Econtrols Utility Instructions - Allied Systems W8L Service Manual

eControls Utility Instructions

- Interfacing with the Electronic Control Module
on your Allied Winch Product
The Electronic Control Module
The Electronic Control Module (ECM) controls winch
operation using a program that is specifi c to each winch
model and application. The ECM monitors control inputs
and actuates cartridge valves as needed to achieve the
desired winch operation.
If the winch is modifi ed, serviced or installed on a different
model of tractor, it may be necessary to re-program the
ECM. Or it may be necessary to perform higher-level
electronic control system troubleshooting through the
ECM interface.
The ECM is accessed for programming or troubleshooting
by way of the 'Program Loader/Monitor' (PL/M) utility.
An eControls software package, which contains the
PL/M utility and necessary winch control programs,
can be obtained from Allied Systems either through the
Publications Locator at the Allied Systems Company's
website, http://www.AlliedSystems.com or by obtaining
an eControls software CD from Allied Systems. Contact
your Allied Parts representative for more information at
503-625-5132.
System Requirements
The computer used for the ECM interface must meet or
exceed the following requirements:
• Windows 95 or later.
• Minimum of 8 MB RAM, 16 MB or more or RAM is
recommended.
• Functional Serial COM Port or USB port with a USB
to Serial COM port adapter.
• CD-ROM drive or Internet connection.
Additionally, the following hardware is required:
• A printed copy of document 2305227W along with
these instructions (document 599035W). These
documents are included in the eControls software
package.
• A communication cable (P/N 2304603W) is required
to connect the ECM to the computer.
NOTE: The communication cable 2304603W requires a
serial COM port. If a serial COM port is not available on
your computer, a USB port to serial COM port adapter
is available from Allied Systems (P/N 2310409). If using
a USB port to serial COM port adapter, install the
adapter drivers included on the CD with the adapter
before attempting to program or interface with the ECM.
Downloading the eControls Software Package from
the Website
1. Connect to http://www.alliedsystems.com.
2. Select 'Publications Locator' -> Select 'Allied Winch'
-> Select 'eControls Download'.
3. Follow the instructions shown on the page for
downloading the software to your computer.
Allied Systems recommends checking its website at
alliedsystems.com for the most up-to-date versions of
utility software and ECM programs any time an ECM is
serviced.
About Programs and BIOS
The ECM (also known by the manufacturer's name
'DVC10') uses what is known as 'Flash memory' to store
information. When the ECM is in 'Programming mode' it
can write new programs or BIOS information to the fl ash
memory. The terms 'Flash fi le' and 'Program' mean the
same thing, as do 'fl ashing' and 'programming'.
The BIOS is the 'Basic Input/Output System'. The ECM
uses the BIOS to know how to execute the program
and utilize the full capabilities of the ECM. BIOS fi les
for this ECM have a fi le name ending in '.sre'. It is not
recommended that the BIOS be updated unless directed
by Allied Systems or you experience a programming error
as outlined in Allied Service Bulletin A99-Z-27.
Programs are used by the ECM to determine how the
winch will operate. Different programs exist for different
winch models, winch applications, and hydraulic or
electronic design revisions. Winch programs each consist
of two fi les: one fi le name ending with '.pgm' and one fi le
name ending with '.mem'.
Example: program 2310941A consists of fi les
2310941A.pgm and 2310941A.mem.
When programming the ECM, only the '.pgm' fi le will be
selected, but the ECM requires the '.mem' fi le as well.
Both of these fi les must be located in the same computer
directory.
Section 3
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