Hydra chip ?
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,441
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From: Marseilles IL
Hydra chip ?
I just ordered the Hydra yesterday and hopefully it should be at my house on Wednesday. Does anyone have any tips on install of this new style chip? I already have a TS chip so the PCM is cleaned and ready for the chip. The chip I got has no USB cable with it. Do I have to get the special cable? The one that you can order for the Hydra comes with a 90* angle on the mini USB side. Is the 90* angle needed to fit or can a straight mini USB be used. I am going to be getting Power-Struck and Gearhead tuning and see how I like them. Can't wait for my new toy to arrive and try it. Thanks!
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 18,849
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From: Puget Sound
You need a 90-degree USB - the straight won't fit. You also have to remove the cover on the PCM to thread the USB cord in before installing the chip. The USB, ribbon cable (for the controller), and chip will not slide through the opening on the PCM box.
Once that's all in, I have the Hydra start-up procedures here [LINK].
Once that's all in, I have the Hydra start-up procedures here [LINK].
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 337
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I was actually able to get the included USB in there. Hydra had to be angled up, so the USB goes in first, but it's in and has been working just fine. Crewcab - one thing I ran into was, when the Hydra was pushed all the way onto the PCM board (until it bottomed out), I wasn't making connection. You'll know because the dash lights won't work correctly (and the fuel pump doesn't run with key on). Every time I plugged the Hydra in, I'd bottom it out, then wiggle it back about 1/16th of an inch. Now I don't need to since I got the USB in there. Definitely read Rich's write-up on it. I didn't tin my PCM, just did a very thorough cleaning.
Last edited by montanasteve; Apr 22, 2014 at 01:04 PM. Reason: edit
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2008
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The straight USB was a tight fit in side my PCM, but it works. I tried to find a 90-degree USB locally, but apparently there's a low demand for them in Montana. I gave the straight one a shot, and it works, so there it stays.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,441
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From: Marseilles IL
Thanks for all the input and the link. Good to know the straight cable can work. Today I stopped at 6 places and could only find 2 straight cables, no angled ones, one was $22 and the other was $26. Looks like I may just have to order the proper cable, it was $25. My hydra is coming preloaded with tunes so I can install it as soon as I get it. I have until next week to get the cable as I am not getting my second set of tunes until next week. I need to read Tugly's instructions so the programing goes smoothly.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,426
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From: Sioux Falls, SD
You can save some time during programming if you have your PCM code in hand. Also, to help keep track of what tunes are in what position use the print screen function and carry a hard copy for a while in the truck.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Sioux Falls, SD
Also, keep in mind that you want to only push and release the selector buttons when changing tunes. If you hold the buttons down too long it will only change the brightness settings and not change the tune selection. You'll see what I mean when you start playing with it. When I first installed mine I was holding the selector button too long and it wouldn't change tunes. Thought I didn't install it correctly - but it was just my fat fingers.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,426
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From: Sioux Falls, SD
The Hydra is a great platform. In the past, we all basically chose a tuner and went with their chip or system. It was a big financial commitment so it made it extremely difficult to change tuners if things didn't work out. Now that has all changed, the Hydra allows you to install any tuners tunes as long as they are willing to participate. In addition, the Hydra has cut the waiting period between reburns from weeks to hours. In the past, those with TS chip platforms would have to remove the chip and send it back to get reburned when different tunes were ordered. No the tuner you choose can e-mail you your tune and you add it to your hydra chip without ever having to remove it.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,426
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From: Sioux Falls, SD
Call me ****, weird or whatever .... But I also installed the straight cable that came with it in the PCM initially ....But it sure seemed to be too tight of a fit and was worried in the long run that it could cause a part of the chip to move or a solder to weaken . So I spent the $25 and bought the 90 degree cable and mounting bracket from PHP. To each his own.....it's your truck - you can do what you like.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Marseilles IL
Call me ****, weird or whatever .... But I also installed the straight cable that came with it in the PCM initially ....But it sure seemed to be too tight of a fit and was worried in the long run that it could cause a part of the chip to move or a solder to weaken . So I spent the $25 and bought the 90 degree cable and mounting bracket from PHP. To each his own.....it's your truck - you can do what you like.
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