During long trips, many drivers are faced with the fact that constantly keeping their foot on the gas pedal in a fixed position leads to rapid fatigue. It is to simplify driving when driving long distances that a system called cruise control is installed in modern cars.

Take cruise control on a long road trip

That's why it's so important to learn how to use cruise control on long trips. Currently, installation of such a system is possible both on cars with manual gearboxes and automatic ones.

What is cruise control

Cruise control is a system designed to automatically maintain a speed set by the driver. Activation of this system in a car allows you to maintain a given speed limit regardless of the terrain, without resorting to tiresome mechanical action of your foot on the accelerator pedal.

In cases where the road situation requires an increase in speed, for example, to overtake passing traffic. vehicle, the driver simply presses the gas pedal and the car accelerates. To slow down the car, the driver.

Pressing the brake and gas pedals will temporarily disable cruise control.

However, when such manipulations are stopped, the system is automatically activated and restores the previously set speed, information about which is stored in the internal memory of the device.

Automatic speed control (cruise control)

The adjustment system has a cruise control switch - usually in the form of a single button. However, there are options with several buttons for different functions. Standard cruise control has a button that allows you to activate and deactivate the system. Another button, designated “set,” is used by the driver when the car reaches the desired speed. To improve information content, a corresponding indication is displayed, reflecting all actions with cruise control. Increased traffic on motorways has meant that standard cruise control, called passive cruise control, is increasingly being replaced by adaptive cruise control, which is a more advanced version of the system.

The main advantage of adaptive cruise control is the presence of additional functions that, although they do not replace the driver, make driving much easier and more comfortable. Such functions include automatically maintaining the distance to the vehicle in front, preventing unauthorized rolling down slopes, automatically braking when an obstacle occurs, etc.

Cruise control control

Cruise control can be activated both while driving and when the vehicle is parked. The activation of the system is accompanied by a corresponding light indication on the dashboard, the color of which depends on the car model.

Pressing the cruise control lever causes the vehicle to reach and maintain the last stored speed.

Typically, it can record speeds of 40 km/h and above. The presence of an emergency function in the cruise control allows you to instantly turn it off when you press the brake pedal.

Cruise control switch button

To control the cruise control function in some car models, only one button is used, pressing which automatically turns on the system. In this case, the cruise control is turned off by pressing the brake pedal by the driver. If there are five standard buttons on the car panel or a special cruise control control lever, the system is turned on slightly differently. Pressing the “on” button brings the on-board computer into a ready state, and cruise control is activated by pressing the “set” button, after which the speed is adjusted by pressing the gas pedal.

In order to determine the procedure for turning on the cruise control system installed on a particular vehicle, you need to carefully examine the control lever. The simplest cruise control systems, controlled by just one button, are automatically activated when the button is turned on and turned off when the brake pedal is pressed. The speed is adjusted by pressing the accelerator pedal. In other cases, when the cruise control is controlled using five standard buttons, turning on the cruise control (the “on” button) only means that the car’s on-board computer is ready to activate this system, which is done by pressing the “set” button at the speed set using the gas pedal.

Some features for different types of cars

Two of the additional buttons are designed to increase and decrease the vehicle's speed. In most cases, each press increases or decreases the speed by 1 km/h.

cruise control may have several buttons

Here's a little instruction: cruise control is controlled by additional buttons

  1. Acceleration. Lightly pressing the lever and holding it in this position allows you to gain the desired speed without the driver pressing the gas pedal.

    The accumulated speed is recorded and recorded in the device’s memory by releasing the lever.

    Interruption (failure) of the set speed occurs in cases where the current speed for 1 minute exceeds the one recorded in the memory by 10-16 km/h (depending on the car brand), or the current speed is lower than the set speed by 8-10 km/h . To adjust the speed, you must recall it again from the cruise control memory or set it and save it again.

  2. Slowdown. Slowing down using cruise control is done in the same way: the corresponding button (lever) is pressed and, after reducing the speed to the required speed, it is released. In this case, the speed is fixed, and its value is stored in the device’s memory. Short-term presses lead to a decrease in speed by 1 km/h. In some cars, for example, the BMW 525td, as well as cars equipped with an automatic stability control system, in order to maintain speed it is necessary to write the set speed into the device’s memory and then use the cruise control in this way, the memory, relatively speaking, of this device already helps.
  3. Shutdown. The system is turned off by lightly pressing the corresponding button. Current driving conditions do not matter.

Turning off the engine leads to erasing the speed recorded in the device’s memory.

In addition, cruise control is disabled when the driver brakes, when acceleration exceeds 1.5 m/s and when the automatic transmission control lever is moved to the neutral position (position N).

How to use cruise control

Special switches installed on the clutch and brake pedals allow you to adjust whether cruise control is turned off. The system also provides for the installation of a pneumatic actuator that regulates the throttle valve, which allows the vehicle with activated cruise control to move without the driver pressing the gas pedal. In this case, the fuel supply is adjusted using a special cable connected to the throttle valve.

Thus, the cruise control control unit is a real minicomputer that quickly analyzes a lot of data entering it and maintains a given speed limit, being a successful example of the real implementation of the theory regarding automatic control systems.

Think about safety

Ride comfort is not only about caring for the driver's feelings.

A tired driver can make a mistake that will lead to very sad consequences.

This is especially important. Several hours of driving, and even several days in a row will challenge anyone, even a physically strong person.

Cruise control is important for driving safety

Video - how to use cruise control

Conclusion!

Modern means of increasing comfort are offered by car manufacturers, including to eliminate such unpleasant complications. Even a novice driver without much experience would do well to learn how to use cruise control while driving. This is not particularly difficult and does not require much labor. But it will only bring benefits.

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Cruise control on manual For many it may seem like something fantastic, but if you try, You can install such an additional function on your own car. The only thing you should think about right away is whether or not you need cruise control on your car? After all, although in general this additional function greatly simplifies the process of driving a car, it also has its drawbacks.

Is it possible to install cruise control on a manual transmission: let’s look at the technical nuances.

Those car enthusiasts who are wondering whether there is cruise control on a manual transmission have most likely encountered this function only on cars with an automatic transmission. Indeed, this additional function is mainly used only on cars with automatic transmission, which normally have the ability to install it.

In this case, the procedure for connecting the device will be practically no difficulty, since the car owner will only have to install it in the place provided by the manufacturer.


As for cars operating on a manual transmission and on which the possibility of installing cruise control was not provided, then on them can be installed manually universal device.

IMPORTANT! When purchasing cruise control for a car with a manual transmission, give preference to German manufacturers whose devices are highly reliable. This will allow you to avoid unexpected breakdowns of the cruise control due to overloads, which may occur due to incomplete compatibility with the car.

Technically, a similar procedure involves the additional installation of a bracket and an additional cable to the accelerator pedal, with the help of which it will be possible to control the speed of the car. Cruise control on the mechanics also involves installing a device control button at the bottom of the deflector.

However, often this button turns off after each press on the pedal (for example, when overtaking), which is why you have to activate the cruise control again.

Will cruise control work fully on a manual transmission?

The operation of cruise control on a manual transmission is practically no different from its operation when installed on a car with an automatic transmission.

However, in this case there may also be one drawback: when trying to drive uphill with cruise control turned on, the driver will not be able to automatically shift to a lower gear.

Because of this, if the driver is driving in 5th gear of a manual transmission, then without additional pressing of the gas pedal he is unlikely to be able to completely overcome the entire climb.

In such a situation, another feature of cruise control appears - if the vehicle speed decreases (which happens when it is impossible to drive onto a slope), the device automatically turns off at 40 km/h, so the driver will in any case have to resort to mechanical control of the gas pedal.

IT IS IMPORTANT! If your cruise control device has a buttonRES, you can reset the speed by double-clicking on it. If it is absent, you can reduce the speed by pressing the gas pedal and fixing the new speed using the cruise control start button.

The process of connecting cruise control to a manual transmission when it is not provided by the manufacturer.


Before proceeding with the installation of cruise control, the car owner must make sure that all technical components of his “iron horse” are in working order, and also install good tires on the car. This is due to the fact that in the presence of such malfunctions it is very dangerous to allow the car to drive under automatic control. If everything is in order, the driver will not endanger himself by driving on cruise control.

What you will need for installation

To complete the work, it is important to prepare in advance:


IMPORTANT! If your car has an accelerator pedal position sensor, then you will need to purchase an additional bracket for it, which you will also have to install yourself.

Installation process

In general, the entire work of installing cruise control on the mechanics will take you no more than an hour, however, you should set aside time to check the operation, as well as eliminate possible malfunctions. In general, the work consists of the following sequential actions:



 We check the operation of the cruise control. To do this, we recommend that you drive along an empty road where there is no traffic. It is rational to do a test activation of the device at low speed (but above 40 km/h), while being prepared for the need to control the accelerator pedal if the device suddenly does not work.

Is it worth using cruise control on a car: advantages and disadvantages of the function.

Principle of operation The functions of cruise control are that the device system automatically maintains the speed set by the driver, without requiring mechanical action of the foot on the gas pedal.

To activate cruise control, the driver just needs to press a button on the device, and immediately after that he can take his foot off the pedal and enjoy the car’s smooth speed, which will not change even if the road terrain changes.


But this does not mean that the driver will not be able to use the pedals when overtaking or stopping is necessary. All this is quite possible, and even more - after forced acceleration or braking, the car will still return to the same speed that was set on the cruise control.

THIS IS INTERESTING!Modern cruise control systems are equipped with more than one function on/off button. In addition, a button can be installed SET , pressing in pairs will allow the driver to double the speed of the car as quickly as possible, without touching the gas pedal with his foot.

In general, the advantages of this additional function on a car with a manual transmission include the ability to relieve stress from the leg during a long trip that does not require dynamic control of the car. Thus, when driving out onto a long and unloaded highway, the driver really gets the opportunity to rest.

However, the operation of manual cruise control is rational only if the car owner constantly travels out of town onto uncrowded roads. In urban conditions, there is practically no point in installing cruise control, since the driver will constantly press the pedals with his feet.

We hope you were able to answer the question for yourself whether it is worth installing this additional function on your car, and you can clearly explain to others what cruise control is on a manual and how to install it.

Good afternoon, dear readers! Quite recently I published an article about how I suffered, but today is not about that. Technology and progress do not stand still, and every year cars roll off assembly lines, more and more “stuffed” with complex electronics and functions. Just 10 years ago, we did not know many of the terms that are widely used today. We will gradually eliminate these gaps and introduce you to modern options. Now I would like to explain the concept of what cruise control is and how it can make life easier for the driver.

In general, this is the name given to a speed stabilization system that allows the vehicle to move at the same, specified pace. You can even draw an analogy with an autopilot. Having understood how cruise control works, we are convinced of its benefits. If there is a long descent, the system itself will slow down, and when moving uphill, it will add gas to keep approximately the same mark. However, this does not mean that the driver cannot interfere with the control process. Just press the brake or gas pedal and you again control the fuel supply.

Managing such a system does not require super skills and qualifications. We turn on the device, after which the indicator light comes on. As soon as the car has accelerated to the required speed, it is memorized, after which the accelerator pedal can be released. The normal operating range for the system ranges from 40 to 140 km/h. It is convenient to use a cruise in country driving conditions, while its use in the city is unsafe due to the frequent change of environment. But as you understand, 140 is a clear speeding and a traffic violation. By the way, I recommend brushing up on the rules and starting with articles written in accessible language: nuances and.

Where is it convenient to use

When driving on the highway, such a system can become a reliable assistant, since it is tiring to keep your foot on the gas pedal for a long time. And so the driver sets an acceptable driving mode, which will be maintained by the system at the same level. Cruise control is not capable of supporting less than 40 km/h. At the same time, any touch to the pedals will return the car to manual control, that is, driver intervention will be required.

This system is especially common in the USA, and most cars produced there are equipped with it. The fact is that the distance between their cities is significant, while the highways are mostly straight. In such conditions, using cruise control is very convenient compared to intermittent city traffic jams. There is also a more advanced system called adaptive cruise control. It not only maintains the set speed, but also evaluates the distance to the vehicle in front and adjusts the speed so that it is safe. Unlike the usual passive cruise, this one began to be called active.

Basic buttons and system operation

Cruise control is activated by pressing the “Set/Accel” button. The increment is 2 km/h (although there are systems with 1 or 5 km/h), that is, for each press the speed increases by this amount. Other keys are also provided: On (turn on), Off (turn off), Resume (restore the previously set mode), Coast (downgrade). The last switch will reduce the speed of the system, and to return the previous value, you need to activate Resume, which will automatically indicate how to turn the system back on. This happens in situations where the driver forcibly presses the brake pedal.

Active cruise is good because it additionally protects the driver and his passengers in the cabin from approaching danger. If the system fails to reduce the speed in a timely manner, an audible signal is issued, which informs the driver of the need to avoid a collision or a sharply reduced distance with the vehicle in front.

Let's consider the basic principles of operation of this complex system. A vacuum is created in the manifold of a running power unit, which is used by the servo drive. The embedded program controls the ventilation or vacuum valves of this drive. The signal from its membrane goes to control the throttle valve and the fuel supply is adjusted. Thanks to this, the vehicle speed is maintained at a constant speed.

The same applies to a wet road that has a slippery surface. It is not advisable to turn on the system in conditions of poor visibility, at night or during fog.

We discussed above why you need cruise control. However, even the most advanced systems can make mistakes by incorrectly calculating the distance to an obstacle, so the driver should also be careful. But the activated cruise selects a driving mode in which fuel consumption will be moderate. If it is necessary to overtake, the driver needs to add speed by pressing the accelerator pedal. As soon as the maneuver is completed, the pedal must be released, and the controller will automatically return to the previous set mode.

However, many drivers who are lucky enough to purchase a foreign-made car do not use or are not aware of the presence of such a system in it. Or the instructions for use have not been studied in sufficient detail. Thus, the functionality of the car is not fully used. Several unsuccessful attempts to turn on the cruise - and the driver stops counting on its help in the future, which is completely in vain. We hope that after reading this material there will be fewer such car enthusiasts. Therefore, read us in the following reviews and get up-to-date and useful information. See you soon!

Long trips behind the wheel can be quite tiring for drivers. A monotonous position of the legs can lead to muscle pain and sometimes cramps. You can reduce the load on your legs and give yourself a break from the pedals using the popular option – cruise control.

Automakers mainly provide their cars with this system when equipped with automatic transmissions. However, it is not uncommon to find cruise control on a manual transmission; you will learn from the article what this gives the driver.

The system automatically participates in ensuring the vehicle maintains a constant speed while driving. The set speed is maintained until the driver independently turns it off. This mode is most popular outside the city, since on this section of the road it is possible to make longer journeys at a constant speed.

Before using cruise control, you need to know that it has several levels of dependence on the car’s on-board computer. When it is running, other systems, such as ESP or ABS, must be in good condition.

The mode is activated using the steering wheel paddle shifter or buttons on the multifunction steering wheel. To start, just use the “on/off” button. On certain sections of the road, the driver, without leaving the cruise control mode, has the opportunity to add gas without pressing the accelerator pedal with his foot. This function is also carried out using a lever or buttons on the steering wheel.

To add speed, the driver presses the button or lever with the “+” sign; the speed decrease is done in the opposite direction to the “-” sign.

You need to know that if the driver presses the brake or gas pedal while the cruise mode is on, the system will automatically switch to manual control, disabling cruise control.

Information content is provided using a special light indicator on the car panel. If the light with the corresponding image is on, then the cruise control is on.

Using the system levers, you can adjust the desired speed of the car. It is stored in the memory of the car computer. When leaving this mode, and then entering again, the driver activates the last recorded speed of the car.

Multifunction steering wheel with cruise control

As a rule, moving the lever towards “plus” or “minus” adds 1-2 km/h to the car’s speed. The minimum possible speed for setting the cruise mode is 30 km/h.

If necessary, you can exit the mode by pressing the “on/off” button again. After this, the corresponding indicator on the panel should go out.

"Mechanics" and cruise

Most often, cars with automatic transmissions are equipped with this function, although you can independently install cruise control on a manual transmission if this option is not provided by the automaker. In this case, you will have to change gears yourself.

A specialized company will also help you with tuning to install the cruise. Some organizations have universal systems prepared for installation. It is also possible to independently purchase electrical equipment. In this case, the car owner selects the most comfortable option for his vehicle, taking into account ergonomic features.

Let's explain how cruise control works on a manual, because there is some difference here from working on an automatic. When you press the clutch or brake pedal, it switches off automatically. The driver must shift the transmission to the desired gear and then reactivate the cruise control if necessary. Also, the shutdown is performed when the ignition is turned off, as is the speed settings reset.

Self-installation of cruise control

Installation is carried out on the steering wheel. To do this, a three-position button or lever is installed to provide control. They make it possible to customize the system, but you need free access to work with them. An on/off element is also mounted.

Cruise control installation kit

All wires are hidden under the casing and are routed to the electronic control unit. Signals are sent to operate the throttle valve. This can only be done on machines equipped with electronic damper control. The installation procedure takes 1-1.5 hours.

In some cases, possible side complications are problems with the central locking. There is no key adaptation. To resume this function, you will need to contact the official service, since the issue cannot be resolved on your own.

Adaptive Cruise Control System

The most advanced service for cruise control is its adaptive version. It allows you to control the speed limit of the vehicle in front, and based on the data received, the speed parameters of your own car are adjusted. Such services are usually called active, in contrast to classic passive ones.

Adaptive cruise control

The ability to maintain a safe speed limit and a sufficient interval between the front cars is ensured by built-in small radars and an additional digital signal processor.

Modern service is capable of operating at speeds of 30-200 km/h. They are already equipped with certain middle-class and premium segment models. In some cases, such systems monitor not only to the nearest car, but also taking into account road markings, ensuring traffic in the required lane.

When the car begins to approach the front car, a signal is sent to the driver about a change in road conditions. Such actions help to quickly respond to a possible obstacle. More advanced cruise controls independently perform maneuvers involving braking or other actions on the car. Such services provide drivers and passengers with increased safety conditions.

Conclusion

With cruise control, it is easier for the driver to control the car, both with an automatic transmission and a manual transmission. You can install this system yourself if you have an electronic control unit. Modern cruise control improves safety on the road.

Cruise control is a special device in a car that allows you to maintain a constant speed while driving by increasing the speed during natural deceleration (uphill) or reducing the gas supply when going downhill. The system is needed on long trips when intense attention is required from the driver. For cruise control to work effectively, so that the driver can feel it, large sections of the road with good coverage are needed. Naturally, the cruise control system is most in demand in countries such as the USA, where there are good long roads.

How sad it is to realize, it turns out good roads can be even where there are no large populated areas

Many drivers who have bought a used foreign car (even a very expensive and luxurious one) sometimes do not know about the full functionality of their car. This can be explained by the fact that to drive a car it is enough to study its basic characteristics, or by the fact that the documents (passport or description) for the car are incomplete or completely lost.

Most often, the key device built into the steering wheel of a car is ignored completely or partially, after unsuccessful attempts to turn it on.

Many owners of foreign cars still cannot understand why the CRUISE button on the steering wheel is needed

Today's cruise control systems are divided into passive and adaptive.

Passive systems

The passive cruise control system includes the following elements:

  • system control keys;
  • automatic control controller;
  • servo;
  • solenoid valves to control the servo drive;
  • actuator for the throttle valve.

How cruise control works

The servo drive uses the vacuum generated in the manifold of a running engine. The controller, depending on the difference between the signals about the real and the set speed, according to the built-in program, controls the vacuum and ventilation valves of the servo drive. The signal from the servo drive membrane goes to control the throttle valve, adjusting the fuel supply. In this way, a constant (set) speed of the machine is maintained when the load on the engine changes (ascent, descent).

On a road like this, where the descent is constantly replaced by an ascent, it is better to drive with cruise control turned on, otherwise you will constantly have to press and release the gas pedal

The controller is programmed in such a way that the cruise control system cannot be forcibly engaged if the vehicle speed is less than 40 km/h. On the other hand, the controller automatically turns off when the driver presses the brake pedal.

Cruise control control

As a rule, the control keys are located on the multifunction lever or in the center of the steering wheel, in some models on the front panel, usually labeled CRUISE.

Cruise control

  1. OFF key – switch off.
  2. ON key – turns on the cruise control controller. When you press this key, the system itself is activated, but to set the desired speed value you need to dial the required speed by pressing the accelerator, for example 60 km/h, and press and release the SET button. From this moment on, the car will maintain the set speed under the control of the controller, and the CRUISE ENGAGED indicator will light up.
  3. To accelerate the car when the cruise control is activated (the ON button was pressed), you need to press the RES + (RESUME/ACCELERATE (R/A)) button (switch). A short press (half a second) will result in a minimum speed increase of 1.6 km/h. If you press (hold the switch) RES + while accelerating to the desired speed, the controller will remember exactly the value that was achieved at the moment the button (switch) was released.
  4. Briefly pressing the SET button when cruise control is activated (the ON button was pressed) will reduce the speed by 1.6 km/h, and holding the button for a long time will allow you to reduce the speed to the desired one.
  5. When overtaking, you need to press the gas pedal (increase the speed of the car); after completing the maneuver, you need to release the gas pedal. The controller will reduce the speed to the value before overtaking, and the vehicle speed will again be constant.
  6. You can disable cruise control either by pressing the brake pedal, then the system will not remember the set speed, or by pressing the OFF button, the next time you activate the system without turning off the car, the system will pick up and maintain the previously set speed.

When the cruise control system is turned on, there is no need to “press on the gas” - you can take your foot off the gas pedal. You can also set the speed limit to 90 km/h and occasionally increase it.

terms of Use

In conditions of frequent descents and ascents, there may be some difficulties when driving a vehicle with the cruise control system activated. This depends on a combination of three factors: the steepness of the road, the set speed and the steepness of the descent (ascent). When going up, you may lose speed; when going down steeply, engine braking may not be enough; you will need to press the brake pedal. This inevitably leads to drivers disabling the cruise control system in such variable conditions.

WARNING!!!

It is strictly forbidden to turn on the cruise control system when the road is icy, wet or slippery. This may lead to an accident.
In difficult road conditions (fog, night, rain, snow, drizzle), cruise control should not be used.

What is modern adaptive cruise control?

The created more advanced adaptive cruise control system (ACC - Adaptive Cruise Control) allows you to maintain the required distance between cars at a given speed. The system is equipped with a laser or radar installed behind the radiator grille. The speed of return of the signals constantly sent by the radar is scanned by the controller, which either forces the car to accelerate or slow down. This allows you to set the optimal distance between cars, which promotes traffic safety.

Adaptive cruise control automatically takes into account the distance to the vehicle in front. The indication is displayed on the instrument panel (click the picture to enlarge)

Adaptive cruise control operates as usual after the obstacle is removed to a safe distance: the previously set speed is restored.

Laser adaptive control systems are much cheaper than radar ones. The disadvantage of laser systems is that in poor weather conditions(rain, snow, splashes from cars ahead) the laser does not see the obstacle. A dirty car is not perceived by the laser at all.

The radar cruise control system is installed on executive and expensive sports cars.

Many European countries consider the adaptive cruise control system to be the most promising in the automotive industry. The system allows the driver to drive comfortably and improves the safety of all passengers by preventing collisions.

Today's "advanced" adaptive cruise control systems are equipped with audible and visual warning signals. And the most modern ones can make independent decisions about emergency braking if the driver hesitates or avoids braking

I would like to warn drivers: adaptive cruise control sometimes makes mistakes, mistakenly identifying an obstacle, so the driver must be careful on the road even with such a perfect system.

Please note that when cruise control is turned on, the engine operating mode is selected in which the least amount of fuel is consumed.

Additional information for drivers

Checking the passive cruise control system

If the car does not maintain speed when the cruise control system is activated, you need to make sure it is working.

Procedure for checking:

  1. Turn on the ignition. Turn on the cruise control ON switch. The CRUISE ENGAGED indicator light should light up. The indicator light may be burnt out; if so, it needs to be replaced.
  2. Press the RES+ button (switch) for 3 seconds. The indicator light should turn on for 3 seconds and go off for 2 seconds. After this, if there is a breakdown, the indicator will display error codes in self-diagnosis mode. If everything is normal, to reset the self-diagnosis mode, you need to speed up to 16 km/h, turn off the cruise control system by pressing the OFF button and make sure that the indicator goes out.

Error codes read using the indicator lamp

When reading, you must remember that:

  • there is a long pause between codes;
  • two-digit codes are separated by a short pause.

Example, code 12: long flash, short pause, two short flashes.

Error code 01
It is necessary to check the wiring going to the main cruise control buttons, inspect the brake light switch, and check the serviceability of the cruise control brake sensor.

Error code 05
You need to check the fuse and the wiring between the fuse and the cruise control.

Error code 07
You need to check the cruise control brake sensor and brake light switch.

Error code 11

Error code 12
You need to check the cruise control switch.