EcuTek How the system Works

[steve99]

Ecutek Cable kit Tunes licensing explained


Ecutek Tuning system consists of several components

Basic ProECU Kit Retail - (OBD cable and DESKEY, mst people refer to DESKEY as a dongle, note its not a memory stick))
Warning: If you buy secondhand kit make sure it contains both the cable and the DESKEY(dongle), without DESKEY(dongle) kit is useless. also make sure the cable/dongle kit is assigned to 86/BRZ/FRS , the hardware is same and you will be able to flash a 86/BRZ/FRS with say a Nissan GTR kit. but you wont be able to open or edit even unlocked tunes or make your own tunes with a kit that is not assigned to a BRZ/86 platform I believe ECUTEK can re-assign the kits but their may be an additional cost to do so, safer to buy a kit that designated for 86/BRZ/FRS
ECU Licence - licence to allow you to program/flash one ECU ( this is now called flash points you need 255 flash points for a brz\86 licience) sold separatly, one required per ecu flashed with ProECU kit. One off cost per ECU. (note this ECU licience is separate to the DESKEY/dongle)
Tune/ROM file - either you self tune or you buy a tune from tuner, tunes from a tuner will generally be keyed to your dongle id.


To actually flash a tune to a car you need 4 things
1. Ecutek cable - you cannot use other cables must be genuine ecutek cable
2. Ecutek DESKEY (Dongle)- looks like a memory stick, but its not
3. En Ecutek ECU licience- ( or 255 flash points if your ecu doesnt already have ecutek tune) this is NOT the DESKEY. (unless ECU in car has already be flashed with ECUTEK and licience is already in ECU)
4. A tune file keyed to your DESKEY(dongle) or an open unkeyed tune . Unkeyed tunes are rare in ecutek tuning world.



Basic ProECU Cable kit (OBD interface cable and DESkey Dongle that allows you to run Ecutek software on PC), without these items plugged into your PC ecutek software will not run.

Each Dongle(Deskey) has a 6 charater code associated with it like 6a 5b 5c. This code is referred to a licience key or tune key or dongle ID or key.
Any tune you get from a tuner will almost always be coded to this Dongle ID so cannot be shared with other Ecutek users. Open or un-keyed tunes are rare in ecutek tuning world.





Ecutek ECU Tuning license - one license required for each car you want to flash - not transferable or onsellable, a licience is now called flash points you need 255 for each brz/86 ecu you want to flash unless its already been flashed with ecutek previously ie already has licience in ecu.
These licences/ flash points are sold separately to Cable/Dongle kits. The tuner will apply the licence/ flash points to your dongle ID ( the desk key) so next time you fire up ecutek software connected to internet the ECU licence purchased will appear.
You can flash the licensed ecu as many times as you like, but its not transferable

RaceROM Extension Pack - Not required to flash tunes- only required to give fullaccess Racrom Features for self tuners.



Tunes purchased from tuner - these care generally emailed to you , they are keyed to your Dongle(Deskey) ID code . They will generally be keyed to just your dongle ID so only you can flash.
Other dongle ID will have no access at all.

If you keep using your Basic Pro ECU cable kit to program lots different cars, Ecutek may require you to purchase a full tuner kit these are quite expensive
They track the number of ECU licenses sent to Each Dongle ID.

If you have a Ecutek cable kit, you will also need to purchase an ECU licience to be able to flash a car, unless the car has been flashed with Ecutek previously.

Ecutek embeds the ECU license in the ECU on the first flash, then it checks for this licience before it will flash ECU.

Tunes you purchase from an Ecutek tuner will in most cases be coded to your dongle ID. This means that only that dongle ID can flash that tune.
It also means that you cannot look at the tune tables inside the tune all you can do is flash
Another dongle wont even be able to flash or load the tune.

The usb/OBD cable is not specificly keyed to the dongle but it does contain some form of keying such that you must use a genuine ecutek usb/obd cable or the ecutek software will not detect the cable. However you could use somone else's Ecutek cable if yours failed, but you would need your dongle else you cannot load tunes keyed to different dongle Id's

The ECUTEK software requires your dongle (deskey) and a genuine ecutek cable to be plugged ito PC for the ECUTEK software to work.


ECU Locking

ECU is locked once an Ecutek tune with RaceRom features is added is flashed.
The ECU Lock is dependant on if the tune flashed has Racrom features added, no racerom no lock, racerom features added then flashing tune will lock ECU.


The ECU lock is achieved by altering the access code sequence in the ECU.


No other tune system can access the ECU until you or tuner flash back an ecutek rom without Racrom features installed.
Ecu can be unlocked by flashing back an Ecutek stock rom WITHOUT Race ROM features added
Note if you flash your ECU that is unlocked with another tune system, you will write over and loose your Ecutek tune licence. You will need to get your Ecutek tuner to re-new licence.

licenses already in ecu or tunes not transferable only cable kit can be on sold

Tunes from tuners are generally locked and not viewable or editable by anyone other than the tuner, even if the tune is keyed to your dongle ,all you can do is flash it.

You can tune yourself with ecutek, but for full racerom feature access you will need to buy additional RaceRom extension pack.
Laptop required to log and flash.

Ecutek supply the tune system but they do not tune.
You need to go to an Ecutek tuner for a tune and flash licences or to buy cable kits.
The Roms you get with Ecutek are just the STOCK roms and the Racrom patches for each rom type (calibration ID)
The cable kit can be used to flash or log multiple cars but you need a ECU licience for each car you want to flash
Once the Ecutek licience is transfered to your ECU its permanently in ECU and you can flash tunes as many times as you like with ecutek to that ECU.

The cable kit can log and clear/read DTC on a car without a Ecutek licience in ECU
If you buy a tune from a tuner it will have access to all racerom features like map switch, SD tuning ,custom maps etc.
If you self tune the basic proECU software only gives access to the basic RaceRom features like launch and flat foot shift.
You cannot access stuff like 4 map switching you can only access Map 1 tables and you dont get access to custom maps SD tuning , custom maps and a lot of other high end features.


If you want that as a self tuner you need to buy the RaceRom extension pack for another $350. even with RaceRom extension you cannot access locked tunes, it just allows you to add in those features to a tune you make yourself.


Editing Your own ROMS.

IF you obtain any BRZ/86 ROM in standard Hex format (with no additional patches or calibration ID adjustments/hacks) you can use Ecutek to edit these roms.

However once edited with Ecutek they can only be saved in ecutek encrypted format, and then they are only readable or flashable by Ecutek

The Rom that come with Ecutek are just the stock roms encoded to ecutek format, you don't get any free tunes with an Ecutek cable kit.

Mininum requirements and aprox costs

Ecutek cable kit aprox $350 USD (if you want to flash tunes yourself)
Ecutek ECU licience (1 per car) $350 USD
You may get a better deal if you buy a cable kit and tune from same vendor.
Tunes not supplied tunes start from 100-500 or so USD
If you want full access tune/modify all Race Rom Features add the RaceRom extension for about $350


Check around for pricing as well some tuners discount licences, but charge more for tune or other way round




Ecutek ECU Connect Blutooth interface

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGCfprEsezE"]The New EcuTek Bluetooth Interface and iPhone App - ECU Connect - YouTube[/ame]



This is now a complete solution for Flashing (via mini usb connector) and logging via Bluetooth or USB

Note that you also need a dongle key to be able to flash tunes with the Blutooth dongle. Currently the Blutooth kits only contain the interface, so you need to already have or buy a ecutek dongle key to use the flash usb interface on the blutooth dongle

This is a separate Bluetooth dongle (sold separatly to standard ProECU Cable/dongle kit) - Update the Blutooth dongles can now flash tunes via the mini USB interface on rear of dongle ie via hardware connection to your laptop.


Blutooth interface does NOT flash or read Tunes/ROM from the ECU.
Its purely for logging and adjusting pre-setup features in your ecutek tune.


However the mini USB socket on Back of Bluetooth Dongle can be used to flash tunes


You need a Tune with RaceRom version 9.1 or higher for the Blutooth interface to work. The features and adjustments need to be set up in your tune by the tuner or you using Racerom extension pack.


More info on Blutooth interface
http://www.ecutek.com/Products/Retai...CU-Connect-BRZ


EcuTek Website
www.ecutek.com






Alternative Tune Systems
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=106068

[Khánh]

thanks man!! really appreciate you typed out all this!!

[COO86L]

Just to add, this is the write up I send confused customers (of which there are a few)..

There are 5 components of the ecutek end user/retail system.

1. EcuTek OBDII cable
2. EcuTek dongle/usb key or its correct name "DESkey"
3. ProECU software
4. License
5. Tune file

All of these are separate things. The software and license are both software items and aren't physical.

The OBDII cable is used for transferring data from the ProECU software/laptop to your cars ECU.

The DESkey is a software encryption key that allows you to open ProECU on your computer. It is like a password for a program but it is physical and impossible to crack/hack. It's purely used so you can't copy the ProECU software, kind of like how some games etc used a product key.

The license is a string of code that attaches to your ProECU software until you write it to the cars ECU. The license, once applied to an ECU, is no longer connected to your particular EcuTek programming kit. You are free to use whatever cable and dongle you wish, otherwise people would be locked to one tuner and one tuner only.

The tune file is created by your tuner. If they are doing it in person, you won't see a copy of it. If you are doing it remotely, they will compile it and "key" it to your dongle ID (DESkey ID). This allows you to flash it to your car but not allow you to open, view or change any mapping. This doesn't lock your ECU either, but using EcuTek means you are locked to EcuTek's software UNLESS you flash a stock tune file, which will allow different programs access.

[denso]

Thanks guys. Dont blame me for my next question please - Im owning a full programming kit (incl DESkey) but Im asking myself if its possible to "copy" the DESkey because sometimes Im running out of USB ports at my laptop. Its cool for me if the DESkey would be married with my laptop if this is possible in any ways - if not, its ok.

[COO86L]

Originally Posted by denso

Thanks guys. Dont blame me for my next question please - Im owning a full programming kit (incl DESkey) but Im asking myself if its possible to "copy" the DESkey because sometimes Im running out of USB ports at my laptop. Its cool for me if the DESkey would be married with my laptop if this is possible in any ways - if not, its ok.

Possible: yes
Legal/allowed: no

It would require some very in-depth hacking and cost and absolute arm and a leg. The DESkey encryption system is used on extremely high end computer software that can sometimes cost tens of thousands of dollars and in that case, someone might want to emulate it and lock the original in a safe. For our $400 software it's no where near woth it nor worth the legal ramifications

[steve99]

Originally Posted by denso

Thanks guys. Dont blame me for my next question please - Im owning a full programming kit (incl DESkey) but Im asking myself if its possible to "copy" the DESkey because sometimes Im running out of USB ports at my laptop. Its cool for me if the DESkey would be married with my laptop if this is possible in any ways - if not, its ok.

I have one of these get 3 extra usb ports and ethernet port no software drivers required works on windows and mac and cheap

http://m.ebay.com.au/itm/USB-2-0-to-...807?nav=SEARCH

[renfield90]

Steve, thanks again for another super informative post. One quick question if you don't mind.

Originally Posted by steve99

Editing Your own ROMS.


IF you obtain any BRZ/86 ROM in standard Hex format (with no additional patches or calibration ID adjustments/hacks) you can use Ecutek to edit these roms.


However once edited with Ecutek they can only be saved in ecutek encrypted format, and then they are only readable or flashable by Ecutek


The Rom that come with Ecutek are just the stock roms encoded to ecutek format, you don't get any free tunes with an Ecutek cable kit.

So I've currently got a B01C OFT tune. Obviously it's patched and would not work through ecutek, but if I'm reading this right, I could simply hand-copy the table values over into a totally stock B01C and flash that with ecutek. Is that correct?

My one hangup with ecutek is being able to flash to near-stock tunes, seems that's not an issue.

[steve99]

Originally Posted by renfield90

Steve, thanks again for another super informative post. One quick question if you don't mind.


So I've currently got a B01C OFT tune. Obviously it's patched and would not work through ecutek, but if I'm reading this right, I could simply hand-copy the table values over into a totally stock B01C and flash that with ecutek. Is that correct?

My one hangup with ecutek is being able to flash to near-stock tunes, seems that's not an issue.

Yes that can be done, ecutek may not name tables same as romraider though, but you can work it out.


ecutek also comes with all the stock roms but they are in ecutek coded format.


you will also need an ecutek ecu licence to flash.


also you can then add the ecutek racerom features to the rom you create.

[yuqi]

thank you for the post!!!

[Dan37BRZ]

Noob here, about to install my Edelbrock S/C kit. It comes with the ECUtek license and ProECU tuning kit.

Before flashing, do you copy the original factory ROM file and save it to your laptop first? In case you want to go back to stock? Kinda like how the OFT tablet saves a copy of your stock ECU image before writing the "tuned" file.

[steve99]

Originally Posted by Dan37BRZ

Noob here, about to install my Edelbrock S/C kit. It comes with the ECUtek license and ProECU tuning kit.

Before flashing, do you copy the original factory ROM file and save it to your laptop first? In case you want to go back to stock? Kinda like how the OFT tablet saves a copy of your stock ECU image before writing the "tuned" file.

theirs no facility in retail ecutek siftwsre to ssve your stock rom or resd out rom in an ecu. Ecutek only writes. Its posible to read it out in some weird format only accesible by ecutek guys but you canot flash these back either.

Thier is no need to do so as ecutek comes with all the stock roms for you to flsdh back. Tou end up 100% stock tune wise but still with embeded ecutek licience in ecu which is detectable if you resrly looking

[Tor]

Can you log Ecutek flashed ECUs with a Tactrix dongle?

Say I have a friend with an Ecutek tune. Can I do a log for him with Tactrix?

[Kodename47]

I would assume so, the base addresses should be the same as an OEM ROM.

[steve99]

Originally Posted by Tor

Can you log Ecutek flashed ECUs with a Tactrix dongle?

Say I have a friend with an Ecutek tune. Can I do a log for him with Tactrix?

Originally Posted by Kodename47

I would assume so, the base addresses should be the same as an OEM ROM.

Can confirm that you can log ecutek tuned cars with tactrix ecutek doesnt alter the logging ram addresses from the base roms. However you wouldnt be able to log the ecutek specific stuff like custom map outputs and map switch mode unless you somhow figured out those ram locations. Also oft will log ecutek tuned cars.

It also works the other way you can use ecutek to log oft or tactrix tuned cars, no licience in ecu required for logging only.