I get quite a few questions on this, so a little info on what the "fast update" code patch is, for those that don't know...
The Scanmaster is a great scantool device made for our cars that helps anyone tune and troubleshoot their cars without requiring a laptop. It displays the information that the ECM transmits through the ALDL plug under the radio. The info in the ALDL datastream is dictated by the chip. As such, the datastream can be modified with other information, as long as the scantool is able to interpret the new data.
Bob Bailey, the creator of the Scanmaster, has written new datastreams that are compatible with the Scanmaster that add some data (such as injector pulsewidth and spark timing), but more importantly, they increase the rate at which the O2 readings and knock retard are refreshed. This is good, since we are less likely to miss a low O2 reading or a high knock retard reading in between updates. One part of the datastream that was removed to make room for the new info was the malfunction code readout, however the codes can still be read by using the "blinking SES" method. Also, if you have the older Scanmaster 2.0, you will lose the IAC reading. Scanmaster 2.1 keeps the IAC reading.
Realize that if the chip has been programmed with the fast update datastream, other scantools that use the ALDL plug will no longer be compatible. One exception is Turbolink which is capable of reading the special datastream.
The fast update patch for the Scanmaster 2.1 speeds up the update rate of O2 and knock retard (3 times faster), adds injector pulsewidth and spark timing, and removes the malfunction code readout from the datastream. I would not use the fast update with the Scanmaster 2.0, since you'll lose the IAC reading, which is pretty important.
Common Questions:
-"Can you put the malfunction codes back in, and take out some other info?" The answer is no, the datastream is set in stone.
-"I have the fast update patch, and now my OTC, Snap-on, etc. reads all kinds of weird data." Like I said before, only the Scanmaster will work now. All other scantools that connect to ALDL port under the radio will NOT work (except Turbolink).
-"Will this affect my Directscan or Powerlogger?" No, those don't connect to the ALDL port under the radio.
-"How do I know what version Scanmaster I have?" Turn the key on and look at the number that appears on the Scanmaster.
-"Now that I have injector pulsewidth and spark timing, what do I do with the readings?" Nothing, they are for monitoring only.
If you read and understand all this, and you want the fast update patch in your chip, let me know when ordering. There is no charge. If you want to add it to a chip you already have, you'll have to send it to me with $10. Make sure you tell me what version Scanmaster you have.
The Scanmaster is a great scantool device made for our cars that helps anyone tune and troubleshoot their cars without requiring a laptop. It displays the information that the ECM transmits through the ALDL plug under the radio. The info in the ALDL datastream is dictated by the chip. As such, the datastream can be modified with other information, as long as the scantool is able to interpret the new data.
Bob Bailey, the creator of the Scanmaster, has written new datastreams that are compatible with the Scanmaster that add some data (such as injector pulsewidth and spark timing), but more importantly, they increase the rate at which the O2 readings and knock retard are refreshed. This is good, since we are less likely to miss a low O2 reading or a high knock retard reading in between updates. One part of the datastream that was removed to make room for the new info was the malfunction code readout, however the codes can still be read by using the "blinking SES" method. Also, if you have the older Scanmaster 2.0, you will lose the IAC reading. Scanmaster 2.1 keeps the IAC reading.
Realize that if the chip has been programmed with the fast update datastream, other scantools that use the ALDL plug will no longer be compatible. One exception is Turbolink which is capable of reading the special datastream.
The fast update patch for the Scanmaster 2.1 speeds up the update rate of O2 and knock retard (3 times faster), adds injector pulsewidth and spark timing, and removes the malfunction code readout from the datastream. I would not use the fast update with the Scanmaster 2.0, since you'll lose the IAC reading, which is pretty important.
Common Questions:
-"Can you put the malfunction codes back in, and take out some other info?" The answer is no, the datastream is set in stone.
-"I have the fast update patch, and now my OTC, Snap-on, etc. reads all kinds of weird data." Like I said before, only the Scanmaster will work now. All other scantools that connect to ALDL port under the radio will NOT work (except Turbolink).
-"Will this affect my Directscan or Powerlogger?" No, those don't connect to the ALDL port under the radio.
-"How do I know what version Scanmaster I have?" Turn the key on and look at the number that appears on the Scanmaster.
-"Now that I have injector pulsewidth and spark timing, what do I do with the readings?" Nothing, they are for monitoring only.
If you read and understand all this, and you want the fast update patch in your chip, let me know when ordering. There is no charge. If you want to add it to a chip you already have, you'll have to send it to me with $10. Make sure you tell me what version Scanmaster you have.
