MSPNP Intermittently going 'offline' while tuning
 

In the past year I’ve purchased an MSPNP2_9003 Megasquirt ECU for use in my 1991 Miata. While I am a huge fan of its functionality and performance, there is one aspect that is beyond infuriating to me.

Since the installation of the ECU (of which I followed the instructions to the letter), I have been having issues with the connection to my lap top failing and the connection to the MSPNP ECU going “offline.” I have checked and rechecked my connections (mounting of the ECU, cable connections, etc) and continue to have the same problem. However, the issue only occurs when the engine is under heavy load- which you can imagine is EXTREMELY frustrating because one is typically trying to log data and/or use the tuning software. Having the connection fail in the middle of a session, time after time and having to lose the information and restarting the program each time is getting very tiring. I have gone as far as to test my alternator and battery voltage and have also cleaned up grounds and tried a new battery; all to no avail. Note that this has happened both on the road, as well as on the dyno- where the ‘road’ is smooth and there is nothing to physically jostle around the ECU or the connections.

Has anyone else had this problem?

How do you connect to the ECU ?

Serial cable ?

RS232-to-USB ?

Extenders ?


I use a Serial cable with a RS232-to-USB adapter, when I tried to use a usb extender I got offline a few times, when I took the extender out, I had np.

what version tunerstudio are you using? I know earlier this year, I think around summer time, they had a few versions that had problems and would disconnect, however they fixed it in a few patches really quick. The newest version is fine

Sorry for the delay- insane weekend.
I connect with a serial to USB cable adapter. I suppose you could technically call it an extender since there is some length to the USB cable itself.

I'm currently ising MS2.0.6. Its the last update when I installed the program. However, that was a little bit after summertime. What is the newest version?

I made a similar thread on miata.net and they've mentioned that the cable is likely the culprit, too. However, I'll search for the plug type that Elior mentioned as it makes sense, too- and is one less cable in the car.

Thanks for the help so far!

v2.0.6 is the latest so you're good on that

I've had problems with losing connection before with extended usb cables. Using a serial cable to an adapter that hooked directly to my laptop always worked perfectly. Try a known working cable just in case if you are able to find one

b2.0.8 is latest. HA

:P 2.0.6 is the latest release on their site not in beta