Possibly ignorant Q about MS and tuning laptop
 

Please be gentle, I'm a total MS n00b--just got one from Braineack, haven't had time to install yet and just want to make sure I have what I need before I begin.

For the tuning laptop, is it necessary to actually drive the car with the laptop hooked up (possibly dangerous?), or is tuning done statically, e.g. parked in the driveway? I ask, because my serial-port-equipped laptop has a weak battery: if I need to be mobile I'll need to get the proper USB-serial cable, or a new laptop battery. If parked is fine, I can just run an extension cord. :)

To properly log things you will need it connected while driving. Also, to utilize any of the autotune features of Tunserstudio (assuming you paid for a license) it needs to be connected.

Maybe a small inverter will help out?

buy a really really long cable

LOL!

As for an inverter, I suspect that just getting the serial-USB cable will cost less. I do have laptops with good batteries; they just don't have serial ports.

Thanks for the info, and the laugh.

Depending on which ms you bought from braineack you might just need a USB cable.

You can get a good inverter for $35 at Lowe's/Depot.

Well, I have a serial -> USB cable because that's what my MS2E uses and an inverter because I leave it in the trunk for those times I have no battery left.

Good luck to you.

is DIYPNP; needs serial > usb adapter cable.

How much does a good USB-serial cable run?

Let me google that for you

Or you could buy it from a sponsor of the site because we all know it works;
USB to Serial Adapter - Works with TunerStudio! DIYAutoTune.com