Friday 29 June 2012

VAGCOM : Disabling permanent headlights on

I just realised some of the newer cars (VW MK6 GTi, VW Sirocco) comes with permanent headlights on as part of Day Running Light (DRL), even when the headlights switch is switched to Off position.

Not too sure if its really safety in the first place.  But here's some "magic" that can be done to disable it. 

Via VAGCOM of cos.

Under "09 Cent Elect" - Select "Coding" and "Long Coding Helper"

Disable Byte 11 Bite 2- Permanent Running Light (PRL) via Low Beam active

After that, you probably won't feel like you are riding a motorcycle with the requirements to permanently on the headlights.

(",)

Saturday 16 June 2012

VAGCOM : Changing from RCD510 to RNS510

Ever wonder what are the steps you would need to do when you decide to upgrade your VW headunit from RCD310/RCD510 to RNS510?

Its not so simple like just plug and play... Oh well, plug and play and you will still be able to enjoy the new headunit but your MFD would not be able to show this.


In order for the MFD to show this... here are some steps that you need to do...
1.  Go to CAN GATEWAY,  select CODING and Long CODING HELPER, go to Byte 4 and enable Bit 6 - 37 NAVIGATION.


Next,  go to Byte 5 and disable Bit 4 - 1C Position Sensing

3.   Next Go to 37 - NAVIGATION, select CODING, LONG CODING HELPER, select Byte 7, Bit 7 to enable Communication Instrumental Cluster via Operation and Display Protocol (BAP).

4.  Clear all fault codes (especially on CAN GATEWAY, NAVIGATION and RADIO) and do a reset of the RNS510.

After the RNS510 reboots, you should be able to see the Navigation Menu on the MFD next.

Oh ya, if you need to enable to "secret menu" on the RNS510, go to 37-NAVIGATION, ADAPTATION, on Channel 50 change the setting from 0 to 1.

Enjoy your new RSN510! :)

Sunday 10 June 2012

Dr Hannson's connection point to VW 1.4 TSi (Twincharged) Engine

Ever wondered where is the connection point to connect Dr Hannson's Piggy Back chip to the 1.4L Twincharged Engine?  Hope this helps for those who like DIY.

First of all, most importantly... Tools required.
1.  T-30 screwdriver
2.  Size 10 spanner
3.  Long flat head screwdriver (about 200mm long)

Pictures as illustrate

Now where to find the rest of the 4 sensors points...
1.  Boost Sensor - Reference Number 4


2.  Boost Control Sensor - Reference Number 5


3.  Cam Sensor - Reference Number 3


4.  Manifold Sensor - Reference Number 2

To remove the boost sensor, remove the 3 x T30 screws as shown below

Remove the pipe and shift it to something like the picture below in order to access the boost sensor.

Using the long single slot screwdriver to remove the clip holding on to the sensor.

I suggest you do this sensor first as the rest of the sensors are much easier to remove.  If you can't get this connection point out, reinstall back and seek professional help...

And please do this when the engine is cold, u don't wanna scalded by the hot engine...

(Picture taken using a iPhone 4S & my D2X)

Friday 25 May 2012

Charlie's Corner @ Hanamco Multi Taps Bar Restaurant

Last Sep, I wrote about one of my favorite eating place - Charlie's Corner
http://ironman76.blogspot.com/2011/09/charlies-corner.html

Located at an unique corner at Changi Village Hawker Center.  However, the hawker center is undergoing a major renovation and Charlie's Corner will be closed.

Now, here's Hanamco Multi Taps Bar Restaurant.  Another Charlie's Corner outlet.  Located at Block 5, #01-2045 Changi Village Road.

When I first went there, they did not served my favorite "Chilly Dog".  After speaking to them, they specially ask Charlie to prepare the "Chilly Dog" just for me.  Was very happy as I drove about 30+km from my place just to have it.  *thumbs up!*

My wife and I went again this evening to have my "Chilly Dog", while she ordered the "Charlie Corner's Famous Fish and Chips".  We added another 8 pieces of "Spicy Hot Wings" and a cup of Fruit Punch.  The price was slightly higher than the hawker center one but portion wise seems to be a bigger share.  The taste is similar and still loving it.

Now are are the pictures (taken by my wife using her iPhone) of the place and the food..


My Fruit Punch..
 Spicy Hot Wings
 Charlie's Corner Famous Fish and Chips.
 My favorite - Chilly Dog

I think their opening hours are as follows..
Tuesday to Friday : 1100H - 1400H, 1800H - 2330H
Saturday & Sunday : 1800H - 2200H
Closed on Monday - Gone Fishing.

Saturday 21 April 2012

VAGCOM - Changing Region Code RNS510

How to change the region code for RNS 510.
 Select 37-Navigation or 56-Radio

Go to channel 130 in adaptation and change the value between 1 to 6.

I am currently using value 3 (Region 3).

Hope that helps...

(",)

Saturday 14 April 2012

VAGCOM - How to activate the cornering lights.

Mine is a MK5 with white colour MFD.  I understand the MK5 with red MFD has a different sets of instruction to activate the cornering light.

In case you want to know how the "white MFD" looks like, here is it.

Ok, back to the more important stuff.

To activate the cornering lights, at the VAGCOM software, under Select Control Module, Click Select.

After that, click on 09-Cent. Elect
 Click on Adaptation and you should see his menu next.  Then click on Long Coding Helper
 Notice the Byte 0, now look for Byte 14 and activate Bit 7 and click Do It!

Next do a check and you should be able to see this when u turn your steering wheel.

Hope that helps.

Note : Be prepared your close friends will call u and tell u one of your fog lights are blown.

(",)

Sunday 8 April 2012

Torque Magazine - March 2012 Edition

Managed to get my ride featured "again".  So far, all my 4 rides were featured in local magazine / tabloid before. 

My 1st ride - Mitsubishi Pajero Mini was featured in Wheelsasia.  I think it was the editor that took the shot of my car when I was participating in Advance Rally Course held in Kallang Car Park (beside the drive thru MacDonald & KFC).

My 2nd ride - Peugeot 206cc was featured in Carma magazine (Dec 2005).  A good friend told me to write the article and I submitted the photos together with it.  I still have a copy of it! :)

My 3rd ride - Mitsubishi Colt Version R was featured in a local tabloid CarBuyer.  Ralliart Pit helped me to arrange, cos they wanted a Version R to promote some of their parts.

My 4th ride - Volkswagen Jetta was featured in Torque magazine (Mar 2012).  I wrote in to the Deputy Editor, David Ting and he directed me to Tony Tan where they eventually published it in Mar 2012 edition.

Anyway, here's the pics.. Sorry not able to scan the document, can only "take a pic" of it.


(",)

The battle of the chip. TMC Tuning Box vs Dr Hannson Piggyback

I think this is going to be interesting... I had the luxury (or what some will call me crazy) to test both piggyback chip.  Somehow, I prefer piggyback chip over Stage 1 or 2 tuning as I could revert back to normal (or stock ECU) when I remove the piggyback from the sensors.

Having said the nonsense, here's my "journey of the (potato??) chips".

I installed TMC on my stock car.  Did a dyno run in Tampines using a running dyno.  The stock reading are as follows.
These readings were taken at DKC Jidousha (Blk 9002 Tampines Street 93, Industrial Park A #01-66. Singapore 528836), using a rolling road dyno. Please multiply all readings by factor of 1.2 to find engine power.


Stock Jetta Sports.
165 bhp - 5,500rpm
225 Nm - 3,500rpm

After installing with TMC
192 bhp - 6,000rpm
260 Nm - 3.400rpm

Wanted to go back to the same dyno after installing some goodies, but the dyno master went back to Japan to tune other cars, thus decided to go to another dyno company instead.

After installing other goodies like
BMC CDA

Audi S3/Golf R Intercooler
Bastuck Exhaust
its time for another run.  This time on a different dyno company.  The results are as follows.

Assuming only with TMC (Default at setting 6)
Before
192 bhp - 6,000rpm
260 Nm - 3.400rpm
(Assuming 1.2x power loss when measured at wheels)

After installing the goodies (listed above)
220 bhp - 5,600rpm
316 Nm - 3,000rpm
(Assuming 1.15x power loss when measured at wheels)

The ride feels powerful.  Power delivery is superb. 

 After using the TMC for a while, I decided to switch to Dr Hannson piggy back chip.  Some call it "Pigson" while some says its "Peggy" etc.  All I know is, its a chip that can be customised to suit your needs.  Currently, I am still on standard setting (default at 4). 
 

Here are the results.

Oh ya, I also a bit backside itchy and took out the TMC previously and did a run to see how much power the car had lost.

With 3 goodies only (dotted blue line)
193 bhp - 5,600rpm
273 Nm - 4,500rpm
(Assuming 1.15x power loss when measured at wheels)

Together with Dr Hannson Piggyback chip (Blue solid line)
223 bhp - 5,600rpm
318.9 Nm - 3,700rpm
(Assuming 1.15x power loss when measured at wheels)

TMC (blue solid line)
220 bhp - 5,600rpm
305 Nm - 5,000rpm
(Assuming 1.15x power loss when measured at wheels)

Comparing Dr Hannson Piggyback with TMC, the difference is 3 bhp, 2 Nm torque gain.  Power wise, the TMC feels more linear and slightly more powerful at the lower rpm.  As for Dr Hannson chip, the lower rpm feels lesser power but when the surge comes in, the "G-force" pulls is much more exhilarating.  Haha, I felt that should be the way a turbo charged car should behave.   Not too sure about a twin charged one since the supercharger should already eliminate the "turbo lag".

Connection wise, the TMC takes reference with 3 sensor points namely, Boost Sensor, Intake Manifold Sensor and Cam Position Sensor.  Dr Hannson chip has an addition Wastegate Sensor on top of the other 3 sensors mentioned.  Using my defi boost meter as gauge, the TMC spike at 1.7 bar while Dr Hannson chip spike at 1.6 bar.

Now, I wonder what will happen if I were to do custom tuned on Dr Hannson Chip or change the jumper setting from 4 to 5 or maybe 6...

Haha...

Poisonous yeah?

Saturday 7 April 2012

My 1st attempt on multiple exposure

This could be my 1st time I've successfully done a multiple exposure. 

Suddenly, Singapore had another 2 more flyer...

Enjoy the picture..

Creating my cover photo on my Facebook account

Recently, I had been taking a fair bit of landscape shots.  With the new Timeline feature on Facebook, I attempt to search for one within my collection.

Finally, found one that's suitable...

This original picture aims at its reflection of Singapore City, from MBS to Fullerton.  But with a little too much blank spaces on the top.
 
I did a little crop on the upper black sky and finally ended with this.

A further crop of the lower reflections resulted in my cover picture on my Facebook account.

Sometimes, you don't need to do photo snitch to capture a panoramic view, but you do need a ultra wide angle and crop away some top (and/or bottom) to make it looks like one...

(",)

Sunday 25 March 2012

Clarke Quay to MBS with Tern + Ortlieb Ultimate 5L plus

Went out for a casual photoshoot yesterday with the intend of travelling from Clarke Quay to MBS.  As I had injury on my right ankle, walking long distance may be a bit problem...

Since I've bought a folding bike, why not make full use of it??  Rite?

Did some research and found that my Tern can install some bags... Asked around some bike shop and I found this item (with the help of Tern Luggage Truss).

This bag is huge and best of all, it can hold my D700 + battery grip (MB-D10) with ELEN4A battery installed + my Nikon AFS 24-70mm f2.8.


However, instead of using the 24-70mm, I decided to use the Nikon 17-35mm f2.8 instead...

Managed to find free parking (after 5pm) beside Singapore Shopping Center, and start cycling towards Clarke Quay.  Got this first shot.
The most interesting thing I saw was this...
So should I push my bike???

Along the way, here are some shots..





although my intend was to end as MBS, I ended up cycling up to Benjamin Shears bridge for the little extra few meter...

oh well, I manged to get this shot before I call it a day...


Next is how to secure my tripod onto my Tern...

Suggestion???
(",)