bwilk

iTrader: (1)

By the sounds of it, it won't be coming back to support the RX8. I have a lengthy email chain going on with COBB support, and it was specifically mentioned that the RX8 will no longer be supported.

I can PM anyone interested the conversation, but it might mean the beginnning of the end for COBB tuning on the RX8, unless we can convince them to give us unlocked copies of the old software for future use, or keep it alive by making sure we each keep the installers for our specific versions.

Greenblurr93

iTrader: (1)

The rx8 platform as been dead in Cobb's eyes for quite some time. If it wasn't for a former members convincing and financial commitment, they would have pulled it years ago.

I highly doubt they will release an 'unlocked' software as that opens up a possibility to reverse engineer and use it unlock their other softwares.

Honestly, with how sensitive these cars are to changes in their tunes, I don't know why you wouldn't go to a pro tuner anyway.

bwilk

iTrader: (1)

I'm not entirely sure what you mean by this. Do you mean a pro tuner solution IE standalone or MazdaEdit. Or do you mean a person who is a professional tuner?

If you mean a standalone or another tuning program, it's because AccessTuner Race was more than adequate for most of our needs, and has a pretty extensive knowledge base in the community. It's simple, and has access to most of the common tables neccessary to tune your car effectively. Unless you're talking about running a completely custom setup, or drastically changing the performance of the engine, it seems fine. Most of us don't have turbos with huge ports and different VE's. We've got NA cars that we have made small changes to, and would like a few HP or to block CELs. Changing the timing, or the coil dwell, or target AFRs doesn't require a overly complicated pro tuner, or the expense of a standalone and someone to configure it.

If you mean a person who is a professional tuner, not everyone has access to one within a reasonable distance to tune their car. A pro tuner who's going to charge you to block a P0420 code because you have a catless midpipe is bit ridiculous. I mean, I just deleted my air injection pump, now I need to mask the code because I got a header. Is that really something we need to go to a pro tuner for?

Along the same lines, who are these pro tuners? The way you say our cars are so sensitive to tunes could suggest that other cars aren't. So, is a pro someone who gets paid to tune cars? Or paid to tune RX8s? Would you trust someone who does mostly pistons to do your finicky 8? I'm sure they exist, but do you have any names for those people? I mean, I know a few guys around the forum that get paid to mess with cars, and have an interest in 8's. I don't know a whole lot of people lining up to offer tuning solutions professionally, specifically tailored for the 8. The community, at least from what I've witnessed, is very DIY based.

As far as reverse engineering COBB's other products you might be correct; an unlocked version of the old software may allow us some insight into other products. I'm not so sure that's it, though. Their libraries are already obfuscated, and are reasonably secure from simple decompilation via well known methods. I think it's more likely that it would take more time to remove the validation code, test, and release the product than COBB is willing to put into a dead platform. Which is definitely understandable. That's what happens with dead software, but it can't hurt to ask. Especially if we as a community can come together to show that there is a case for it. How much does the software that MazdaManiac uses cost? From what I understood, that was just the pro version of the Race software, so he could create maps for other cars and lock them to the car. I wonder if they still have that available and what it costs.

bwilk

iTrader: (1)

Quick update, the product MM used/uses is just a pro version of Race, and is a subscription. Unfortunately, it's also end of life. So, SOL there... I'm testing some things, but does anyone know if you can open a tune file made by another locked version? Like, can I open a file made by my buddy? If that's so, it doesn't matter. Just run the executable. Or, can I put a tune file made by another person on my COBB and flash my ECU? If you can, same thing, just make sure you have a copy of the EXE file for your version. If you can't, then you need to make sure you give/get a copy of the executable and the DLLs with the cobb when they change hands, as they act as a pair.

04Green

iTrader: (1)

Different problem, but related.

My AP is from way back. All was good with the first car, 2004 Rx8 (RIP Brandy, killed by a Camry last year), and the second car, 2004 Rx8 (Blue this time, Jessica). MM tuned the first one. I did the new motor in Brandy and Jessica.

Then my ECU went bad. Mazda installed and configured a new one and set Jessica up as an 05 (according to the VIN, stupid because 6/03 assembly date). Now none of my tunes will load. They show up in grey on the AP menu. After reading, I think I need ATR for the 2005 model year to have the right base map. Is this right?

I poked Cobb for ATR and said please. Not hoping for much. I also have a WTF call into Mazda.

Here is the interesting part. My 2004 ATR worked for both Brandy and Jessica. I used the old Brandy map to start for Jessica. It did not appear VIN locked. It does appear to be 04 locked though. Is it possible that any 2004 ATR will create products for any 2004 car? If so, would this mean that any ATR 2005 tune would work on any 2005 car?

I cannot read the Cobb 05 tunes with ATR (invalid base map error), so something is different.

I am short another 2004 to test on. If someone wants to try, I can send a tune. You would not need to install it, just see if it shows up as a tune that can be loaded on the AP menu (not grey).

Or, if someone has a copy of ATR for the 2005 install files, I would like to test that against my AP with the data from the new ECU.

Thanks,

Mike

wcs

iTrader: (2)

Hey Green
I don't exactly understand what you're looking to do here ...
But I have both 04 and 05 installer files for ATR as well as the exacted binaries so I can view and modify the Maps for those vehicles.
Edit --- Those vehicles that have the Cobb AP with Serial Number (S/N) used to register and download ATR from Cobb.

PM me if you want my email address

bwilk

iTrader: (1)

wcs, I would also like those installers, I've PM'ed you.

green,
I tried the very same thing, and I can open my friends 04 map on my ATR version (04), as well as load it on the AP. I just haven't tried installing it on my car. Been working on a couple other things recently.

Didn't Cobb switch it's maps for the AFR targets to just 2 maps rather than 3 at some point? That could be the issue if it's true. Basically AFR for gears 1-3, 4-6, rather than 1-2, 3-4, 5-6?

wcs

iTrader: (2)

FWIW
COBB Tuning ? Accesstuner Updates : Where did ATR Go!?

bwilk

iTrader: (1)

WOW, that's a **** off. "here's an appliance that's almost useless without this software, pay these guys for the training, then we'll give you the software". And $100-150 for the privilege of having software that is available to actually utilize the device that you just paid several hundred for?

That's just a simple way of saying "pay us for the software". I get the idea behind the training, but it's kinda a big eff-u to the existing customer base. Especially if they're not going to provide some sort of guarantee that if you follow the training, nothing bad should happen. You know there's going to be a "use at your own risk" clause.

How about you let me challenge your test for free? Or ask me to pay for the software? At least that's an honest business practice. I guess us peasants should just be glad to have a solution available... oh wait, they're not bringing the RX8 forward.

Love_Hounds

It seems from the comments section that this might be a way to skirt liability when it comes to emissions, as COBB will be able to say "We gave them software to bypass the emissions control systems on their vehicles but trained them not to do so."

However, I completely agree, if I was one of those people who recently purchased an Accessport, I would be incredibly pissed off.

wcs

iTrader: (2)

YUP, you took the words right out of my mouth

04Green

iTrader: (1)

Update... At least to my problem...

Took the car to Mazda today. All their equipment claims it is a 2004. Only my AP thinks it is a 2005.

The tune I created and saved on 05 compliant ATR refused to load from the AP. It is locked to a different AP SN.

I have a conversation going with COBB tech support that mimics the statement above. They have not returned the last message.

But, I will never buy a COBB Product again. And, all of this is over them generating a license file and posting it for the abandoned products.

So, I am likely a mazda edit person from now on. Reading up on that one.

Williard

iTrader: (18)

I have yet to have issue's with my COBB.

Shitty that you've had such problems.


Travis

yomomspimp06

I need someone to send me the Access Tuner Software please. Old laptop crashed

wcs

iTrader: (2)

Sadly without the ATR software Cobb sent to you the first time you are SOL

The ATR software is married to the Cobb AP serial number (on the back of the device).
You needed to provide this number when you first applied for the ATR software.

Cobb then compiles a specific ATR binary married to that AP device number.
And typically within 24 hours they send you a unique download link that expires.

Unless we can figure out how to change/modify/delete that file anyone that does not already have ATR is screwed .. (or if you lost your original installer)

04Green

iTrader: (1)

@ Travis,

Cobb has been awesome right up until now. I knew I was hosed if I had something other than an 04, and I missed the cut off to download the other years. Their grand plan seems a tad less thought out than it could have been. And there unwillingness to support past customers, when it is incredibly easy to do so, speaks volumes about their leadership and priorities.

Brettus

iTrader: (2)

Can anyone say ... Mazdaedit ?

yomomspimp06

well that sucks

04Green

iTrader: (1)

@ Brettus,

That is the next option. I am about 3/4 of the way through the thread. Debating getting the PRO version. There are a lot of 8's in the area that would benefit from just the fan points in the summer.

I take it you are still happy?

Brettus

iTrader: (2)

Yeah , I work with people using both . IMO , M/E is better in many ways .

wcs

iTrader: (2)

I'm considering moving to M/E .. only reason I haven't is I have a working Cobb AP with ATR.

bwilk

iTrader: (1)

I'm right there with you wcs. I would move, but I won't until I have to. Cobb really screwed the pooch on this one. Anyone here better at decompiling C++ than I am so we can spoof the serial number?

bwilk

iTrader: (1)

I posted that on the link WCS posted, and this was the response

This seems like it will be the final nail in the coffin for the RX8 Cobb platform. It may continue on if, like I said earlier, we as a community can come together to make sure they know people want to use their products. But to be quite frank, I don't know that I do anymore.

jakelake123

Well as I see it, Mazdaedit does appear to be quite better, but then again there's lots of people who do not have the knowledge to know what the hell they're doing in Mazdaedit.

Brettus

iTrader: (2)

And you think those same people would do better if they had the cobb ?