Almighty-Si

I bought/used eCtune as pre-release user/tester and it was great all up until the last couple of updates, just before it went dead. My car worked/ran FLAWLESSLY and then the last version came out and my car has been running like, well, a bag of **** since. After making my complaints and being told I was a fool, there was nothing wrong with the software and I must have a mechanical issue. I find that funny being the car is completely stock internally and the only thing that changed from when it ran fine to now is the forced software updates. I did humor them with testing everything, from compression/leak down tests to battery tests and all tests reveal my car is mechanically sound. Just recently went back to the stock computer and the car idled and drove flawless with no check engine lights to talk about (99 Civic Si), so if it were mechanical, I'm sure the OBD2B system would have voiced it's displeasure immediately.

With that said, I'm sure it's safe to say the software is my issue and it's time to move on. So I have heard a lot of good things about Neptune but I downloaded the software and I'm a little turned off by the layout of the program. Coming from eCtune, it's seems a little weird to navigate around and the layout is odd. I hear good things about it otherwise. I have been a little turned off on Hondata ever since that crap with Dave from PGMFI and him getting sued. The product I'm sure is sound and it has plenty of features which I am sure all work. Supporting them though after that whole thing is bothering me a bit but I need a software that works and will continue to work consistently.

So basically what I am asking is, who uses what? How has it been working for you? Since bought and after updates. What would tuners recommend?

Thanks !

HRTuning

Both softwares work and will continue to work consistently. If you're personally turned off by the layout of one vs the other then you've already made your decision. There's no point using something you're not going to enjoy.

PyroProblem

Neptune has anti theft which is pretty cool if your paranoid about car theft. I don't believe Hondata has that.
I'm happy with Neptune myself. ☺
Customer support is great and they seem to be more about the enthusiast rather than profits like hondata seems to me. I never really see hondata reps on the boards here helping either!. My 2 cents.

Spunkster

Hondata also has security features which are part of the s300 V3.

0mtber

iTrader: (2)

You can download both hondata smanager & hrtuning's neptune software on their websites:
http://www.hrtuning.com/software/ind...le=NepTuneRTP/
Hondata Downloads

Download them both, check them both out & choose for your self.

Some things to consider other then the software differences:
1. Hondata offers a coil on plug system that is readily available & tested.
2. Hondata offers traction control.

We sell both neptune & hondata systems on our website Phearable.net - Tuning Solutions

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Almighty-Si

if I were going to go with Neptune, being I have a demon 1 with eCtune, what all would be involved with getting it going? Also how well does the Bluetooth module work? Difficult to install the module?

Thanks for the replies

0mtber

iTrader: (2)

You could use the bluetooth addon module which is $40 plus shipping.
The module works well. Installation is similar to any bluetooth module.

Concerning the neptune software, you can purchase a license for your demon for $175 via a neptune dealer.

0HAMOTORSPORTS

Since you already have an ECU with a Demon installed, it will be much more cost-effective to simply purchase a Neptune RTP license to use with your Demon and go from there. The Neptune RTP license is $150.00 from any Neptune dealer: Neptune RTP License for Demon

As mentioned by mtber, if the Bluetooth feature is important to you, you can simply purchase the Bluetooth add on module and install it on your Demon. Installation requires soldering a 4 pin header to the top of your Demon which will allow the module to simply plug in.

All you need to switch from ECTune to Neptune is to download the Neptune RTP software:
http://www.hrtuning.com/software/

Plug your USB into your Demon while the software is open to get your Demon Unit ID number.

Order a Neptune RTP license key using your Demon unit ID number.

You can then connect and begin tuning.

Dallasb84

Opps

shanebadoo

To op, get the Neptune RTP. It is by no means a substandard product, in fact its an excellent product. I deal with both the Neptune platform and the Hondata platform regularly and I can tell you, both can get your car fast, reliable. Unfortunately, I've had issues with both and I can tell you Craig Moates (the guy behind the Demon hardware) was a lot easier to deal with. That was just my experience and someone else may have had a different experience. You already have a demon, the Neptune software is great, JR ( the guy behind the Neptune software) keeps his devices close and replies to you quickly and lastly, on their Neptune Facebook group (we <3 Neptune) there are many end users to help you get your machine running great.

In the end, both will get the job done equally, but you already have a Demon.

VegasInvasion

In my professional opinion, there are a few advantages to Neptune.

1. Boost control is superior; there are more parameters which offer cleaner controls.

2. The interface is better organized, and their tech support is better.

3. The Demon is significantly cheaper, more reliable (in my experience) and fits into a normal socketed ECU that doesn't require soldering in a special header or grinding out part of the case.

4. Netpune's custom output has one edge over Hondata's aux table: when you're setting up safety tables with a KnockSense module, you can engage the MIL as an output, and switch maps if desired.

But the end result with either system is virtually identical other than boost controls. They both have bluetooth options, apps, and TunerView support as well.

Almighty-Si

Though the layout is important to me it's not the sole reason in making a purchase. I have been reading forums and I pretty much see the same thing, "I love Neptune" and "JR is the man", hell it's even in this thread, that weighs more than anything and is someone I am willing to support.

Thanks to everyone who replied. It helped with the decision greatly and I will be making my way over to Neptune after the holidays.

HRTuning

Ya, I understand. You'll likely get used to the interface as you get into it further, but if it's a turn off and not just something to get used to, maybe not a good fit.

DC_Legacy

and this of course would be the output from the KS when it thinks its detected a ping which would be wired to an Aux input for Neptune to auto switch to secondary tables or graph where and when this was detected, right?

Almighty-Si

Just another quick question. Probably will not have any affect but was just wondering....Would there be an issue using Neptune if I upgraded my laptops hard drive to an SSD?

HRTuning

No effect.

Almighty-Si

That's what I thought...Perfect !

Almighty-Si

Just ordered my Neptune license, Bluetooth module and clear cover. Got the package in the mail today.

What's with the long wire on the Bluetooth module? I thought the board would just solder onto the demon and that would be the end of it. Does the module need to be extended outside the ECU case?

HRTuning

The module and how it plugs in will depend who you get it from. I don't make them. They're aftermarket.

DC_Legacy

Where did you order the UART Bluetooth module from? Aside from ordering from Pete Linszter, Moates and XenoCron have solid units but they need to be pinned either for the Demon or optional w/out for direct CN2 if your not a demon user.

If you purchased it from any of the named vendors than you shouldn't have any issues with the baud rate compatibility but if you ordered just any old unit off the internet than it may not work due to baud rate limitations required.

As for where it goes....with a plastic cover you could leave it under the cover strapped to the chassis of the ECU however for a standard metal cover I'd leave it outside the ECU either velcro'd or tapped to the cover with the transmitter tip of the UART module sticking out freely to avoid wireless diffraction or attenuation issues that could amount to wireless errors here and there

HRTuning

From what I understand if you purchased one with a cable they will include the correct cable based on what you order for. D1 or D2. If you have an older D1 that doesn't have the header included you'll need to solder that on. Email in if you're not sure where to go from here.

DC_Legacy

This is what I was referring to in regards to the pinning which is actually consist of the wire order in the cable that plugs into the serial output on the Demon or straight from the CN2 if your a non-Demon user..

VegasInvasion

Correct, B5 and D6 inputs are good options. For graphing purposes you might want to use B6 though, just so you can make sure you're getting a clean signal first.

It would be nice to have a designated knock parameter section for this purpose...

Another excellent feature is the Sensor Adjustment section. This is really useful on more complex engines for flex fuel, PWM meth/nitrous injection, creep control or maf density integration. Also comes in handy for tuning Toyotas, but that's another thread.

Almighty-Si

It's the Moates Bluetooth module, bought from Xenocron. Like to support local business when I can and he's helped me out when I was in a pinch a way back, he's a good dude.

I got everything soldered up and ready to go. Heading out tomorrow to fire up the car for the first time with Neptune installed. Thank you everyone for your help !

HRTuning

Excellent!