Universal Powerbox by Serdgp for working with control units on the table. The project author is a Russian enthusiast Serdgp. Developed and produced in Russia.
Universal adapter for connecting control units on the table to various flashers or diagnostic equipment. It is an improved and modified version of Chipsoft Breakout Box V2.
This adapter is designed for voltage switching and various signal connections when working with units such as ECU, ODO, SRS, ABS, etc. Any flashers can be used during operation; (PCM Flash, ECUF Flasher, MMC Flasher, ChipLoader(NG), Combiloader, M&D Flasher, and others, working through adapters OP2, Scanmatik 2 (2 Pro), Dialink, Chipsoft (all models), Mongoose, K-L Line, and others, declared in the programs.
To avoid damaging the adapters, units, and incorrect program operation, it is not allowed to connect multiple adapters to the connectors simultaneously, except when working with Combiloader!
Main advantages of the universal Powerbox by Serdgp:
- Separate power control for each connector with separate indicator lights
- Possibility of automatic power control (L-line). In this case, power is supplied to all connectors at once
- In Combiloader, automatic power control 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)
- DIP switch for setting additional resistance on the can bus (120 Ohm or 60 Ohm)
- Full compatibility with PowerBox for PCM Flash. The DB-15 Ktag connector also has additional GPT outputs for use with the 71 module
- Full compatibility with Chipsoft breakout box. The DB9 connector and the "comb" are the same
- Combination of power supply for the "comb" and DB-9 connector
- Connection to Scanmatik without OBD2 cable
The PowerBox adapter has the following connection connectors:
- OBD2 connector for connecting J2534 and other adapters
- COMBILOADER for connecting the adapter
- KTAG, DB15 connector, used for connecting control units
- SCANMATIK for connecting Scanmatik 2 or Scanmatik 2 PRO
The functionality of each button is labeled on the board:
- ODB Power, when pressed, supplies +12V to pin 16 of the OBD connector. Used for working with Combiloader and Dialink. When using GPT, according to the Combiloader manual, power needs to be turned off in some cases
- When GPT Select is pressed, GPT1 output is connected to pin 15, and GPT2 is connected to pin 7 of the OBD connector. When GPT Select is released, 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 the 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 (+).
- When DB15 POWER is pressed, the corresponding connector is activated. When released, automatic power supply is used (if enabled by the DIP switch).
- BOOT - Boot pin mode (ground and +3.3V are applied to the corresponding pins through 1 kOhm resistors of the DB-15 connector) for automatic and manual activation.
There are 6 DIP switches located in the center of the board for configuring the box for different loaders or situations:
- 1. 120 Ohm CAN - switching the Can bus with a 120 Ohm resistor
- 2. Auto Power - enabling/disabling power control
- 3. Auto Boot - enabling/disabling Boot pin control
- 4. Combi K-Line - enabling/disabling K-Line from the Combiloader connector on DB-15
- 5. OBD K-Line - enabling/disabling K-Line from OBD+Scanmatik on DB-15
- 6. 120 Ohm CAN - switching the Can bus with a 120 Ohm resistor (to obtain 60 Ohms)
This adapter can also be used for signal switching during diagnostics and repair on the bench; for engine control units, SRS, ABS, and others. It is also convenient for working with instrument clusters that require power supply and various signals.
DB15 pinout on the board:
- BOOT1-(RESET) - negative output through a 1 kOhm resistor
- VPP/BOOT(+17V) - for Combiloader, enables programming for Mitsubishi via OBD2, boot pin output +17V
- GPT2/J1850+ - in BSL, BSM mode it is GPT2, direct connection when working with Scanmatik 2Pro, Ford PWM blocks J1850+ bus
- BOOT+(CNF1) - +3.3V output through a 1 kOhm resistor
- +12V - constant voltage +12V
- AUX18V - when working with Scanmatik 2Pro, direct connection, FEPS +18V for Ford PWM blocks, also boot pin +17V when working with Mitsubishi
- CAN-HI - CAN-H bus output
- J1850- - when working with Scanmatik 2Pro, direct connection, Ford PWM blocks J1850 bus
- KEY+12 - controlled voltage +12V, controlled by L-Line
- BOOT2- - negative output through a 1 kOhm resistor
- GND - ground output
- GPT1 - in BSL, BSM mode it is GPT1
- Empty
- K-LINE - K-Line bus output
- CAN-L - CAN-LOW bus output
To start working, we recommend purchasing a DB15 cable, which is not included in the kit and is necessary for connecting to control units on the bench.
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.
