When it comes to engine preparation, we often talk about two types of user: Master and Slave.
Let's find out the details together!
When choosing a new reading and flashing interface, the question of selecting between master and slave usually arises.
It is crucial to choose the interface that best suits your practice, skills, volume, and budget.
This article will outline the advantages and disadvantages, helping you to make the right choice if necessary.
But which one do you need?
You have been trained to modify files using editing softwares like EVC WinOLS, Swiftec, Stage X, ECM Titanium... -> You need a master tool.
You don't know how to modify files yourself and want to leave that in the hands of experienced tuners:
You still want to work with multiple providers -> You need a master tool.
You know you'll be working with one trustworthy provider and are confident that you won't need any other partner -> You need a slave tool.
OLSx can welcome slave users from the following brands: AutoTuner, Alientech, bFlash, CMD and Magicmotorsport.
The SLAVE Interface
By definition, a Slave user will always be connected to a Master.
The files read by this Slave user can only be decrypted by the Master to whom they are linked.
The files sent will also be encrypted and cannot be opened or modified by another Master user.
A slave file is a unique file and cannot be reused for another vehicle.
Working as a Slave with OLSx offers considerable advantages:
=> Files are 20% cheaper.
=> Free retuning if a vehicle has been updated.
=> Free return to the original state of a vehicle.
=> Possible stage evolution with only additional options being charged.
=> More extensive support in case of problems and explanations on how to proceed.
Regarding file refunds, the policy is also different.
If a Slave user has difficulty writing the program into a vehicle and can justify that necessary actions have been taken (e.g., opening a support ticket), but for obvious technical reasons, the program cannot be written into the vehicle's ECU, we may offer a refund of the credits used.
A financial refund is never applicable; we are talking about credits on the OLSx account.
If a Slave client does not download the file because they realize that the vehicle they are working on is not in good condition for optimization, we can cancel the request, and the credit balance will be adjusted in their favor.
The MASTER Interface
Working as a Master allows the user to receive an open file. The Master user can then reuse and modify this file as they wish or according to their clients' requests.
The client owns the file and can, therefore, use and reuse it at will without our control.
The Master can also choose to buy a file solely for the purpose of information, observation, or analysis of a solution.
The refund policy is not at all similar for a Slave user or a Master user.
For a Master, we provide a service without an obligation of results.
A Master user is supposed to know how to open, modify, and copy a file. If they buy a solution from us and apply it to a vehicle that has a potential failure or is in poor condition (fuel, ignition, etc.), a refund will not be applicable.
We primarily sell a calibration setup, but it is always possible to fine-tune the file for a particular case or in case of issues related to the provided file.
For a Master user, each request is charged.
If a Slave user only pays for the additional option in the case of a stage evolution, the Master must pay the entire request again.
To put this into context, here is a concrete example:
File 1 for vehicle X: stage 1 + Vmax OFF option.
File 2 for vehicle X: stage 1 + Vmax OFF option and EGR OFF option.
The Slave client will be charged for the entirety of file 1 and just for the EGR OFF option for file 2.
The Master client will be charged for the entirety of file 1 and will also have to pay again for the entirety of file 2.
If they start from the existing file, they can purchase only the additional options but will incur a base stage fee.
If the Master client wants stage 1, the Vmax OFF option, and the EGR OFF option independently, it is possible but must go through 3 separate and fully charged requests.
The reason for this is that we assume a Master user can classify these files, export them, mix them, and reuse them as desired.
In the case of a vehicle software update at a dealership, the new file provided by OLSx will be charged because the software version is different, and it is, therefore, a new file billed at the initial rate.
Finally, OLSx's responsibility for a Master user ends with the provision of the file.
If the Master fails to flash the calibration into the vehicle (e.g., an issue with the reading interface), there will be no refund policy because the provided file can be reused in the future.