So I saw a company advertising the auto up circuit. I am curious if anyone has tried it, or is it ians circuit? I'm just woundering here.

http://mcaw.pcmx.net/?page_id=3

Maybe someone could chime in and tell me if it will work on the 2006 model?

 

Nice! Their web page says it is compatible.

Looks like there's some neat features added into one package. I'd get one right now, but my s/o cut off all of my MINI money since I twincharged and added springs.

 

strage... outmotoring also started to sell a module like that

http://outmotoring.com/remote_contro...up_module.html

 

It looks like OutMotoring's is a remote device to be used when outside the car.

 

except thats remote only. This one is based on the actual up and down buttons.

 

Seems curious that they offer the identical functionality of Ian's circuit - DSC disable, GDO, etc. Perhaps he licensed his design? Hopefully it's not somebody stealing his IP.:impatient

 

thats what I was hoping. I'm waiting for ian to chime in on this before I decide what to do .

 

It is a unique design. We started the design process when Ian announced that he planned to not produce any more circuits after the 1000 unit mark.
Now that Ian is planning to return, I guess there will be some competition in the Auto-up Circuit arena. Only a good thing for consumers.

Our product is very similar to Ian but there are distinct differences between the two. I encourage anyone interested in a Auto-up circuit to visit our site at http://mcaw.pcmx.net.

Thanks-
Randy

 

I am not sure I would call it theft.

I too was bummed about the discontinuation of Ian's Circuit. I sat down with a friend who is an electronics wizard and we set out and designed the MCAW Circuit. The intent was never to crowd in on Ian's action... we started the process when Ian announced he was bowing out. Then he changed his mind.

Ian was shipped a MCAW circuit free of charge over the weekend and he should have it tomorrow. He can review it and is welcome to give his input on the product.

I hope this helps-
Randy

 

Auto-up of both windows from the driver's switch is slick. It also connects directly to the back of the switch panel.

http://mcaw.pcmx.net.

-Randy

 

is there a possiblity of turning on the fog lights when the headlights are turned on?

 

No the current circuit can not perform the Auto-on Fog Light function. We are just starting to research adding this feature. No promises but we are looking at it.

Thanks-
Randy

 

Well, I'm 98.9% sold! (Just have to wiat until I'm home from work. )

 

Just a little thought here. Fog lights are for the FOG! Not for general illumination and everyday use. There are already way too many people driving with their fog lights on when not needed. Think of all of the Subarus and SUVs with poorly aimed fog lights that have blinded you as they approach. Let the MINIs be above that. Let the MINI lead, not follow.

That people are asking for this is an indication that they do not understand the function and proper use of a FOG light.

JOHO

 

yah yah, thanks for getting mad at me for a question.

Some people live in dark communities so it helps. And seeing how every morning there is fog, I think I'm justified. Please don't badger me over a question I asked just because you don't believe in it.

Yes I know what the proper use of a fog light is

 

Z-Mini, I didn't mean to offend with the question regarding Ian's IP. I guess after way too many years in industry where good ideas can be "borrowed" w/o compensation I am just a little sensitive.

I, and I'm sure the entire MINI commmunity, welcome a source for a feature that should have been standard on our US Spec cars.

Good luck with the product offering. If I didn't already have Ian's circuit, I'd be ordering one from you guys.

 

FYI - I just got this module in the mail tonight. I'll be handing it off to a MotoringFile tester this week and we should have a review of it up in the next week or two.

 

I certainly don't disagree with anything you have said but I can't see the flip side of the coin for those that want to be seen in their MINI at any cost.

Thanks-
Randy

 

Gabe -

Thanks a bunch for taking a look. As I said via email earlier (pre-hard drive crash =), if your tester has any questions or issues when the install begins, please feel free to forward my name and number to him/her.

Thanks-
Randy

 

No offense taken. I just thought it was important to try tell the story of how and why we came about.

Thanks-
Randy

 

Great! Looks pretty impressive so far.

 

I think we all feel loyalty to Ian.

That said, it is only fair to point out that Randy's MCAW module promises to provide many of the same features and possibly a few more at a competitive price. In addition, I've traded a few notes with him and found him to be very helpful and responsive. He's one of us

 

I'm curious what you all think about it.

 

Not to badger or go too far off topic, but unless you ONLY start your car in the dark and in the morning, there's a switch for turning the fogs on when you need them. If you want to use them 24x7 that's your choice, but that doesn't mean it's 'proper use'.



As for the the MCAW - cool! I'm one of Ian's biggest fans, but he created and sold it out of need, not to make a living. It's actually surprising it took this long for a competing module. Kudos, Randy!

 

IP theft would be kinda difficult, too... at one time Ian posted all of the schematics and even the compiled chip program to his web site. He basically gave it away to whoever wanted to make one (he's all about the MINI community).

I snagged one of Ian's originals as soon as I found out about the 1000 unit cap (he ran out 2 weeks later). I love the product and was even happier to buy from someone who was contributing to the community.