What is TOAF?

[rich17865]

Originally Posted by Sector-9

I nearly turned the air blue when I killed the front sidelights! I just wanted to see what TOAF could do (there's loads of functions on it I don't understand yet), but for the sake of a quick download and a five quid lead I'm impressed. I'm even prepared to do free code read/clears for local club members, though for proper diags or anything where I could screw up their car (i.e. config changes and remaps) I'd refer them to a T4 operator.

I managed to lose front side lights too, and restoring from the backup didn't work

Had to use T4 to restore proper operation again.

Toaf seems good for code reading, but a little glitchy nonetheless. Overall very impressed.

[longer86]

Originally Posted by DragonFly

I must admit, I do like the idea of 30% main beam as DRL. Unfortunately, as I've fitted HID's, that probably wouldn't work on my car. I wonder if I could have 30% front fog lights instead

Do you have hids in main beam?

[marinabrian]

Originally Posted by Sector-9

backups are strongly recommended before changing anything, but this would apply to T4 and any other system which allows config changes to be made so is not unique to TOAF.

That isn't strictly true

You cannot make a backup of the EWS3 using TOAF, or indeed T4, and that along with the IPK is where the cars central coding key lies.

The difference being with T4, it is not possible to make changes to the ZCS coding without these changes strictly adhering to the set of internal "rules" of RDS, (Rover Discus System) the actual heart of the T4 diagnostic software.

That is where TOAF can trip up the unwary, there is no safeguards to stop you making adhoc changes to the ZCS coding.

It can be said of systems such as INPA and EDIABAS, which are BMW based diagnostic programs, along with NCS Expert, can cause lots of issues too, quite simply because there is no buffer so to speak of that prevent catastrophic changes being made.

My first experience of TOAF was interesting to me at least, as I have a fairly robust understanding of what does what and why on our cars, so confident in the knowledge that if I cocked up the car I could restore it to a previous state with minimal hassle, I tried out every function with complete abandon.

To be on the safe side however, once you have enabled or disabled your functions to your preference, at least for the time being, regarding TOAF more as an aid to fault finding than anything else.

I have owned a TestBook 1 for nearly fifteen years, a T4 for ten, and a 75 or ZT for six, and I bought my first 75 as I was curious as to what could be achieved electronically that was different to the earlier cars I own.

Let's just say, learn to walk before your run, I have made most of my mistakes in terms of the electronics inside Rover cars already, and have learned from these accordingly.

So if in any doubt whatsoever about anything you are not sure about when coding a car, please ask first, I'm sure I won't be alone in thinking our Polish friends will be happy to explain it in more detail.

It's not a peeing contest, and there can be a place for both systems in the upkeep of our cars


Brian

[grivas]

Originally Posted by marinabrian

That isn't strictly true

You cannot make a backup of the EWS3 using TOAF, or indeed T4, and that along with the IPK is where the cars central coding key lies.

The difference being with T4, it is not possible to make changes to the ZCS coding without these changes strictly adhering to the set of internal "rules" of RDS, (Rover Discus System) the actual heart of the T4 diagnostic software.

That is where TOAF can trip up the unwary, there is no safeguards to stop you making adhoc changes to the ZCS coding.

It can be said of systems such as INPA and EDIABAS, which are BMW based diagnostic programs, along with NCS Expert, can cause lots of issues too, quite simply because there is no buffer so to speak of that prevent catastrophic changes being made.

My first experience of TOAF was interesting to me at least, as I have a fairly robust understanding of what does what and why on our cars, so confident in the knowledge that if I cocked up the car I could restore it to a previous state with minimal hassle, I tried out every function with complete abandon.

To be on the safe side however, once you have enabled or disabled your functions to your preference, at least for the time being, regarding TOAF more as an aid to fault finding than anything else.

I have owned a TestBook 1 for nearly fifteen years, a T4 for ten, and a 75 or ZT for six, and I bought my first 75 as I was curious as to what could be achieved electronically that was different to the earlier cars I own.

Let's just say, learn to walk before your run, I have made most of my mistakes in terms of the electronics inside Rover cars already, and have learned from these accordingly.

So if in any doubt whatsoever about anything you are not sure about when coding a car, please ask first, I'm sure I won't be alone in thinking our Polish friends will be happy to explain it in more detail.

It's not a peeing contest, and there can be a place for both systems in the upkeep of our cars


Brian

I am very glad of posts such as these, the comments are reassuring indeed, and I personally will be cautious if I ever decide to have a look at TOAF, Thank you Brian

[Scaramanga]

TOAF is a strange term.

I wonder if it means anything? Perhaps one of the Polish members can enlighten us?

I am enjoying this thread BTW - a sensible discussion with input from those with electronic knowhow and T4 experience.

Im looking forward to the day, many years from now I'm sure, where software such as this (thoroughly tested and dummed down for the likes of me) is available as an app on play store. The way technology progresses I dont think this is too unlikely.

[Jakg]

Originally Posted by Scaramanga

TOAF is a strange term.

I wonder if it means anything? Perhaps one of the Polish members can enlighten us?

http://forums.mg-rover.org/mg-zt-rov...7/#post8257178

[old-oily]

Originally Posted by marinabrian

That isn't strictly true

You cannot make a backup of the EWS3 using TOAF, or indeed T4, and that along with the IPK is where the cars central coding key lies.

The difference being with T4, it is not possible to make changes to the ZCS coding without these changes strictly adhering to the set of internal "rules" of RDS, (Rover Discus System) the actual heart of the T4 diagnostic software.

That is where TOAF can trip up the unwary, there is no safeguards to stop you making adhoc changes to the ZCS coding.

It can be said of systems such as INPA and EDIABAS, which are BMW based diagnostic programs, along with NCS Expert, can cause lots of issues too, quite simply because there is no buffer so to speak of that prevent catastrophic changes being made.

My first experience of TOAF was interesting to me at least, as I have a fairly robust understanding of what does what and why on our cars, so confident in the knowledge that if I cocked up the car I could restore it to a previous state with minimal hassle, I tried out every function with complete abandon.

To be on the safe side however, once you have enabled or disabled your functions to your preference, at least for the time being, regarding TOAF more as an aid to fault finding than anything else.

I have owned a TestBook 1 for nearly fifteen years, a T4 for ten, and a 75 or ZT for six, and I bought my first 75 as I was curious as to what could be achieved electronically that was different to the earlier cars I own.

Let's just say, learn to walk before your run, I have made most of my mistakes in terms of the electronics inside Rover cars already, and have learned from these accordingly.

So if in any doubt whatsoever about anything you are not sure about when coding a car, please ask first, I'm sure I won't be alone in thinking our Polish friends will be happy to explain it in more detail.

It's not a peeing contest, and there can be a place for both systems in the upkeep of our cars


Brian

A beautifully scripted post Brian which confirms my deep seated belief that your a gentleman & scholar and I tip my hat in your general direction.

Thank You

[longer86]

Originally Posted by marinabrian

That isn't strictly true

You cannot make a backup of the EWS3 using TOAF, or indeed T4, and that along with the IPK is where the cars central coding key lies.

The difference being with T4, it is not possible to make changes to the ZCS coding without these changes strictly adhering to the set of internal "rules" of RDS, (Rover Discus System) the actual heart of the T4 diagnostic software.

That is where TOAF can trip up the unwary, there is no safeguards to stop you making adhoc changes to the ZCS coding.

It can be said of systems such as INPA and EDIABAS, which are BMW based diagnostic programs, along with NCS Expert, can cause lots of issues too, quite simply because there is no buffer so to speak of that prevent catastrophic changes being made.

My first experience of TOAF was interesting to me at least, as I have a fairly robust understanding of what does what and why on our cars, so confident in the knowledge that if I cocked up the car I could restore it to a previous state with minimal hassle, I tried out every function with complete abandon.

To be on the safe side however, once you have enabled or disabled your functions to your preference, at least for the time being, regarding TOAF more as an aid to fault finding than anything else.

I have owned a TestBook 1 for nearly fifteen years, a T4 for ten, and a 75 or ZT for six, and I bought my first 75 as I was curious as to what could be achieved electronically that was different to the earlier cars I own.

Let's just say, learn to walk before your run, I have made most of my mistakes in terms of the electronics inside Rover cars already, and have learned from these accordingly.

So if in any doubt whatsoever about anything you are not sure about when coding a car, please ask first, I'm sure I won't be alone in thinking our Polish friends will be happy to explain it in more detail.

It's not a peeing contest, and there can be a place for both systems in the upkeep of our cars


Brian

What else I can say, I have rover 75 from year 2010... Lack of rover specialists, mamy of garages when see rover are scared and they talking that have no Time.

This situation forced me to dig in to the knowledge. This forum, our polish forum let me to start repairing my car At my own, I don't have to beg to repair my car, I don't have to fix plastics after get my car from service, if I broke something I know that is my fault, but something missing. I don't want just drive and repair car, I wanted to play with Rover... I wanted to take control over my car, I would know it to the last bolt... No mysteries and secrets...

When I bought rear window motors and wanted retrofit them, I go to T4 operator, and what? My windows still dont works. (low line bcu changed to high line) same situation with my friend windows in Warsaw, second t4 operator and same situation...
And when TOAF which was named firstly bcu editor give me chance to run rear windows, changing just one bite in notepad. That was awesome to do this...
I was changed bcu at 2 o'clock at night... But was worth to do it...

I realized that this is just a car with some simple electronic which just need a proper key... Rover isn't NASA technology rover cooperates with omitec do them a little unavailable but not forever... And I decided that my R 75 will left with me as far I can drive it... TOAF give possibilities to people who want to know how things works. Rest of people have t4 available begin the corner... Everybody can live together

[DragonFly]

Originally Posted by longer86

Do you have hids in main beam?

Yes. HID's in Full and dipped beams, and a HID kit ready to fit for front fog lamps. Though I've not fitted this yet as I can't actually remember (apart from the MOT) when my front fogs were last switched on, so I'm not really seeing the point and may not bother, and might just convert them to DRL.

[longer86]

This will be the resolution. Hids needs high voltage, so 30% signal disrupting their work.

Same situation was with standard halogen bulbs, when power suply was low than 30%, bulbs flashed,