MPIII USB programming failed

[Mratta]

Hi ebikers!

I've just bought a new Magic Pie 3 from a local dealer with a PI300I-MP3 programmer cable. The wheel has not been built into my bike since first I wanted to program it to my needs.
I followed the instructions and tried programs from several different sources (from local dealer website, goldenmotor.com, goldenmotor.ca) but still no success.
The same happens all the time:
1. I connect cable.
2. Start program
3. Clicking "connect" in program and then nothing happens. I get no error messages but the red "connected" text from left bottom corner is missing too.
4. None of the buttons have effect. clicking "GetConfig" or "Factory Settings" doesn't change anything

I tried the software without the usb cable plugged in and I had the same results! How do I know what is failing if I don't get any error messages?
(The usb cable is detected by windows as a HID device. Oh, and I tried it on different computers with win xp and win7 too!)

What am I missing? Is my cable dead? Is my new MP3 faulty?

Thanks in advance,
mra

[Bikemad]

Hi andto the forum.

I have just checked on my windows 7 PC and if I plug in the USB cable with Device Manager open and Human Interface Devices expanded, it shows up as both a "USB Input Device" and an "HID-compliant device".

Try using the latest MiroMAX program version 1.1 which you can download directly by clicking here.

Run the downloaded MP.exe installation program and allow it to install the program. Close the PDF instructions that open automatically (unless you can read Lithuanian) and then run the "MP Programming.exe" file located in the "MIROMAX" folder within the "Program Files (x86)" folder.

With the USB cable plugged in (and the controller connected) click on "Connect" and there should be a loud beep from the PC's speaker and the "Connect Success" should appear in the bottom left corner.

If this does not happen then read this thread for further useful information.

If you are still unable to connect, you may have a problem with either the controller or the USB cable and may need to contact your supplier for further advice.

Alan
 

[Mratta]

Hi Alan,

Thank you for quick reply. I already tried the MiroMax software without success.

Can you try running the program without the usb cable plugged into your computer? Do you get any error message in this case? I just want to make sure that my program is installed correctly.
If it's true than it's really annoying that this program just silently accepts button clicks without any warning message like "hey man, plug your programming cable because I can't see it"...

Thanks,
mra

[Bikemad]

I have just tried it without the USB cable plugged in, and with just the USB cable plugged in (without the controller) and there are no beeps or error messages in both cases, which isn't very helpful for you. 

Unfortunately, I think  a process of elimination with the substitution of your controller and USB lead (and possibly laptop?) on a working programming setup may be necessary to locate the problem.

If your local GM dealer is close enough, it might be a good idea to pay them a visit (along with your motor and USB lead for testing).

If you mention where you are located, perhaps there may be someone near to you with a Smart Pie or MPII/MPIII that you could visit instead.

If your pedelec/reverse cable does not have any connectors fitted, it might be worth checking that the end of the blue wire for the reverse function is not exposed and touching any of the other three wires in the pedelec/reverse cable as the reverse signal wire is also used for the programming connection.
This is normally only a problem if the black and blue wires have been joined to permanently reverse the direction of the motor, as the controller can only be programmed if the two wires are separated.

Similarly, if a reverse switch has been fitted, it must be switched off in order to program the controller.

Does your USB lead have the correct 8 or 10 pin connector to fit the main harness connector? Just in case the wrong USB cable has been supplied by mistake. Although, the MP4/MP5 cable (which only has a 5 pin connector) would have shown up differently in device manager.

Also, if they had supplied an MP4 or MP5 instead of the MPIII you would have a similar problem.



It might be worth checking the label on the controller to see what it says, just in case. 

Alan
 

[Mratta]

Hi Alan,

Many thanks, it worked! I didn't see any unintended connection between the pedelec wire and others but I moved them a little apart and after that I finally get it work.

This is a rear wheel and it will be built into my bike at a local bike service. Maybe I should try it before.
What do you think, is it a bad idea or dangerous in this way:
1.) I connect everything.
2.) I will strongly hold the axle with 2 pliers and lift the wheel into air.
3.) My wife turns on the battery and then gives a little throttle.

I programmed the controller to 10A continous and 13A peak so it's also much weaker than the factory default.

[Bikemad]

Fortunately the MPIII has a very smooth low speed start up, so as long as you apply the throttle very slowly you should be OK, but if you twist/press it too quickly the torque could twist the axle and pliers out of your hands.   

Make sure you release the throttle gradually too and don't try stopping the motor from speed with the brake levers or the regen braking torque could have the same effect. 

Anyway, I'm glad you were able to find the problem and finally connect to the controller.

Alan
 

[Mratta]

Hi!

Finally it works! Unfortunately it wasn't easy, long story short:
I connected everything but it did not started. After inspecting everything I noticed that the gnd signal was missing in the cables. It has a gap in the cable or a broken connector inside the controller - who knows. I didn't have time and effort to dismount the wheel and pick out the controller. So I took the easy way and I connected the battery minus to the gnd signal into one of the not used cables. (into the pedelec/reverse cable snag)
With this added gnd feed the motor started up. Actually this was the initial reason that the programmer did not work. Previously I had luck while I moved the cables and it worked one time.

I know this is an ugly fix, but at least I can ride to work tomorrow.

Oh, and my first impression is awesome.  Even with my careful parameters (10A cont. and 13A peak) it feels very strong.