Lucas ECU circuitry...
Discussion
Well, I guess as long as my drawings aren't identical to the factory ones (unlikely - I've never seen them) and if I were to only show circuit details and not component values/ type numbers, then I suppose it's akin to 'engineers' notes' where you jot down the layout to help you understand and fix it (which is, of course, what I was trying to do).
The main ICs are Ferranti specials and I'd bet that their entire production went to Lucas (similar things were done for Sinclair computers et al) so the specialists would still have you over a barrel if the ECU went pop in style.
Everybody and his dog should know by now how poor the soldeing can be: in case of doubt over ECU performance I'd suggest a resolder of the whole thing as a starting point.... for those of you with a bit more ability, the drawings may help.
Danny, I'll sort something out this evening...
Ian
The main ICs are Ferranti specials and I'd bet that their entire production went to Lucas (similar things were done for Sinclair computers et al) so the specialists would still have you over a barrel if the ECU went pop in style.
Everybody and his dog should know by now how poor the soldeing can be: in case of doubt over ECU performance I'd suggest a resolder of the whole thing as a starting point.... for those of you with a bit more ability, the drawings may help.
Danny, I'll sort something out this evening...
Ian
There is still the question on IP rights. But if it is something someone could work out for themselves with a multimeter, I'd doubt Lucas is gonna be after your skin
Editied to say that my ramblings should not be treated as professional advice and is more of the "bloke in the pub told me" league
>> Edited by Liszt on Wednesday 16th July 15:58
Editied to say that my ramblings should not be treated as professional advice and is more of the "bloke in the pub told me" league
>> Edited by Liszt on Wednesday 16th July 15:58
Liszt said:
There is still the question on IP rights. But if it is something someone could work out for themselves with a multimeter, I'd doubt Lucas is gonna be after your skin
Editied to say that my ramblings should not be treated as professional advice and is more of the "bloke in the pub told me" league
>> Edited by Liszt on Wednesday 16th July 15:58
Well, I worked it out for myself, so anyone could!
I have done similar things in the past with various equipment, not least (a) the Vecta Immobiliser and (b) the Datatool Mk. V m/cycle alarm. The UK importers of Datatool were unablke to confirm the accuracy of my drawings when I showed them, because they had never SEEN the circuits, being merely box-shifters. So as far as I know I'm still the only person in the UK who has that information... ditto the Vecta, which was 600 quid's-worth of badly-flawed electronics. At around the time that I figured out how to defeat it, so did the thieves, and all you needed was a cordless screwdriver.
The Lucas 4CU must surely be old hat by now: I bet someone has beaten me to it, although I know of several people who have tried extensive searches of the 'net with no luck.
I suppose the decider from a legal standpoint might be whether I take payment: if I did, then Lucas might get rightly miffed. If I don't then am I merely assisting a fellow engineer.....?
On the other hand, Haynes manuals are a similar dissemination of information: they have the car makers' permission to do so - and charge royally for the privilege. If I had Lucas' agreement, could I THEN sell the drawings...
Ian
Go on then Ian, where is it?
I could stick it on my 'knocked up one afternoon in Canada' S website, it is 5h*te, but then it will be available to download.
As for legality - if it is just a diagram worked out by yourself, then I don't imagine Lucas could give a mokeys, as anyone who could understand it could have worked it out for themselves.
P.S. I am in Hartlepool Tue - Thurs, fancy a pint?
I could stick it on my 'knocked up one afternoon in Canada' S website, it is 5h*te, but then it will be available to download.
As for legality - if it is just a diagram worked out by yourself, then I don't imagine Lucas could give a mokeys, as anyone who could understand it could have worked it out for themselves.
P.S. I am in Hartlepool Tue - Thurs, fancy a pint?
marcus said:
Go on then Ian, where is it?
I could stick it on my 'knocked up one afternoon in Canada' S website, it is 5h*te, but then it will be available to download.
As for legality - if it is just a diagram worked out by yourself, then I don't imagine Lucas could give a mokeys, as anyone who could understand it could have worked it out for themselves.
P.S. I am in Hartlepool Tue - Thurs, fancy a pint?
Now then mate! Good to see you joining us...
Pint is good: may be able to rustle up some more bodies to join us...
How do you want the drawings? AutoCAD format or jpeg?
Ian
Gassing Station | Engines & Drivetrain | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff