Counterfeit MarkD (E.A.T.) chips

[DaveSmed]

Hmm. Would it be possible/feasible to add a line of code somewhere that would uniquely identify the chip (basically a hidden serial number) and then use that to identify the origin of the copied chips with a cross reference of who bought what?

Then it would just be a matter of recouping full retail price of your software times how many copies sold from that "customer".

[BeirBrennerE30]

well this sucks. It always sucks when someone screws you over like this.

I got ripped apart in a thread for defending AC Schnitzer and Hartge and people claimed that its ok to buy rip-off parts on ebay cuz people charge too much for the real thing. Now people can see first hand how much it hurts a company to have their parts copied. The e30 community now won't receive a chip that would greatly help the m20 because some people are too cheap to buy the real thing.

I hope everything works out and you reconsider stopping development on your chips.

[kid325e]

edit.

[Brian D]

I know tech is fast to ban people lately, but this seems appropriate:

Support people who support the community like Mark.

nitro325is is banned.

I'd think that's a step in the right direction here also.

[TDE30]

Well, along with that jules twat, I know of two who should be banned here.

[E30 Cabrio]

Perhaps chip makers could add a unique hologram sticker with a serial number to their product.

It wouldn't eliminate the problem but would help and also could be used as a way to identify eBay sellers selling copied chips and also help buyers determine who is selling copies.

[SpecM]

Hmm. Would it be possible/feasible to add a line of code somewhere that would uniquely identify the chip (basically a hidden serial number) and then use that to identify the origin of the copied chips with a cross reference of who bought what?

Then it would just be a matter of recouping full retail price of your software times how many copies sold from that "customer".

+1 seriously Mark is this possable?
I have never used any of your products, but I respect your EAT chips and respect your right to a fair and honest market. Sucks man, hope this gets resolved correctly.

[george graves]

The thing that gets me is that not only did the douche copy the chip - but he went as far as copying the sticker that comes with the chip.

It's kids like him that copied off of people in class, never have an original idea, and can't doing anything with out detailed step by step instructions.

What is this guy's first and last name?

[FredK]

The thing that gets me is that not only did the douche copy the chip - but he went as far as copying the sticker that comes with the chip.

Yeah, this by far is the lamest part of the copied chips. If he sold it as a generic chip, though, he'd be getting a lot less money.

[DSP74]

.

What is this guy's first and last name?

Man he is soon to be owned.:D



I for one vote for PLEASE introduce a MAF chip/kit. We would be able to get real results, and improved driveability for those like me not smart enough for MS

[george graves]

His ebay ID: nitro325ic1987

[Charlie]

This "nitro" kid has been a fucking douchebag going back to the BEN board days.

He needs to be blackballed.

-Charlie

[RobertK]

I don't know how many are out there, but I'm sure he's not the only one. Two years ago, I came across a guy on Bimmerforums that actually told me he had a clone of one of my chips, but wouldn't say where he got it. I know he got it from some guy that would send a PM to you when you mentioned chips in a thread. And there was another guy over there who posted how he copied my ETA 027 chip, and justified it by saying that he couldn't afford to pay $229 for it. I wonder if he could afford to make sure his car was safe to drive. Chip sales have dropped to less 40% of what they were in previous years. Couple that with the US/CAN exchange rate and I make a fraction of what I did in the past. There's no incentive to work on chip development now. It doesn't pay the bills. I've actually started looking for a FT job in the firmware development area. But don't worry, when JC's new editor comes out, you can tune your own motor. ;)

I wish there was a way to recover damages from PayPal and eBay, and they are aiding the sale of counterfiet items. Someone over there should know by now that it's all cloned stuff that's being sold.

MarkD

I know it sucks but unfortunately the those EPROMS are so easy to read and duplicate it will happen to any tuner no matter who you are.

I remember seeing a site out there that had tons of chip programs for various E30 applications. All you needed was the file and an EPROM programming application. I've never taken part but only because for an extra $70 I can go Megasquirt so the chips no longer appeal to me at $200+ prices.

You can always copyright but you end up with a bigger headache trying to prosecute on such a low number or perps.

[Rigmaster]

Sorry to hear this Mark. This is truely upsetting to me.

If i wanted to get a chip i'd be sure to get it from the originator. Please dont' keep the MAF conversion kit/chip from us.. Maybe you could sell it to only trusted r3vlimited customers.

People like Joaquin should get cancer. enough said. sorry if i offended anyone, unless you're joaquin.

This is "truely" upsetting me.

You are officially a douche.

[TDE30]

People like Joaquin should get cancer. enough said. sorry if i offended anyone, unless you're joaquin.

What a stupid comment. Do some browsing on this site and you'll find many who would be offended by that statement.