programming/coding ECU's

[Magicarcher]

I am considering purchasing ISTA-P for programming and coding ECUs. One of my concerns is Rheingold specify to program or code ECUs you must attach a 70A power supply to the battery before commencing.

I don't think it will be easy finding an affordable 13.8V 70A power supply. Has anyone done this?

 

[ph001]

70A sounds ridiculous to me - I can't imagine you will need anything like that. As long as your battery is fully charged you shouldn't need anything at all as long as you are not connected for hours.

If your battery is very old or tired then really you should just buy a new battery, however if spending a prolonged time coding then I think you would be absolutely fine with 20-30A or so.

Meanwell are about the best of the Chinese stuff if you are on a budget. Something like this... https://www.tme.eu/gb/details/rsp-320-12/built-in-power-supplies/mean-well/

If you want something a bit safer without exposed mains terminals you will need to pay more...https://www.mouser.co.uk/ProductDetail/Mean-Well/ENP-360-12/?qs=5aG0NVq1C4xq9zc1lljaFA%3D%3D

I would run them at 13.0V.

Any reason you are not using something like Carly for coding or are you doing something a lot more advanced?

 

[Magicarcher]

70A sounds ridiculous to me - I can't imagine you will need anything like that. As long as your battery is fully charged you shouldn't need anything at all as long as you are not connected for hours.

...

Any reason you are not using something like Carly for coding or are you doing something a lot more advanced?

The reason is not directly related to my Z4 I also maintain my R56 mini, my daughters R50 mini and my sons F56 mini. My mini has a potential issue with the Footwell module and if it needs replacing I don't fancy shelving out £550 at local dealer for new one. So I was considering a SH one, but that would need recoding to my VIN. Naturally ISTA-P it would also be useful for my Z4.

Like you I can't fully understand why programming the ECUs requires close to a kilowatt in energy. I get the impression ISTA-P isn't used so much on here and people tend more to INPA, SSS etc. But I prefer the ISTA range because the windows interface is easier to follow and it is in English.