Electrical Ian's vs MCAW
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
VJ
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.

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.
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!
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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got mine from www.outmotoring.com
+1 for Ian's.
My first MINI mod.
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.
i want to use my garage opener with it if possible, as well as the fog light auto-on thing,
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
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
(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)
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.
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/
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.





