Deleted by Request

..is this now redendant now Stu has cracked the L8 to such a wide range of functions?

Chip

iTrader: (3)

No because most people wanting the RP Labs want it because its home mappable, Stu hasnt done anything similar with the L8 at all.

Totally different ballgame, although there will of course be a slight amount of crossover, but certainly not enough for one to replace the other.

Mike Rainbird

iTrader: (3)

RP Labs is the company name that Nikola operates under and does the ECU upgrades on the L8.

RP Lab Map Editor Pro Features
ˇ Read and program the calibration portion (maps) of ECU is matter of mouse click. Typically it takes 7 seconds to download or upload the maps from/to the ECU. No need to burn chips, or even open the ECU, it is all done via serial communication channel.
ˇ Edit maps either offline or on fly using Live edit technology, with a pointer showing which cells of fuel and ignition maps are being currently used and how close is the particular cell matched.
ˇ All the maps and most calibration constants are expressed by their real world value.
ˇ Wide range of vehicles supported, upon interest the library can be extended. To mention some of the vehicles: Ford Cosworth with level 8 Weber ECU, Lancia Delta Integrale, Lancia Dedra, Fiat Tipo / Tempra, Fiat Croma etc.
ˇ Full access to calibration portion means this is also an ideal tool when injection system is being custom installed.
ˇ Program all Map Editor compatible ECUs.
ˇ Password protected maps for increased security. Only if the correct password has been supplied, the ECU could be read or written.
ˇ Map files encrypted, only the user that saved the maps could open them.
ˇ Map comments of up to 16 characters stored in the ECU, extended description saved on hard drive.
ˇ Support for distributorless ignition system enabled ECUs.
ˇ One auxiliary ECU output (e.g. water injection, radiator fan etc) can be controlled.
ˇ IAW Monitor software included – watch, scope, log the engine parameters using embedded diagnostic interface over serial link.
ˇ Error codes retrieval and actuators (fuel pump, injectors, coils, boost control valve etc) diagnostics.
ˇ Virtual analog dashboard showing the most important engine parameters.
ˇ Adjustable closed loop fueling using narrow band lambda sensor, or simulated narrow band lambda output on wideband equipment.
NEW FEATURES:
-Individual injector trims
-Injector flow test procedure
-Knock level displaying
-ALS and launch control

Chip

iTrader: (3)

Are the new features a software only upgrade for users like myself who have an early RP Labs setup, or is it a hardware change too mike?

the original

No offence intended to Stu but I think you'll find RP did most of the cracking, indeed Stu has given him credit for that on the thread

I have the new version with these features on and it really is incredible
just need someone to map it properly as my mapping skills aren't all that..

Chip

iTrader: (3)

So was it just a software update or hardware too?

foreigneRS

Nikola is indeed the genius behind a lot of recent developments of L8 software (along with Simon and Stu)

this all started a couple of years ago when i was living in germany. i saw on the net that nikola had developed some hardware and software for weber marelli ecu's in the fiat range that allowed them to be live mapped using an ordinary pc over a serial link. that was the basis of what he now sells via R&B

i got in contact with him and told him about the possible application of those ecu modifications to cossie ecu's which still have a reasonably healthy market and a large group of enthusiastic owners (of which i was one at the time) and we went from there.

i showed him some software that i had written to collect data from a wideband lambda sensor controller that i had at the time (techedge) and display it in the form of a virtual dash and he incorporated that and many of my other suggestions into his mapping and monitoring software.

i had the first modified L8 in a cosworth application that i played around with for a little while, but did not have time to dedicate to it properly as i was moving house etc, and i sold it on when i came to break my cossie to get together a house deposit. during the time i had it, i helped nikola with the development of the software, and very much enjoyed using the very user friendly mapping interface

since i sold on mine, the original has taken over and developed and tested many features for nikola

the sad thing is, that most of the developments that nikola has made on L8 ecu's, that can now be included in the normal 'chips', are features that were included in the RP Lab modified home mappable ecu's, so he is kind of competing with himself.

having introduced nikola to the cosworth scene, i had hoped that his work would be more well known that it is now, and that he could get a return on all of the years of development and studying that he has put into helping enthusiasts get more out of their ageing vehicles

to answer your question phil - the RP Lab ecu is in my opinion the best option if you want a drop in replacement ecu that is live mappable by anyone with a pc

it does everything (and possibly more in terms of features, although not as sophisticated on the hardware side as it is still using most of the original L8 hardware) than the S8 did at the last stage of it's software development (before it dissappeared with out trace )

i suppose it's only current competitor is the collins ecu, but i know very little about that to pass comment

it is a serious contender against the likes of autronic (which everyone forgets, but not long ago was a homebuilt ecu much like megasquirt is now ) and has the advantage that it does not need a new loom etc

Stu @ M Developments

iTrader: (12)

Well said Nick.
All i could add is that he's also a really great fella. Ive a lot of respect for him indeed.

Chip

iTrader: (3)

Nick, its definately a fantastic product, and mapping interface is superb, a real credit to you and Nikola

Its a shame there arent more people using it, I expected by this point in time for the board to be riddled with questions about it and lots of people using it giving each other advice etc.

Chip

iTrader: (3)

PS

Agree on what a nice chap he is, he dedicated a massive amount of time to helping me with my car when I first got the ECU.


Stu, have you yourself mapped on it yet?

ECU Monitor Enthusiast

iTrader: (1)

There is no doubt the RP MODIFIED VERSION L8 is a good bit of kit.

Dont see many about for some reason........

the original

I haven't mapped mine yet, it came with approximate map pre-loaded
I really need a mapper to do it while I drive
any volunteers?