The major problem here is that BucMcMaster isn't interested in being helped. Several people have posted with suggestions to help fix the situation, but he has ignored or dismissed all of the help that people are trying to give. He brought up the whole Mac thing again on this page, and obviously completely ignored my post (second post in the thread) with a possible free solution, aside from the cost of maybe a serial cable or a usb-to-serial adapter. If you've never done any kind of dual booting with your computer, say so, and I could've helped walk you through it.
For all the complaining he's done about not seeing whatever his problem is/was on the website before he bought the predator, I don't understand how he missed the "RMA Request" link at the top of the page. That link is even under the same tab as this forum.
Bottom line, if you don't want help, don't ask for it. If you want to improve the performance of your vehicle, don't expect magic, like the horsepower fairy just sprinkling some dust without you having to lift a finger. And if you can't accept that people make mistakes (whether it's DS or the dealers, or the customer in this case, I don't know, and frankly I don't think it really matters- DS seems to put forth one hell of an effort to help customers troubleshoot as long as the customer is willing to work with them), you must leed one very sad and depressing life. Get over yourself.
Not A Happy Camper
Moderator: mikel
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danpotestio
- Posts: 30
- Joined: Tue Sep 08, 2009 10:15 pm
I can relate to the problems and frustration he is feeling! I have the U7135 for my 2009 5.7 Hemi Challenger. I have the correct OS and all of the cables. My vehicle was flashed with the latest update from Chrysler, 05187899AF, and now the Predator DOES NOT SUPPORT it! I have posted to this web page at two different locations, (this makes three) hoping to hear from DS as to if they are working on the problem, or even if they are aware of it, and still have no response. Yes, I have downloaded the latest upgrade from DS, the beta, and still it's a no go. I'm sure they are still selling the U7135 for the Challenger without telling them about this problem. Believe me, I don't want to bitch, I just want a working Predator, as promised.
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BucMcMaster
- Posts: 9
- Joined: Thu Oct 01, 2009 8:49 pm
What we have here is a failure to communicate. I do understand every single one of the suggestions that have been offered here, and I appreciate that some of you have encountered the same troubles with the Predator.
Yes, I understand that I can purchase a Windows-based laptop, or borrow one, and with the cable and power supply download the necessary update for my Magnum. Yes, I understand that I can ship the Predator to DS and for $25 they will update my tool. Yes, I understand when you say that the CalID in my car is out of date and should be reflashed by the dealer, even though the dealers tell me there is no update for my year model Magnum. I understand all this.....the problem can be solved in one way or another.
My point, and what you all don't seem to understand, is that it is right and proper for a manufacturer to supply openly and clearly all information pertaining to the use and installation of their product. Certainly this forum and others are great sources of information, no doubt of that. But is it not incumbent upon the manufacturer to be the source of all information regarding their product? This information is of course discussed and debated on forums like this, but the maker of the product is the source....the starting point.
If I go to the store to purchase new software for my home computer I can read on the box what it takes to operate this software. How much RAM I'll need, how fast a processor is needed, which operating systems are supported, how much hard drive space is required for installation and any additional hardware I will need to take advantage of the program. It's all there in front of me, provided by the manufacturer of the software. It's up to me to read the box and determine if I have the necessary system to use the software. I am provided all the information I need to choose the right product for my system by the manufacturer. I don't have to search internet forums for some little details that are not mentioned on the product packaging that might make or break my use of the software. It seems that DS defers to the forums for full disclosure of the information required to install their Predator software rather than providing it themselves. In the absence of any information published by DiabloSport to the contrary, is it unreasonable to assume that the latest release of Predator software would install on any SRT8, covering all possible CalIDs through the release date? Makes sense to me that the latest version of software of any kind would cover any and all previous platforms unless there are exceptions that are noted by the maker of that software. I would not expect to have to find these exceptions scattered throughout forum posts concerning the product......I would expect these exceptions to be noted by the manufacturer. If these exceptions are noted by the manufacturer and I still choose the wrong product for my platform, that's my mistake. When such exceptions are not noted by the manufacturer, as in this case, then it is the fault of the manufacturer. This is my point. Yes, the situation can be rectified by various means, but there would be no rectification necessary if DiabloSport provided all information necessary for the use and installation of their product.
If DS knows there are some older CalIDs unsupported by 9r18 Predator software, and I'm certain they do, they should make this known on the site. Had I seen a listing of year model/CalID numbers excluded from 9r18 software, I could have checked mine against this list prior to ordering. If mine was on the list of exclusions I would then know, prior to purchase, that the Predator with 9r18 software would not install in my Magnum without an update to either the vehicle's PCM via the dealer or to the Predator via the internet hookup kit noted on the DS site. Well, you say, it's too much trouble for DS to keep up with all the CalIDs from Dodge. I disagree with this on it's face. For a CalID to be removed from the Predator such that the Predator no longer recognizes that calibration would require that it be removed from the software, written out of the code. And this is done by the programmer.....CalIDs go in, CalIDs are removed. DiabloSport knows which CalIDs have been removed from the software support list. But DiabloSport does not make it clear that 9r18 Predator software does not support all SRT8 CalIDs. It would be a simple statement to make on the site. It would not be so difficult to list CalIDs that have been removed from the supported list; a programmer had to remove it from the Predator software, at whatever revision it ceased to be supported.
So yes, I understand this can be fixed. I have read and understand every single one of the replies to my original post. It can be fixed. I need you to understand that my complaint does not stem from my dissatisfaction with the Predator and what it can do for the performance of my car. It stems from the undeniable fact that DiabloSport as a manufacturer does not provide all the information required to make a sound decision when purchasing a Predator. That DiabloSport does not provide it. Not that "it's available on the forums". I shouldn't have to resort to searching the archives of a forum to determine if a product will work on my platform without further updates/hardware. That information should be provided by the manufacturer itself.
So I am done. You may agree or disagree. You may think my life sad, that I am a whiny little bitch, that I have no life. That's fine......you can think all that an more if it makes you feel better. I have stated my case clearly. If you cannot grasp the concepts I've laid out, I will not feel bad because of it.
Yes, I understand that I can purchase a Windows-based laptop, or borrow one, and with the cable and power supply download the necessary update for my Magnum. Yes, I understand that I can ship the Predator to DS and for $25 they will update my tool. Yes, I understand when you say that the CalID in my car is out of date and should be reflashed by the dealer, even though the dealers tell me there is no update for my year model Magnum. I understand all this.....the problem can be solved in one way or another.
My point, and what you all don't seem to understand, is that it is right and proper for a manufacturer to supply openly and clearly all information pertaining to the use and installation of their product. Certainly this forum and others are great sources of information, no doubt of that. But is it not incumbent upon the manufacturer to be the source of all information regarding their product? This information is of course discussed and debated on forums like this, but the maker of the product is the source....the starting point.
If I go to the store to purchase new software for my home computer I can read on the box what it takes to operate this software. How much RAM I'll need, how fast a processor is needed, which operating systems are supported, how much hard drive space is required for installation and any additional hardware I will need to take advantage of the program. It's all there in front of me, provided by the manufacturer of the software. It's up to me to read the box and determine if I have the necessary system to use the software. I am provided all the information I need to choose the right product for my system by the manufacturer. I don't have to search internet forums for some little details that are not mentioned on the product packaging that might make or break my use of the software. It seems that DS defers to the forums for full disclosure of the information required to install their Predator software rather than providing it themselves. In the absence of any information published by DiabloSport to the contrary, is it unreasonable to assume that the latest release of Predator software would install on any SRT8, covering all possible CalIDs through the release date? Makes sense to me that the latest version of software of any kind would cover any and all previous platforms unless there are exceptions that are noted by the maker of that software. I would not expect to have to find these exceptions scattered throughout forum posts concerning the product......I would expect these exceptions to be noted by the manufacturer. If these exceptions are noted by the manufacturer and I still choose the wrong product for my platform, that's my mistake. When such exceptions are not noted by the manufacturer, as in this case, then it is the fault of the manufacturer. This is my point. Yes, the situation can be rectified by various means, but there would be no rectification necessary if DiabloSport provided all information necessary for the use and installation of their product.
If DS knows there are some older CalIDs unsupported by 9r18 Predator software, and I'm certain they do, they should make this known on the site. Had I seen a listing of year model/CalID numbers excluded from 9r18 software, I could have checked mine against this list prior to ordering. If mine was on the list of exclusions I would then know, prior to purchase, that the Predator with 9r18 software would not install in my Magnum without an update to either the vehicle's PCM via the dealer or to the Predator via the internet hookup kit noted on the DS site. Well, you say, it's too much trouble for DS to keep up with all the CalIDs from Dodge. I disagree with this on it's face. For a CalID to be removed from the Predator such that the Predator no longer recognizes that calibration would require that it be removed from the software, written out of the code. And this is done by the programmer.....CalIDs go in, CalIDs are removed. DiabloSport knows which CalIDs have been removed from the software support list. But DiabloSport does not make it clear that 9r18 Predator software does not support all SRT8 CalIDs. It would be a simple statement to make on the site. It would not be so difficult to list CalIDs that have been removed from the supported list; a programmer had to remove it from the Predator software, at whatever revision it ceased to be supported.
So yes, I understand this can be fixed. I have read and understand every single one of the replies to my original post. It can be fixed. I need you to understand that my complaint does not stem from my dissatisfaction with the Predator and what it can do for the performance of my car. It stems from the undeniable fact that DiabloSport as a manufacturer does not provide all the information required to make a sound decision when purchasing a Predator. That DiabloSport does not provide it. Not that "it's available on the forums". I shouldn't have to resort to searching the archives of a forum to determine if a product will work on my platform without further updates/hardware. That information should be provided by the manufacturer itself.
So I am done. You may agree or disagree. You may think my life sad, that I am a whiny little bitch, that I have no life. That's fine......you can think all that an more if it makes you feel better. I have stated my case clearly. If you cannot grasp the concepts I've laid out, I will not feel bad because of it.
You have put WAY more time, thought etc into this than needed. There is no win or lose here. Certainly those trying to help lose nothing if you return or keep your device.
I did get your point, but also fail to see why you'd rather lose 20% returning than to just do what you need to and use your Predator.
Good luck
I did get your point, but also fail to see why you'd rather lose 20% returning than to just do what you need to and use your Predator.
Good luck
Buc, I never doubted that you understood the suggestions. The part that is particularly frustrating is that you are unwilling to take them. From your first post, you were interested in nothing but returning the predator, in which case you should have just used the RMA request to begin with instead of asking for help that you didn't want.
And your computer software example is garbage. If you have the minimum specs listed on the box, your software will not work as advertised. Prime example: Windows Vista. All joking about Vista's plethora of problems aside (it's actually much more stable now than it was when it came out), if you have the minimum specs for even a "Vista Premium Ready" computer, which is a 1GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, 128MB of graphics memory, a 40GB hard drive with 15GB free, your computer will not be able to use all of the features as advertised. I haven't come across a computer running Vista with only 1GB of RAM (even with faster processors than "required") that wasn't running quite slowly.
I think we all understand your problem. I don't think anybody thinks that you shouldn't complain that your unit didn't work with your vehicle when you thought it should. I've gotten products that didn't work out of the box for whatever reason, so I can understand the frustration. The reason you're not getting any sympathy is because you are unwilling to put forth any effort to fix the problem.
And your computer software example is garbage. If you have the minimum specs listed on the box, your software will not work as advertised. Prime example: Windows Vista. All joking about Vista's plethora of problems aside (it's actually much more stable now than it was when it came out), if you have the minimum specs for even a "Vista Premium Ready" computer, which is a 1GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, 128MB of graphics memory, a 40GB hard drive with 15GB free, your computer will not be able to use all of the features as advertised. I haven't come across a computer running Vista with only 1GB of RAM (even with faster processors than "required") that wasn't running quite slowly.
I think we all understand your problem. I don't think anybody thinks that you shouldn't complain that your unit didn't work with your vehicle when you thought it should. I've gotten products that didn't work out of the box for whatever reason, so I can understand the frustration. The reason you're not getting any sympathy is because you are unwilling to put forth any effort to fix the problem.
Well, I think you are full of chit!
* U7777(serial) or U7778(usb) PC interface kit
Should be purchased due to calibration updates from the factory!
It is placed right under the U7135 Predator Applications Table on this page:
http://www.diablosport.com/index.php?mo ... ay&pid=118
Did you ignore this next link on the same page?
http://www.diablosport.com/index.php?mo ... ay&pid=117
It sure is, what did you not understand about this statement?BucMcMaster wrote: My point, and what you all don't seem to understand, is that it is right and proper for a manufacturer to supply openly and clearly all information pertaining to the use and installation of their product. Certainly this forum and others are great sources of information, no doubt of that. But is it not incumbent upon the manufacturer to be the source of all information regarding their product?
* U7777(serial) or U7778(usb) PC interface kit
Should be purchased due to calibration updates from the factory!
It is placed right under the U7135 Predator Applications Table on this page:
http://www.diablosport.com/index.php?mo ... ay&pid=118
Did you ignore this next link on the same page?
http://www.diablosport.com/index.php?mo ... ay&pid=117
Then if you can do all of that, tell us all out here on the internet reading your spam why you did not read the page DS provides (which is the “BOXâ€BucMcMaster wrote:If I go to the store to purchase new software for my home computer I can read on the box what it takes to operate this software. How much RAM I'll need, how fast a processor is needed, which operating systems are supported, how much hard drive space is required for installation and any additional hardware I will need to take advantage of the program. It's all there in front of me, provided by the manufacturer of the software. It's up to me to read the box and determine if I have the necessary system to use the software. I am provided all the information I need to choose the right product for my system by the manufacturer.
2006 300C-SRT
Mopar CAI/Toyo 245/275 Stagger
185 T-Stat/Catch Can
DiabloToona CMR Gas tune
Extra "Flex" E-85 tune
Mopar CAI/Toyo 245/275 Stagger
185 T-Stat/Catch Can
DiabloToona CMR Gas tune
Extra "Flex" E-85 tune
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fokkerpilot
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Mon Oct 12, 2009 8:17 pm
Yawn, wow what a rant. OK, I'm new to the forum and I am going to purchase on of these shortly. With that being said, give it a rest Buc. Hell I could have done 3 or 4 updates and tunes with all the energy you spent justifying your position on that postage stamp soap box. Buy the darn cable, update your vehicles computer, upload a tune, and go find some inner peace with yourself. Lord man, you're gonna blow an artery. Seriously. It's not a perfect world and don't start with that computer software specs lecture again. It doesn't apply. Peace out man.