Help understanding licensing Credits

[craigt]

I am wondering if someone could help me break down the different credits used for each scenario below, assuming they are in fact possible:

Scenario 1) 18-20 F-150 Ecoboost 2.7L. I purchase a new MPVI2. I read the PCM and tune it myself, then write the PCM
Scenario 2) I write the same tuned file used in scenario 1 on a different 18-20 F-150 Ecoboost 2.7L
Scenario 3) My 18-20 F-150 2.7l is already tuned via some other method. I read the already tuned 18-20 F-150 Ecoboost 2.7l. I write the tune into a second 18-20 F-150 Ecoboost 2.7l
Scenario 4) My 18-20 F-150 2.7l is already tuned via some other method but has a PCM defect not related to the OS. I don't want to lose the tune so I buy a used PCM from a recycler and clone the damaged PCM (assuming it's readable) entirely into the used replacement part, to be used for the same vehicle.

Thanks in advance!

[TheMechanic]

Scenario 1) 18-20 F-150 Ecoboost 2.7L. I purchase a new MPVI2. I read the PCM and tune it myself, then write the PCM 4 CREDITS
Scenario 2) I write the same tuned file used in scenario 1 on a different 18-20 F-150 Ecoboost 2.7L 4 ADDITIONAL CREDITS
Scenario 3) My 18-20 F-150 2.7l is already tuned via some other method. I read the already tuned 18-20 F-150 Ecoboost 2.7l. I write the tune into a second 18-20 F-150 Ecoboost 2.7l 4 ADDITIONAL CREDITS
Scenario 4) My 18-20 F-150 2.7l is already tuned via some other method but has a PCM defect not related to the OS. I don't want to lose the tune so I buy a used PCM from a recycler and clone the damaged PCM (assuming it's readable) entirely into the used replacement part, to be used for the same vehicle. 4 ADDITIONAL CREDITS

[Bill@HPTuners]

you should not be flashing a file from one vehicle to another completely different vehicle, you do so at your own risk and against our advice.

[craigt]

Scenario 1) 18-20 F-150 Ecoboost 2.7L. I purchase a new MPVI2. I read the PCM and tune it myself, then write the PCM 4 CREDITS
Scenario 2) I write the same tuned file used in scenario 1 on a different 18-20 F-150 Ecoboost 2.7L 4 ADDITIONAL CREDITS
Scenario 3) My 18-20 F-150 2.7l is already tuned via some other method. I read the already tuned 18-20 F-150 Ecoboost 2.7l. I write the tune into a second 18-20 F-150 Ecoboost 2.7l 4 ADDITIONAL CREDITS
Scenario 4) My 18-20 F-150 2.7l is already tuned via some other method but has a PCM defect not related to the OS. I don't want to lose the tune so I buy a used PCM from a recycler and clone the damaged PCM (assuming it's readable) entirely into the used replacement part, to be used for the same vehicle. 4 ADDITIONAL CREDITS

Thank you. In scenario 1, would you mind explaining when/where the credits are actually spent? The instructions leave a lot of room for interpretation. From the website, it says 1) you must have a license for the file and 2) you must have a license for the vehicle you want to write to. It says when you read the vehicle, you are prompted to license the file. So now you have licensed a base file that I assume is done using credits. However, you have not written anything yet. But elsewhere it says reading doesn't spend credits, only writing. So is this the 4 credits spent here? Then, if you apply VCM enhancements, it says you have to license again. Is this the tune/mods? More credits here? On the vehicles page, it simply lists 4 credits for the vehicle. But elsewhere it appears those 4 credits are used to write. So it's still a little unclear how you get to the point of spending 4 credits in scenario 1. It sounds like the file and vehicle get licensed together for 4 credits if you do it at the same time. And if you do it separately (read vehicle 1, write vehicle 2), it's 4+4 ... but the instructions leave room for interpretation.

"When writing to a vehicle, the rules are:
You must have a license for the file you are trying to write to the vehicle.
If you are writing a file that has a VCM Enhancement applied, you must also have a license for the VCM Enhancement you are writing to the vehicle.
You must also have a license for the vehicle you are trying to write to.
The above rules may sound like a lot just to write a vehicle, however its really not the case.

For example:
When working with your own vehicle, you will almost always read the vehicle first.
After the read, you will be prompted to license the vehicles file.
Now you have a license for your vehicle and all files you read from it.

Now that your vehicle is licensed you can flash it an unlimited number of times.

If you apply a VCM Enhancement to the file, you will have to license the VCM Enhancement the next time you program the vehicle as you will already have a license for the base vehicle file and the vehicle itself."

[mbray01]

That write up unfortunately is old, things have changed in the last few years
you license the vehicle when the file is being flashed to the vehicle, not after reading as done in the past
most vcm enhancments are free now, i know of non that are charged

[craigt]

you should not be flashing a file from one vehicle to another completely different vehicle, you do so at your own risk and against our advice.

Thanks. This is understood. However, it's helpful to know what the VCM reader is putting in "a file."

If it's clear what it's reading, I'll know better what the consequences are. I saw that it supports some module cloning, but didn't find a list of supported modules. Is there a list I can look at? Once we do a read of a module, is it clear what blocks of memory were read? I understand the file is saved in your proprietary format so I assume unless the software makes it clear what it read, or hex editable so you can see for yourself, it might be difficult to know the consequences of flashing "a file" from one vehicle to another.

It seems like an amazing tool, just trying to understand its abilities and limitations. For example, car manufacturers are more and more putting the PCMs way up front and in accidents you get broken modules that can often still be powered up and communicate on the bench.

[mbray01]

Cloning of modules is not neccassarily a thing with hpt. If you install a used module you can usually over write the existing file with a new one, however if the ecm is brand new, it will not write the ecm, you would need to flash with factory style tool(j2534) or a compatable interface.

It is in a proprietary format, not in raw binary, so if you wanted to know exactly what its doing, you would need another software to read and write in binary

as far as flashing one file to different vehicles, the best practice is to pull the new file and use the difference tools built into the editor and copy over the changes

[TheMechanic]

Let me simplify. The "Files" that are being copied from the ECM/PCM/TCM/FPCM etc are software that tell the hardware what to do, when to do it, and what specifics are for that vehicle. Just to name a VERY small amount of things are trans type, emissions hardware and Kalifornia or federal. Engine configuration, fuel types and on and on for days. This is the "File" that is being referred to when you "Read" the vehicle.
You will Save this file on your laptop to a convenient location. You may modify it all you want and save it all you want at no charge. You can give the "Tune/File" to anyone you want. You can sell it or buy it from anyone you want.
If you want to put this modified file no matter how slight or how large the modification is you will have to buy the required amount of credits to allow it to "Write" to the module you took it out of. Mod's can correct me if I am wrong but from what I understand it takes certain data from the module and runs it through an algorithm to create a "Password/encryption/key" so it can only be written to that module. If you were to want a backup module you would have to pay again to "Write/License" that module/vehicle also. In other words there is no getting out of paying the required credits for each and every singular module you want the "Tune/File" changed from it stock configuration. Oh and HP Tuners does not provide the ability to program base operating systems. Only modification of what is already on the module. It is a good idea to make sure that the module has the latest greatest Operating system from the dealer that often corrects mistakes made by overpaid engineers. From what I understand if you get a software update that changes the operating system by a dealer than it is likely you will lose the credits already spent on the module and you will need to re-license (pay again) the module you modified.
Hope this helps.

Edit add. Once "licensed/paid" you can do whatever mods you want as many times as you want forever on THAT module. Other than specific alterations such as supercharging/turbocharging/speed density. Those cost you extra on top of the regular credits you used to tune.

[craigt]

Cloning of modules is not neccassarily a thing with hpt. If you install a used module you can usually over write the existing file with a new one, however if the ecm is brand new, it will not write the ecm, you would need to flash with factory style tool(j2534) or a compatable interface.

It is in a proprietary format, not in raw binary, so if you wanted to know exactly what its doing, you would need another software to read and write in binary

as far as flashing one file to different vehicles, the best practice is to pull the new file and use the difference tools built into the editor and copy over the changes

Thanks again for the insight.

Is the difference tool something that could be explored without burning credits since it's read only for both vehicles?

I'm ok spending $300 on the tool to learn more. But burning credits to experiment will get out of hand very quickly!

[mbray01]

You can read the files, modify the files and save the files, the difference toolcan be used as well, it will only ask for credits once you try to write the file

[mbray01]

"Once "licensed/paid" you can do whatever mods you want as many times as you want forever on that module. Other than specific alterations such as supercharging/turbocharging/speed density. Those cost you extra on top of the regular credits you used to tune"



you might want to update your software. Os enhancements have been free for quite a few years

[TheMechanic]

"Once "licensed/paid" you can do whatever mods you want as many times as you want forever on that module. Other than specific alterations such as supercharging/turbocharging/speed density. Those cost you extra on top of the regular credits you used to tune"



you might want to update your software. Os enhancements have been free for quite a few years

Awesome. I did not know 2 bar and 3 bar speed density upgrades were free. Learn something every day.