Ok so I got my AP 1 in the mail, before and today I've read the manual cover to cover a few times over.

I had some general questions:
Is the AC adapter only used while working with a PC inside your house type setup? And Mine didn't come with the PC to AP cable, is it just your standard serial cable?

The first time I marry it to the car, will that map I choose then become my base map? I just took my SPT intake off and added a Perrin MAF hose, K&N panel filter, Stock box, and Snorkus Delete and I have a cat back so plan on using the Stage 1 map until my next weekend off when I can put my downpipe on. Do you forsee any issues with these mods and Stage 1?

Then I'm assuming when I do put the downpipe on I will be changing the base map to Stage II, and the realtime can be whatever I want to be able to switch to, which for me I think I might go with the Valet just in case the need ever arrises.

Lastly, is there any reason why I can't mount the AP somewhere and leave it connected all the time?

Thank you for your time and patience. J

Is the AC adapter only used while working with a PC inside your house type setup? And Mine didn't come with the PC to AP cable, is it just your standard serial cable?

yes, only use ac adapter when it is connected to your computer. I believe it is just a standard serial cable.

The first time I marry it to the car, will that map I choose then become my base map? I just took my SPT intake off and added a Perrin MAF hose, K&N panel filter, Stock box, and Snorkus Delete and I have a cat back so plan on using the Stage 1 map until my next weekend off when I can put my downpipe on. Do you forsee any issues with these mods and Stage 1?

yes, first map will be a base map. Don't know about the MAF hose, is that the same as a turbo inlet hose? Other than that, you should be ok at stage 1.

Then I'm assuming when I do put the downpipe on I will be changing the base map to Stage II, and the realtime can be whatever I want to be able to switch to, which for me I think I might go with the Valet just in case the need ever arrises.

Switch to the stage 2 base map, but DON"T put on the valet RT map untill you want to use it. The RT map basically adds a set of parameters over the base map, effectively changing the base map. What ever RT map you are using is how your car will drive.

Its hard to explain the difference but think of it this way (WARNING about to get creative and may confuse you even more):

The Stage 2 base map = a panacke

Valet RT map = maple syrup
STX RT map = strawberry syrup
Econo RT map = Blueberry syrup

So you have your pancake (stage 2 base map) and your enjoying it nice and plain, but one day you decide you want to add some maple syrup (Valet RT). Now the whole pancake is covered in maple syrup and will taste like maple syrup (drive like valet mode). But if you want to, you can wipe off all that maple syrup and add some blueberry syrup (STX RT) and it will taste (and drive) like blueberry syrup. All the while the pancake is still there underneath it all, but the whole effect is completly altered by the different syrups (RT maps)

You can't just switch to the RT map, you need to flash the RT map with the AP. Once flashed, the RT map will stay untill you flash a new RT map, flash a new base map or you reset your ECU.

Lastly, is there any reason why I can't mount the AP somewhere and leave it connected all the time?

You can, but I wouldn't recommend it:

I believe it drains your battery when the car is off
Only benefit is the boost gauge
The obd-2 connector gets in your way

Suggestion = flash and put it away somewhere safe untill you need it again

WOW, you sir are a good guy! So if I plan on using a RT map, I need to flash it prior to use, and before I can leave after fictitiously having the car parked at some hotel by a valet guy, I'd need to pull the AP back out and flash base map of Stage II back on?

I will take your advice on storing it instead of leaving it hooked up.

The Perrin hose goes from the stock inlet to the air box, just replaces that correguated rubber hose.

yep, if you plan on using the Valet RT map you need to flash it once you pull up to the valet, then flash the Stage 2 RT map right when you leave the valet. Kind of makes all the hassel not even worth it.

The only RT map I ever use is the STX RT map, I flash it right before I leave for an auto-x, then flash back to stage 2 when I get home. The rest of the RT maps I don't really see much value in.

and thank you for the kind words ;)

is the STX a non Cobb map, I don't ever remember seeing it in my readings.

but yeah unless Im absolutely thinking they are going to thrash my car I won't bother, I'll probably keep the anti theft one near by incase I park the car and go on vacation or something at an airport

Also how can I tell what software version my AP1 is at...I see one updated software on Cobbs site.

The STX map is an auto-x specific map, but I believe it is only for us 2.0 liter boys. Starting in 2006 with the 2.5 liter you get bumped into STU.

I think the the updated software is for the map manager program on your computer. If you go to Help --> About, in the program it should say what version you are running.

How long does the flashing take, is this something that only takes like 10 mins, I'm debating going out and flashing stage 1 on my dinner break.

The first time you flash a map and marry the AP to your car it will take about 10-15 minutes. After that, changing base maps takes about 2-5 minutes, changing RT maps takes about 5 seconds.

Remember when flashing a base map you need to have the intilization connector plugged in and the green test mode connectors connected.

the 06 doesn't have those...and I def don't have but the cable that goes from the AP to OBD connector.