Cannot connect Predator to PC

[tomcat45]

I am trying to hook up the Predator to my PC to install the new cron file (8r05). Everytime I try to connect the Predator the PC does not detect the predator. It is a 7170 for '99 Ford F250 7.3 diesel with version 7_19d installed. I have tried just about everything. I am using a serial cable (NO USB) with a power supply. I have tried both COM ports on my PC. I have tried auto detect and manual on the downloader settings. I have set the PC COM ports to 115200 and default. I have tried both baud rates in manual on the downloader. I have tried both baud rates on the Predator. I have tried 3 different downloader versions, 1.9.6.10, 1.9.5.4, and 1.7.4.0. I used Hyper terminal and it received a bunch symbols but no words or anything a human would be able to read. I have tried doing all this with the antivirus and firewall disabled and enabled on my PC. Please help. This is becoming Very Frustrating.

[christina]

You will not be able to change from 7r19d to the 8r05. They are for 2 different versions of the tool.

As for connectivity, how long have you had the serial cable? There is a crossover in those cables that can go bad and I have seen it time and again in the tech calls. My recommendation would be to get a USB to Serial cable. We haven't had any trouble with those.

[tomcat45]

I tried a different Serial Cable with no luck. I then tried a USB to Serial Cable with the drivers loaded properly all the baud rates set to 115200 using downloader 1.9.6.10. Maual and Auto detect. Still No Luck. Can you give something else to try.

[johnc]

Christina is correct about the versions. You do NOT want to install 8r05 (for the pstroke73) over top of 7r19 (for the ford_7_3).

My best guess is that your first attempt to install 8r05 over top of 7r19d has now corrupted your Predator. Does (or did) your Predator used to boot with the ford_7_3 message?

If this is the case, use the latest DSDL and follow the "Application is Missing or Corrupt" instructions in the Help file to put the 7r19 CROM from your Predator's support page back onto your Predator.

Sorry for your frustration. You sound quite technically savvy, most users will not try the hyperterminal test on their own.

[tomcat45]

I was never able to connect to the predator. My initial intent was to download the 8r05 before I knew I shouldn't. But from the very first try I have not been able to connect the PC to the Predator. The Predator still works fine. It boots up to 7r19. I can run diagnostics and change tunes as before.

[tomcat45]

Ok. I figured out the problem. I did not realize the u7170 is not compatible with the connection test tab on Downloader 1.9.6.10 until I talked with a tech on the phone. This would have been nice to know. Maybe that should be put into the downloader instructions. Now how do I upload my original factory tune to my PC for saving? When I push the "Get Tune File From Predator" button on the downloader, a screen pops up and says it is initializing, but then after a few seconds it goes away. I have also tried to export the original tune through the predator by going to the export tune menu. A processing bar comes up finishes and then it says to hit "enter after I start the Xmodemâ€

[johnc]

I am not familiar with this Predator, so you might have to wait for an answer from Mike on Monday. It is possible that you need to use the lower baud rate with this Predator. Go into Legacy Connect mode, select your COM port, and use 57600 baud.

[tomcat45]

Changed the baud rate to 57600 on the PC and the Predator. The upload to the PC worked. I had to start the export on the u7170 and once the start xmodem screen appeared on the predator I clicked the "Get Tune From Predator" Button on the downloader program. The two synched and the tune uploaded to the PC.