I just installed, or should I say, had a friend install the new basic model of the MCAW. I'm a gadget guy and the thought of having one of these thrilled me. When I say basic, it does much more that one would think regarding a "basic". All I was looking for was the auto-up windows since I didn't need any of the extras that the "deluxe" model offered. And I was not disappointed. It only took about 10 minutes to install, and the instructions were perfect. There are four modes for the driver's side and three for the passanger's. I selected mode 4 for the drivers and mode 2 for the passenger. Mode 4 allows a quick double click to auto-up the drivers and a "short and long" to do both windows. The passenger has mode 2 which is a double click to raise that window.

In the install we moved the downtubes out of the way and removed the switch panel. It took less than a minute to mount the circuit and less than 3 to program the MCAW.

Based on my experience, so far, I think this is a "must" for most MINI drivers.

 

Nice review.. you made me want to get one right now!

 

I have no financial interest in this, just wanted to share something good when it is available.

 

So did you get the delux kit? I wonder how the aux. output works.

 

I will gladly take your Auxiliary question(s) related to the MCAW Deluxe. Fire away.

-Randy

 

Alright.. I totally missed the 'basic model'...

 

The MCAW basic is a new circuit that only supports the Auto-Up Windows functions with the 4 different roll-up modes. This model does not support DSC Auto-off or a Garage Door Opener output. Just the Window function.

The Basic is completely "out in the wild" yet but will be very soon.

-Randy

 

I am asking for the aux output since I am thinking about wiring a control to the FF200 driving light.

 

With the deluxe the 2 generic auxiliary outputs are triggered from the front fog light switch. Or if you are NOT using the Garage Door Opener (GDO) output you can use that output to trigger an auxiliary device using the lock/unlock switch.

Regards-
Randy

 

Maybe I should go in a bit deeper. All of the auxiliary outputs are designed to turn on or off a circuit (such as a lighthing circuit) by pulling the auxiliary trigger lead on the MCAW to ground. In your application you would wire a common 30 amp automatoive relay into your lighting circuit and then wire the ground side of the coil in the relay to the auxiliary out trigger on the MCAW.

Hope this helps-
Randy

 

I am not that familiar with the wiring stuff, but that's help me a lot with your explanation. Thanks!

 

Thought that was rear fogs....would be nice if the front fog switch worked. I just ordered one of these from OutMotoring, and they ran out of "Basic" units. Guess I can use it to turn on the flamethrowers or something.

 

Thanks for the post about install. I have that unit in and it works great in mode 4. I did not realize one could program each window independently. So I learned something. Thanks again. DAZ

 

I just purchased a Rev.3 MCAW circuit from Outmotoring at the "Minis on the Dragon" weekend but cannot get my GDO to work.
Does it still require the battery?
My garage opener is a 4-5 year old Chamberlain and my 12v GDO remote looks identical to the one in your instructions.

I am going to check with my meter today to see if I am getting a signal voltage to my remote terminals where I soldered my wires. If it shows nothing at mode 2 or 3, I'll try the other modes.

I tried many times to program the GDO but no success at least using the panel lock/unlock switch by itself.
It is strange but the following sequence did close the garage door but not as it should. Found it out by accident. Trial & error.
1. Programming as per instructions.
2. Exit programming.
3. Ignition on and engine running, I depressed the remote button first and held it.
4. Press the panel lock/unlock switch up or down as required twice quickly and the GDO worked.
5. I released the remote button and nothing.
Why did I have to press the remote button? I don't know. Does there have to be further modification to my remote?
John.

 

I replied to this as well via Private Message but for any others tuning in, I thought I would close the loop.

John -
It sounds like you haven't completed (or accidentally skipped) Step 3 on Page 9 of MCAW Deluxe Circuit instructions. (Manual available for download at http://www.mcaw.info/files/mcaw-delu...lguide-rv3.pdf) This step reads --

In essense you are overriding the button by soldering this lead across the button (switch). The MCAW then sends 12 volts to the former battery terminals on the opener instantly ( and because the button is out of the circuit) sends the signal to your Garage Door receiver.
Because this step will be different for every model/make of opener we purposely did not include a photograph.

Please let me know if this helps-

Thank you-
Randy Kuite

 

Hangman had a follow up question on how to determine the correct pins on the switch (button) to connect to finish the GDO modifications to the opener.

One of the easiest ways is to use a continuity tester and determine which combination of pins sets off the audible continuity indicator when the button is pressed. Once you determine the combination of pins, you simply soldier in a jumper across those pins.

Cheers-
Randy

 

Thanks Randy. It's working allthough it doesn't have much range. I have to be right at the garage door before it works.

 

Glad to hear that it is working.

Range is somewhat dependent on the make and model of the opener.

One option to consider is to lengthen the wire from the MCAW to the opener and then reposition the opener elsewhere in the vehicle.

One installation a while back actually fit the opener up in the headliner area in front of the sunroof and before the rear view mirror area.

Best Regards-
Randy

 

hey, anybody find a place to get the little jumper pin connector to soldier to the GDO. I've had no luck. When I purchased it, I was surprised to find the Deluxe didn't ship with it. Isn't that the point?

Also, anybody connect a second opener via the auxiliary?

 

Joe -

Most computer supply stores have a cable that goes from a CD/DVD to the audio on a computer motherboard. This is the same sized cable that MCAW circuit uses. Typically these work perfect for the MCAW application as well. We decided not to include the cable because the bulk of the users were after the Auto-up Windows and Auto-off DSC function. The outputs (GDO and Aux.) were a much smaller percentage of buyers and we were focused on keeping the circuit as affordable as possible for the vast majority of potential buyers.

Here is one online source for the cable if a local source is not available. This cable has a connector on each end. Simply connect one end to the MCAW and cut and splice/solder the other end as appropriate for your application.

Regards-
Randy

 

I just could never get to a computer supply company. and doing searches for "pin connector" etc never got me anywhere. The "ID Bit Cable" reference worked great!

 

We've just posted online a couple of support videos that illustrate the installation and programming of the MCAW Basic Circuit.

They are available for download from our 'Downloads' page on the mcaw.info website under the section titled 'MCAW Basic Circuit'

Thanks-
Randy

 

Why did someone tell me recently that the MCAW was no longer available?!

 

Not sure. We're definitely still here. Maybe the person was just misinformed or he/she was just messing with you

-Randy

 

Odd thing was - it was one of your resellers! Wierd.