Issue 0.

3 August 2004

TransFlash
User Guide
Operating instructions for the TransFlash ECU Flash
Programmer Tool

Contents Page

1. Introduction................................................................................................................. 2
2. Care & Safety ............................................................................................................. 2
3. Installing TransFlash .................................................................................................. 3
4. Uninstalling TransFlash .............................................................................................. 3
5. Starting TransFlash .................................................................................................... 4
6. PSECU Mk5: Overview............................................................................................... 5
7. TransFlash: Overview................................................................................................. 6
8. Menu Bar ....................................................................................................................8
9. Software File Pane .....................................................................................................9
10. ECU Pane................................................................................................................. 10
11. Control Pane............................................................................................................. 11
12. Software Upload Process ......................................................................................... 12
13. General Information.................................................................................................. 17

TransFlash: User Guide Page 1 of 17

Issue 0.3 August 2004

1. Introduction
TransFlash is a PC based Service Tool designed to allow a Service Engineer to re-program a PSECU Mk5
unit using a laptop. TransFlash employs the graphical strengths of the Microsoft Windows operating
environment to simplify this process.

TransFlash is designed to work exclusively with the Mark 5 version of the JCB Powershift Electronic Control
Unit (PSECU Mk5) used on the PS750 series transmissions. However, TransFlash does provide limited
support for the PSECU Mk4 but at the time of writing it is planned for the Mk4 unit to be superseded by the
Mk5 unit. TransFlash is not compatible with earlier versions of ECU (e.g. PSECU Mk1 to Mk3) as these
units can not be re-programmed.

This software is intended for use on IBM Compatible Personal Computers (PCs) running Windows 95™,
Windows 98™, Windows ME™, Windows 2000™ or Windows XP™ operating systems but is not
compatible with either earlier versions of Windows 3.x™.

TransFlash works with the standard JCB communications lead, part number 892/01066.

• The previous lead, part number 892/00952, can still be used but has been superseded by the new part
and so is no longer available to purchase.

All distributed software can be found on the JCB Technical Information Parts and Service CD-ROM, from
Issue ? (? 2003) onwards.

2. Care & Safety

WARNING
As well as following the guidelines in this
document it is essential that you also
refer to any relevant Handbooks and
Service Manuals for guidance on
fundamental safety instructions.
Failure to follow correct procedure could
result in death or injury.

WARNING
Please also read and follow any on-screen
instructions issued by TransFlash.
Failure to follow correct procedure could
result in death or injury.

TransFlash: User Guide Page 2 of 17

Issue 0.3 August 2004

3. Installing TransFlash
TransFlash is distributed as a single file, termed an 'installer'. Once run, this installer automatically handles
the installation of the tool and any associated files.

Step 1: Locate the latest Installer, which is generally distributed as an .exe file;
filename: TransFlashvX.X.X.X.exe (where X.X.X.X is the latest revision reference.)

Step 2: Run the installer file by double-clicking on the appropriate file (as above).

Step 3: Follow the instructions issued by the installer and, wherever possible, choose the default options.

• If you have successfully installed TransFlash but are experiencing difficulties with getting your PC to
communicate with an ECU then there is a Troubleshooting Guide built into the TransFlash Help menu.

4. Uninstalling TransFlash
Although there are no icons/shortcuts provided which can be used to directly uninstall TransFlash, the
following details how to remove the software using standard Windows™ techniques.

Step 1: Open the Windows™ Control Panel.

Step 2: Open the Add/Remove Programs application.

Step 3: Scroll down the list to locate the TransFlash entry.

Step 4: Click on the ‘Add/Remove…’ button to uninstall the software.

Step 5: Again, follow the instructions issued and, where ever possible, choose the default options.

TransFlash: User Guide Page 3 of 17

Issue 0.3 August 2004

5. Starting TransFlash
Step 1: Connect Communications Lead (892/01066) between the machine Diagnostics Connector and a
free COM port on your laptop computer.

• To ensure the best connection, remember to tighten any thumb-screws appropriately.

• Refer to the machine’s Operator Handbook and/or Service Manual for Diagnostics Connector location.

Step 3: Turn ON the machine ignition but do not start the engine.

• The ECU must be powered for communications to work, i.e. the machine ignition must be ON (but the
engine need not be running).

Step 3: Using the Windows™ Start Menu, locate and click on the TransFlash icon.
(Start > Programs > TransFlash)

Step 4: The TransFlash warning dialog will then open. Please read this
carefully and take any necessary precautions it recommends and infers.

Click either to continue

or to abort running the software.

Step 5: TransFlash will then open.

• Until an ECU is detected all fields will

display "<unknown>".

TransFlash: User Guide Page 4 of 17

Issue 0.3 August 2004

6. PSECU Mk5: Overview

To understand why TransFlash is needed it is worth taking a few moments to understand the construction
of a PSECU Mk5.

The PSECU Mk5 hardware is designed with what is called FLASH memory. This means that all the software
inside the ECU can be totally erased and re-written with new software.

There are in fact two pieces of software which determine how an ECU operates in a particular machine;

a). ECU Application Software (EAS file), which is the main core of software containing all the possible
functions and features for ALL applications.

b). ECU Setup File (ESF), which tells the Application Software which of it’s functions and features to use
(and how to use them) for a particular machine application.

• ECU Setup File updates are handled via the Diagnostics tool, TransLink.

TransFlash offers the user the ability to;

• Check what ECU Application Software (EAS) is installed in a unit.
• Open a ECU Application Software (EAS) file and check its revision issue and release date.
• Upload the opened ECU Application Software (EAS) file into the connected ECU.

• The term for placing software into an ECU is called an Upload. Receiving data from an ECU is termed a
Download.

• The act of uploading erases the existing ECU Application Software (EAS) and writes the new ECU
Application Software (EAS).

• Uploading ECU Application Software (EAS) does not harm the existing ECU Setup File (ESF). Both
types of software files can be updated independently.

TransFlash: User Guide Page 5 of 17

Issue 0.3 August 2004

7. TransFlash: Overview
There are several key elements to TransFlash. These can be seen labelled below. Each element is
explained in detail in later sections.

Title Bar
Menu Bar

Software File
Pane

Control
Pane ECU Pane

Status Bar

TransFlash: User Guide Page 6 of 17

Issue 0.3 August 2004

Navigating within TransFlash

Navigation is designed to be via a mouse. On Laptop PCs this may take the form of a small joystick or touch
sensitive pad and some buttons, usually located near to the keyboard.

As with most Windows™ based programs, it is possible to navigate purely by using the keyboard by pressing
certain combinations of keys (should a mouse fail not be available).

• This can be particularly useful for certain Laptop PCs where the mouse/joystick can be over-sensitive.
Try out the following, it may come in useful one day!

There a two main methods of navigation described below;

• Pressing the ALT key will cause the File option on the Menu Bar to be highlighted. You can then use the
arrow keys (↑, ↓, ← & →) to navigate the menus.

• Notice that all the menu items on the Menu Bar have a letter that is underlined (e.g. the ‘F’ in File).
Holding down the ALT key and pressing the required letter key will activate that option (i.e. either open
another menu or execute a function). For example, if you wish to open the About dialog, this can be
done by pressing ALT + H (to open the Help menu) then ALT + A (to execute the About… option).

TransFlash: User Guide Page 7 of 17

Issue 0.3 August 2004

8. Menu Bar

File Menu
Contains options to;

• Open a ECU Application Software (EAS) file.

• Exit to close down the program.

Options Menu
Contains options to;

• Control connection to an ECU. This first menu item changes depending

upon the current connection status.
• Select Language, used to change the programs language.

• The default language is English. At the time of writing this document alternative language support is not
available. Please check future releases of TransFlash for further language support.

Help Menu
Contains links to the;

• User Guide, this document.

• Troubleshooting Guide, a document to help diagnose
communications errors.
• About… dialog, displays the current TransLink version and
part number.

• All the Guides are provided in Adobe Acrobat

PDF format. In order to read these guides the
user must first have the Adobe Acrobat Reader
installed on the PC. This software is supplied
on the JCB CD-ROM where full installation
instructions are provided.

• These Guides are provided initially in English only. Please check future versions for further language
support.

TransFlash: User Guide Page 8 of 17

Issue 0.3 August 2004

9. Software File Pane

This area of the window contains the details of the currently opened ECU Application Software (EAS) file.

These details are arranged into groups. When TransFlash first starts the groups are 'collapsed'. Click on the
symbol to 'expand' the groups to view all the contained details.

The primary use for these details is to check the part number of the software. Every piece of software (be it
new or an update) is given a unique part number, as by their very nature they are different

On occasion JCB may refer to a version number. This is the manufacturers reference and can be useful to
note.

• Where possible, files are named in such a way as to offer some guidance as to their contents and use.
The standard file naming convention is;

Part_Number - Application - Function - ECU - Version . eas

e.g. 728_90125-PS750-45SPD-Mk5-v30v.eas

For the PS750 series transmission

For 4 & 5 speed control

For the PSECU Mk5

Version 3.00v

All ECU Application Software files have a .eas extension and are often refered to as EAS files.

Even if files are accidentally re-named the file itself still contains details of its' part number and version. This
means that, if it helps, files can be rename files to fit in-line with different OEM strategies. However, we feel
the above file naming policy works well and do not recommend changing file names.

TransFlash: User Guide Page 9 of 17

Issue 0.3 August 2004

10. ECU Pane

This area of the window contains the details of the ECU Application Software (EAS) contained within the
connected ECU.

Again these details are arranged into groups which are initially 'collapsed'. Click on the symbol to 'expand'
the groups. These groups are as follows;

Hardware platform: This contains details of the actual electronics. The 'Boot Loader' is a fixed piece of
software which handles the transfer of the EAS file into the ECU memory. By displaying this information, any
future updates can be identified.

Application Software: These are the details of the EAS file stored in the ECU. Use these to check the
actual ECU software, which can be compared to any details in the Software File Pane.

Setup Data: As mentioned earlier, the ECU also contains an ECU Setup File (ESF) which configures the
operation to a specific application (e.g. a specific OEM machine). This file also contains its' part number
which is available for checking here.

Upload Interlock State: This will show if the ECU conditions have met the criteria to allow ("<Active>")
or prevent ("<Inactive>") an EAS upload.

• Further details on the ECU Setup File (ESF) can be found in the TransLink v2 User Guide.

TransFlash: User Guide Page 10 of 17

Issue 0.3 August 2004

11. Control Pane

This area of the window contains buttons to carry out actions and text boxes to display messages.

Opens the file Displays messages relating

browser. to EAS file selection.

Starts a software upload Displays messages relating

when interlocks are met. to the Upload Interlock.

Cancels an upload Displays messages

when in progress relating to file uploading.

Indicates the progress

of a software upload.

The 'Open' button is disabled (greyed-out) while an upload is in progress.

The 'Start' button is disabled (greyed-out) while (a) no file is selected (b) the ECU Upload Interlock is
'inactive' and (c) an upload is in progress.

The 'Cancel' button is disabled (greyed-out) until an upload is started.

• All the actions which the buttons perform are also available via the menu bar commands.

TransFlash: User Guide Page 11 of 17

Issue 0.3 August 2004

12. Software Upload Process

This section documents how to upload an ECU Application Software (EAS) file into a PSECU Mk5 unit.

Step 1: Verify that the machine ignition is ON and that

the Communications Lead is properly connected (and
is not damaged).

If there is no ECU connected (or a problem with the

connection) then the ECU pane will display
"<Unknown>" in all the available fields.

As an ECU connects the ECU Pane displays

"<Reading...>" and the Status Bar shows;

When TransFlash starts the top text box of the Control Pane
displays "No File Selected...".

Step 2: Open the required ECU Application Software (EAS) file by using the Open
command in the File Menu.

Alternatively, click on the button in the Control Pane.

TransFlash: User Guide Page 12 of 17

Issue 0.3 August 2004

Step 3: Select the desired ECU

Application Software (EAS) file.
Notice how this dialog allows you
to filter out and display only .eas
files.

Click either to
select,

or to abort file
selection.

• The location of these files may vary depending on how the software was copied onto the PC. For
example, if the file(s) were simply copied from an email then it may have been stored in a temporary
folder.

• If ECU Application Software (EAS) file(s) are issued into the field on a TI or FSI bulletin then the
relevant documentation will explain where to find this software and where to install or save it to on your
PC.

Step 3: The details of the opened file are

displayed in the Software File Pane. These
details can be checked against those of the
connected ECU.

The file name is also displayed in the top text

box of the Control Pane.

Step 4: Activate the 'Upload Interlock' by engaging the following machine conditions.
• Place the direction selection lever (FNR) in the Neutral position.
• Engage the park brake (handbrake).
• The machine must be stationary (the above actions should ensure this).

TransFlash: User Guide Page 13 of 17

Issue 0.3 August 2004

Step 5: When the 'Upload Interlocks' are met;

(a). the 'ECU Interlock State' in the ECU Pane displays
"<Active>".
(b). the middle text box on the Control Pane displays
"Interlocks active!".
(c). The 'Start' button is enabled.

Step 6: Click on the button to commence the upload process.

Step 7: The warning message is then re-displayed. Please read this

carefully before;

Clicking either to continue the upload

or to abort the upload..

Step 8: A further message is then

displayed asking you to confirm the file
you wish to upload.

Click either to confirm and continue

or to abort the upload.

TransFlash: User Guide Page 14 of 17

Issue 0.3 August 2004

Step 9: At the start of the upload process TransFlash

searches for a connected ECU and displays "Searching for
ECU..." in the bottom text box of the Control Pane. (This is
usually only shown for a very short amount of time so you need
only be concerned if it remains displayed.)

Once the ECU is detected it is reset, which commences the

upload process. Here the Status Bar shows;

Next, the EAS file is sent to the ECU and the progress indicator
in the Control Pane monitors this transfer.

• A typical upload takes between 30 seconds and one minute. It is not recommended to use the 'Cancel'
button to stop an upload. If an incorrect file is being uploaded then it is better to let the upload finish and
do a separate upload later.

Should the file transfer fail then the bottom text box of the
Control Pane will display "Error writing". If this happens, say
due to a break in the communications link, it is likely that
TransFlash will freeze.

TransFlash: User Guide Page 15 of 17

Issue 0.3 August 2004

To stop the upload process, a button is

provided.

It is highly unlikely that an upload will fail once started but this
does offer a means of unfreezing the program in the event of
such an error.

Once the 'Cancel' button has been used, the bottom text box of
the Control Pane displays "Cancelled writing" and the 'Open' &
'Start' buttons are re-enabled.

• If there is an error during the upload process then the following error message will be displayed.

Step 9: Upon a successful upload the bottom text box of the

Control Pane displays "All Done. OK!" and the 'Open' & 'Start'
buttons are re-enabled.

An ECU should never be left with partly uploaded software, e.g. after a failed or
cancelled upload. Always ensure that a successful software upload is carried out
before leaving a machine.

TransFlash: User Guide Page 16 of 17

Issue 0.3 August 2004

13. General Information

For machine specific information please refer to the machine Handbook and Service Manual.

For all enquiries about TransFlash please follow your normal channels of enquiry. This ensures that useful
information can filter through to OEM & JCB Service personnel at all levels.

TransFlash: User Guide Page 17 of 17