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Alcatek problems?

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Old 10 November 2012, 08:10 PM
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sharpydoo
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Default Alcatek problems?

just invested in a Alcatek ecu and im having a few issues. Firstly, changing the maps with the accelerator pedal seems a quite temperamental, sometimes it works, sometimes not. Secondly im not always convinced the map has actually changed as the power/turbo seems restricted to 10psi on the lower power map but sometimes its still restricting when ive changed the map to full power. yet another time its boosting to 25psi. I know my boost gauge isnt that accurate but I can feel the restriction. Finally the settings for the maps are 0 and 1, not sure if thats a new thing alcatek have done or whether its a fault as I know simtek/alcatek used to be 1 and 2.

am I doing somthing wrong or do I have a potential fault? Ill speak to the garage who did the work in the week but im eager for opinions/help
Old 10 November 2012, 08:20 PM
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Is it like the jdm ones. Where you have to put the throttle down and push the air flow switch.
Old 10 November 2012, 08:28 PM
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throttle down and ignition on for 5 secs
Old 10 November 2012, 08:30 PM
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RICHARD J
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Ask your mapper to install a switch, far easier & more reliable switching maps, you only need to look at switch position to know you have the correct map.
Old 10 November 2012, 08:31 PM
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You know you can get a switch fitted. As I'm having one fitted as well, was going through the options as in switch or tycoon system.
Old 10 November 2012, 08:33 PM
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http://bbs.22b.com/forums/showthread...Alcatek-owners
Old 11 November 2012, 10:24 AM
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Or fit a Toucan You then get touchscreen selection of the full 8 maps, plus an immobiliser option, gauges, sensor warnings, launch control rpm adjustment etc etc
Old 11 November 2012, 10:53 AM
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Any plans on the toucan being released for oem ecu? (Newage jdm)
Old 11 November 2012, 10:54 AM
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I hope to do this, yes...probably not until some time next year though.
Old 11 November 2012, 11:41 AM
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Tim what would it be for a toucan with oil sensors wiring. I remember you saying you might be able to fit for me a while back how much would that also be cheers rob
Old 11 November 2012, 11:41 AM
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Be a nice bit of kit for us oem users probably more of us around also than the aftermarket ecu lads can't all be bad
Old 11 November 2012, 11:46 AM
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Originally Posted by sonic93
Tim what would it be for a toucan with oil sensors wiring. I remember you saying you might be able to fit for me a while back how much would that also be cheers rob
Will PM you tomorrow
Old 11 November 2012, 12:07 PM
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Originally Posted by JTinnovations
I hope to do this, yes...probably not until some time next year though.
That's very appealing to me
Old 11 November 2012, 12:13 PM
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Tim forgot to mention that's for a simtec that is to be updated to
Old 11 November 2012, 12:39 PM
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+1 for the toucan - multiple maps at a press of a button and all the guages you will ever need.
Old 11 November 2012, 02:45 PM
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Originally Posted by sharpydoo
just invested in a Alcatek ecu and im having a few issues. Firstly, changing the maps with the accelerator pedal seems a quite temperamental, sometimes it works, sometimes not. Secondly im not always convinced the map has actually changed as the power/turbo seems restricted to 10psi on the lower power map but sometimes its still restricting when ive changed the map to full power. yet another time its boosting to 25psi. I know my boost gauge isnt that accurate but I can feel the restriction. Finally the settings for the maps are 0 and 1, not sure if thats a new thing alcatek have done or whether its a fault as I know simtek/alcatek used to be 1 and 2.

am I doing somthing wrong or do I have a potential fault? Ill speak to the garage who did the work in the week but im eager for opinions/help
Sounds like the knock retard safety strategy is dropping the boost due to too much knock going on. I'd get whoever mapped it to have another look over it.
Old 11 November 2012, 04:48 PM
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I thought Alkatec only ran 2 maps, does the toucan increase this to 8 maps or have I missed something?
Old 11 November 2012, 05:36 PM
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Latest AlcaTek runs 8 maps, yes, which can be selected via Toucan or a traditional 8 way rotary switch.
Old 11 November 2012, 05:40 PM
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re the changing maps, you dont have car mats do you ? only the throttle needs to see 100% for it to change, I had a customer who was only ever getting 92% throttle due to his posh new mats lol
Old 11 November 2012, 05:53 PM
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Originally Posted by JTinnovations
Latest AlcaTek runs 8 maps, yes, which can be selected via Toucan or a traditional 8 way rotary switch.
Does this apply if I upgrade my Simtec to an Alcatec?
Old 11 November 2012, 06:11 PM
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Yep
Old 11 November 2012, 07:19 PM
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Originally Posted by JTinnovations
Yep
I plan on upgrading after Christmas so I better ask Santa for a toucan to go with it.
Old 12 November 2012, 10:30 PM
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Are the reported delays with the Alcatek upgrades still happening?

I know there have been delays due to software issues but now these appear to have been sorted are the upgrades now going ahead and at what pace?

I don't mind a slight delay but when I sent my ECU back to Alcatek previously I couldn't make contact with them as I had a mapping session and they still had my ECU, it was only when Steve Simpson got involved did anything happen.

I don't think I have the patience to go through the above again.
Old 12 November 2012, 10:32 PM
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A change to AlcaTek customer service is in the offing...
Old 12 November 2012, 10:39 PM
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Originally Posted by JTinnovations
A change to AlcaTek customer service is in the offing...
Thanks Tim for the update, please don't think for one second that I'm ungrateful but it's a pity that AlcaTek couldn't post this information for themselves.

You do a sterling job of keeping the general public updated on matters related to AlcaTek, I hope you are on their Christmas card list.

Last edited by Cannon Fodder; 13 November 2012 at 12:44 PM.
Old 13 November 2012, 11:26 AM
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Originally Posted by Cannon Fodder
Are the reported delays with the Alcatek upgrades still happening?

I know there have been delays due to software issues but now these appear to have been sorted are the upgrades now going ahead and at what pace?

I don't mind a slight delay but when I sent my ECU back to Alcatek previously I couldn't make contact with them as I had a mapping session and they still had my ECU, it was only when Steve Simpson got involved did anything happen.

I don't think I have the patience to go through the above again.


yep !! delays for me
Old 13 November 2012, 04:40 PM
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That will be the car I mapped at API last week ? I advised David that could be a problem, he is going to get in touch so he can fit that for you. Its always been API thinking to use the TPS system to change for safety reasons, so if they install an ecu (which they did in your case) that what is done. I always fit switches if I am doing it as its just easier for the owner. For low/high boost a switch is all thats needed.

cheers

bob
Old 14 November 2012, 07:26 AM
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Originally Posted by scooby2.5maz
yep !! delays for me
Your case is a bit different Maz.
Correct me if I'm wrong of course, don't you still have your ecu which could be mapped and enjoyed right away.
However your mapper has advised you wait for the upgrades before they map it, not realising that the particular type of ecu you have (A 99 with the GC8 AVCS expander) will be the last of the ecus to receive the upgrade, due to the low volume they were made in.

You haven't been left without a car you can't drive, so I'm not sure I understand exactly what your delay is ?
I have already explained all this via PM, so please be patient as things like this don't do anyone any favours.
Old 14 November 2012, 07:35 AM
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Originally Posted by Cannon Fodder
Are the reported delays with the Alcatek upgrades still happening?

I know there have been delays due to software issues but now these appear to have been sorted are the upgrades now going ahead and at what pace?

(
Yes, the upgrades are going ahead, the pace is fair to middling
The process of upgrading an ecu whilst retaining the map is what takes the time as a lot of it has to be done by hand.
If however you are changing spec radically or happy to start the map from scratch, than it takes no time at all to flash in the new firmware and load up a new base map.
Granted this costs more money, but is does speed up the process no end.
Old 15 November 2012, 04:45 PM
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The ecu cannot run "8 maps" Tim it can run with eight different combinations of the maps that are available, Syvecs is the same.

Just to clarify so I am not asked to do eight different fuel maps ... lol

It seems Paul's map change problem is a known issue and the switch will sort it out.

cheers

bob


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