Re: IDS - All data deemed invalid. CCF loaded from As Built data
Hiya P38ace
In my experience, if the IDS software is talking to the VCM ok then it is usualy fine. as most problems are due to network config issues. But no harm in trying
The two Busses use different pins and the VCM has internal re routing circuitry. It's not unusual that the clone VCM's dont work on one or the other, i have seen a couple like that and in fact i have one here that only works on the HS bus. And i think most if not all Fords only use one bus anyway.
But to make sure it is not your Car you should try another at least.
The Ram is just one of the big fine pitch surface mount chips on the board and i have not tried identifying or replacing it.
I too am unconvinced as to whether the "genuine" item is of any better quality,
Let me dispel that thought straight away. The guinine IDS VCM is a work of art, An ultra fine multi layer board with thick 100% gold plating all over, The chips are also all genuine first class quality componants and even the discretes are all good brand. The assembly quality is like that you find in mobile phones and could not be improved, i am sure, if it were intended for use in outer space. The clones are a world apart, no gold, only rough tin plating, all the componants are cheap quality copies with even their printing being poor and they look like they were assembled by school kids. I have one here where one of the sandwhiched and inter connected boards is so warped it pops its connectors out if it is knocked, so i had to use tape round the boards just to keep them together.
BTW my opinion is not just formed about seeing one or two by the way, i have had reason to pull about 7 apart so far. I sent so many back that the supplier gave up on me, but thats Ok cus i had already given up on them, having learnt my lesson.
I know there are some with a good working clone out there who are happy, but it realy is the exception than the rule, so If you are going to go down the IDS route, for gods sake pay that bit more and get a genuine one. Give the clones a very wide berth.
I am glad that you agree with Rick (and me for that matter) the IDS software really is a complete pain in the ass to use, it is without any doubt the worst user interface i have ever experienced, and i have seen a few, but like you i recognise that it is after the genuine kit and the poor old dealers have managed with it for years and it is after all where all fixes and upgrades initially come from, so i have to work with it all the time. :twisted: However Rick has more reason than most to criticise it, because he also has a Faultmate MSV-2 which means he is somewhat spoiled and usability wise, MSV-2 really is as good as it gets.
Yea call me biased, after all i designed the MSV-2 and its software, so i am bound to say that, but honestly it really is true. and without going into pro BBS mode let me explain why i say that
Can you recommend an alternative system which can download the factory patches & calibrations?
Up until last week, no, but last week we released our flashing upgrade, now our customers can re flash / update any ECU on their cars with any applicable data set they fancy, right up to date to V118.5 patch 19 standards (well 20 was not out then and contains nothing for LR anyway). Already a chap i know has a thriving business programming earlier Phone modules with software for later ones that enables the Phone Book over blue tooth that the IDS does not permit, insisting that the owner should instead spend out on replacing the module for a later one.
CCF, you obvioulsy know what it is and possibly what it does, but how would you like to decode it, edit its hundreds of settings in an easy to understand form and change anything you like. Thats been possible with an MSV-2 for ages and for just as long users have been using it to enable expensive features in their vehicle such as 4X4 info, voice activation and so on.
If you want to see what that looks like here is a disco 3 one but the RR one is the same
http://www.blackbox-solutions.com/photos/CCF_disco3_new.htm
Our software can already reprogram the EMS with any OEM software map, but In the next couple of weeks we wil be relaesing another upgrade that will allow its owners to also use it to program enhanced performance maps produced by nothing less that the most respected in the industry.
So in all fairness, yes i am MSV-2 biased, but in all fairness it really is for a damned good reason. the IDS is a good and fully capable system, but it really is just the starting point for us. :thumb:
So while i sinceraly hope that your number 3 VCM turns out to be something you can live with, but if it does not and you decide to look for an alternate, all i can say is that perhaps you might consider getting a little MSV-2 spoiled yourself. :dance: