New ATF Files and Updates Explained

Current Version: Version 3.4.25114.0 released 5/1/2025 (If you see a lower version than this, you need to update the software) 

Link:  https://cdn.sctbullydog.com/sctfiles/AdvantageIII/AdvantageIII.exe 

Summary: 

• What’s New
  1. Tune files that previously used “.mtf” or “.mtu” file extensions will now be saved as “.atf” files.
  2. ATF files will be the tune file format for Advantage going forward, expanding the capabilities of MTF files to enable new support and features in Advantage.

• What’s The Same
  1. Existing ZCF/MTF/MTU files can still be opened as before. 
  2. ATF files will continue to store tune info, history, and customer info just as MTF/MTU files did previously.
  3. Opening and saving files use the same menus/buttons/workflows as before.

.MTF files should open in the New Advantage using either:

       The "Load from PC" option on the Welcome screen in Advantage

       or "Open Existing Tune" tab on the Advantage toolbar

       and lastly, by going to File > Open Tune Up at the top

When you save your file, it will save as the new file format, .ATF,  your old .MTF will still be present in the location it was saved.

Advantage III Software Updates

• Accessing ECU codes: 
  • As of Version 3.4.25094 and newer, no updates are required to gain access to your software purchases any longer.
  • You need to be connected to the internet when opening a new file in Advantage, Advantage will then contact our server and load the most up-to-date information and open the ECU file.  This prevents you from having to wait for long updates to gain access to software you have purchased. (After it is open, you can work on the file without internet). 
• Updating the Advantage Software and Burns: 
  • There is no longer a manual update option in the tools menu. The legacy Update Advantage desktop icon and the updateclient.exe in Advantage should no longer be used and will be removed in the next build. 
  • Every time you close and open Advantage, the server will automatically check if there are any new builds of Advantage and prompt you with a button to update the software. 
  • Likewise, every time you close and reopen Advantage, your burns are synced as well. So if you are getting a "burns" error message, you likely just need to close and reopen Advantage. 

No Dongle Found Error 

• With your dongle plugged in- see if the there is a green light illuminated. 
• Try different ports on your computer or docking station. Some times these will go out or if using a docking station, it might not be communicating correctly. 
• If you are still getting the same error, please unplug the dongle, close Advantage and reinstall using the link at the top of this article. 
• Once Advantage is reinstalled, plug back in your dongle and open Advantage to see if this has resolved the issue.