2 was created to allow on device adjustments, a feature the 9100 or 9300 didn't support, that was a request from customers and potential customers. This support was added with the Advantage 3.0 software, which has been available for months now.

What would you like to see that we can do to improve our products, or allow better understanding of our software? I have read this thread, and will use this to better improve our documentation.

Thanks

Ryan

[Smokie]

Ryan I am glad you have taken the time to respond, I hope you understand that I have no quarrel with the quality of the hardware, my 9100 has worked perfectly exactly as advertised.

I understand the NEED for a trained tuner/dealer network, I also know that SCT sells a comprehensive tuning package in the Advantage Pro package and of course it costs far more...exactly as it should.

As a consumer let me give you an idea where I am at and what sort of product I am looking for and would pay for:

I own a car that already runs on an excellent custom tune that I PAID for, I would love to buy a tuner that allows me to make small incremental changes in a LIMITED area of engine and transmissions parameters.

Example: Engine idle rpm's, shift points, shift line pressure, different gear ratios, converter lock-up.

Notice this is a very limited set of parameters and I am not trying to play Super Tuner, I pay money to the experts for custom tuning...GLADLY.

I would like the ability to personalize my tune to my specific driving likes and dislikes, I would very happily buy a product like this, if it allowed me to make these minor changes without the need of a 3rd party at all, just me, my tuner and owners manual... this I believe is a reasonable desire that I am sure is shared by more than just me, myself and I.

If I want to make more power, I pay profesional tuners for their services GLADLY as I have done in the past. However I am still seeking that product that will allow me to make small changes on my own without needing a third party.

Thank you for listening.:)

[Smokey]

I think the lack of understanding what the dealer will provide and what the Xcal2 tuner is capable of is the biggest problem facing SCT. The tuner itself is very capable, but it's capabilities are limited by the dealer. Anyone contemplating the purchase of any tuner, needs to make sure they and the dealer understand what is expected from each other. Check with the dealer, find out what end user changes are allowed by their tune and what support they provide after the sale. Doing a little research and planning ahead of time will prevent a lot of problems later on. There is no way SCT can provide end user tech support to everyone that purchases an SCT tuner. They must rely on the dealer network to provide this. That being said, SCT and it's dealers need to get on the same page as far as public information is concerned. Make sure it's clear in all advertising that yes, the tuner will do all these neat things, but the dealer ultimately decides which one of the features he will allow the end user to adjust. Most people just assume by reading all the advertisements that they can buy an Xcal2 for around $400 and it will allow them to adjust 100's of parameters for their car. When in truth, it's up to the dealer and not even SCT. I just think SCT needs to do a better job of making this clear in their advertisements. That said, I have had very good response from both SCT and the dealers I have dealt with. Ryan with SCT himself has helped me way more than he had to and as such made me a happy customer. I have even had a dealer I did not purchase my original tuner from make some extra adjustments for me and charged what I thought was a very reasonable fee for the new .xtr file. I wish the best for SCT and hope they keep up the progress.

[DEFYANT]

Ryan, welcome to the site. Thanks for your input.

[metroplex]

With all the money they charge, you'd think they'd give the user a manual.


They do have a manual. it is $75.

[ryan@sct]

The $75 manual, is how to tune with the Pro Racers Package, and is not a manual on how to use the XCal2.

I am working on the documentation for the XCal2, and would appreciate input of what you would like to see in a update.

Thanks

Ryan

[Dennis Reinhart]

The $75 manual, is how to tune with the Pro Racers Package, and is not a manual on how to use the XCal2.

I am working on the documentation for the XCal2, and would appreciate input of what you would like to see in a update.

Thanks

Ryan

As Logan would say cool beans, so if you want some thing added shoot Ryan a email or post here.

[Dragcity]

Ryan, I recently purchased an XCal2 from Dennis and did expect a bit more instruction in the manual for understanding parameter adjustments. I have hesitated to fiddle with most of the adjustments because I don't want poor results.

I really need to be able to calibrate for different tire sizes, but am at a lossx due to no info. provided in the manual. I live in snow country and ahve been struggling with what size tires I can put on and calibrate for. Help on this very soon would be greatly appreciated.

There is an MPH parameter I have no Idea what it's for. Messes up my shifts if I adjust it, so I leave it alone.
I guess some of us need to be walked through with step by step instructions for each scenario we will come accross while tuning. Kinda like a flowchart of sorts...?

Thanks for listening.

[Dennis Reinhart]

Joe the revs per mile is a simple program I can send you if you have any questions you can always call me

[Justin00Stang]

The tire manufacturer should supply revs per mile data on there tires. You can use a formula to get very close.

[Dragcity]

I haven't even gone into that section of the tuner yet. Don't suppose I can mess anything up too bad. The problem is... I know just enough to get myself into trouble, but not enough to get myself out of it.

Maybe that should be my new motto...?

I know I have to keep a percentage difference in height from the front to rear. I want tires that are a little taller, but all I find I think are too narrow.

[mercmatt]

is it possible to adjust shift points on the xcal1? because that is the only reason i would consider buying an xcal2 because i think my shift points on the xcal1 are a weeeee bit to high

[Smokey]

Just be sure you save the original tune file your tuner gave you! I saved mine in 3 different locations on 3 different computers. :) Also, give DR a call, he is VERY helpful, this I can testify to.

[merc6]

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

revs per mile :)

[DEFYANT]

Ryan,

SCT could begin by including the proper connection method (detailed in my previous post links) between the Xcal2 and the laptop.

Many of the options to chose from on the Xcal2s menu are obvious. Some are not. A detailed description of "Datalog Items" and tolerance's would be helpful.

I think if I PM Lidio one more "I-have-been-data-logging-again" question, he tell me to take a long walk of a short pier. :lol:

More suggestions and I think of them.

Thanks.