New 2.0 software for Area451 cruise

[mvaldes]

Exciting stuff for Area451 cruise control users , from their website (it'll be avilable very soon after some field beta testing):


Most all of you either have 1.00 or 1.10. For North American users there is absolutely no difference. For others, you have 1.10 because 1.00 didn't work. The 1.01 kits were either exchanged for 1.10 under the Recall #1 or they have Delphi wiper controls and again it is functionally identical to the other two releases.

2.00 is completely different. However, many of the changes are "under the hood" so to speak. Below is a list of all of the significant changes. Those identified as "internal improvement" relate to code changes that made it more efficient in order to fit other features in, but the user won't experience any functional benefit from them directly. "functional improvements" are similar but do have a noticeable effect in performance, however nothing changes in the way you use it. "feature removed/added/changed" signified something we took out, put in, or modified that potentially effects the way the cruise control is used. The order they're written below is simply the order they were documented and have nothing to do with their significance or even the order they were implemented. Here we go:

*internal improvement* eliminated all floating point math for greater speed and efficiency. Allowed space for extra features. Retained full resolution of speed data.
*functional improvement* new PID algorithm is more responsive and flexible across wider range of speeds/situations.
*functional improvement* transmission handling now aware of shift activity; passes info onto PID that handles accordingly. Result is better reaction during/after shifting.
*feature removed* No longer necessary to have Euro/World versions. New transmission signal handling covers all situations.
*feature removed* overshoot protection logic. No longer necessary as overshoot is virtually eliminated with more responsive PID.
*feature added* ability for users to program several PID variables and other settings via ScanGauge II type device.
*feature added* ability for users to select limited settings via onboard switches (pedal map and set_speed retention only).
*feature added* option for set speed to be retained in non-volatile memory so it is available after car is powered down.
*feature added* pedal mapping feature with 16 full pedal maps available. 2 non-linear (1 econo, 1 performance) and 14 linear including 1:1.
*feature added* ability to perform a factory reset (clear EEPROM) via either ScanGauge II type device or combination of onboard switches.
*feature added* firmware version number is available to the user via a ScanGauge II type device.
*internal improvement* use of a secondary timer to control rate of acceleration. More reliable than previous method.
*internal improvement* use of a sub timer (every x of main timer) to control rate of integral activity giving more control over PID.
*internal improvement* use of EEPROM interrupt for reliable pause of code waiting for EEPROM write to finish.
*internal improvement* eliminated many extraneous code elements leftover from initial R&D by Craig. Especially relating to CANBUS initialization.
*internal improvement* where practical, moved most variables from global to local scope for better compartmentalizing and efficiency.
*internal improvement* made use of hardware CANBUS filters and masks. Only the data related to the cruise control is processed for much greater assurance that something isn't missed.
*feature change* stuck button check no longer performed at startup. LED fast flashes only when brake is pressed simultaneously with cruise button. Resolved when both brake and button are released. Previous implementation was unnecessary and buggy.
*feature added* stop_condition logging to eeprom allows for field debugging if cruise is not working when expected (for example, this would have helped debug the wiper issue introduced in V1.01 because we'd know when the user turned on his wiper that the door_open stop condition was triggered). Activated by pressing the button during a stop_condition.

[AdamAtSCD]

*feature added* pedal mapping feature with 16 full pedal maps available. 2 non-linear (1 econo, 1 performance) and 14 linear including 1:1.

so is this comprable to the other cruises power boosting?

any way to sum up what you posted? its a little overwhelming to have that huge block of text.

[mvaldes]

I think the executive summary is that they've tweaked their already great cruise control algorithm and added a "sprint booster" type feature with 16 settings. There's also the option to remember a preset cruise speed of your choice.
You can change and choose settings with your scangauge or by flipping switches on the unit itself. If you're really a computer geek, you can also tweak the algorithm with your scangauge.

[jefferios]

So, what is the method to obtain this upgrade. I need to remove my area 451, mail it in, then get a new one?

[Wdhitch]

Originally Posted by jefferios

So, what is the method to obtain this upgrade. I need to remove my area 451, mail it in, then get a new one?

Hasn't been decided yet but it will most likely be something like that. There's a jumper available that will allow you to remove the black box and still drive your car.

mvaldes, intercoasters and myself will be beta testing the new setup in the next couple of weeks.... once Art and his team give the ok they'll start doing the upgrades.

There are alot of better answers to many more questions over at the Area 451 forums.

[magilly00]

My cruise is awesome and works great,The only thing I would be worried about is accessing all of these new features, isn't there only one button on this thing?

[Wdhitch]

I'm going to have to refer you back to

Area 451 Parts Support Forum - Index

I believe the changes will be made thru the scanguage but I'm not entirely sure.

[mvaldes]

Originally Posted by magilly00

My cruise is awesome and works great,The only thing I would be worried about is accessing all of these new features, isn't there only one button on this thing?

I believe the switches you would use to adjust settings (if you don't have a scangauge) are under the cover on the unit itself (4 screws to remove) . Once you've decided what settings you like, you just put the cover back on and forget about it unless you decide you want to change something, like to a different "sprint booster" setting. Art, of Area451 will be posting directions on their website when the new software is available.

[SuperGeek]

Wow, pedal mapping from a cruise control. That's a feature that I'd find really interesting from a geek perspective. Buttons, buttons, always give me more buttons.

What I'd really love in a cruise control is the ability to hypermile just a bit - i.e. control how large a range around set_speed so if I'm going over a hill, and speed drops 5mph, then bring it back up ever so slightly. One of the disadvantages of most factory CC's is that range is like 2MPH which ends up using more gas from the aggressive throttle. Especially in my Explorer, which will happily downshift to preserve that 2MPH it just lost when the hill's almost over and I'd be happy with a 5MPH drop. That said, I couldn't imagine the math and programming behind it - maybe the unknowns are too many.

[nonuro]

And for those of us that don't speak electric?