Yesterday I tested and debugged the latest firmware for the dual motherboard. This new code allows the STi auto/man switch to be used with the dual mode controller, as well as adding the feature that the led will increase and decrease in brightness in sync with the dccd controller live output.
It is actually very cool, in manual mode when you turn the knob the led gets brighter, in auto mode as the car accelerates (in cooperation with the tps) the led gets brighter. It works well to give an indicator of the dutycycle at any given time.
I had to change the “original” switch for a momentary switch similar in function to the STi auto/man switch. It is a nice durable round switch now, I think everyone will be happy with the change. I’ll try to get some pics up of the new hardware.
All undelivered controllers will be getting this new code, and if you ordered from this weekend onwards you’ll be getting this new firmware/motherboard.
Things just keep getting better and better, I thought some of these products would be “mature” by now. Was I wrong…this community just keeps giving me new requests and ideas. Many thanks to all of you for your suggestions! Please keep them coming.
Once again I’ve started development on a new project. A new microcontroller with more features has been sourced along with prototyping hardware for me to play with. Currently I’m playing with SD/MMC logging, USB connectivity and user tuning. Hopefully I’ll have some good news in the coming months!
Development on the fuel pump controller is still moving forward. Someone generously sent me a stock controller to play with and I have been checking it out to see what makes it tick. I want to duplicate the stock functions with improvements on it in terms of flexibility for swaps and more hardcore fuel pump setups.
Kind regards,
-Jeff
Lots of updates today to the ‘Downloads’ page. I split up the manuals a bit, updated some of the info in them and added several new docs regarding testing and troubleshooting as well as the cluster wiring info.
Please check out the ‘Downloads’ page for updated info.
I’ve also received the newest batch of boards that will be used for the dual and deluxe controllers. In this revision I’ve added microcontroller control to the switch illumination. Firmware revisions will be made to allow the dual mode controller to have the function of fading the illumination of the switch in synch with the actual output to the dccd.
What does this mean? In short when you are in manual mode and scroll the thumbwheel or rotary knob upwards the led will illuminate brighter in synch with your setting, and in auto mode it will get brighter as the system changes the output. It will be a sort of ‘live display’ of the system output.
The dual mode will now also be able to optionally use the STi auto/man switch (it already is able to use the STi thumbwheel). I will maintain the dual original model so that people will still have a lower cost alternative.
The deluxe mode controller will feature all the same features as the dual but will have the additional circuit for the cluster connections, and of course will still come standard with the STi switchgear included.
These new features are incompatible with older motherboards (< version 10). The motherboard revision is silkscreened on the boards. If you have an old controller and want to upgrade I am always happy to give you a fair price to replace the motherboard/components with the latest and greatest and ship it back to you.
Email me for details if you are interested in a system upgrade!
-Jeff
Don’t forget you can probably purchase your controller in your local currency!
I have added Canadian Dollars, Australian Dollars and Euro’s to the list of available currencies. The conversion rates are updated automatically.
I’ll add more currencies on request.
-Jeff
Well, it’s been a busy month for me. I’ve been working hard on updating products, ordering of parts, and *blah* accounting.
There will be some changes coming in terms of some of the product being shifted around and some new stuff added. No promises yet…
I’m also working on a new product unrelated to DCCD controllers…fuel pump controllers! I created a completely new design that will be able to control the stock fuel pump, or larger race fuel pumps, and dual stage fuel pumps. If you need something in this area let me know how I can help solve your problem…it may become a future product.
Initially I will be releasing a “stock replacement” fuel pump controller for swapped cars. Ie. GC8 series with a newer STi engine. This product will be able to handle up to 40-50amps of current draw. I need to do some serious field testing but the board designs are nearing completion. Some issues still to overcome are heat sink selection, and some aesthetics need to be worked out. I may kill both birds with one stone by having a custom cnc milled enclosure for the unit with an integral heatsink.
-Jeff
Well not really…but I have lowered the price of all products across the board.
I did some major accounting housekeeping the last few days, going over everything I purchase and readjusting quantities with suppliers to get better prices and the result is another major price drop on all products!
The manual mode controller in particular has never been so low and the dual is also at an all time low price as well.
I hope everyone is pleased with the new price structure.
-Jeff
Unfortunately I’ve sold out of the most recent generation of Deluxe controllers and I am waiting for the redesigned boards to arrive….so I’ve temporarily taken down the listing for the Deluxe controller for a few days.
I may have them as soon as tomorrow, or as late as Friday. Then I need to test them before I can open up sales again.
So, worst case I should be able to build by the weekend for Monday shipping.
Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause anyone.
-Jeff
If you go to order and during checkout your country code isn’t listed for your particular country don’t worry! I ship world-wide, just send me an email explaining what country it is and I’ll add it to the country code list. With hundreds of countries in the world it is difficult to get everyone. I started with a basic list and I’ve been adding them as need arises.
-Jeff
I’ve added another shipping option for “flat rate” shipping.
This is intended for USPS/Canada postal shipping.
If you select this method it is via regular postal service and can take up to 2 weeks or more for delivery. I can also only get a delivery confirmation on this service so there is no tracking info.
I’ve added it because UPS…however good…is a very expensive option for my overseas customers.
The new option is primarily directed towards overseas customers but it is available for US and Canada customers as well. However UPS is recommended here in North America due to the low cost difference, it is only about $7 more for much faster service with tracking.
You can still select the UPS option during the checkout procedure if you are in a hurry.
Thanks,
-Jeff
Some times I miss being able to see my product as an objective outsider. As the designer/builder I guess I take it for granted that everyone understands all the features of the controllers and how everything works together as a system, and this became very apparent to me this week when I was asked the same question twice by two different customers….and I realized I must not have addressed the functionality of auto mode well enough in the documentation.
These two customers were surprised (pleasantly I hope), to learn that even in auto mode the thumbwheel/control knob has a function and that function is to scale the output calculations so that they auto mode output can be effectively “tuned” by the driver. Think of it in comparison to the volume control on your car stereo, it doesn’t change the music that is coming out, it simply makes it louder or softer.
I hope this helps to clarify things for some people.
-Jeff
Here is a video of a deluxe controller, installed in a customer’s car in Finland! Thanks Sami!