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How to use Output Control mode in FORScan 2.2.*

How to use Output Control mode in FORScan 2.2.*

by FORScan » Sat Jan 10, 2015 8:06 am

Output Control mode is special mode to substitute output signals to actuators, normally generated
by a module, with the ones specified by operator. Or, in other words, temporarily transfers the
actuators control from ECU to operatior. This mode is possible only when the module is switched
to a special diagnostic mode. The mode limits normal module operations, so, for example, the
instrument cluster in this mode may not not show anything. And if PCM is in the diagnostic mode
and operator tries to drive, the engine will most likely stall (and this is not a FORScan limitation,
but the control module limitation). We strongly recommend to use the Output Control function
only when the vehicle is parked.

So, the only objective of the Output Control function is a diagnostic one. For example, using this
function it is easy to check if the cooling fan normally works on low and high speed, or a lamp in
the instrument cluster really works. It should be noted, however, that the Output Control may be
implemented not for all actuators.

Let's review a use case for the following scenario: user wants to check instrument cluster lamps
and gauges on Ford Ecosport 2014.

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- Run FORScan, connect to vehicle, go to the Dashboard section, click Setup All Gauges button
(or double click on a gauge). In the PIDs selection dialog, select the Control type:

OSC1.png (54.55 KiB) Viewed 2915 times

Also select some read PIDs.

- Press the Control button:

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OSC2.png (52.2 KiB) Viewed 2915 times

The Output Control window will open:

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OSC3.png (67.62 KiB) Viewed 2915 times

Change its size and position to a convenient onee.

The function can be activated only when the Live Streaming is started. So for now all the controls
in the Output Control windows are disabled.

At this moment there are 2 types of the Output controls: buttons are used for state parameters,
such as On Off (there can be multiple states) and sliders are used for analogue parameters.

- Run the live streaming by pressing Start button. The output controls become activated and ready
to use.

- Activate a control

Important note: current version of FORScan implements the following Output Control
management logic: when the live streaming is started, the Output Control mode is not really
activated. PIDs are read as usually in the live streaming mode. However, as soon as a control is
activated for the first time, FORScan switches the model to the output control mode. PIDs

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continue to be read, however, their performance may suffer (especially when a control is touched).
It should be noted that the management is transferred for the only actuator that was touched. Other
actuators still managed by the module. If operator touches a second control, the corresponding
actuator's management will be transferred to operator. And so on. There is no possibility to
transfer the control back to the moduile for a specific actuator. The only way to switch back from
the output control mode to the normal mode is to close the Output Control window.

Important note: FORScan doesn't care about seamless switching from one mode to another. So,
in our example, if IC illumination in normal mode is 80% and user has set it to 0%, the IC display
will shut the illumination off. In this example it is safe, however in some cases, for example when
you manage a powertrain actuator, such as spark advance or somethink like this, it may be not
unsafe. Another thing is a control of minimum and maximum value parameter, it is not performed
as well (normally, it should be managed by module itself, but we recommend to be very careful
anyway).

This is how the Output control window should look like when used:

OSC4.png (25.77 KiB) Viewed 2915 times

- If the control doesn't respond as expected, the common log should be checked. Every Output
Control operation is logged here, either as successful or as error:

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OSC5.png (76.1 KiB) Viewed 2915 times

Normally, there should be no errors. If you experience one, you need to contact us and send
internal FORScan logs from this vehicle. If there is no error, but the actuator still doesn't respond
or responds not like expected, it most likely means the module supports this command but doesn't
really serve it. However, FORScan bug is not fully exluded too.

FORScan
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