Here's my dumb (but desperate) question:
Does the XCal2 have to be connected to the car's OBD port when installing it on the computer?
I can't get my laptop to detect the XCal2 device (the famous "No XC devices found message), although all the drivers and software from SCT are installed. It does make a sound and the display turns on when I connect the cable though. I have WinXP, fully updated. All other plug-and-play devices are detected and installed without any problems.
Thanks for any help!

 

Louie, you're not alone. I tried several times to get the X2 to talk to my laptop, and never could. I tried reloading software and drivers three times... still nada. So, I decided to try it on my desktop computer. Bam!! Worked first try. Never did figure out why it won't work with my laptop. Both computers are Dell, and both are running WinXP. Guess I need to try it again someday.

Oh, and no... it does not need to be plugged into the car when hooked to the computer.

 

Thanks Don, but I've already done that. It doesn't work on the desktop computer either, the problem is the same. Computers are different though. I'm beginning to think it's got something to do with the XCal2, which would be a PITA to get fixed, because of my location. I can't keep testing SCT's devices and I don't want to buy another one. I wish I could get this one fixed, but there aren't any SCT tuners here. Well.. that's one of the many risks I willingly took when I bought a car which isn't officially sold by FORD in Europe.

Diablosport, here I come!

 

Maybe try a different cable? What does it connect with?

 

Typical USB cable for printers.
And like with the computers, I've already tried another cable, even though this one works fine for the printer.

 

I had to have mine plugged into the obdII port and the key in the on position before my laptop would recognize it. It won't work any other way on mine.

 

Hmmm... even though it works with my desktop, maybe I should try that for the laptop.

 

I just tried that and here's what I found:
LiveLink works, the XCal2 and the laptop recognize each other and communicate, but Extreme Tune still doesn't work! :bang:
Whenever I try to load a new tune, I get the "Cannot open communication port" message. I tried all ports, I disabled the firewall which deactivates unused ports, I tried all the laptop's settings and automatic hardware detection, I even installed a new USB to serial port. Sometimes it does show "Programming tune 1", but then it just freezes like that. I stopped it after no progress for 30 minutes.

I'm seriously considering selling the XCal2 and buying the Predator or exchanging the two with someone. I haven't read of this kind of problems with Diablosport's tuner. I know the XCal2 offers more adjustable settings and it's better for datalogging, but all I'm interested in is a good tune for an automatic GT with no mods that require a custom/dyno tune (like CAI, gears, etc.).

 

Make sure you have all the drivers installed, restart, then try again.

You have to do things in a certain order, too. First plug in the xcal into the laptop, then the car, THEN open the sct software on the computer and then try and connect. That should work....

Edit: I forgot.....unless the tune is one you downloaded off the net or have on your computer already, you probably wont get it off the xcal itself since most tuners 'lock' the tunes in the xcal. If they didn't, people would just send the tunes to eachother and no one would make money.

 

Who put the tunes on your Xcal2?

I thought I read that there's a way to not allow the Xcal2 to talk to a computer. It's done in the program phase of the Xcal2 setup. I'll have to do some digging to get my facts straight, but I know I read something about this somewhere.

hags1

 

brenspeed

 

The device came with a canned tune from Sutton HP and I also received another .xtr file from Doug (BamaChips).
If I try to flash the car with the canned tune I get the Engine Failsafe Mode message, that's why I contacted Doug for another tune.
Like I said above, all drivers were installed and the procedure was done by the book. I've read all the FAQs and topics on the SCT forums too, for advice and ideas.

 

Did Sutton lock it?

 

Nope, they loaded a custom tune and left the device unlocked for 2 more tunes.

 

I had the same problem when trying to datalog when I first got the X-cal 2, I called the tech support at SCT and they walked me through the SPECIFIC order in which to hook up the devices and turn them on, it does matter. 407-774-CHIP. As for selling your Xcal 2 in favor of a Predator I can say you won't be getting a more user friendly system or getting rid of difficulty with tuning. They both have their flaws. Call SCT, they will help you, I call them once or twice a month and I have never even purchased anything directly from them.
Good Luck.
Derek

 

So what's the order?

 

SuttonHP is about 5 miles from me, I can go bust some chops if they messed yours up!

How did you end up ordering from them when your in Amsterdam?