What is the OpenFlash Tablet?

• In a few words, what is the OpenFlash Tablet?
  
  Simply, the Openflash Tablet is a portable hand held diagnostic, data acquisition, and ECU software update tool.It is designed for ease of use for end-users, eliminating the need for frequent (and costly) scheduled visits to dealerships and/or repair facilities.A feature of our device is a high-resolution, back-lit color touchscreen display; including an internal speaker.Our hardware ships with a USB cable, an OBDII port cable and literature for download links for our device management software (for updating your tablet, and interacting with device through your PC).

• Are OpenFlash Tablet software updates (sometimes called tunes) actually free?
  
  Yes. All of our off-the-shelf (OTS) software updates are free and available for download. We can offer free ECU update software because we only retail ECU diagnostic tools and equipment; we do not engineer or develop any software.

• Do I need a laptop?
  
  Since the OpenFlash Tablet comes pre-loaded with software update files for your vehicle, there is no need for a laptop (usually).
  
  

The only time you would need a laptop is if the OFT is unable to automatically recognize your ECU software. In that case, connect the OFT to your laptop and open your tablet manager application (downloadable from our support page). Once the software is loaded (and your tablet connected to your PC), download your ORIGINAL ECU file from your OFT and send us a request for your new software update file.

The only other time you may want to use your laptop is to automatically apply periodic updates (from our remote server) to your tablet (wifi/internet connection required).

Lastly, a laptop is needed to download any logged data from your OFT (.csv format)

• How many software update files can the Openflash Tablet hold?

At this time, the OpenFlash tablet can hold 6 total files; including the original ECU software file.

• How many time can I flash my ECU?
  

Theoretically, there is a finite limit as to how many times your ECU can be flashed. However, we have flashed our development ECU over 500 times without a hiccup. This should not be a concern to most users.

• Can I read/clear codes?

Yes, all ECU diagnostic trouble codes can be displayed on your device to aid in troubleshooting your vehicle.

• Is a software update from this device detectable by the dealership?

Each software update file is based upon your ECU's original programming.  This means that the software IDs will be untouched and present as OEM upon basic inspection. It is sometimes possible for the dealership to conduct a more thorough inspection of the ECU code to detect more exact software updates. We do recommend reprogramming your original ECU software onto your ECU before scrutinized dealer visits, at your own discretion.

• Is the OpenFlash Tablet for advanced users only?

No. Our hardware is designed for is for novice and advanced users. There is no need to create software update files yourself, if you are not comfortable with doing so. Instead, any novice can use a Tuning Wizard feature (with the freely available Tuner Pro map editing software) to tune your software with a click of your mouse. Advanced users, on the other hand, can expand on this functionality more.

• Can I flash multiple cars wither the same device?

No. Each OpenFlash Tablet can only reprogram the ECU systems of one car at any time.

Your device can be “unmarried” from your car when you reprogram the original software program into the ECU, and erase the device contents using the device management software.

With the above actions complete, the device can be installed onto a new chassis.

NOTE: Even when your tablet is married to your vehicle ECU, it can still be used for diagnostics and data collection with other vehicles! Diagnostics mode will provide individual adaptation resets, code reading/clearing, data view, data-logging, and data graphing!

• Does the OpenFlash tablet offer data-logging?

  
  

  Yes! High-speed on-board datalogging is one primary feature your OpenFlash Tablet hardware!

  On-screen data viewing and data graphing functions are also available, making the OpenFlash Tablet a powerful diagnostic and data colletion tool.

  Datalogs can also be graphed and analyzed further using free online graphing software at www.datazap.me.

• Are tablet software updates free and how do I get them?

Software updates are free and available by simply plugging the OpenFlash Tablet into your laptop while running the OpenFlash user software. Upon launching the software (with an internet connection) the OpenFlash software will automatically check for, and apply software and firmware updates. With each update, expect new features and bug fixes (yes, we are human!).

• Will the OpenFlash Tablet work on a vehicles with a pre-existing Ecutek tune?

We do not recommend trying to read or edit an ECUtek tuned ECU with OpenFlash Tablet.

Instead, we suggest flashing your ECU back to a stock software program using the ECUtek programming cable. Afterward, install your tablet (now that factory software programming is present).

After a successful tablet installation you will have no need for an ECUtek cable or license dongle.

• Do I need a battery charger?

If your vehicle has a new or healthy battery, a charger may not be required. Chassis like the GT86, and Miata's generally have a brief read/write process.

For certain platforms charger should be used because the system may activate cooling fans or electric waterpumps while reading/writing.

When in doubt, use a charger where possible.

• How do I install the OpenFlash Tablet?
  
  To install, you simply plug the device into the OBDII diagnostic port and follow the prompts.
  Within a few seconds, the Open Flash Tablet will initiate a read sequence. You only need to do this once. This process takes 2 minutes for most ECU systems. After this process is complete, the Open Flash Tablet will have saved your factory software program file.
  For safety, the OpenFlash Tablet automatically saves (and secures) your original software program file in a special read-only memory location. Which means that you can’t accidentally overwrite it.

• How long does it take for the Open Flash Tablet to flash my ECU?

At this time, most reprogramming operations takes 3-5 minutes. The Open Flash tablet writes the entire 1.3 megabyte file (1.0 megabyte file for Miata MX5). Larger tune files (such as for the F80, or F10 M5 [which has two (2) ECU's]) takes longer. We do recommend a charger during these initial installations

• Does the OpenFlash Tablet correct for checksum?

Yes, when uploading ECU software update programs onto the Openflash tablet, the device management software will automatically apply necessary checksum corrections (as needed)