Well, it's actually an easy up / easy down circuit for the R52. We'd had some requests for a control module to make the operation of the convertable top on the R52 easier. Well, we did it.

It goes up behind the header electronics and hooks to both the top and window switches there.

• A quick double tap on the top open button fully opens the top.
• A quick single tap on the window open button fully opens the windows.
• A quick double tap on the top close button fully closes the top.
• A quick single tap on the window close button fully closes the windows.

So about 30 seconds of button pushing is replaced by 3 quick taps to open everything up.

And about 20 seconds of button pushing is replaced by 3 quick taps to close everything up.

A single tap on the appropriate button will stop motion of the top or the windows.

Retail will be $69.95 plus tax, shipping and handling. Put a $69.95 deposit down via PayPal to sales@fes-auto.com and we'll cover shipping and sales tax (for CA residents). We're looking at about 4 weeks till shipments. We have to make the daugter boards for the switches.

When we're in production, the deal is off and it will be back at retail.

If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask!

Matt

 

Nicely done

 

Sounding good!

Now my '05 already drops all windows with a single tap but doesn't do any other of the functions your's does. But as awsome as that is, do you think it would be an easy mod of it to get a single tap of top to put it into "sunroof" mode.

* Single tap on top open would be "sunroof" open.

* Double tap on top open would be "full" top down.

Or first double tap "sunroof" then the next double tap would be "full" top.
Or is that how it is working and I'm missreading.

 

at the company I used to work at, I did a lot of the relationship building with our clients (companies like Intel, Lam, Applied Materials). They'd always want something a bit different than what we were offering. I'd just say "I'll check into it, after all, it's only software!" then I go craap all over the roadmaps of the product groups! I'd tell them "it's only software, what are you biatching about? Don't you want customers?" the person who would complain the most was the product manager of the data connectivity group. He's now my business partner! I'll see what he say....

And Ian, thanks for the comment. We wouldn't have had the opportunity without you letting us do your Auto-Up... Taught us a lot!

Matt

 

Sounds good - what is the installation going to be like? I have this "talent" for making the easy look difficult.

 

Thanks for letting me input. And I know what you mean about "it's only a software fix" or can't you tweek this to do that; and everyone's idea of how an interface should work is different. I've been a flight simulator tech for 21 years now and from computers to hydraulics to visual systems there's always a another way of getting a task done.

BTW, I am totaly on board with this and very glad you're bringing it.
I'm going to see if I have space where the board will go (I removed my rear view mirror to get rid of front blind spot and put the remote board up in that area).

And a BIG THANKS to all the info you bring to this site. I am truly greatfull for for all the knowledge shared by you and others.

 

and yes, it's no problem to make it One Click for the sunroof, next click for the top (or do them both together and have it just do everything at once!).

And you're welcome for all the info! Best way to show appreciation? Order stuff from FES!

Also, these things are really, really small. The brains are based on the Auto Sportplus but there are two really small daughter boards hanging off it to go to the switches....



That should give you an idea of size... There's on of the 5 wire headers as well. We tap into a power line with a Posi-Tap, and the two daughter board go between the switches and the wiring harness. This will take almost no room.

Matt

 

Dr. O

Thanks for pic of circuit. I don't even have to check for space now; that will fit for sure!!

So, I just showed my appreciation and sent a deposit for the "Cabrio Easy-up".

Your the king man!

Allen

 

and we're happy to help! I'll post more photos as we get closer to shipping.

Matt

 

this is a rough outline...

Use a credit card or something else thin and stiff to pry up the edge of the switch module and pop it out.

Unplug harness from top, hook up circuit to switch, plug in harness

Unplug harness for windows, hook up circuit to switch, plug in harness

Use Posi-Tap connector for power.

Use 2 sided high strength sticky tape to hold circuit in place.

Put switch module back.

test it out and live an easier life! (yeah, every one promises that, but FES really delivers!)

Matt

 

How long do you think we have left to pull the trigger?

 

plus or minus. We'll be confirming some board designs (for the switches) and then it's just lead times on parts.

Matt

 

Sounds like a great deal - paypal is on the way, looking forward to easy up/down for Winnie's top...

 

Will the remote top operation work the same way with a couple of taps?

 

this is an internal button only thing. We haven't hacked that part.

Matt

 

I'm in. Thanks Ian and Dr. O!!!

If you haven't "hacked" the key/remote part yet, will their be a trade in program when you do, or do you anticipate that being a completely seperate circuit?

I guess we can use this as an "auto up" by tapping the all-window button, so that's cool.

 

Matt, so the different taps that would be needed for sunroof, top, and windows to go down would be programmed on an individual order basis? I would really like the option of all three and not just top and windows.

Mike

 

Do you think you will have a similar offering available for the R57 anytime soon?

 

No clue here. We're not that far into the remote stuff, so it's just too early to even think of how it will all work. But in general, our preference is that you sell off the older module via the marketplace and then order the new unit. But this really depends. If it's just new firmware into an existing module, we may offer and upgrade path. Like I said, it's just too early to tell.

In general, we put all operating modes into the control module, and you select what mode you want via the buttons (like setting up the Ian Cull circuit). This is just easier all over, as there is only one version to stock and build. Also, it means that each customer can change thier mind and set the unit up as the mood suits!

Yes. Actually, the microcontroller board is the same, what's different is the firmware and the wiring interface. Too early for a date to offer, but it's on the task list and we're working on it.

If anyone has any more questions, feel free to post away or PM me. Or if you want, you can e-mail me at mattr@fes-auto.com

Matt

 

Interesting idea. What about stopping the top from going down or up at some point during the cycle? This is an absolute necessity from a safety standpoint as little children or your dog might get in the way during lowering or raising. And, of course, you might forget you put something tall in the back seat and wouldn't want to close on it and damage either the item or the top.

So, can automated top/window down and up be interupted?

 

it's already in the current firmware...

Matt

 

Excellent! How does it work? Just another push of the button and it stops?

 

it's pretty simple!

Matt

 

Interested, since I had hoped someone to come up with it.
Sounds like a easy mod, once the party is in hand.
Just worried that I need international shipping to Korea and won't have anyone to consult, if I go blank on the installation.
Could you actually show us the installation in pix?
Even a simple "installated" shot would help to encourage me to get one, for the sake of trying.

 

Zustin,
NAM is here for you. If you have any trouble, there will be somebody here to help you. I've pre-ordered, so I'll be one of the first guinnea pigs. If you have trouble with yours, I might be able to help. Of course, Dr O has been around here for a long time, and I'm sure he'll give you whatever help you need.