Hi Gary,
Just because you "can't program the controller with the smart display" it doesn't necessarily mean that you can program the MP5 controller with the MP4 USB cable.
It's a bit like assuming that the MP4 controller can be programmed with the MP III USB cable simply because it fits into the same connector. What may seem obvious is not always guaranteed to work.
However, as the MP4 and MP5 both have vector controllers, I am expecting the MP4 USB programming cable to work with the MP5, but rather than just take it for granted that it will work, I simply wanted confirmation.
Have you tried to program one of the MP5 controllers with the MP4 USB programming lead to check that it works?
Also, if you are using the BAC-601 Smart Display with the MP5, it means that you cannot use the Bluetooth device at the same time for monitoring trip mileages, speed, motor rpm, current, voltages, battery levels, etc. as you can only use one or the other.
So you would still need to carry the plug-in Bluetooth device with you if you wanted to change any of the program parameters via your phone while out riding.
For those who still want a fixed display on the bike
(and an easy to reach button for selecting the PAS levels) the obvious solution would be a display unit similar to the BAC-601 but with integrated Bluetooth to allow data monitoring/capturing along with additional programming options to be accessed via a smartphone.
One useful option I would like to see added to the app would be an "Off Road" mode that would instantly switch to pre-set higher speed and higher power settings for off road use which could simply revert back to street legal settings for highway use (and also disable the throttle if required).
It might be a good idea to have this function hidden and/or user password protected to avoid accidentally selecting the "Off Road" mode whilst riding on public highways.
I would also suggest having a quick and easy fail-safe way of exiting the "Off Road" mode like simply pressing and holding anywhere on the screen, just in case you find yourself being stopped by the police while accidentally riding on a public highway in "Off Road" mode.
Alan