Dakota Digital ARC-1000 User manual

ARC-1000 rev. A
Air Bag Control System
Introduction
This control system can be connected to a remote transmitter system to allow individual remote
control of the air bag system. The functions include individual corner up/down, all up/down,
front up/down, rear up/down, and timed dump all.
This control system can also be connected to a display module and pressure senders to allow
monitoring and control of all four corners and optional monitoring of the tank pressure. The
functions include four different height presets for automatic up/down control, manual up/down
control, and a pressure controlled bag dump. The bag senders can be either 150 psi units or
400 psi units for high pressure systems. The tank sender is always the 400 psi unit.
IMPORTANT: Make sure to always disconnect the negative cable from the battery if you are
going to be working on or under the vehicle. Failure to do so can result in serious injury if the
system is accidentally activated.
Wiring
Main connector
RED constant 12V power
BLACK ground
YELLOW accessory power
WHITE/GREEN right rear down solenoid (not used for FRONT/REAR setup)
GREEN right rear up solenoid (not used for FRONT/REAR setup)
WHITE/PURPLE left rear down solenoid
PURPLE left rear up solenoid
WHTE/ORANGE right front down solenoid (not used for FRONT/REAR setup)
ORANGE right front up solenoid (not used for FRONT/REAR setup)
WHITE/BROWN left front down solenoid
BROWN left front up solenoid
Display/sender connector
GREEN right rear pressure sender (not used for FRONT/REAR setup)
PURPLE left rear pressure sender (rear sender for FRONT/REAR setup)
ORANGE right front pressure sender (not used for FRONT/REAR setup)
BROWN left front pressure sender (front sender for FRONT/REAR setup)
GRAY tank pressure sender
GRAY CABLE, RED to display PWR terminal
GRAY CABLE, BLACK to display GND terminal
GRAY CABLE, bare wire to display GND terminal (cable shield)
GRAY CABLE, WHITE to display WHT terminal
GRAY CABLE, GREEN to display GRN terminal
BLUE external remote input
Remote receiver connector
Mates to ARR-1000 module harness connector
1

OPERATION AS REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM
The remote system is active when the large red power wire has power and the accessory power
wire does not. This prevents accidental operation using the remote system while the vehicle is
being driven. When the remote system is ready and waiting to operate the green light by the
programming switches will be flashing slowly. If a display module is also connected, then when
a transmitter button is activated the display will come on and show what the current control
operation is.
There are two modes of operation for the transmitter.
1
Left Front Up/Down
Left Rear Up/Down 3
2
Right Front Up/Down
Right Rear Up/Down
All Up/Down
4
OPERATION FOR MODE 1, DIP switch #2 OFF
The key chain transmitter has four buttons. They are referred to below as button 1, 2, 3,
and 4. Buttons 1 and 2 are on the top, to the right and left of the green light. Buttons 3 and 4
are below.
Button 1 controls the left front bag. The first time it is pressed it will release air from the
bag until the button is released. The next time it is pressed it add air into the bag until it is
released. Button 2 controls the right front bag, button 3 controls the left rear bag, and button 4
controls the right rear bag. They works the same as button 1, reversing the bag direction each
time it is pressed.
Button 1 and 3 pressed at the same time will controls all four bags at the same time. The
first time the button is pressed it will lower all of the bags until it is released. The next time it is
pressed it will raise all of the bags until it is released.
2

1
3
2
4
Bag Dump
Front Up/Down
Rear Up/Down
All Up
All Down
OPERATION FOR MODE 2, DIP switch #2 ON
The key chain transmitter has four buttons. They are referred to below as button 1, 2, 3,
and 4. Buttons 1 and 2 are on the top, to the right and left of the green light. Buttons 3 and 4
are below them.
Button 1 controls the front two bags together. The first time it is pressed it will release air
from the bags until the button is released. The next time it is pressed it adds air into the bags
until it is released. Button 3 controls the rear two bags in the same way. Button 2 will add air to
all four bags at the same time until the button is released. Button 4 will release air from all of the
bags at the same time until the button is released.
Button 1 and 3 pressed at the same time will activate the timed bag dump feature. These
will lower all four bags for either 15 seconds or 30 seconds depending on the position of
programming switch #3. Pressing any of the buttons after the bag dump has started will cancel
it and turn all of the solenoids off.
3

PROGRAMMING SWITCHES
There are four programming switches located next to the main harness connector. They are used to set up
the operation of the remote system.
Switch #1 Select sender type (not used for remote system)
Switch #2 Select operation mode.
Switch #3 Select bag dump time.
Switch #4 Enter display test mode (not used for remote system).
TRANSMITTER PROGRAMMING
All of the transmitters to be programmed into the system should be available. This sequence will erase any
previously programmed transmitters. If a transmitter is lost or stolen, go through the programming sequence with
the remaining transmitters and the lost one will be erased. The programming light (LED) is located on the side
opposite the antenna, next to the programming switch.
1. Press and release the programming switch 3 times. The LED should come on and remain on steady.
2. Press button 1 on the first remote. The LED should go out and then come back on steady.
3. Press button 1 on the second remote. The LED should go out and then come back on steady.
4. Repeat this for up to 4 remotes total.
5. When all of the remotes have been programmed in, wait for the LED to go out. The system will now operate
normally with all of the remotes.
LED
wire harness
programming
switch
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
Should the transmitter function become weak or erratic, the battery in the key chain transmitter may be weak.
An indication of a weak battery is that the red indicator may have a dim glow to it when either button is pressed. If
this occurs, first check the system by using the second transmitter provided. If the second transmitter functions
properly, replace the battery in the defective transmitter by the following method:
A. Use a small, flat screw driver or knife to pry the case apart next to the chain.
B. Carefully separate the two case halves.
C. Remove the battery noting the (+) and (-) position.
D. Replace the battery with a new 12 volt type GP23A battery which is available at most electronic stores
(Radio Shack, etc.).
E. Carefully replace the top cover snap it into place.
F. Check transmitter function.
4

TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
IMPORTANT: Make sure to always disconnect the negative cable from the battery if you are
going to be working on or under the vehicle. Failure to do so can result in serious injury if the
system is accidentally activated.
Symptom Possible Problem Solution
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
System will not operate any of the Receiver is not getting Check 12 volt connection.
solenoids. power. Check ground connection.
Checkfuses.
Ignition key is on. Turn off ignition.
Accessory input is powered Check connection to Acc. wire.
Remote module is not plugged in. Connect connections.
System is in display test mode Check Switch #4
Air solenoids ‘jump’ Weak or poor 12 volt connection. Check 12 volt connection.
or ‘chatter’. Move to new terminal point.
Bags change direction in Over loaded 12 volt power circuit. Place receiver and windows on
mid-travel. separate circuits.
Checkforlooseconnections.
Increasewiresizeonpower.
Weak car battery. Recharge or replace car battery.
Transmitter signal is being disrupted. Move antenna away from power
wires.
Transmitter has very short range Transmitter battery is weak. See Battery Replacement.
on all functions. Antenna needs repositioning Move antenna out away from
any high current wires.
When the system is ready to receive a transmitter signal, the green light should be flashing slowly. If it is not, begin
checking the power and ground connections.
If none of these solutions solve the problem, or the problem occurring is not listed here, please call the Dakota
Digital technical assistance line at [phone] for further assistance or email to
[email protected].
4510 W. 61st St. N.
Sioux Falls, SD 57107
Phone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
5

OPERATION AS AUTO HEIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM
The auto height control system is active when both the large red power wire and the accessory
power wire are on. When the accessory power is off the display and height control will shut
down to prevent draining the battery down. One exception is that if the bag dump is active and
the ignition is turned off, the control system will continue to operate until the bag dump is
completed and will then shut down.
The display unit has a 2 line, full character display with three switches on each side. The
display unit communicates to the control system through two wires. The center left switch
selects the different functions and toggles the display screens. The center right switch acts as
the manual up/down selector. The four corner switches operate the four corner bags in manual
or programming modes and also operate as menu selection in other modes. Each of the
operating modes will be discussed in detail.
Manual control:
The tank pressure area will display “AIR” if a tank pressure sender is not connected. Pressing
the up/down select switch will change the operation of the four corner switches. When
“MANUAL UP” is displayed the corner switches will raise their respective bags for as long as the
button is held. When “MANUAL DOWN” is displayed the corner switches will lower the bags.
More than one switch can be held at a time.
UP/DOWN CONTROL INDICATION
RIGHT FRONT CONTROL
RIGHT REAR CONTROL
MANUAL SELECT
RIGHT REAR PSI
LEFT REAR PSI
AIR 85 F 84 MANUAL
PSI 72 R 73 DOWN
LEFT FRONT PSITANK PSI
LEFT REAR CONTROL
LEFT FRONT CONTROL
MODE SELECT
RIGHT FRONT PSI
Auto control:
The tank pressure area will display “AIR” if a tank pressure sender is not connected. Pressing
the manual select button will switch to manual mode. To change to a different auto height
control mode, press the mode select button once and then use the corner switches to select the
desired mode as shown on the display screen.
AUTO MODE INDICATION
NO FUNCTION
NO FUNCTION
MANUAL SELECT
RIGHT REAR PSI
LEFT REAR PSI
LEFT FRONT PSI
135 120 F 120 AUTO
PSI 120 R 120 NORMAL
TANK PSI
NO FUNCTION
NO FUNCTION
MODE SELECT
RIGHT FRONT PSI
6

Auto select:
Press one of the corner buttons to select the auto height mode you want. Press the mode
select button to go on to the bag dump or auto program screens.
Bag Dump:
Press the top right and bottom right switches at the same time to start the bag dump. Press the
mode select switch to go on to the auto program or auto/manual screens.
CANCEL
BEGIN DUMP
BEGIN DUMP
BAG PRESS BOTH >
DUMP TO DUMP >
CANCEL
MODE SELECT
CANCEL
Once the bag dump has begun, pressing any switch will cancel the bag dump. The bag dump
will stop automatically once the bag pressure is below the dump psi value. The dump psi value
defaults to 20 psi, but is adjustable from 5-35 (10-70 for 400 psi senders).
Once the bag dump has started, you can turn the key off and the unit will continue lowering the
bags until it reaches its set point. The next time the key is turned on the unit will bring all of the
bags up to the most recently selected auto setting.
To adjust the dump psi value, press and hold the right, center switch, then press and hold the
right center switch. Once the ‘ADJ PSI xxx’ display is shown, the current dump value will be
displayed. Press the right, center switch to change the value and press the left, center switch to
save the new dump psi value.
NO FUNCTION
CHANGE DUMP PSI
NO FUNCTION
CURRENT DUMP PSI VALUE
BAG ADJ PSI 20
DUMP TO DUMP
NO FUCNTION
STORE DUMP PSI
NO FUNCTION
7

Auto program:
To enter the setup mode for one of the height settings press the setup select switch and the
appropriate corner switch at the same time. Press the mode select switch to go to the
auto/manual or auto select screens.
Use the up/down select and the corner switches to adjust the vehicle to the desired ride height.
Once the desired height is set, press the setup store switch to save the settings and return to
the auto control mode.
UP/DOWN SELECT
UP/DOWN CONTROL INDICATION
RIGHT FRONT CONTROL
RIGHT REAR CONTROL
RIGHT REAR PSI
LEFT REAR PSI
LEFT FRONT PSI
TANK PSI
SETUP STORE
LEFT REAR CONTROL
LEFT FRONT CONTROL
RIGHT FRONT PSI
AIR 100 F 101 MANUAL
ADJ 105 R 106 UP
Senders:
This system can be used with 2 senders (front/rear), 3 senders (front/rear & tank), 4 senders (4
corners), or 5 senders (4 corners & tank). The bag senders can be either Dakota Digital SEN-
03-1, 150 psi senders or Dakota Digital SEN-03-5, 400 psi senders. The tank sender is always
a SEN-03-5, 400 psi sender. Programming switch #1 is used to indicate which sender is being
used with the system. Place the switch on for 150 psi or off for 400 psi. The gauge resolution
will be 1 psi for 150 range and 2 psi for the 400 range.
The 150 psi senders have one terminal for connection to the controller. They need to be
grounded through their mounting threads. They either need to be screwed directly into a metal
fitting that is grounded or a ground wire needs to be clamped to the sender case. The ground
should be connected back to the same ground used for the main controller harness.
The 400 psi senders have two terminals. One terminal should be connected to the main
controller ground and the other terminal connected to the appropriate sender wire from the
harness. It does not matter which terminal is used for the ground.
8

Advanced Setup:
The system is designed to bring each of the individual bags to their set points when the key is
turned on or when a new mode is selected. When the key is turned on there is a 2 second
delay before it begins making adjustments to allow everything to power up first. Once the
system is done adjusting the bag pressures and the system has stabilized it will begin taking a
longer averaged reading from the bags to ignore fluctuations due to hitting bumps, turning
corners, and sudden braking or acceleration.
The settings used in this long average mode are user adjustable, but have been preset to typical
starting values. One setting is the % variation allowed once the system has been stabilized for
a period of time. This prevents nuisance adjustments that are not necessary. The default value
is 10% and it is adjustable from 5% - 19%. The other setting is the time delay before
adjustments are made when the variation appears to be caused by turning sharply or suddenly
braking. The default value is 30 seconds and it is adjustable from 16 – 46 seconds.
To enter the setup mode to make adjustments to these values, press and hold the left, center
switch while you are turning the key on. The display will show the Dakota Digital startup
message. Release the switch. The settings will be displayed as shown below.
change delay
not used
change %
DYNAMIC WINDOW 10%
DYNAMIC TIME 30sec
SAVE SETTINGS
not used
not used
Press the top, right switch to change the window %.
Press the bottom, right switch to change the delay time.
Press the left, center switch to save the new settings and go on to the next setup menu.
In order to compensate for different air system speeds, the output can be varied with 8 different
settings. Speed setting 1 is the default setting and will work with most systems. The faster your
bag system, the higher the setting number that should be used.
Press the bottom, right switch to change the speed setting.
Press the left, center switch to save the new settings and return to normal operation.
change speed
not used
not used
OUTPUT SPEED CONTROL
01
SAVE SETTINGS
not used
not used
9

PROGRAMMING SWITCHES
There are four programming switches located next to the main harness connector. They are used to set up
the operation of the remote system.
Switch #1 Select sender type
Switch #2 Select operation mode. (not used for control system)
Switch #3 Select bag dump time. (not used for control system)
Switch #4 Enter display test mode.
Display Mounting:
The display will require a rectangular cutout in 5-3/16” wide and 1-5/8” high. Insert the display
module into the opening from the front and place the two clamps provided onto the back side to
secure it into your dash.
10