It doesn't need to stay plugged in at all times. Just when you are flashing. I haven't plugged mine back in since the initial flash. I just store it away. There is a sequence you need to follow anytime you make changes to any tunes/flashes. Simple, but not quite "on the fly". Check out GooseTuned, he's a vendor here who can help you out.I just read about the Cobb deal. How do you switch between the Cobb tunes - does that ap always stay plugged in?