Tuning Devices

Every modern vehicle contains an on-board diagnostic network that connects various electronic modules (ECU, TCU, and more). Our tuning devices enable a host device, such as a computer or smartphone, to access this network and communicate with those modules using projectLAMBDA Tuner software.

Wireless Connectivity

All of our tuning devices use Bluetooth wireless technology to reliably connect to your computer. This has the following advantages over a wired device:

  • No cable to clutter up the car, get tangled or caught on something
  • No accidental disconnection or loose connection to laptop
  • Walk around the car with your laptop without disconnecting
  • Easy to use with smartphones... once we have an app for that

Installation

Installation is simple and can be done within 5 minutes.

  1. Power on the tuning device by plugging into OBD port.
  2. Bluetooth pair your laptop/smartphone to the device. That's it! Keep reading for more detailed information.

Power Source

The tuning device is powered by the vehicle's OBD port. You'll need to plug it in to turn it on. Normally the OBD port is always powered, but some older cars only power the port when ignition is switched on.

Bluetooth Pairing

You only need to pair to the tuning device the first time you use it. When the tuning device powers up, it will become pairable for 60 seconds. Open up your laptop or smartphone's Bluetooth pairing menu and pair to the device. It may take up to a minute for the device to be detected. No pairing code is necessary.

Windows Serial Port

If you are using Windows OS and SSM software other than projectLAMBDA Tuner, you will need to know the serial port number of the tuning device. Two serial ports will be created during the Bluetooth pairing process. The correct port to use is the ‘Outgoing’ port as shown in the Windows Bluetooth Settings dialog. Make a note of the COM number of the ‘Outgoing’ port and select this when configuring the SSM software you are using.

Tips

The 'Incoming' port is not used and can be removed in the Windows Bluetooth Settings dialog or disabled in Device Manager.

Troubleshooting

Can't detect device in the Bluetooth pairing menu

  • If you are using Windows 11, set 'Bluetooth devices discovery' to 'Advanced' before selecting 'Add Device'
  • Make sure the device is actually getting power. You should see a blue light when it's powered.
  • The device remains pairable for 60 seconds after powering on. If you haven't paired successfully within that time, you will need to power-cycle it by unplugging and plugging back in to the OBD port.

Tuning software can't detect device even though pairing was successful

  • Make sure the software is up to date. Older versions may not be able to detect devices with newer firmware.
  • Sometimes the software will incorrectly think that there is no device paired. Try closing and reopening the software a few times.
  • If you are still having trouble and using a Windows OS, a non-Microsoft Bluetooth driver may be the problem. To switch to the Microsoft Bluetooth driver:
    1. Open Windows' Device Manager and expand the Bluetooth section.
    2. Right-click the Bluetooth adapter and select 'Update Driver Software'.
    3. Click 'Browse My Computer for Driver Software' then 'Let Me Pick from a List of Device Drivers on My Computer'.
    4. Select 'Generic Bluetooth Adapter' then follow the prompts to complete installation.
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