Is Autotune software available to Joe Public?

[Karl Robbers]

Okay, can someone give me a definitive answer to this question?
Is the Autotune software and interface available to the general public or only to authorised service centers?
If it is available, can one get the updates from Husqvarna as they become available? I went to support.husqvarna.com for a look and you need a username and password to access the updates - does this come with the software?
I need to know as I am considering purchasing a saw out of the US and there is a distinct possibility that the Australian dealers will refuse to service such saws. hence me requiring the ability to do it myself if need be. It looks like I may be able to buy the saw and software (if it is not stupidly expensive) for well under the purchase price of a saw in Australia.

 

[tpope]

That's a great question. I too would like to know the answer.

 

[kspakland]

Hmmmmmmmm

Autotune software ..........

Sounds like the age of computer controlled chainsaws has evolved and there is an ALDL to plug a computer into in order to monitor and adjust the saw's onboard ECM.

 

[mikefunaro]

Here's my guess of the situation from bits that I have gleamed:

The autotune connection interface and software are "intended" primarily for dealers/service centers.

It seems like it's possible, however, to procure an interface and at least the current version of software which accompanies it from willing dealers who can order the item. It is not clear whether or not the dealers have been instructed that they can sell it, that they cant sell it, or whether no distinction has been made. Several individuals in the business of building and modding saws on this site now acknowledge and at a time advertised that they have the autotune diagnostics tools so this may mean that you can get one.

I would imagine that the interface/module/cable/whatever is accompanied by a CD of software current to the module. Subsequent updates could either come via cd or internet to dealers. I am fairly sure that the autotune updates are not publicly available on the website. So even if you did procure a device/module, unless the purveyor of the module was ready and willing to supply you with software and firmware updates through some means (either CD, link to download, or dropbox type sharing) even if you had the tools you would not necessarily have the updates, or steady and reliable access to them.

That's my take. Maybe a dealer or modder on here can tell you what they think.

 

[Philip Wheelock]

...Is the Autotune software and interface available to the general public or only to authorised service centers?

IIRC, Mastermind, a builder on AS, said he acquired the Husky autotune diagnostics package.

 

[AuerX]

Very interesting Thread, Subscribed!

 

[Karl Robbers]

I have had it confirmed by Baileys that the software is available and unrestricted. The cost was around the $150 mark, so not too bad at all.
I realise that the software is only capable of dealing with the electronic side of the saw. It is however required if for example a module needs replacing due to the fact that the modules come blank and need to be flashed with the current firmware.
The aforementioned support site is the one that has been mentioned as the source for updates. I guess if I found a friendly dealer in the US they could easily email the update files if required.
I seriously object to the fact that Australian consumers are being ripped off by all the big saw manufacturers. It is not the dealer making the cream, they actually make comparatively little on a saw as I understand it, so it must be the wholesale price that is out of whack.
When I can purchase a 550XP for $585USD and the same saw is $1299 here in Australia, something is wrong. I would not ask an Australian dealer to provide warranty on an American saw, that would not be fair on the dealer. But if I can paddle my own canoe as it were and be self sufficient then why not? If enough people start doing this then a message will be sent to both Husqvarna and Stihl that the current situation is no longer acceptable.
I have no loyalty to my local dealer because of their attitude and poor knowledge. They really don't seem to care if they sell a saw or not. If that is their attitude when they want my money, what will it be like when I have a problem?

 

[mikefunaro]

If the price disparity is that great I would just offer to pay the dealer's labor rates on the new saw should a problem arise, with no expectations of warranty being honored. Really I'd imagine that there is no way they can and/or a red flag would be raised if they tried to write a warranty claim for a product that was clearly a US bound product.

Another option for you would be to coordinate with a US member or through the trading post buy a new or like new saw that can be test run a bit prior to getting sent over to you. Most warrantable defects with saws happen very quickly. So if someone can just make a lot of cookies or work up a cord or two of wood and then send it to you for minimal extra cost it might also be good assurance. A tiny bit of wear on the bar and chain will be the headache of dealing with defect or issue with the saw, however unlikely.

 

[mikefunaro]

For what it's worth the prices you're quoting are somewhat similar to the prices in Europe. I'm not saying I'd trade places with you and I'm not saying that it's reasonable that the saw is double the cost but your saw is not that out of line with many other countries. It seems like the US has some of the lowest prices for current model professional chainsaws. It is unclear to me if your products/prices are purely because the market will bear it or if the overhead associated with having the necessary employees on a corporate level in australia somehow justifies or requires it.

I have been told at least anecdotally that some of the wages over there for many positions are 2x to 3x higher than they are over here.

Don't want to start a political debate but the price disparity may be in part justifiable.

 

[Hermann]

Here is what I know:

(1) I think the software/firmware versions and diagnostic software is free to those with accounts - you probably need to be a dealer to get an account however.
(2) There is a cable that connects to your computer most likely through the USB port, there is a part number for this - I have seen it in posts before - I will edit this post and supply links - or do a search if you are impatient - from what i remember it was in the $200 dollar range if IRC

I imagine if you are nice to some members here they might help you with (1), I have not tried myself.

It would be nice if there was some option for us non-dealer enthusiast to be able to use the diagnostic software. I am interested myself because I am an Electrical/software engineer who writes such software in a different industry, but I think it would be cool to hook up your saw to your computer for diagnostics, software upgrades, and tuning. Hopefully Husqvarna will be a progressive company about this.

 

[Festus]

I'm surprised they would allow the average consumer to purchase that kind of software when they don't even want to let you buy a carb adjusting tool. Not being familiar with the software, I wonder if it is "read only", or you can actually change parameters with it.

 

[Hermann]

I'm surprised they would allow the average consumer to purchase that kind of software when they don't even want to let you buy a carb adjusting tool. Not being familiar with the software, I wonder if it is "read only", or you can actually change parameters with it.

you are not allowed to purchase software, there is only a part number for the cable to connect to the saw - and I am not sure if that can be obtained unless you are a dealer.

there are posts on this:
http://www.arboristsite.com/chainsaw/185486.htm
http://www.arboristsite.com/chainsaw/195076.htm
I don't think there are parameters to change, only software updates as far as I know.

Manual:
http://cdn.power.husqvarnagroup.com/files/Husqvarna/ss/products/autotune/manuals/Manual_Engine_Diagnostic_Tool_English.pdf

 

[lmbrman]

I spoke with the husky rep when he was at treemonkeys shop- he indicated no problem to sell the unit to joe public

-dave

PS- it is easy to use

 

[lmbrman]

( from what i remember it was in the $200 dollar range if IRC.

your price is high-

 

[Hermann]

I spoke with the husky rep when he was at treemonkeys shop- he indicated no problem to sell the unit to joe public

-dave

PS- it is easy to use

Good to know!, what about obtaining an account to get updated software?

 

[Hermann]

your price is high-

where and how much!

 

[lmbrman]

Good to know!, what about obtaining an account to get updated software?

rep gave me his email-

 

[TK]

You can't mod or change anything with the software. You can update and read simple diagnostics. You wouldn't want to change anything as far as I can see, the software already competes for the highest rpm it can manage under load. I'm not sure what anyone would want otherwise.... Some sort of rhythmic beat boxing rev limiter code? Or a less than stellar performance mode?

 

[Hermann]

You can't mod or change anything with the software. You can update and read simple diagnostics. You wouldn't want to change anything as far as I can see, the software already competes for the highest rpm it can manage under load. I'm not sure what anyone would want otherwise.... Some sort of rhythmic beat boxing rev limiter code? Or a less than stellar performance mode?

Understood,

As a user I would like to:
(1) Perform Diagnostics.
(2) Update the software/firmware.

I can do 1, if I can get the cable and diag software - which apparently is possible?

I can do 2, if I can log in to the Husky mother ship and get the latest firmware, is this possible if I am not a dealer?

 

[TK]

I don't believe you need to log into anything.