Originally Posted by
scdyne
This sounds like a floating ground.
Please post the log as joecar said and we'll see what the deal is.
I built 2 Te WB2.0 controllers so I have schematics and experience with them. While I have never connected one to my V2 (I have an LC-1 now) I have intimate knowledge of how they do and don't work. If I understand what you are saying here, when you don't have the laptop connected you see spikes in the log file. In my experience not having a good ground can cause "noise" spikes, but having the laptop connected would provide a better ground through the serial connector.
Simple check would to be either run an additional ground from the Te to the chassis or direct to the car battery.