Fc-Datalogit, Fc-Hako R33 Rb25Det '94

[DatsunMotorSports]

Hello SAU,

I have an engine swap in a 1974 260Z. I have a 94 R33 Series 2 rb25det in the car. Its setup as it would be from the donor car. For 3 years I have enjoyed my APEXi Power FC and FC-datalogit box. It has worked without flaw. However around mid last month I changed my turbo to a later S2 style with the nylon compressor wheel(My engine came with an upgraded turbo with an aluminum compressor and ceramic turbine). So I needed to retune the car for this S2 turbo. I have AFR's of 16.9:1 at idle and 11.1 at WOT. Cruise is 15.5:1 or so. Needless to say I need to get my tune straightened out. I went to go retune my PFC as I had done a few months before to tweek my redline and boost level when my old turbo started to howl and I ran into problems.

My port is setup correctly. I have tried turning the baud rate up and down. I have tried several other things as well to try and get this connect. I can set the FC Edit software to autodetect the port and it works and says "FC-Box V2.0 found on COM 6" which tells me the software can see my FCbox and on the correct port, but when I try to read or write I get "Interface not Responding!". I have tried re-installing my drivers, restarting my laptop, re-installing my FC Edit software(and different versions) and I get the same thing every time. I have tried 3 different cables: The std cable provided with the FC-Datalogit, A Radio Shack Prolific cable, and the staples cable. All produce the same situation. I have posted this on the yahoo groups forums since the get go on 8/21. I have also sent like 6 emails to FC=datalogit tech and sales. I was able to get Alice in sales to respond once asking me to check the pins going into the PFC. The Second email was "Thank you for your email. We are currently on holiday overseas – We will reply when we return on Friday 2nd September.

Sorry for the inconvenience this may cause."

back on the 30th of last month. I have heard NOTHING since then despite a few more emails from me. I have tapped out the yahoo groups knowledge as well.

I am about to send my FC box off to someone half way across the US just to see if they can connect to their car. If i wasnt stateside Id be kicking down FC-Datalogits door at

this point. Ive demanded that they phone me to prevent anymore lack of communication.

Did I mention this car is my daily driver to work and such? So I either have to continue to drive my car into the ground or get a rental car to solve this issue until

FC-datalogit gets around to me. Really unacceptable. My other option is to throw money at the situation. Im looking at buying the FC-HAKO. Come this Friday I will likely place

the order. BTW, less than a year ago I sent my PFC off to APEXi for repair. The Commander port and a few of the internal components related to the fuel pump were replaced because

of inductive current fly back. All that has been addressed and internally my PFC still looks and functions great. I do not have a commander to plug in though to see if it works.

So my diagnosis is really limited. Im feeling aggravated that this is the kind of support that FC-Datalogit gives for their $300USD part. If I had money I would have already just

bought an AEM stand alone last week.

My only concern is that I do not have ANY way of knowing what the issue is. I assume that since my FC Edit software can see my FC Box V2 that my USB cables are working(all three).

My LED on the FC Box is on so I assume that the FC Box is also powered up. My lack of interface could be either the FC BOX itself, the FC Box serial cable to the PFC, or the

commander port(again but I doubt it). Like I said my PFC seems to function flawlessly. My check engine light, fuel pump, boost controller kit, etc all seem to function. I just

cannot read or write anything without that message "Interface Not Responding!".

So thats my issue, feel free to address any part of it. Im ready to drop kick this damn FC Box down my driveway.

Thanks from the USA,

Ray A.

Edited September 14, 2011 by DatsunMotorSports

[XR Pilot]

I had the same problem when I was trying to tune a 2ZZGE. Ended up being a poor fit on the FC-Datalogit's connector to the Power-FC. Moving the plug around got it to connect. Does your hand controller (assuming you have one) still function when connected inline with the Datalogit? That was the give-away for me, poor connection and the hand controller wouldn't initialise and I would get the interface not responding error.

[89CAL]

From personal experience, the guys who make/sell the FC-Hako are great to deal with. Excellent customer support, had something like 48 emails back and forth trying to work out the problem with getting the FC-Hako to interface with Windows 7 64-bit

The product is great as well, firmware is updateable and functions the same as the datalogit. The only thing that you dont get, is the plug to run the hand controller with the box connected to a computer (this isnt recommended anyway) and you only get inputs AN1 - AN4 instead of AN1 - AN8 (From memory) on the datalogit. You dont get software either but sounds like you have FC-Edit already anyway

So big +1 from me for FC-Hako

FYI: The FC-Hako is about $179, I forget if that includes delivery

Edited September 15, 2011 by 89CAL

[STATUS]

try it on a serial laptop, if the problem goes as im sure it will you need to sort your usb converter.

The FCdatalogit gear is untouchable quality wise and is by far the most stable, ive used them all and sold them for a few years back on the mid 2000's

[DatsunMotorSports]

The US Distributor saw my posts on the yahoo groups forum and gave me a phone call. He cannot offer repair service, but he can give me some basic diagnosis. So Im sending my FC Box off to him. He can at least plug it in and see if he can get it to work with a serial cable and retest the PFC plug. Then I have to decide what to do from there. Ive got my fingers crossed he comes up with the same results. If he doesnt my next step is diag on the PFC itself. I think though that if the FC Box needs replacement that I will go with the FC HAKO. If it can be repaired for cheap i may explore that option, but Im not willing to wait for months on end to hear from FC Datalogit much less wait many more months to get my repair completed and returned. Im very happy though that the US Distributor made the call and is offering what he can to help me out. Thats very cool.

I had the same problem when I was trying to tune a 2ZZGE. Ended up being a poor fit on the FC-Datalogit's connector to the Power-FC. Moving the plug around got it to connect. Does your hand controller (assuming you have one) still function when connected inline with the Datalogit? That was the give-away for me, poor connection and the hand controller wouldn't initialise and I would get the interface not responding error.

I checked the connector. That was my first thought. I ohm'd out the wires from PFC board to the FC Box board. I didnt spend the extra $350 for the commander so I do not know if it would work or not.

From personal experience, the guys who make/sell the FC-Hako are great to deal with. Excellent customer support, had something like 48 emails back and forth trying to work out the problem with getting the FC-Hako to interface with Windows 7 64-bit

The product is great as well, firmware is updateable and functions the same as the datalogit. The only thing that you dont get, is the plug to run the hand controller with the box connected to a computer (this isnt recommended anyway) and you only get inputs AN1 - AN4 instead of AN1 - AN8 (From memory) on the datalogit. You dont get software either but sounds like you have FC-Edit already anyway

So big +1 from me for FC-Hako

FYI: The FC-Hako is about $179, I forget if that includes delivery

Very cool.

try it on a serial laptop, if the problem goes as im sure it will you need to sort your usb converter.

The FCdatalogit gear is untouchable quality wise and is by far the most stable, ive used them all and sold them for a few years back on the mid 2000's

I do not own a computer with a serial port. Im fairly certain that the usb cable converter is not the problem. All three cables used different drivers. I didnt use the supplied driver with the gigaware converter supplied with the FC Datalogit, I was able to find a better driver for that cable that worked with Win 2000 - Win 7. All three had the same error and showed they were connected, but the interface to the PFC was not responding even though I can see the FC Box.

[Don Dada]

From personal experience, the guys who make/sell the FC-Hako are great to deal with. Excellent customer support, had something like 48 emails back and forth trying to work out the problem with getting the FC-Hako to interface with Windows 7 64-bit

The product is great as well, firmware is updateable and functions the same as the datalogit. The only thing that you dont get, is the plug to run the hand controller with the box connected to a computer (this isnt recommended anyway) and you only get inputs AN1 - AN4 instead of AN1 - AN8 (From memory) on the datalogit. You dont get software either but sounds like you have FC-Edit already anyway

So big +1 from me for FC-Hako

FYI: The FC-Hako is about $179, I forget if that includes delivery

From my personal experience,these guys suck a$$ big time..I had a hard time even getting to buy the unit, so I could just have imagined after sale support.

If it turns out your datalogit is bad, just spend the extra and get a new one....Thats what I did and have no regrets

[89CAL]

I ordered mine, payed for it, and it was sent within 2 days. Got it within a week.

Occasionally I still email them with some info or problems and usually get a reply within 24 hours.

Not sure what happened in your case....

[Room42]

Mine did the same thing. Would work for a short while then wouldn't respond. It turned out to be a rooted usb port. I now use a different usb port and the problem hasn't returned.

[jan25]

From my personal experience,these guys suck a$ big time..I had a hard time even getting to buy the unit, so I could just have imagined after sale support.

If it turns out your datalogit is bad, just spend the extra and get a new one....Thats what I did and have no regrets

You must be very unscrupulous asking us when ordering the FC-Hako to send you just in case two for the price of one.

Lets see every one what you have said in you email when ordering the FC-Hako and they will judge you.

Do you recognize your email:

Hey David I would like to place my order for one unit.

I will be using it on the PFC GTR33L

Why do you ask what vehicle will it be used for? Will it be specific for this vehicle?

I'll be using my wife Paypal account. The email address is as follows:

[email protected]

And i would like it shipped to Florida at:

4341 sw 40th st

west park

fl 33023

One favor though..... could you send me an extra special unit, as it will be coming to Trinidad which is very far and will be lots of headache to return if there are any problems

Thanks

Kel.

[paulr33]

i think he means a special unit, as in one thats guaranteed to work, i dont think he wants two

if he does, you buy two, simple

[jan25]

i think he means a special unit, as in one thats guaranteed to work, i dont think he wants two

if he does, you buy two, simple

you are wrong, paul, if somebody is asking: could you send me an extra special unit

this means very clearly in WA that he is asking to be sent two as an extra means on top of the other one.

[bigkevracer]

I wouldnt think so. Comes across as a joke to me, as if "send me an extra special one that doesnt break down because i live a long way away", rather than "send me an extra one in case it breaks".

Just some innocent, light hearted banter.

[JustinP]

Are you serious?!

you are wrong, paul, if somebody is asking: could you send me an extra special unit

this means very clearly in WA that he is asking to be sent two as an extra means on top of the other one.

[wolverine]

you are wrong, paul, if somebody is asking: could you send me an extra special unit

this means very clearly in WA that he is asking to be sent two as an extra means on top of the other one.

Here in NSW that reads to me like he wants a single unit.

[Don Dada]

Here in NSW that reads to me like he wants a single unit.

Thank you guys.....

This guy seems to be the only one that is interpreting that statement to mean I wanted two units, even though in the first line of the email I clearly stated I wanted to place my order for one unit.

And even if you did have a doubt about a "extra special unit" I even gave an explanation as to why, and I think anyone would have recognised what I meant by that.

The hard part about it is that you didnt have the decency to let me know that in "your own little world" there was a problem, even after multiple other emails asking if there was in fact a problem.

You should stick to playing with software or what ever it is that you do, and let someone else do the PR work!

[Rolls]

My translation

Could mean two things, though the lack of a comma makes it pretty implicit

"could you send me an extra, special unit" as in send me one EXTRA unit, eg 1 more than you ordered.

or

"could you send me an................. extra special unit" Eg the unit is "extra special", eg better than usual, more reliable than usual, more special than usual. if you are Australian the later is what I would imagine 99% of people would interpret that saying as meaning.

As I said "extra special" is a fairly Australian term I imagine so I can see how they might get confused, regardless it is extremely unprofessional for them to paste your email up on a message board including address and your paypal account.

As far as the thread question goes it sounds like a communications error, either USB port, com port or te usb to com adaptor itself, all of these are easy to isolate and change. Buy a new usb adaptor, something they recommend as working preferably, try several laptops or remove it from the equation and borrow a laptop with a serial adaptor. If non of these fix it then I would say it is the unit itself, nothing more you can check yourself without sending the unit off.

[JustinP]

Let's eat, Grandma.

Let's eat Grandma.

Punctuation can mean the difference between eating a tasty meal or becoming a cannibal. Use it correctly and save lives.

My translation

Could mean two things, though the lack of a comma makes it pretty implicit

"could you send me an extra, special unit" as in send me one EXTRA unit, eg 1 more than you ordered.

or

"could you send me an................. extra special unit" Eg the unit is "extra special", eg better than usual, more reliable than usual, more special than usual. if you are Australian the later is what I would imagine 99% of people would interpret that saying as meaning.

As I said "extra special" is a fairly Australian term I imagine so I can see how they might get confused, regardless it is extremely unprofessional for them to paste your email up on a message board including address and your paypal account.

As far as the thread question goes it sounds like a communications error, either USB port, com port or te usb to com adaptor itself, all of these are easy to isolate and change. Buy a new usb adaptor, something they recommend as working preferably, try several laptops or remove it from the equation and borrow a laptop with a serial adaptor. If non of these fix it then I would say it is the unit itself, nothing more you can check yourself without sending the unit off.

[Rolls]

Let's eat, Grandma.

Let's eat Grandma.

Punctuation can mean the difference between eating a tasty meal or becoming a cannibal. Use it correctly and save lives.

He did use it correctly, the fact he didn't use a comma meant he wanted an 'extra special unit' not an 'extra, special unit'. The distributor who posted his PRIVATE email up on a message board interpreted it as if he had put a comma in.

The distributor is in the wrong x2.

[Rolls]

Seriously send it to an English professor at any university and they will agree with me.

[DatsunMotorSports]

Holy Tangent Batman,

Anyways I received news from Rotary Performance(the American side distributor). My FC-Datalogit is in fact faulty. They tested it and came up with the same exact results.

So here I am 9/27 still waiting for a response from FC-Datalogit. I sent them one more last email stating that I need repair immediately. My FC Box is still with Rotary Performance waiting for FC datalogit to contact us back. Rotary Performance is also trying to contact FC Datalogit.

I will not buy a new FC Box. Its just not worth $300 plus shipping.

I will wait until I can get my old unit repaired, and hope that they are not going to try and dick me on the bill for that. I cannot imagine the repair would be over $100 when APEXi charged me $100 to ship my unit to Japan and back and for some major board repair after it fried some of the diodes, resistors, and a chip onboard(not to mention the replacement commander port).

In the case that this gets dragged out for several weeks I will likely buy the FC-HAKO, and if the FC Datalogit ever makes it back repaired just sell it.

As for the Tangent,

"Hey David I would like to place my order for one unit.

I will be using it on the PFC GTR33L

Why do you ask what vehicle will it be used for? Will it be specific for this vehicle?

I'll be using my wife Paypal account. The email address is as follows:

****************@yahoo.com

And i would like it shipped to Florida at:

************

west park

fl 33023

One favor though..... could you send me an extra special unit, as it will be coming to Trinidad which is very far and will be lots of headache to return if there are any problems

Thanks

Kel."

The writer obviously NEEDS to take an English class or at least take the time to check their grammar before sending off an order request.

Seems to me the writer is requesting ONE unit that is basically guaranteed to work upon arrival because there is extended ship time.

Im not sure I understand what all the rest of the banter is about here.

"Thank you guys.....

This guy seems to be the only one that is interpreting that statement to mean I wanted two units, even though in the first line of the email I clearly stated I wanted to place my order for one unit.

And even if you did have a doubt about a "extra special unit" I even gave an explanation as to why, and I think anyone would have recognised what I meant by that.

The hard part about it is that you didnt have the decency to let me know that in "your own little world" there was a problem, even after multiple other emails asking if there was in fact a problem.

You should stick to playing with software or what ever it is that you do, and let someone else do the PR work! "

IF you are the writer of that email then you asked for all the problems. A simple review of your email and revision to get your order request across to the seller would have saved you a lot of trouble. You have left yourself looking like a fool publicly with an email like that and then complaining about how you were done wrong. Forgive me if you are not the same person.

ROLLS

"As I said "extra special" is a fairly Australian term I imagine so I can see how they might get confused, regardless it is extremely unprofessional for them to paste your email up on a message board including address and your paypal account.

As far as the thread question goes it sounds like a communications error, either USB port, com port or te usb to com adaptor itself, all of these are easy to isolate and change. Buy a new usb adaptor, something they recommend as working preferably, try several laptops or remove it from the equation and borrow a laptop with a serial adaptor. If non of these fix it then I would say it is the unit itself, nothing more you can check yourself without sending the unit off. "

This guys address is in the USA specifically Fl.,

Id say, they might have left out some of the more personal details for this guy, but with communications like that Id say they are well within there right to defend themselves against crap talkers. Not that I didnt ask for some crap talking, but if you are going to bag on someones product please do it in a civil well thought out way. As for the communications error its not the USB port, Com port, or USB cable/adapter. Basically what was happening was the FC EDIT software could see my FC Box(which means all the ports, cables, adapters, and software were good), but the FC box would not interface the PFC! So its the FC BOX since now we have confirmed that it does the same thing on a known good PFC and the interesting thing is that the tester was able to connect a commander to the PFC and to the FC Datalogit box and the Commander(hand controller) worked flawlessly. This indicates that there is most likely something wrong with my FC datalogit box and not even the cable between the FC Box and the PFC. So now we are down to the FC Box alone. I opened it up as well, but when the tester opened it up and checked it out he also found no apparent flaw on the FC Box circuit board. So we now suspect that some sort of current spike/surge and or static electricity has taken out the onboard chip memory/programming that deals with communications between the PFC and the Datalogit box.

"From my personal experience,these guys suck a$ big time..I had a hard time even getting to buy the unit, so I could just have imagined after sale support.

If it turns out your datalogit is bad, just spend the extra and get a new one....Thats what I did and have no regrets "

This isnt well thought out criticism. Especially if you knew that they were on this board and might read it. That just tells me and others that you wanted to start a pissing contest and nothing else. A civil answer would have sufficed, but it appears that is not how you do business.

Ive gotten pretty close mind you to going there on several occasions in frustration with the FC Datalogit, but Ive tried to keep it fairly civil.

Personally with the support behind the FC Datalogit, as I said no, I will not buy a new one. $300 down the drain every time it goes out or has an issue is just a waste of cash. Id much rather sell my PFC and spend the money on an AEM Universal Stand Alone. For $200 Id give the FC-HAKO a try at least once and see how that goes since I already have experience with this FC Datalogit. It just cannot get worse.

"

He did use it correctly, the fact he didn't use a comma meant he wanted an 'extra special unit' not an 'extra, special unit'. The distributor who posted his PRIVATE email up on a message board interpreted it as if he had put a comma in.

The distributor is in the wrong x2. "

Your just good at reading minds ROLLS, Seriously how can you apply any grammar rules to this guys statements. Not one is completely grammatically correct. So he remembered ONE comma, Whats one comma when you specify 'ONE' unit. The buyer needs to work on his grammer, and the distributor probably should have asked for clarification if there was any doubt(of which I can see plenty by everyones interpretations). And if the buyer refused to be clear in exactly what he was asking then I would have refused to do business personally. If you received a phone call from someone that spoke like that, how well do you think your order would have gone? He might as well have been speaking slang.

A simple, 'Would you please send me a second unit, so that I have a back up in case I have any trouble.' would have been the proper way to convey this request. Like I said, grammar.

Edited September 27, 2011 by DatsunMotorSports