PCM Diagnostics & Tuning HP Tuners | Holley | Diablo

Autotap giving bad (spiking) data

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 2, 2004 | 05:15 PM
  #1  
EskimoPie's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Tucson, AZ
Default Autotap giving bad (spiking) data

I have a bi-directional autotap cable (non-usb) and it's pretty much always given me bad data. Not every parameter does this but a lot of them will spike the data every couple of seconds... for example the KR or LTFT's will go from a normal value to something outrageous (like +50) for one frame of data and then drop back... it'll happen every couple of seconds and makes analyzing the data and looking at graphs VERY difficult. I've sent it back to the manufacturer several times and they've never found anything wrong with it. Strange thing though, when using the EFILIVE demo that lets me log 5 seconds of data I NEVER EVER get a spike in the data... even recording like 50 5 second samples in a row... Yes I've downloaded the latest ATAP version... (this has happened for at least 3 revisions) and it's never gone away... Anybody have any ideas or have this happen before???? Thanks!

'01 GMC Sierra C3
6.0 AWD
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2004 | 08:00 PM
  #2  
500plus's Avatar
Teching In
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: motor city
Default

i just bought atap resently and mine does the exact same thing. it will iether spike up or down. my buddy has efi live and his has no problems. i also tried logging with efi live on mine for 5 sec. and no problems. the other thing i am very dissapointed with is how slow atap is. my buddys efi live can record like 20 things at once. with atap anything over 3 is to many. anything over three is like playing a good video game with a shitty video card.
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2004 | 08:03 PM
  #3  
samz28's Avatar
TECH Addict
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,065
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
Default

i guess you get what ya pay for. The V2 interfaces and the new usb ones are supposively faster too.
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2004 | 08:17 PM
  #4  
500plus's Avatar
Teching In
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: motor city
Default

my buddys efi live is serial so evidently the bottle neck is not at the serial. i thing its just the software.
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2004 | 12:13 AM
  #5  
EskimoPie's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Tucson, AZ
Default

Yup, mine is the V2 serial interface and I've noticed I get about 3-4 times the refresh rate out of EFI live using the same cable than I do with atap... And EFI live never spikes... crappy software...

Originally Posted by 500plus
my buddys efi live is serial so evidently the bottle neck is not at the serial. i thing its just the software.
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2004 | 02:44 AM
  #6  
EFILive's Avatar
Restricted User
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 424
Likes: 1
From: New Zealand
Default

The bottleneck is neither in the PC, nor the the cable nor the the software.
The major factor that determines how fast you can log data is the scan mode that is used. There are basically three different ways to scan data from an OBD II PCM.

1. One PID at a time which is supported on ALL OBDII vehicles. So scan tools that support multiple manufacturers and vehicles will usually use that method. It is the slowest method. EFILive can be configured to use this scan mode so that it can scan non-LS1 vehicles.

2. Up to 6 PIDs at a time. This method is supported on *most* OBDII vehicles but may be implemented differently by different manufacturer's. It is obviously about 6 times faster than the first method. EFILive fully supports this scan mode.

3. Up to 24 PIDs at a time. This method is supported by the LS1 PCM and is the fastest way to log data from that PCM. EFILive fully supports this scan mode.

So it's not really fair to compare cables, PC's and software because it is the scanning method that determines the data logging speed.

Regards
Paul
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2004 | 11:36 AM
  #7  
EskimoPie's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Tucson, AZ
Default

Well how can you say it's not fair to compare software when it's the software that controls the scanning method? I can find no way in autotap to alter the method that it scans... if you can point me in the right direction I would be eternally greatfull...

Originally Posted by EFIliveV5
The bottleneck is neither in the PC, nor the the cable nor the the software.
The major factor that determines how fast you can log data is the scan mode that is used. There are basically three different ways to scan data from an OBD II PCM.

1. One PID at a time which is supported on ALL OBDII vehicles. So scan tools that support multiple manufacturers and vehicles will usually use that method. It is the slowest method. EFILive can be configured to use this scan mode so that it can scan non-LS1 vehicles.

2. Up to 6 PIDs at a time. This method is supported on *most* OBDII vehicles but may be implemented differently by different manufacturer's. It is obviously about 6 times faster than the first method. EFILive fully supports this scan mode.

3. Up to 24 PIDs at a time. This method is supported by the LS1 PCM and is the fastest way to log data from that PCM. EFILive fully supports this scan mode.

So it's not really fair to compare cables, PC's and software because it is the scanning method that determines the data logging speed.

Regards
Paul
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2004 | 03:36 PM
  #8  
dissonance's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
From: Princeton, IN
Default

in autotap if i click or move the mouse alot on the screen i can get all kinda spikes in data... now efilive does not do this. what are the spec of the computer your running this on?
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-1

Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-5

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-7

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-8

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Apr 5, 2004 | 03:36 PM
  #9  
EFILive's Avatar
Restricted User
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 424
Likes: 1
From: New Zealand
Default

Originally Posted by EskimoPie
Well how can you say it's not fair to compare software when it's the software that controls the scanning method? I can find no way in autotap to alter the method that it scans... if you can point me in the right direction I would be eternally greatfull...
Sorry for the confusion.
Technically you're right, the scan mode and hence the scan speed is determined by the software. What I actually meant was the "speed of execution" of the PC/software itself is not the bottle neck. So it is not really fair to make comparisons about which software "runs faster".

There is no way (that I know of) to change the scan method in AutoTap.

Regards
Paul
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2004 | 08:35 PM
  #10  
500plus's Avatar
Teching In
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: motor city
Default

so your telling me to get efilive. thanks paul.
you said there is a way to get evilive to work on other vehicles.
very interested
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2004 | 08:51 PM
  #11  
EFILive's Avatar
Restricted User
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 424
Likes: 1
From: New Zealand
Default

Originally Posted by 500plus
so your telling me to get efilive. thanks paul.
you said there is a way to get evilive to work on other vehicles.
very interested
EFILive will work as a generic scanner on all GM OBDII (SAE J1850 VPW) vehicles. (There are a few GM OBD II vehicles that use the KW2000 protocol, to which EFILive will not connect)

As a generic scanner (on non-LS1/LS6 vehicles) EFILive only has access to generic PIDs and the EPA information.

The parts of EFILive that are specific to LS1/LS6 are:
- enhanced PIDs
- bi-directional controls
- high speed data.

GM may have implemented the high speed data on other models - I don't know.

Regards
Paul
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2004 | 09:09 PM
  #12  
500plus's Avatar
Teching In
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: motor city
Default

any way to get ford, chrysler, import?
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2004 | 09:53 PM
  #13  
EFILive's Avatar
Restricted User
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 424
Likes: 1
From: New Zealand
Default

Originally Posted by 500plus
any way to get ford, chrysler, import?
No, you'll need to buy AutoTap for that.
Regards
Paul
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:30 AM.

story-0
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-1
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-2
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-3
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-4
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-5
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-8
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-9
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE