How to Build Custom Flash Patterns

Make sure that you are using the latest version of the Z-Flash Firmware by checking that your module is up to date. Step by step guide here. 

From the main Z-Flash Menu click “Configure Device” 

In the “Z-Flash Programming Utility” you will see a variety of options. Before getting started remember: 

• Under “Settings” any lights unchecked will be turned off for all patterns, but they will not be deleted from the left side pattern. You can also use the “RESET TO DEFAULTS” button located under the settings section
• To remove a step from the pattern, right click and select delete. If you accidently delete a light, return to the default settings (Step 7 in the Check for updates) and follow the steps to reset your Z-Flash.
• To add a step into the middle of a pattern, right click and select insert. This will insert one step into the pattern below where you clicked. 
• To test your pattern, use the Test Light show with your Z-Flash plugged into the vehicle’s OBD-II Port and connected to your computer via the USB port. This will show you how the pattern you build looks on your vehicle. 
• If your vehicle does not have fog or daytime running lights, etc... the Z-Flash will automatically skip over that step in the pattern and go to the next available light in that pattern. 
• HV Trigger is used for hardwire installations only. 
• Flash Pattern Speed determines the speed of your flash pattern. Faster speeds are not recommended for halogen bulbs. 
• Pattern name, you can give your patterns custom speeds. Pattern name will display on Chrysler vehicles. 

To create a pattern from scratch:

Before getting started, creating your own 100% custom pattern for the Z-Flash is a trial and error process. Don’t get discouraged if it does not look exactly as you would like. Remember to use the test feature below to test in real time, that will help you make the perfect pattern. 

For Ford vehicles, custom patterns will only work in park. Ford has a drive pattern that can’t be changed. 

1. Select the pattern number you want to create from the box next to the add a step.
2. Select “Clear” located below the pattern list. This will clear all of the steps in the selected patterns. 
3. On the left side, under the lights dropdown menu select the light that you want to add to the pattern and select on or off depending if you want to turn the light on or off.
4. Not all of the options will apply to your vehicle. If your vehicle does not have the selected lights the Z-Flash will skip over that step. 
5. Once you select your light, select on or off, this will tell the Z-Flash to turn that light on or off and click “Add a Step” to add to the pattern steps. 
6. A minimum of 10-15 steps down the line, select that light again from the dropdown menu, and select the opposite of what you selected above (if on select off, if off select on). Each line is a few milliseconds so you want to give it time to flash. Please note, that if you do not select off, the selected light will be on a “steady burn” pattern and if you do not select on the light will stay off.
7. If you want to add time to your pattern and not a light command, select delay from the light drop down. Adding a few delays will help with the timing allowing lights to remain on or off long enough to “flash”.
8. Continue this process until you have completed your pattern. 
9. Click Save to Z-Flash at the bottom of the pattern steps to save to the Z-Flash module
10. Be sure to test your pattern before taking on the road. To test your pattern, use the “Test Light Show” with your Z-Flash plugged into the vehicle’s OBD-II Port and connected to your computer via the USB port. This will show you how the pattern you build looks on your vehicle when you click the pattern number of the one you created. 
11. If you do not see the light flash, move the off command down the line. It may be going too fast to see the flash. Add a delay and make sure that there is an on or off command. 

To add a step into a pattern:

1. On the left side, under the lights dropdown menu select the light that you want to add to the pattern. Not all of the options will apply to your vehicle. If your vehicle does not have the selected lights the Z-Flash will skip over that step. 
2. Once you select your light, select on. This will tell the Z-Flash to turn that light on. 
3. A minimum of 10-15 steps down the line, select that light again from the dropdown menu, and select off. Each line is a few milliseconds so you want to give it time to flash. Please note, that if you do not select off, the selected light will be on a “steady burn” pattern.
4. If you want to add time to your pattern and not a light command, select delay. Adding a few delays will help with the timing and spacing out of the timing. 
5. Click Save to Z-Flash at the bottom of the pattern steps to save to the Z-Flash module
6. Be sure to test your pattern before taking on the road. To test your pattern, use the “Test Light Show” with your Z-Flash plugged into the vehicle’s OBD-II Port and connected to your computer via the USB port. This will show you how the pattern you build looks on your vehicle when you click the pattern number of the one you created. 
7. If you do not see the light flash, move the off command down the line. It may be going too fast to see the flash. Add a delay and make sure that there is an on or off command.