Thinkpads Forum

Hi there,

I'm not entirely sure this fits in the Xxxx Series forum, but I am trying to setup a X201t (W7 64-bit) as a dedicated computer for tuning the ECU in my car (Hydra Nemesis 2.5 ECU) and having issues getting a good RS232 connection. I am using a USB-to-Serial adapter that has been proven to work well on multiple computers for this specific car/ECU over the last decade and provides 13Hz data logging. (I assume that is the best you can get with a USB-to-Serial adapter) I can't get the X201t to log faster than 2Hz with this same adapter.

I did have this issue last year on my T430 (W7 64-bit), but was able to (somehow) successfully get it to jump from logging at 2Hz to 13Hz. I've been trying to figure out what I did for weeks now with no success in duplicating it on the X201t.

I am tempted to look at another tablet, perhaps older with a true RS232 port, but I don't know what to look at. The software is intended for XP, but with some work, it runs on W7 just fine. I'm fine with an XP machine, my only requirements are a USB port for transferring data-logs, good battery life, and in a tablet form. I know screen resolution works as low as 1200x800 (X201t) based on experience, but not sure if it can be any lower. Its hard to find computer requirements for this s/w.

I did find this recent post on this forum, but I need a more powerful laptop than this OP:
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=120306

Does anyone have tips for getting the USB-to-Serial adapter to work well?
What would you recommend for an old tablet that has a true RS232 data port and could perhaps increase my data-logging to 16Hz?

Thank you!

You may want to buy x61T with ultrabase docking station. If you do not need tablet functionality you may also acquire R/T 61 with an ultrabay Serial/Parallel port adapter. If you do not need portability and you can work on laptop docked to an stationary docking station there's T400/500 and W500 with an appropriate dock. But before you do so you may also check MOXA UPort/NPort products. They offer many versatile adapters and converters for industry, so probably you could use one of those, slightly modify electrical installation in your car and connect to the ECU over RS232-WLAN adapter.

Your alternative would be an Expresscard (54mm or 34mm) RS232 adapter with UART, such as this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/371433846641
More info here: https://www.startech.com/Cards-Adapters ... RT~EC1S952

or this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/400815454402
or this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/381079778901

There are cheaper ones (from China, where else ), but probably not anywhere near as good.

Thanks for the quick replies!

Portability and tablet form factor are very important. A 14" laptop like the T430 is too awkward to use inside a tiny Miata - no space between you and the dash to comfortably view the screen and use the keyboard.

The first approach will be trying an ExpressCard adapter... I searched "StarTech EC1S952 hydra 2.5" on Google and found the perfect review on Newegg for a similar product: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 1K040W8339

Thomas B. 2/3/2011
Pros: . . . I use the Hydra 2.6 EMS ECU in my 2005 Subaru STI and this is the only solution that I have ever found to work 100% perfectly. Every USB to serial adapter that I have tested seems to (including the USB based Expresscard/34 products) cause stability issues with the Hydra software while this PCIe based card is perfect.
. . .
Other Thoughts: At under $20 this product is fantastic but I would have rather paid $50 to get one with better construction. Either way, I highly suggest this device for anyone in need of a very stable RS232 connection for industrial, networking and automotive tuning needs.

I think I also found him posting about it here too: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthr ... &styleid=1
Element Tuning in that thread said he is using the StarTech.

Based on that, I think I will give the more expensive StarTech a try tomorrow thanks to Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Nati ... B002LITGA4