The Programmers

What Are ECU ChipTuning Tools?

This ECU Tuning Tool is a connection device between the laptop and the car’s ECU, which is used for “Reading and Writing” the ECU’s memory in different methods. Depending on the type of the car or ECU, the Method of Reading or Writing the file can be different. Programmers or ECU remapping tools have a wide variety of models. These models are different depending on the type of the job you want to perform and the type of the car and ECU. Because many vehicles have the ability to program through a diagnostic socket or OBD II, but in some others, the programming process is done as a direct connection to the microprocessor or flash. This method is called  bench ECU programming or Reflash.
There are totally two ways for programming an ECU:

1. Programming via OBD ll port: Which in this case, you can get the job done without removing the ECU from the vehicle.
    
2. Bench ECU Programming: In this way, you need to remove the ECU from the car and connect to the board, and the plug on the back of the ECU. You usually have to connect up a few lives and earths to power the ECU up, and two can bus connections for programming.

There are a limited number of tools that are specialized for ECU programming. Based on our experiences and the researches that we have done on the users, we will tell you which one is better. Actually, we do not intend to promote a specific brand, our guidance is based on the technical characteristics of these tools, their strengths and weaknesses and their proficiency. So that you can choose the best tool, based on your needs.

AlienTech Tools:

1. KESS V2:

This is a tuning tool from the reputable Alientech company, with a long history in ChipTuning tools of cars, trucks, agricultural machinery, various motorbikes, and jet skis.
This programmer has the features of reading, writing, and programming the ECU file using the OBD II port. Thing to notice is, you can only read the ECU via OBD II port by Kess V2 and you can not program the ECUs that need to be opened. This programmer comes with a series of cables, connectors and converters which are designed for a number of special ports such as old BMWs or a generation of Honda and Nissan.

Advantages and disadvantages of KESS V2:

• The licenses and drivers associated with this programmer are regularly updated, meaning that it supports more vehicle models each time it is updated.
• large database and its support team. 
• However, since it operates online, the operation speed is sometimes low.
• This device is user-friendly and guides you through all steps to safely read and copy-paste files on the ECU or TCU.
• This device can also check the voltage of the battery when the car is ON.
• Automatically checksum correction.
• A good read and write speed.
• ECU recovery when it is broken.
• Integration with ECM Titanium.
• Online updates.
• Possibility to read and write based on different brands, protocols, ECU types, etc. and ensuring that the protocols are completely safe and test-approved.

As we mentioned earlier, Alientech has a large database enabling users to access various Original ECU File online for the following reasons:

1. For downloading and using ECM Titanium Software.
2. For downloading the original recovery file and restoring a broken or Un-programmed ECU.
3. In order to read the file on some ECUs, the ECU case needs to be opened. Alientech company has made it easy so that you can download the file you want from their database using your vehicle chassis number and the ECU technical code, and then remap and write on the ECU using the OBD port.

One of the weaknesses of this device is that customer support takes a long time to be completed. However, we can say that it is one of the bestselling and complete programmers in the market, suggested to those who want to enter this professional business.

Also, the newest programmer of AlienTech company is KESSS3. If you want to have complete information about it, you can read the article "What is KESS3?".

K-TAG Advanced Complementary Programmer for KESS V2:

In some specific vehicles and newer ECUs, it is not possible to program the ECU via OBD II port by KESS V2. K-TAG is used for reading and writing EEPROM and flash on all of the on-the-bench ECUs. This means that in some cars you have to open the ECU from the car and do the programming on the bench. This device Comes with various cables; The power supply and adapter which you can use based on different protocols for different kinds of ECU’s.
In order to program the ECU, Don’t worry about soldiering on the board, since the “Probs” adapters reduce the need for soldering and ease the task. By using these tools, you can read the ECU by different methods using the simple step-by-step guides explained in the software. The KESS and K-TAG use unit software and you can choose the connecting protocol based on your needs. 
Since the K-TAG can read the ECU with a full backup in addition to the restore option, the possibility of a “dead” ECU becomes zero. You can also select to “Unprotect” the ECUs that have tuning protection via OBD and by flashing the KESS. Alientech company updates its software every day, therefore by running the software, it automatically updates. Both KESS and K-TAG devices are available in master and slave version. It is good to know that most programming tools are available in both master and slave versions.

In order to have a better understanding of the differences between KESS V2 and K-TAG, we will compare them.

• Both devices are identical in appearance
• Programmable machines are also the same on both devices.
• Both are the same in terms of functionality and software.
• Both have the ability to read and write the ECU.
• The master device reads an open and unencrypted file which provides the ability for you to make changes. But the slave device reads a locked and coded file which the user can not make any change or even open it.
• The slave device must be linked to the master device.
• In the master device, you can download or buy ramped files from different tuners. But in the slave device, you can only download from your master device, and you can not even download files from another master devices.
• You can change your master and link to another client, but you should know that your current master must give you the permission. Which sometimes there is a risk that they will not allow you!
• You can upgrade your slave device to master version, which in most cases masters do not tell you. In the following, we will teach you how to turn your slave device into a master one with training and support.

It is good to know that you can receive the device separately and activate different modules depending on the type of business you have. For example, if you work on trucks, there is no need to activate the modules related to the bikes and pay for them. Remember that these tools have annual subscriptions.

🚨If you want to buy a programmer, contact us +1 (778) 300-2603

2. Dimsport Programmer:

The Dimsport Programmer is made by an Italian company. It is one of the best devices for commercials and Trucks. It includes three main devices:

My Genius Tool: 

This is a programmer that can be connected to the vehicle by the OBD port and will connect only to a specific vehicle that is owned by the owner. It uses a specified serial number to interact with the ECU.
Because this device is made for owners to use, they have designed it as a standalone device that does not require any interfaces or software for programming. This means that you do not need to use a laptop or install any software to use this device. You can connect it directly to the OBD port and after turning it on, the device will take you step by step to complete the programming steps. Remember to take the warnings that it gives you during the process seriously.
This versatile console enables the user to save and program 10 different files for a vehicle. It is specially built for the owner that desires to use various tuning programs on their vehicle, and not suitable for the ones who want to establish an ECU remapping business for themselves.

New Genius Touch & Map: 

This device is the more advanced model of Genius that uses an OBD port and does not require a laptop to connect to an ECU. It also guides you through all the steps to make sure you easily read the ECU program and reprogram it when needed. Furthermore, this device supports a wide range of vehicles for programming via OBD II port which is its biggest advantage in the market. It can be said that this is the only programmer that does not need a computer or laptop to program the ECU, and this option is its strong point since a USB cable, software, or sudden flattening of laptop battery power source does not damage an ECU, making the process completely safe.
The possibility of ECU errors is significantly reduced because of simple and well-explained steps. The device automatically checks the size and checksum of the file before programming and in case of an anomaly of the ECU program, the original file can be recovered. The device can reset all the errors that appear at the end of the programming.

New Trasdata: 

Most of the new ECUs have an anti-tuning system, which prevents the user from reading and programming the ECU using OBD ports of devices such as New Genius. In this case, ECU data can be read using BDM, BOOT, JTAG, NBD, BAM, and GPT mode. Meaning that in order to read the microprocessor, Flash EEPROM, and Serial EEPROM, on-the-bench methods must be used. All the readable and writable ECUs that cannot connect to the OBD port can be programmed using the Trasdata programmer. In fact, New Trasdata does the same thing as K-TAG.

Simple operation is one of the pros of this device. You can detach the ECU from the vehicle, connect the device to the ECU using the instruction files, then by using the Flash Point software installed on your PC, you can read the ECU files. After that, you can tune the file you’ve read in Race Evo or other software or even send the file for us so we can define the changes you need and send the final file for you. This device also supports autonomous checksum recalculation that enables the engine to work properly after tuning. Then, using the Trasdata to unlock the OBD II communication you can program the final tuning file onto the ECU using the OBD II port of the New Genius device. Connections can be done without the need for physical soldering and desoldering using a metal positioning frame provided with specific terminal adapters, which can be regarded as a valuable feature of this device. It should be noted that the quality of this device is superior to other competitors.

3. Autotuner Automotive Tool:

It is one of the best ECU flasher tools without a subscription. This programmer can support thousands of ECUs using OBD diagnostic sockets or support various microprocessors in boot tricore Infineon (BSL). This programmer can quickly read DFlash, Eflash, and EEPROM files of Bosch advanced ECUs that have an anti-tuning system, thanks to its Cortex m3 Processor. As an illustration, the Bosch EDC17C41 reads three times faster than its competitors. Another plus point of this programmer is that it is being supported by VAG, Mercedes Benz, BMW, etc. hence, most of the new F and G series of BMW and Porsche “Bosch MG1CP007 & Bosch MG1CS047” ECUs can be read and programmed using the OBD II port. It can read and write the TCU (ZF 8HPxx Gearboxes) via the diagnosis port in the F and G series of BMWs. As positive points we can refer to the data logging capability. This feature is very effective for professional and accurate tuners. This is Because with accurate data analysis, they can perform the tuning in the best possible way and very accurately.
Reading and deletion of Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) that are generic and manufacturer-specific via the OBD II socket. One of the drawbacks of this programmer is that the EPROM occasionally does not read some ECU models and the Flash file is read in calibrated format, meaning that the file is not read in “Backup” form. Therefore, when you open the file for remapping in software, the tables and parameters selection will be wrong, since the remap and map pack software are made based on the full dump address. Another problem with this programmer is that it does not support the older generations of ECU’s and also the Chinese cars.

4. bFlash/ BC Consulting Programmer:

This programmer supports fewer ECUs nearly 400 types and is suitable for businesses that plan to tune chips and remaps for European cars. In addition to reading and programming ECUs, this device is a diagnostic scanner, data logger, CAN bus analyzer, and visualizer for WinOLS which makes it far beyond a programmer.
This programmer has advanced hardware capable of safely reading and writing at a fast speed, which is due to the NXP MPC57xx Microcontroller. Also, it has a user-friendly interface and provides regular updates and the annual subscription fee must be paid in order to receive the newest updates and protocols.
From a point of hardware, both Slave and Master versions are the same. The slave version of this device has a unique feature, enabling it to connect to multiple Master versions if all the Master versions agree for connection. As an instance, if you are working with a BMW remap expert, it can give you the permission to receive a Mercedes Benz file from another Master device. This feature helps you to connect to another Master if your current Master becomes unavailable.
Generally, the advantages of this device are the capability to read and write Siemens SIMOS, Bosch MED17, Bosch EDC17, and EDC16 ECU series. BFlash used to be one of the first programmers to read and program cars such as the McLaren 720, Ferrari 488 Pista, and Civic Type R FK8. In 2015, the company added the read and write option of Siemens SIMOS ECUs to the device.

5. MagicMotorsport Programmer:

Magpro 2 and Magic-motorsport flex are two of the best tools in the field of car mechatronics. This device supports ECU clones and Immo keys. Various car control unit programming such as TCU are included in this device, which makes it very handy. You can program or upgrade various advanced ECUs such as Bosch MEDC17 with different micros namely Infineon TC17xx, Nexus MPC5XXX, AUD for NEC 76F00xx, and so on using JTAG, Bootloader, OBD & Bench BDM, and other protocols.

6. CMD FLASH/ FLASHTEC:

This programmer is made in Sweden, but previously it was being built in Italy and the manufacturer used to work in Dimsport. This programmer is suitable for European cars, especially for BMWs and Audis. CMD Flash was one of the first companies to ever read and program the Infineon MPC555 processors such as the Bosch EDC16 using the OBD II, making it useful for almost all European and Korean diesel vehicles. It allows ECU protocol programming via OBD connector, using BDM and in Boot and Bench mode. The CMD is released in two versions, Master and Slave. The Slave version can only program the tuning file using the Master tool but comes at a cheaper price. This version is suitable and safe for diesel engine ECUs. Other pluses are automatic checksum correction, Recovery function, constant protocol updates, and CMD Flash- WinOLS Connector.
This programmer can read the EEPROMs of various ECUs. In case of an error or corrupted file during the programming, the ECU can easily be reprogrammed and restored.
The drawback of this device is the unsatisfying software environment, and not the best customer support compared to Dimsport and Alientech.

7. FG Tech:

Made by FG Technology, this device should be used carefully by amateurs that don’t have enough experience in programming. The Dimsport and Alientech programming software are designed carefully to alert the user in case of an error in choosing the wrong connection or the protocol, however, the FG Tech software is not smart and User-friendly, and lacks strong instruction notes, unlike Dimsport or Alientech.
This programmer supports a wide range of ECUs. The final version Full-mode Tricore Extension enables the user to read and write Flash and EEPROM of Bosch EDC/ MED17 ECUs without having to open the ECU case by Pin out. All programming tasks can be done using OBD, On-the-bench, In boot mode, and BDM/ Jtag using a single device. It is necessary to connect to the internet during the writing process.
It should be noted that in case you faced an error during programming and needed assistance, you’d be disappointed!
The positive point of this device can be considered its price, which is almost half of the price of the other devices in the market.

📍If you have any question, feel free to contact us at: Support@CaracalTech.com