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App Feature Guide - iDCCD

App Feature Guide - iDCCD

Table of Contents

iDCCD Installation Guide Overview

The first step, once you have connected your phone to iDCCD, is to run the Updater Tool.

Overview

Welcome to a new chapter in DCCD control! We're excited to show you everything that is possible with iDCCD. We hope the app is intuitive enough that you won't need this page. But in case you are looking for further clarification on a specific page or setting, we've outlined all of the detailed information about the app below.

How does the center differential work?

In simplest terms, an electromagnet pulls a group of clutches together, preventing slip, which in turn transfers power to the wheels differently than when they are not being pulled together and allowed to slip against each other. More about this can be found here.

Terminology - Center Differential Lock-Up percentage is the amount of force that the electromagnet pulls the clutch packs together.

Open = 0% or No Lock

Locked = 100% or Full Lock

iWire User Account Creation and Login

The first step is to create an account if you haven’t already.

If you already have an account, log in.

Shop Installation and Transfer of Device

If a shop is intallation the iDCCD and doing the initial setup and testing, they can use their own shop account for this. When it's time to transfer iDCCD ownership to the car's owner, just pass along the lock code to the customer. The customer will create their own account, connect to the unit using the old lock code, and then update the lock code to their preferred combination.

Connecting to iDCCD

First, select your iDCCD unit that is broadcasting. Then press the radio button to confirm the iDCCD is mounted in the cabin, and then hit continue. While the app connects to the iDCCD, a loading symbol will appear. Once the loading symbol disappears, you will be able to press continue.

If it's the first time connecting to iDCCD, you'll enter a 6-digit lock code. This is there to prevent people from logging into your device. You will only need to enter this once, but please write it down in case a different phone needs to connect to iDCCD. It will be necessary to re-pair the device with the new phone.

If you select the radio button before selecting the device in the upper screen, it will automatically continue to the home screen without having to press the continue button.

Configuring iDCCD

Vehicle, transmission, center differential, and speed unit selection

From the home screen, scroll down to select configuration, then vehicle configuration to start the setup process. This guide will walk you through various settings to get started, including an opportunity to test the iDCCD's basic inputs to ensure they are functioning properly. It will also provide insight into their role in center differential locking.

You can return to this screen to select any configuration group if you need to change a setting. For example, you are switching from the street map to the track map.

The vehicle selection is based on the chassis and not the transmission

The transmission code is helpful information for future updates. Different generations of transmissions have center differentials with different characteristics that affect the vehicle’s handling. More about finding the transmission code can be found in the link below.

  • iWire iDCCD - Transmission Codes

Switch Options

The switch options available are

  • App control - All adjustments to auto/manual position and input settings are done via the phone app.

  • OEM Button and Roller - These are for the GC and GD era STi models with a separate button and roller switch

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  • SI-Drive Control Panel - This switch type is for the 08+ STi control type with the SI-Drive knob.+

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If the SI-Drive controls are installed in a non-STi, currently, that adjustment knob will not change any settings. We have plans to incorporate that knob into future updates for additional features.

For STi models, the app will automatically choose the switch and lighting type. These settings can’t be changed.

External Switch Lighting Options

  • No lighting/no switch - If app controls are selected, it will default to this setting

  • Lighting to match DCCD output - The light in the switch will brighten and dim in response to the lock percentage of the center differential.

    • The SI-Drive panel has very dim LEDs, so keep in mind that this will be difficult to see if it’s not dark.

  • Lighting on with headlights - The switch light will come with the headlights.

  • Lighting on with the auto setting - When iDCCD is in the auto setting, the light will be on

  • Lighting on with the manual setting - When iDCCD is in the manual setting,the light will be on

Display Type

The app will always display the live position, current settings, including auto/manual, and the input request.

For STi models, the app will automatically choose the display type. This setting can’t be changed.

  • App Only Display - The only display will be on the app

  • Digital Dash Display - On pin 23 (Orange w/blue stripe), the 0-5V position of the center differential output will be active.

  • 1993-2001 STi Display - This is for OEM STi clusters from this era. These do not have an auto light so it will only display the input request lock percentage

    • The wiring for the cluster will come from the 8-pin display port and a 12v wire will be active to power the DCCD lighting display on the cluster

  • 2002-2007 STi Display - Thie is for OEM STi clusters from this era with the auto light.

    • The wiring for the cluster will come from the 8-pin display port and the 12v power wire will not be active.

  • 2008-2014 STi Display - This is for CANbus equipped models with the STi cluster.

    • All messaging for this dash will be fed through the CANbus network

  • 2015-2021 STi Display - This is for CANbus equipped models with the STi cluster.

    • All messaging for this dash will be fed through the CANbus network

Default Setting After Restart

  • iWire Auto Setting - After iDCCD is turned off and back on, it will default back to the standard setting of Auto and 100% input request.

  • Last Setting - After iDCCD is turned off and back on, it will remember the last setting before shut down and retain that on restart.

 

Input Testing

Next, we'll test the CAN bus input to iDCCD to ensure it is picking up and displaying properly. To complete this step, your car must be drivable, at least enough to navigate through a parking lot.

Auto/Manual Settings

Auto Setting - This setting is for switching iDCCD from adjusting on the fly (auto) to allowing it to hold a specific lock percentage (manual). You won't see any output on the DCCD Output % dial unless you are driving the car and iDCCD determines lock-up is necessary.

  • The auto setting has an input range of 50% to 150% in 10% increments.

  • The default setting of the algorithm we created is at 100%.

  • To make the algorithm less aggressive (biased to a less differential lock), move the slider between 50% and 90%.

  • To make the algorithm more aggressive (biased to a more differential lock), move the slider between 110% and 150%.

Manual Setting - This setting will maintain a specific lock percentage based on the input request. You'll see the DCCD Output % dial match the input when in this mode

  • The manual setting has an input range of 0% to 100%

  • 0% = No Lock

  • 100% = Full Lock

iWire highly recommends leaving the iDCCD in the auto setting so that the controller can adjust the output based on the inputs it receives. This will help the car handle better in all situations. Manual mode should only be used in a small number of situations.

If the handbrake is engaged and/or the light is illuminated on the dashboard, the center differential's output will be 0% to protect the center differential, regardless of the input request.

Brake Pressure (CANbus ONLY)

This input measures how much pedal force is being applied to the brakes. Generally, as braking is applied, iDCCD will unlock the center differential because it allows the car to corner better.

Brake Switch (Analog ONLY)

This input indicates whether you are braking (on/off). Generally, as braking is applied, iDCCD will unlock the center differential because it allows the car to corner better.

Handbrake

As noted above, the handbrake serves to protect the center differential from damage if the rear wheels are not spinning at the same rate as the front wheels. When this is engaged, it will force the center differential to open, allowing for the clutch packs to slip.

Throttle Body Position (CANbus)

This input measures throttle body opening position, as it is more reflective of engine status than the pedal itself. You will notice that the throttle body is slightly open both when the engine is off and when it is running. You’ll also see that even if the pedal is not all the way down, the throttle body may be open all the way. The pedal and throttle body are not directly tied together because the ECU interprets all the information from the driver and engine.

With STi models, you will see a large difference in pedal position compared to the throttle body, depending on which SI-Drive setting you are in.

Throttle Body Position (Analog)

This input measures throttle body opening position, as it is more reflective of engine status than the pedal itself. You will notice that the throttle body is slightly open both when the engine is off and when it is running. You’ll also see that even if the pedal is not all the way down, the throttle body may be open all the way. The pedal and throttle body are not directly tied together because the ECU interprets all the information from the driver and engine.

For analog cars, we want to calibrate the no-throttle and full-throttle conditions so we can achieve an accurate understanding, since each car has a slightly different voltage at these positions.

This also works for Phase 1 models that have TPS signals reversed. Since we are measuring between open and closed states, we can account for the reverse polarity of these models.

Steering Input (CAN bus Only)

Steering angle is critical for determining whether the vehicle is going straight or turning, and how aggressively to open up the center differential. Generally, the more you turn, the more you need to car to rotate, so the center differential will tend to reduce lock.

G-Sensor and Accelerometer Input (CAN bus Only)

This input comes from the vehicle's onboard components via the CAN bus. These sensors determine how the vehicle reacts to conditions and driver inputs. The Y-Axis (up and down) shows acceleration and braking, while the X-Axis (left and right) senses how much the car is turning.

G-Sensor and Accelerometer Input (Analog Only)

This input comes from iDCCDs' onboard components g-sensor and accelerometer. These sensors determine how the vehicle reacts to conditions and driver inputs. The Y-Axis (up and down) shows acceleration and braking, while the X-Axis (left and right) senses how much the car is turning.

Yaw Rate is an additional input that we will incorporate into the iDCCD output logic in future revisions. Yaw rate measures how much of the tail of the vehicle is rotating around the center of the car (IE, drifting).

If the vehicle is on flat ground, the G-sensor will read close to zero. If it does, you do not need to calibrate it. The G-sensor/Accelerometer is extremely precise, so even if you are not moving, you will see it bouncing a little bit. This is normal.

RPM

RPM is an input that ties to a few others to determine how hard the engine is working to allow other inputs to generate a more precise prediction about the vehicle behavior for a more accurate lock percentage.

Vehicle Speed

This input is similar to RPM because it works with the other inputs to create a more accurate picture of what the vehicle is doing and how the driver wants the vehicle to behave in a certain situation.

Testing Center Differential Lock Up

Now that all of the inputs are working properly, it’s time to experience the center differential's behavior when it's locked up. The center differential is designed to be locked at speed, so don’t worry, you won't notice it as jarringly when it’s active under normal conditions.

You will not need to manually adjust the settings for these pages. The app will set it to manual and 0%, manual and 50%, and manual 100% on each page.

No Lock (0%)

The app will change the setting to manual mode and 0% lock. This is the default setting if no current is applied to the electromagnet, which allows the clutches to slip, meaning the wheels in the front and back can rotate at different speeds. In this position, the vehicle should have no trouble making a tight turn at low speeds.

Middle Lock (50%)

The app will change the setting to manual mode and 50% lock. This medium setting allows the clutches to slip slightly, meaning the front and rear wheels will have a tougher time rotating at different speeds. In this position, the vehicle will have some trouble making tight turns at low speeds.

Full Lock (100%)

The app will change the setting to manual mode and 100% lock. This fully locked setting prevents the clutches from slipping, ensuring the front and rear wheels cannot rotate at different speeds. In this position, the vehicle will have a lot of trouble making a tight turn at low speeds.

Map Configuration

Now you can set up the controller for your driving conditions and style.

We are working on expanding the selections on the Map Configuration page. Over time, we will release updates for both the app and firmware to offer more customization options than initially available.

Standard Maps

These maps serve as the starting point. If you leave it in auto mode at 100%, it will be set up as we designed it. If you would like to modify the map, simply adjust the input percentage up or down to make it more or less aggressive.

Street - This is an all-around map that works in every situation. If you aren't sure, select this map.

Track - This map tends to provide more lock-up at higher speeds. Great for road racing situations.

Offroad - This map provides more lock-up at lower speeds for loose conditions.

Left Foot Braking

This is specifically intended for track use, where left foot braking is applied into a corner. While throttle and braking are applied together, a threshold for this needs to be set to provide more accurate DCCD logic.

Although this is a selection on this page, the back-end configuration is still in development so it will not change the setting for now.

Driving Style

These settings are for how you like the car to behave based on your driving style.

All Around - This will be for most people. It’s a balance of settings to allow the car to corner well, but also keeps it from getting sideways

Loose - This setting will bias the car toward being open, allowing it to rotate more when the throttle is applied.

Straight Line - This setting will bias the car toward more lock-up with less throttle to keep the car going in the same direction.

Although this is a selection on this page, the back-end configuration is still in development so it will not change the setting for now.

 

Home Screen

On the Home Screen, you'll be able to see the current inputs coming into the device. Scrolling down will show more menus to choose from.

Display Dials

  • iDCCD Output (Percentage 0%-100%)

  • Steering Angle (Degrees left and right) - CANbus ONLY

  • Throttle Position (Percentage 0%-100%)

  • Brake Pressure (PSI) - CANbus ONLY

  • Brake Switch (ON/OFF) - Analog ONLY

  • RPM (Engine Rotation Speed)

  • Speed (KPH or MPH)

If you long-press any of the dials, you can change the display shown for that dial.

Auto/Manual Button and Input Request Slider

  • If app controls were selected during setup, then these will be available for adjustment.

  • If SI-Drive controls or OEM Button and Roller were selected during setup, they will only display the current setting and cannot be adjusted with the app.

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UI Display Color

You can change the color of the app dials from iWire Blue to your color of choice.

 

LED Color Change

To change the LED color, simply select the LED Color menu. You can also adjust brightness here.

 

Check for Updates

We’ll be sending consistent updates, so check here often. You’ll be able to continue to drive the vehicle while the OTA Bluetooth update is in progress. Once the update finishes, iDCCD will restart, and you’ll need to reconnect with your phone. All settings will be retained from prior to the update.

Update Profile

The update profile page has a setting for creating a new password.

 

Device Security

Update Lock Code

If you want to change the lock code, you can do this here. You will need your previous lock code to make the update.

Reset to Factory Settings

This will get the device to the default settings before any configurations.