[Snow]

Judging by the comments here, I must get some winter tyres. My Octavia vRS let go at the back (!) at 25mph in less than 2 inches of slushy snow. Fortunately there was loads of room to collect it, so no harm done. I wouldn't normally be too bothered about a bit of slippy slidey in the snow but it did it again (at the back) in dry conditions exiting a Tesco car park. Clearly fat, low profile, summer tyres don't work at sub-zero temperatures even in the dry!

Or wifey has clonked it on a kerb and not told me!

[STS Problems?]

Drivers now on Shark download page. Link above won't work as file removed.

[Another satisfied customer]

Many thanks to Ben and the crew at Shark Performance for great service and a fantastic new map.

After a shaky start with driver problems, Ben pulled out the stops and delivered a revised map on Saturday evening. That's devotion above and beyond. Thanks very much.

The remap is fantastic with the engine revving out without running out of puff. The torque increase is most impressive, but best of all is that it trickled along without hiccups. Thoroughly recommended.

By the way, if anyone is struggling with drivers on 64 bit machines, see my post on STS Problems. Link to drivers is there. Ben is updating the Shark download page with details as well.

[STS Problems?]

You don't need to install the whole PWGPro software. The driver will install separately and work with the xconsole software. So anyone out there with a 64-bit Vista or Win7 machine just download the driver installer from here:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/5726509/Driver_FTDI.EXE

Please be aware that this has not yet been fully tested. I've only read files so far and they seem to be OK.

Best of luck,

DMc

[STS Problems?]

Thanks very much Huw.

I've downloaded the PWGPro software and installed the drivers fine. I used the xconsole software (v3.72) with the new drivers and it seemed to be fine. Did you use the new PWGPro software (v3.82 or v3.83)?

I've emailed Ben the original file, so we'll see soon if all is well.

Thanks again.

[STS Problems?]

I've just received my STS unit but am not having the same brilliant experience as everyone else. I have downloaded the user guide and the Xconsole software. I've even read the user guide (which is a first for me :-)) The Xconsole software all unpacked and installed fine into C:\xconsole as expected BUT when I plug in the STS unit and point the driver wizard at C:\xconsole as instructed, windows can't find the driver. So, basically I can't connect the device to the PC to upload and download maps which is sort of the point of spending the money.

If I've got to send the device back, I might as well have arranged to go and see the boys and girls in the flesh and save myself a bleeding fortune.

So, anyone any ideas? Anyone had this problem before? All helpful suggestions welcome.

BTW I'm running windows XP and connecting to a USB 2 port.

[Newbie from Middlesex Embarking on "Chipping"]

Hi, I've just joined the forum and for a very good reason. I've had my Octavia II vRS TDi for 9 months (it's an '08 car) and have been thinking about chipping it. Yesterday, largely due to comments on these forums, I've gone and done the dirty deed and ordered a Shark STS with Stage 1 remap but I'm not getting the DPF removed!!

I'd like to thank everyone who has indirectly assisted in the process for their helpful comments in other posts, particularly those who have enthused over the service from Ben and the lads and lasses at Shark Performance.

I spent a little while talking to Ben about what it all means and why Shark are one of only 2 companies who offer a map for the PD engine. He could not have been more helpful. I won't bore you all with the details here, but let's just say that Ben spent over 1/2hr talking to me at 19:00 last night when he should really have been preparing for the race at Donnington today. I wish him and the team success today.

I am expecting to take delivery of the STS module on Thursday and will keep you all updated with the gory details of the process and the outcome, both good and bad. Hopefully there won't be any bad and you can follow a smooth upgrade and allay any fears you may have over a remap of the PD engine without removing the DPF.