Universal Powerbox by MusicRabbit for working with control units on the table. The project author is a Russian enthusiast MusicRabbit, assembly Wolfman84. Developed and produced in Russia.
An universal adapter for connecting control units on the table to various flashers or diagnostic equipment. It is an improved and modified version of the Chipsoft Breakout Box V2.
Currently, version V3 is available for sale. Version 2 is outdated and no longer supplied. The differences between V3 and V2 are listed at the bottom. The entire functionality of V2 is preserved.
Main advantages of the universal Powerbox:
- Separate power control for each connector with individual light indication
- Possibility of automatic power control (L-line). In this case, power is supplied to all connectors at once
- Automatic power control in Combiloader is organised from its own host and is also output to the Ktag connector
- Presence of 4 boot pins with 1k to ground (gnd) and 2 boot pins with 1k to 3.3V, with the possibility of both manual and automatic activation (12 pin OBD)
- Possibility of manual control of prg.en output at the ML connector and Vpp output at the Ktag connector. With the button released, it is connected to GND, and with the button pressed, it is connected through 1k to +12V. For old units like "Yanvar 7.2"
- DIP switch for setting additional resistance on the CAN bus (120 Ohms or 60 Ohms)
- Full compatibility with PowerBox for PCM Flash. The DB-15 Ktag connector also has additional GPT outputs for use with the 71st module
- Full compatibility with Chipsoft breakout box. The DB9 connector and the "comb" are similar
- Power supply for the "comb" and DB-9 connector is combined
The PowerBox adapter has the following connection connectors:
- OBD2 connector for connecting J2534 and other adapters
- COMBILOADER for adapter connection
- KTAG, connector for DB15 cable, used for working with PCMflash
- ML for Motor-Loader (Tula) adapters
- CL for Chipsoft OBD2
- "Comb" with universal outputs
The functionality of each button is labeled on the silk screen of the board:
- ODB Power, when pressed, provides +12V to pin 16 of the OBD connector. It is needed for working with Combiloader and Dialink. According to the Combiloader documentation, in some cases, power needs to be turned off when using GPT
- GPT Select, when pressed, GPT1 output is connected to pin 15, and GPT2 is connected to pin 7 of the OBD connector. When lifted, GPT1 is connected to pin 1, and GPT2 is connected to pin 2 of the OBD connector. It is used to select the source of GPT signal generation. When pressed, it is used for Combiloader and Dialink, and when released, it is used for Scanmatik 2 and PCMFlash or using the GPT2 contact for j1850 (+)
- VPP Power when pressed connects the VPP pin of the KTAG connector and the Pr.En (pin2) of the ML connector to the negative power (GND). When released, it is connected to pin 11 of the Combiloader connector (programming enable).
- Ktag Power, ML Power, CL Power when pressed activates the corresponding connector. When released, automatic power control is used (if enabled by DIP switch selection).
- An unlabeled switch in the center of the board is the Boot pin. It is used for forced activation of Boot pins. When released, automatic control is used (+5V on the 12-pin OBD) (if enabled by DIP switch selection).
In the center of the board, there are 6 DIP switches for configuring the box for different flashers or situations:
1. 120 Om For CAN - Used to connect a 120-ohm terminating resistor to the CAN bus.
2. M86\M74 Cable Q1 ML - Controls pin 3 of the ML connector. It is used to activate the internal transistor in the Molex 48-32 Pin cable or switch the relay in the Molex 55-65 pin cable from the Tula MotorLoader when using cables with other programs.
3. AutoPower Enable - Enables automatic power control of the connectors, specifically, it controls pin 15 of the OBD connector and disconnects it from the Auto Power transistor. When using GPT from Dialink in combination with Combiloader, this switch should be turned OFF. Note that this switch does NOT disconnect the automatic power from Combiloader. Pin 5 of the Combiloader connector (ignition) is always connected to power lines, regardless of the position of this switch.
4. AutoBoot Enable - Enables automatic control of the boot pins through the 12-pin OBD connector.
5. Combi to Kline - Connects the Kline bus of the Combiloader connector to the common Kline bus.
6. ODB to Kline - Connects the Kline bus of the OBD connector (pin 7) to the common Kline bus. When using GPT from Dialink in combination with Combiloader, one of the source selection switches should be turned OFF as the GPT contact of Combiloader will be connected to the Kline, which may affect the GPT signal generation.
This adapter can also be used for signal switching during diagnostics and repairs on the table, for engine control units, SRS, ABS, and others. It is also convenient for working with instrument panels where power supply and various signals are required.
Pinout of the connectors on the board:
KTAG:
- 1 - RESET
- 2 - VPP
- 3 - GPT2 (J1850+)
- 4 - CNF1
- 5 - +12
- 6 - --
- 7 - CAN-H
- 8 - J1850 -
- 9 - Power
- 10 - BOOT
- 11 - GND
- 12 - GPT1
- 13 - --
- 14 - K-LINE
- 15 - CAN-L
ML:
- 1 - +12V
- 2 - Prg.En.
- 3 - Q1
- 4 - GND
- 5 - GND
- 6 - CAN1 H
- 7 - CAN1 L
- 8 - --
- 9 - --
- 10 - Power
- 11 - K-Line
- 12 - --
- 13 - K-Line
- 14 - OBD-1 (GPT1)
- 15 - OBD-2 (GPT2)
CL:
- 1 - GND
- 2 - GND
- 3 - CAN H
- 4 - K-Line
- 5 - CAN L
- 6 - J1850 -
- 7 - J1850 +
- 8 - L-Line
To get started, we recommend purchasing the DB15 cable, which is not included in the package and is necessary for connecting to control units on the table.
- 9 - Power
COMBILOADER:
- 1 - K-line
- 5 - Power
- 11 - VPP
- 18 - +12V
- 21 - GND
- 22 - GND
Version 3 V3 is the next revision of the universal PowerBox by MusicRabbit.
Differences between V3 and V2:
- GPT contacts are brought out to the PowerBox
- +12V separation is implemented
- Boot pin with 4.7kOhm to ground is added
- Added contact carriage for Combiloader
To get started, we recommend purchasing the DB15 cable, which is not included in the package and is necessary for connecting to control units on the table.
For convenient connection, you can add Dupont cable to your order.
Important:
This function is available only on certain BMW engines and is NOT applicable to other vehicle brands.
The information below applies only to stock engines with factory ECU software and a standard exhaust system.
What This Parameter Actually Represents
This is NOT a direct measurement of fuel octane and is NOT a direct octane reading calculated by the ECU.
The value is an adaptation factor ranging from 0 to 1, where:
- 0 = no correction
- 1 = maximum correction
According to BMW’s internal definition:
Faktor adaptierte Kraftstoffqualität (0 = ROZ98 / 1.0 = ROZ91)
- 0 corresponds to 98 ROZ
- 1.0 corresponds to 91 ROZ
ROZ is the German equivalent of RON (Research Octane Number).
The device converts this multiplier into a more intuitive octane value for user convenience.
⚠️ The device does not measure anything itself.
It only displays the data provided by the engine control unit (ECU).
How the ECU Evaluates Fuel Quality
Each ECU has different calibration sensitivity:
- Sensitivity to the adaptation factor
- Sensitivity of the knock control system
Fuel quality is evaluated subjectively by the ECU, primarily based on:
- Knock ignition timing corrections
- Overall engine noise levels
BMW G-Series & LCI F-Series (B-Engines)
B38 / N63 / S63 / N74
These engines are highly sensitive to octane adaptation.
- During warm-up and cruising, the displayed octane may frequently drop to 95 or lower.
- This does NOT automatically indicate poor fuel quality.
- Under load, the value should increase.
⚠️ If the value continues to decrease under load, this may indicate a problem.
B46 / B48 / B58
These engines have low sensitivity.
- During cruising, octane will typically display maximum values even with mediocre fuel.
- Under load, the value will decrease if fuel quality is truly poor.
S58
Octane correction is virtually inactive.
- It will typically always show 98.
- If it drops below 98, fuel quality is genuinely very poor.
BMW F-Series (Pre-LCI) with N/S Engines
Most pre-LCI F-series ECUs do not calculate octane adaptation.
Do not expect this parameter to function.
S55
- Octane parameter not used by the system
- Display not supported
- However, display of the last 5 refueling quality events is supported
S63
- Octane parameter not used
- Display not supported
- Refueling quality display not supported
BMW E-Series
Octane parameter not available. Display not supported.
Important Notes About Tuned Vehicles
With modified hardware or custom tuning, behavior may vary significantly. Always consult your tuner regarding expected operation.
Key principles:
- If octane drops under load, it means fuel quality is worse than expected under those conditions.
- This does NOT automatically mean the fuel itself is bad.
Examples:
- If a tuner increases ignition timing and boost pressure, even good fuel may cause knock corrections, and the ECU may interpret it as poor fuel.
- Thin-walled or poorly mounted exhaust systems may create parasitic noise, which the ECU may interpret as engine knock, causing negative correction.
- Conversely, if knock sensitivity is reduced or octane correction is disabled in tuning, readings may appear ideal while actual engine safety is compromised.
