by ZerOne » Fri Feb 17, 2012 6:30 pm
Ive been thinking about this all day...
While it is technically possible that there could be 4 different types of firmware / software for the HCE, I am leaning towards more that this is unlikely...
I am thinking there is a single firmware / software for all HCE types, and the HCE gender is stored in the EEPROM.
(At the very least, I am 100% sure that the calibration data will be stored there).
Here are my reasons why I think this is the case,
1) Flash upgrading software takes a LOT longer than the software setting the EEPROM to change the HCE gender.
(I.E. if you were connected to the GM Slow CAN, and were programming the gender, it would take a lot longer to flash upgrade the software, than to set a couple of bytes in EEPROM)...
This would cause nightmares for Spare Parts and Service Departments, as you would need to upload a complete flash upgrade, before you sold/fitted the product
2) There is a lot of data in those EEPROM dumps, much more than what I would expect for JUST calibration data...
3) The Processor in this thing is pretty powerful, and would easily be capable of storing comprehensive software that could support all four HCE genders if required.
4) With Every GM Lan device we have messed with so far, the software has supported every possible iteration of the vehicle out there.
Eg. The Omega cluster that I have works with the V8, it supports the Sat Nav directions information, it even supports the triple window LCD mode (If the hardware was there to drive it all)
The same can be said for the head unit, The HSV R8 unit supports Sat-Nav, it supports the park assist (Even though R8s dont have that feature), and it supports the rear seat DVD player....
5) It may be possible that these guys dont realise the hardware of these devices, and how that all works...
I have seen soooo many posts saying that programming clusters, and the Radio MUST be done via the GM LAN. (Mostly via Tech2)....
And yet here we have found a Hardware solution to do the same thing, without the expensive software, for two of the most complex Single Wire Can devices in the car. (Cluster and Head Unit)....
In the end, Even if this was the case. I dont think anyone here will be buying the programmer, as it would be much cheaper to source a DZ HCE from a wrecker, or even Holden Spare parts...