Installation of the AccessPORT in DSHV

December 7th I received a package with COBB AccessPORT. With great curiosity I began to unpack the box labeled AP-MAZ-002, which means it is designed for Mazdaspeed3 (2007-2011) and Mazdaspeed6 (2006-2007). Inside it was a little smaller, elegant blue box, which contained the AccessPORT device, cable with OBD II connector (to ECU), USB cable, installation instructions and a sticker COBB Tuning. Instruction consists of several pages and only shows where to find the OBD II connector. Before I went to the car to connect the AP, I downloaded software to management and I read a little about installation, features and capabilities.
Description on COBB AccessPORT website goes as follows:
POWER. FLEXIBILITY. CONTROL.
The AccessPORT is the industry leading OEM ECU flashing, managing and monitoring assistant. Unlock power hidden within the ECU by replacing conservative factory settings with more aggressive calibrations. The result is impressive gains in torque and horsepower while maintaining a high degree of safety. The AccessPORT comes with pre-installed maps that are optimized for common performance modifications.
That's it from the manufacturer, now time for my first impressions. The device itself is handy, it is shaped to make it easy to hold or mount in the holder. Holder is not included in package, but you can easily match universal phone holder. The cable is long enough to reach even the other end of the cab. The connection is simple, you need to connect one side of included cable to the OBD II connector (which is located in Mazdaspeed3 on the left side of the steering wheel, near DSC switch), and the other one to AccessPORT device.
When first connected, you need to install AP in accordance with the instruction manual. This process takes a half hour, because AccessPORT performs backup of ECU content to memory and then upload selected map to the ECU. During these operations you can not open the doors, turn ignition off or disconnect the device. It is like flashing BIOS in computer. When you break the sequence, your vehicle can be immobilized, and you will have to go to Mazda Dealership to flash the ECU, which probably will be quite expensive. After successful installation, one can monitor the parameters of live data, log data to files, do various measurements (such as the time from 0-60 mph or 1/4 mile), read and clear the computer errors, and of course change the maps in the ECU.
The AccessPORT comes preloaded with several performance maps for common modifications, and includes access to a free online database of additional Off-The-Shelf maps. Maps described as Stage1 works with stock parts, and non-stock parts, which are listed on compatibility list. If you want to use Stage2, you need to change fuel pump (CDFP).
There are also three non-performance maps: Economy mode, which limits boost and max speed to reduce fuel consumption, Valet mode, which limits them even more, and Anti-Theft mode, which immobilize car. There are two other maps: Stage0, which is like default (stock) map, and Safe mode if ECU detects a problem and needs to be switched to safe mode.