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Electrical Ian's vs MCAW

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Old Jul 8, 2007 | 08:25 AM
  #1  
pimpedout97x's Avatar
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Ian's vs MCAW

could someone explain the differences, if one is better, etc? im interested in getting one, and im trying to find which one i want to get. i want to use my garage opener with it if possible, as well as the fog light auto-on thing, and im curious as to if there is any other features available...

VJ
 
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Old Jul 8, 2007 | 09:02 AM
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Ians Auto-up was the original, developed back in 2004; since then I've sold over 1400 and had only a couple of issues - so quality / reliability is proven

My current version sells for $45 and includes optional "track mode DSC" and "auto front fogs" features, as well as auto up.
I'm also a sponsor on NAM.
 
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Old Jul 8, 2007 | 03:01 PM
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I bought Ian's because his was the first out & in my mind was most likely to be free of bugs. Best mod I've done, auto-up with track mode.
 
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Old Jul 8, 2007 | 03:35 PM
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are they still in stock? i want to order one.
 
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Old Jul 8, 2007 | 04:56 PM
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i use MCAW on my MCS and it's been fantastic.

got mine from www.outmotoring.com
 
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Old Jul 8, 2007 | 05:04 PM
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I got Ian's.... before I even got my MINI....first thing I did.. Lovin' it
 
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Old Jul 8, 2007 | 05:31 PM
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Originally Posted by pimpedout97x
are they still in stock? i want to order one.
Yes
I only accept orders on my webpage when I have stock; I'd hate to take someones money and not have product to supply them!
 
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Old Jul 8, 2007 | 05:34 PM
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Originally Posted by kenchan
got mine from www.outmotoring.com
Interesting ... $59 shipped, compared with $50.40 shipped for mine ... the MCAW used to be more competitively priced than that!
 
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Old Jul 8, 2007 | 06:02 PM
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+1 for Ian's. My first MINI mod.
i want to use my garage opener with it if possible, as well as the fog light auto-on thing,
I use both of these functions on mine -- and love it (especially the garage door opener which is tucked away and operated via my door unlock toggle). And although I don't use the "track-mode" (aka auto-DSC off), I know that it would take 5 seconds to program if I wanted to.

 
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Old Jul 8, 2007 | 06:30 PM
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Originally Posted by pimpedout97x
... want to use my garage opener with it if possible ...
Sorry, didn't notice the garage opener mention before!

GDO versions are custom to your spec, depending on GDO.
Simple "switched" has two wires which need soldering across the transmit switch inside your remote - triggered by door lock/unlock being held >1/2s. The battery is still needed.
Some versions can replace the 9V or 12V battery inside the remote - depends on the battery, GDO design, etc. Email me to discuss further
 
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Old Jul 8, 2007 | 06:43 PM
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Originally Posted by harpo
I got Ian's.... before I even got my MINI....first thing I did.. Lovin' it
Got you beat. I bought THREE before I got my MINI! (Had two friends with MINIs)
Ian was awesome - created a custom circuit for one to use the nonexistant ASC toggle on one, and fielded my endless questions without so much as a looking down his British nose, and walked me through the various GDO options (switched vs. powered)
 
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Old Jul 8, 2007 | 07:03 PM
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so it will work with the garage opener then...when i hit the door unlock button, will it just do the doors, or the doors and the garage? what if i want to unlock my doors in my driveway, will it trigger my garage? lol
 
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Old Jul 8, 2007 | 07:24 PM
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Originally Posted by GBMINI
Interesting ... $59 shipped, compared with $50.40 shipped for mine ... the MCAW used to be more competitively priced than that!
you sound like a cheep salesman.
 
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Old Jul 8, 2007 | 07:29 PM
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Originally Posted by pimpedout97x
so it will work with the garage opener then...when i hit the door unlock button, will it just do the doors, or the doors and the garage? what if i want to unlock my doors in my driveway, will it trigger my garage? lol
A quick flick will do the doors - the GDO takes a second or two. IIRC it works either in the lock or unlock direction. I always use it in the unlock direction, as I have automatic locking. It's convenient for me, as my garage is very narrow, so I unlock the door for the wife and hold it until the garage door opens.
 
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Old Jul 8, 2007 | 09:02 PM
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im gonna be getting Ian's soon...the MCAW is more than 59 shipped, i would have to get the delxue which is another 15 bux.
 
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Old Jul 8, 2007 | 09:36 PM
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Either circuit would have served my needs. Most people would choose according to the products' prices and features, but I wanted to support Ian for his involvement with the MINI community. How often do you see someone openly contributing their knowledge like this: http://www.gbmini.net/wp/auto-up_windows/diy/
 
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Old Jul 8, 2007 | 09:44 PM
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Ian is a good guy, does a hell of a job on MINIs on Top and supported a problem I had after the dealer got his hands on it... Only thing I wish is that I got the DSC optional off feature... Go for it...
 
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Old Jul 9, 2007 | 05:25 AM
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I bought one for my GP long before I had my car. It works perfectly. Ian is a wonderful guy and will bend over backwards to help you. Support the best!
Steve
 
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Old Jul 9, 2007 | 05:39 AM
  #19  
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+1 for Ian. It was my first mod and well worth the money. Well done Ian!
 
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Old Jul 9, 2007 | 07:12 AM
  #20  
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im gonna order one when i get paid friday
 
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Old Jul 9, 2007 | 07:19 AM
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i've got ians... works like a champ.
 
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Old Jul 9, 2007 | 10:40 AM
  #22  
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I have a custom version of Ian's circuit in my car. I organized a group buy for the Sin City MINI Club a couple of years ago and installed all of the circuits ordered except 1.
I have no personal experience with using the MCAW, but have installed a couple of them. The MCAW install is slightly easier than Ian's, but not enough to make me prefer it over the one that I've been using happily for over 3 years.
 
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Old Jul 9, 2007 | 10:46 AM
  #23  
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Another vote for Ian's. I have had his for 4 years, and in two different MINIs, with no problems. I modified mine after delivery and Ian's customer support was excellent. He wants to provide the product you need and he is very responsive to questions.
 
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Old Jul 9, 2007 | 12:01 PM
  #24  
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what did u do to mod it?
 
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Old Jul 9, 2007 | 01:10 PM
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I just needed to change the way the garage door opener was powered. Ian explained the changes I needed to make to his circuit board (mainly move a couple wires). I also had to modify my garage door opener. Ian was very helpful.
 
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