Area451 Cruise Control Installed

[Terry Stibal]

I too would be interested in the "higher intensity" LED circuit and board, although I have the Mr. Dot Com unit in my vehicle. Everything about the cruise is perfect (there is even a button to "slow down" or "coast" provided as part of the stalk) excepting only the indicator light. At night, it is visible in its instrument cluster pipe, but you cannot make it out during a sunlit day.

[jimvw57]

I should probably put one on my car(the dash led), At night, you can see the reflection in the drivers window (the led on the signal stalk) One in the dash would make more sense. I'll wait for some warmer temperatures.

[shadowchameleon]

Area 451 and smartieparts.com is offering a plug to remap your area451 cruise control to basically do what SmartMadness is selling as a SprintBooster... for like $40 instead of $320+


"This programmer allows you to update your Area 451 Cruise Control to the latest (or alternative) firmware at your convenience - quickly and easily - without having to send your unit out to be programmed.
The standard firmware that comes with the kit is well tested and problem-free, so you don't need this unless you wish to take advantage of new features as they are released. For example, the long anticipated "Pedal Map" feature, which adjusts the apparant responsiveness of your gas pedal thereby making your car feel like it has more power or pep*. Area 451 is initially releasing 16 different maps to try. See this discussion thread for details.
Using the programmer is simple. You just plug the programmer into an available USB slot on your computer, and plug the other end into the cruise control. Download the firmware you want from the Area 451 website, run the software, and within a few seconds your cruise is updated! You can try any given firmware variant and switch back to stock as many times as you want at no additional cost.
* note that pedal mapping, also marketed by other shops with such terms as "sprint" boosting, does not affect the actual performance of your car in any way at all. However, most people that test it are suprised by how much it does feel like there is a positive difference. Pedal mapping is safe for your car, but the change in pedal behavior can potentially be dangerous if the driver isn't used to it. Use of the pedal mapping feature is entirely voluntary, and all risks, damages, liability, and responsibility is hereby waived on behalf of SmartieParts and Area 451 Parts. You use at your own risk!"

[John_H]

Originally Posted by shadowchameleon

Area 451 and smartieparts.com is offering a plug to remap your area451 cruise control

They're offering a programmer to plug into your Area 451, not a plug to perform the remap. The software updates themselves are free, only the programmer costs.

[jimvw57]

The programmer is actually a cable that plugs into the Area451 module and converts to a usb cable that plugs into your computer. The downloaded software includes a file that shows the chart with information about each of the settings or remapping configurations.

Besides the pedal remapping feature, there is some added features, like keeping the cruise settings in memory if you shut off the car, then restart, it recalls the setting. Also occasionally when going up a hill, the cruise will over-compensate once you get to the top and you'll speed up a bit. This will fix that.

Software is stored on your computer so you can change to a different setting whenever you want, no need to download a new file. You can shut off the pedal remapping by flipping a dip switch if you need to.
Once you have the programmer, you can then download new improvements to the software and install as soon as it is available. No need to send the unit in to get updates.

[dancote]

Got mine recently and can't wait to start experimenting.

Regards,

Dan