[burningchicken]

I know on the site it says.. "Please do not attempt to use a standard RS232/USB cable with the JB3 as it will not work and may damage the processor." Has anyone ever tried using a non bms datalogging cable? Why exactly will they not work?

ex. something like this
http://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-SBT-US...3135469&sr=1-2


I just feel that $35 is kinda overpriced..

[forza1976]

did you not read this?

http://www.burgertuning.com/JB3_upgrades.html

the vendor specifically says don't use a standard cable!

[burningchicken]

yes i know.. i included it in my post. Im just wondering why they say not to use it. What do they do to theirs to warrant being almost three times more expensive?

[k726]

They remove some pins. Get someone to post a pic and remove said pins. Hope this helps. You can safely use a standard one if you want to do this. Hope this helps you. (doesn't use all 9 pins) JB4 will likely use all 9 pins. So make a smart decision.

[RiXst3r]

It won't work...

The JB3 does not have an onboard MAX232 or equivalent rs232 to ttl level shifter like the PROcede does(which is why procede can use a standard serial cable).

BMS built the converter into the cable instead using the FTDI cables and putting a custom end on it. There is actually circuitry IN the cable.

I know this because I use these same FTDI cables myself for programming gauges and stuff. The image below shows where the electronics are INSIDE the molded cable from FTDI which BMS the puts a serial end on it to mate with the jb3.

If you use a standard usb to serial cable you will be sending -12v and 12v rs232 level voltages to the jb3 which would fry it since it is expecting 5v TTL levels, and most likely has a different pinout as well.

You could in theory purchase this FTDI cable and make your own BMS cable.

http://apple.clickandbuild.com/cnb/s...CategoryID=102


-Rick

[k726]

There you go! From a smart man. Disreguard my post was making an assumption.

[burningchicken]

Originally Posted by RiXst3r

It won't work...

The JB3 does not have an onboard MAX232 or equivalent rs232 to ttl level shifter like the PROcede does(which is why procede can use a standard serial cable).

BMS built the converter into the cable instead using the FTDI cables and putting a custom end on it. There is actually circuitry IN the cable.

I know this because I use these same FTDI cables myself for programming gauges and stuff. The image below shows where the electronics are INSIDE the molded cable from FTDI which BMS the puts a serial end on it to mate with the jb3.

-Rick

wow a detailed explanation AND a picture. what more could i have wanted? lol. This is why i love this forum

[forza1976]

Originally Posted by burningchicken

wow a detailed explanation AND a picture. what more could i have wanted? lol. This is why i love this forum

you know this wasn't even necessary considering BMS specifically calls out a standard cable won't work

[RiXst3r]

Post updated...

If you want to build your own cable, you could buy this:
http://apple.clickandbuild.com/cnb/s...CategoryID=102

but I don't see what the point would be considering getting the parts to build it would be pretty much already over $30

[RiXst3r]

Originally Posted by burningchicken

wow a detailed explanation AND a picture. what more could i have wanted? lol. This is why i love this forum

Originally Posted by forza1976

you know this wasn't even necessary considering BMS specifically calls out a standard cable won't work

Ya, but isn't it much better to know WHY?

Sorry if I geeked out and gave too much info... but since I use these same cables all the time, I am very familiar with their functions.

-Rick

[forza1976]

Originally Posted by RiXst3r

Ya, but isn't it much better to know WHY?

Sorry if I geeked out and gave too much info... but since I use these same cables all the time, I am very familiar with their functions.

-Rick

I wouldn't care... as long as it works! It's as much as the radio shack cable for the V4 so it's on par with the competition.

[burningchicken]

Originally Posted by RiXst3r

Ya, but isn't it much better to know WHY?

Sorry if I geeked out and gave too much info... but since I use these same cables all the time, I am very familiar with their functions.

-Rick

My hero <3

[Mike@N54Tuning.com]

Originally Posted by RiXst3r

It won't work...

The JB3 does not have an onboard MAX232 or equivalent rs232 to ttl level shifter like the PROcede does(which is why procede can use a standard serial cable).

BMS built the converter into the cable instead using the FTDI cables and putting a custom end on it. There is actually circuitry IN the cable.

I know this because I use these same FTDI cables myself for programming gauges and stuff. The image below shows where the electronics are INSIDE the molded cable from FTDI which BMS the puts a serial end on it to mate with the jb3.

If you use a standard usb to serial cable you will be sending -12v and 12v rs232 level voltages to the jb3 which would fry it since it is expecting 5v TTL levels, and most likely has a different pinout as well.

You could in theory purchase this FTDI cable and make your own BMS cable.

http://apple.clickandbuild.com/cnb/s...CategoryID=102


-Rick

Thanks Rix

There is a DIY post floating around which I made many months ago, but there is no real savings, as once you get all the parts, time, etc. Its well worth just getting the 35.00 cable to save yourself the hassle. Its not a money maker on our end for sure lol

Mike

[chiaobaby]

You purchased a 45k car and you cant spend 35.00 thats just silly.

[burningchicken]

Originally Posted by chiaobaby

You purchased a 45k car and you cant spend 35.00 thats just silly.

First of all, I didnt spend 45k. I spent 23K for a used one.
Second of all, Its not that I don't have $35. I was just curious to see why it was more expensive.
Thirdly, I absolutely hate it when people bring this up as their argument. Money is money. I try to get the best deals that I can. If you think that saving money is "silly," well then congratulations on being wealthy enough to not need to save.

[AlpineWhiteM3]

Cant i just cut off an end of any usb wire and attach 3 pins and plug them into the jb3? i have at least 10 different usb cables in my house

i will be using this cable once so i dont see why not?

also what electronics use the 5v usb cables?