AlienTech K-TAG Master Guide

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Version 1.01
K-TAG Master
Instruction manual and User’s guide
This user manual has been specially designed to guide you through the functions and features of
K-TAG, the Engine Control Units and Gearbox Control Units programmer via a direct interface to
the microcontroller.
This guide provides basic information about how to download the K-Suite software and program
an ECU. The guide also includes warnings and precautions for safe and proper use of the product
as well as warranty terms and conditions and software license.

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Version 1.01
Warnings
Please note: The registration and subsequent use of the Product
constitutes acceptance by the user of the license and warranty
terms contained in the section Hardware Warranty and
Software License (page 43 and following).
Important notices about the use of the K-TAG tool
To avoid electrical shock, do not open the case when the tool is connected. Refer
any required servicing of product to Alientech Srl only.
The product and its accessories are suitable for professional use only.
This product is intended only for the tuning of vehicles for competitions or to be used on closed
circuit not open to public.
The product allows having access to operating engine management parameters: the
subsequent modification of these parameters may make the vehicle not in line with the
requirements and standards of your Country about power, speed and emissions. It may also
cause a different or greater wear and tear of mechanical and electrical components of the
vehicle and could void the warranty provided by the manufacturer/sellers of the vehicle.
Alientech Srl, its subsidiaries and affiliates make no warranties of any kind about any extra wear
or deterioration of the engine or other electrical or mechanical parts of the vehicle or as to the
compliance with exhaust emission standards and regulations required by your Country.
The tool and its accessories shall be used only after a thorough reading of this guide and the
Operating Manuals dedicated to the several protocols, and only in compliance with guidelines
and suggestions.
The product may enable modifying the operation of the vehicle; therefore, the vehicle may
have different reactions when compared to standard conditions specified by the manufacturer.
The greatest attention must be paid when driving a vehicle which has its engine parameters
modified.

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Version 1.01
Important notices about the contents in this guide
Alientech Srl owns and administers some or all the rights to the images and other copyrighted
content in this manual. Use of the images and other copyrighted content (including copying,
reproducing, modifying, uploading on a network, displaying, transmitting, distributing,
licensing, selling and publishing) except as used herein, is prohibited to the extend allowed by
law.
This guide and the screen images representing K-Suite software and Alientech Data Bank used
throughout this guide are subject to change without notice.
- Regulatory Information
The marks are located on the rear side of the tool.
The product meets the essential requirements of the Directive 2004/108/EC and 2006/95/EC
and therefore carries the CE mark.
The tool has been tested in accordance with harmonized standards EN 60950-
1:2006+A11:2009+A1:2010+A12:2011, EN 61000-3-2:2006+A1:2009+A2:2009, EN 61000-3-
3:2008, EN 55022:2006+A1:2007, and EN 55024:1998+A1:2001+A2:2003.
The product complies with FCC part 15.197, 15.109 and therefore carries the FCC mark.
The product is in conformity with EC and FCC standards only if used with cables and accessories
supplied and according to what specified in the instructions for use.

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Version 1.01
Glossary
Before you begin, you should become familiar with some technical terms used in this guide.
Term
Explanation
Positioning frame
Support on which you can place the ECU for an easier connection (sold
separately).
Board Adapter for
positioning frame
Adapter to place on some of the ECUs when using the positioning frame
(sold separately).
Backup
Backup copy of the data stored in the engine control unit, made to prevent
an accidental total loss of these data.
Restore
Procedure to write the backup file to the engine control unit, thus returning
the engine control unit to the state it was in when it was backed up.
Patch
Procedure to enable / disable serial communication on the engine control
unit.
Checksum
Operation that serves to verify the integrity of data in the engine control
unit. The checksum correction is performed on each modified file before
loading it into the engine control unit, to ensure its functioning. K-TAG
always performs the checksum correction automatically.
ECU
Electronic Control Unit. It is usually a synonymous for engine control unit.
EEPROM
Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory.
Reprogrammable memory. Writing, erasing and rewriting take place
electrically, even in-circuit.
Flash
Reprogrammable memory, with operation similar to the EEPROM but in
Flash technology.
Micro
(Microcontroller)
Electronic processing and control device integrated on a single integrated
circuit.
LOG file
File to which the tool records chronologically all reading and programming
activities during the communication with the engine control unit.
Original file
File containing data (including maps) for engine management, stocked in the
engine control unit.
Modified file
Files created from the original file by making variations on engine
management data; to be rewritten to the engine control unit
Firmware
Program embedded in the tool that allows its working.
ID
(Identification)
Procedure to obtain the identification data of the engine control unit.
Operating
Manuals
Manuals embedded in the K-Suite software, automatically displayed each
time a Family of communication is selected. They provide indications about
cables needed, connection instructions, and warnings and cautions that
must be followed to correctly carry out the programming of the engine
control unit.

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Version 1.01
Term
Explanation
Master
(tool)
To read and write files (not encoded) of the ECU.
Slave
(tool)
To read encoded files from the ECU, and to write only encoder files received
from a Master.
Master
(single user)
It reads the original file (not encoded) stocked in the ECU.
It modifies the file using a tuning software.
It writes the modified file (not encoded) to the ECU
Master
(user associated to
one or more Slave
user)
It receives the encoded file from his Slave.
It decodes the file through the appropriate procedure in the Alientech
Data Bank.
It modifies the file using a tuning software.
It encodes the file through the appropriate procedure in the Alientech
Data Bank.
It sends the encoded file to his Slave.
Slave
(user)
It reads the encoded file stocked in the ECU.
It sends the file read to his Master.
It receives the encoded modified file from his Master.
It writes the file to the ECU.
Note: Even when the Slave user wants to overwrite the original file or
restore the backup file, it must ask his Master for the validation of these
files..
OBDII diagnostic
connector
Standardized hardware interface connector that provides access to the
state of health information for various vehicle sub-systems to perform On-
Board Diagnostics.
ECU programming
The tuning of engine management parameters stocked in an ECU. It can be
carried out in serial communication or in Boot mode, and it substantially
consists in three operations:
Reading the original file stocked in the ECU.
Modifying the original file using a tuning software.
Writing the modified file to the ECU.
Serial
communication
Communication mode with the electronic control unit through the
diagnostic connector of the vehicle (often called OBDII connector).
It can be done:
Via diagnostic connector: with the ECU mounted on the vehicle, simply
by connecting to the diagnostic connector typically located in the
cockpit.
On bench: by disconnecting all original wiring and removing the ECU
from the vehicle to connect to its external connector using an
appropriate instrumentation, with no need to open the ECU.
Note: Not all ECUs can be reprogrammed on bench in serial communication.

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Version 1.01
Term
Explanation
Boot mode
communication
Communication mode with the electronic control unit in which the ECU
system is started in a particular operating mode; this allows performing
operations normally not possible in serial communication (for ex. read the
original file, read/write the EEPROM memory, etc.). Usually performed on
the bench, as it is often necessary to bring suitable voltages on certain pin of
the ECU board (for ex. Soldering wires on some programming pads).
Communications
protocol
Language of communication between the tool and the electronic control
unit.
Plug-in
Set of communication protocols used by K-TAG to dialog with engine control
units communicating in a similar manner.
Family
Name given by Alientech Srl to a set of one or more communication
protocols.

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Version 1.01
Table of Contents
Warnings ..............................................................................................................................................2
Important notices about the use of the K-TAG tool ........................................................................2
Important notices about the contents in this guide........................................................................3
- Regulatory Information .....................................................................................................3
Glossary............................................................................................................................................4
Precautions ..........................................................................................................................................9
Safety................................................................................................................................................9
Use and handling..............................................................................................................................9
AC Adaptor and AC Power Cord use ..............................................................................................10
WEEE Directive...............................................................................................................................10
Risks associated with operations to Read or Reprogram data......................................................11
Cleaning..........................................................................................................................................11
Checking the package contents .........................................................................................................12
Parts name and functions ..................................................................................................................13
Right side of the tool......................................................................................................................13
Left side of the tool........................................................................................................................13
Basic operations.................................................................................................................................14
Installing the K-Suite software.......................................................................................................14
Installing the K-TAG........................................................................................................................14
Tool registration.............................................................................................................................15
K-Suite software main screen ........................................................................................................16
Configuring K-TAG for the use .......................................................................................................17
How to set the screen resolution...............................................................................................17
How to set the language of the software ..................................................................................18
How to view the list of vehicles supported by K-TAG................................................................19
How to download the Operating Manuals ................................................................................20
How to display the information about your tool.......................................................................21
Operating procedures........................................................................................................................22
How to connect the tool ................................................................................................................22
Choosing a Family of communication............................................................................................22
How to choose a Family using the Vehicles buttons .................................................................22

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Version 1.01
How to choose a Family using the Protocols button .................................................................24
Backup, Restore, Reading and Writign ..........................................................................................25
Programming menu items .........................................................................................................25
Backup........................................................................................................................................26
Read ...........................................................................................................................................26
Restore .......................................................................................................................................27
Write ..........................................................................................................................................27
File management ...............................................................................................................................28
Decoding / Encoding files for Salve tools associated to your Master user....................................28
How to decode a file ..................................................................................................................28
How to encode a file ..................................................................................................................30
Technical Support ..............................................................................................................................32
Updates ..........................................................................................................................................32
Updating the K-Suite software and K-TAG.................................................................................32
Updating the Operating Manuals ..............................................................................................33
Troubleshooting.............................................................................................................................34
Contacts .........................................................................................................................................38
After sale business service .........................................................................................................38
Technical Support Service..........................................................................................................38
Additional information.......................................................................................................................39
Optional accessories ......................................................................................................................39
Specifications .................................................................................................................................42
Hardware Warranty and Software License........................................................................................43
Product warranty ...........................................................................................................................43
Riparazione o sostituzione del prodotto con RMA........................................................................44
Software License ............................................................................................................................44

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Version 1.01
Precautions
Before using this product, carefully read this manual and retain it for future
reference.
Safety
This product has been designed with the highest concern for safety. However, any electrical
device, if used improperly, has the potential for causing fire, electrical shock or personal injury. To
help ensure accident-free operation, follow these guidelines:
Observe all warnings, precautions and instructions.
Regularly inspect the AC adaptor and AC power cord for damage and for dust build-up around
the power plug or electrical outlet.
Stop use, unplug the AC Power Cord from the electrical outlet, unplug the USB cable from the
computer and disconnect any other cables immediately if the device functions in an abnormal
manner, produces unusual sounds or smells or becomes too hot to touch.
Never disassemble the product or accessories provided. Use the K-TAG and accessories
according to the instructions in this guide and following the connection instructions provided in
the Operating Manuals dedicated to the various protocols, available within the K-Suite
software. No authorization for the analysis or modification of the product, or the analysis or
modification of the K-Suite software, or of its circuit configurations, is provided. Disassembling
will void the system warranty and it may be dangerous.
Use and handling
Keep the product and all accessories out of the reach of small children or animals. Small parts
may cause choking or serious injury if swallowed (for ex. board adapters or interchangeable
connectors of the connecting cables).
Do not use the tool near water.
Use only cables/accessories provided by Alientech Srl, its subsidiaries and affiliates or an
authorized dealer.
Do not expose the products or accessories to high temperatures, high humidity, or direct
sunlight.
Do not leave the product or accessories in a car with the windows closed (particularly in
summer).
Do not expose the product or accessories to dust, smoke or steam.
Do not allow liquid or small particles to get into the product or accessories.
Do not place the product on surfaces that are tilted, unstable or subject to vibration.
Do not drop the product or accessories, and do not subject the device to strong physical shock.
Do not put heavy objects on the product or accessories.
Do not touch or insert foreign objects into the connectors of the product or accessories.

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Version 1.01
AC Adaptor and AC Power Cord use
Do not touch the plug of the AC power cord with wet hands.
Do not touch the AC Power Cord or the AC Adaptor, if connected to an electrical outlet, during
an electrical storm.
Use only AC Adaptor and AC Power Cord supplied or provided by Alientech Srl, its subsidiaries
and affiliates or an authorized dealer.
Do not allow dust or foreign matter to build up around the product or accessory connectors. If
there is dust or foreign matter on the product’s connectors or the AC Power Cord, wipe it off
with a dry cloth before connecting. Dust or other matter on the connectors may result in fire or
electrical shock.
Unplug the AC Power Cord from the electrical outlet and disconnect the tool from your
computer before cleaning.
Protect the AC Power Cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles and the point where they exit from the product.
When disconnecting the AC Power Cord, hold it by the plug and pull straight out from the
electrical outlet. Never pull by the cord and do not pull at an angle.
Do not connect the AC Power Cord to a voltage transformer or inverter. Connecting the AC
Power Cord to a voltage transformer for overseas travel or an inverter for use in an automobile
may cause heat to build up in the AC Adaptor and may cause burns or a malfunction.
WEEE Directive
This symbol on the product or its packaging indicates that this product shall not be
treated as household waste. In line with EU Directive 2002/96/EC for waste of electrical
and electronic equipment (WEEE), this product must not be disposed of as unsorted
municipal waste. Please dispose of this product by returning it to the point of sale or to
your local municipal collection point for recycling.