So how exactly does this thing work if I get one?

If I buy the circuit and install it- the auto-up windows and track-day DSC both are activated with it? I also want the Auto Front Fog lights that are a piggy back option.

All the track-day DSC does is turn the DSC off when you start the car right? And then you can just flip the switch to turn it back on?

Mostly I want the auto-up windows because I love them and I was disappointed to find out that my MINI isn't going to have them from the factory.

Thanks for the help.

 

All functions are disabled by default. I bought the auto-up + trackmode dsc and also have the auto fogs but I've never used the trackmode dsc.

I'm not sure how the trackmode dsc activates itself, but it will turn off dsc when you start your car while its activated.

Luke

 

I am very interested in an window auto up feature. Pls share what ever info you have.

Bart

 

Track day mode is enabled using the lock toggle - full explanations are included with the circuit.
The circuit mimics you holding up the window toggle for 6 seconds, and it's AWESOME. As was said, you can turn either function on or off with the the toggles - see instructions.

I'm not a fan of auto-fog lights but to each their own.


You can see details on the circuit at: http://www.gbmini.net/MINIcircuit/index.shtml

and a thread singing its praises at:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...o-up+fantastic

 

I'm definently going to get this thing. I want to be able to have auto-up windows and I also don't want to have to remember to turn off DSC everytime I am in a situation that I need it off. Especually here in AZ where we don't have many days where I would need traction control. So, when one of those days does roll around, I will just flip the DSC on at that time.

I don't have my MINI yet, so bear with me on these noob questions. Whenever you turn your headlights on, the foglights are always off until you turn them on? That is stupid if you ask me. I am a valet, so I have driven every car you can imagine and they all have a choice, either the foglights come on everytime you turn the headlights on, or they don't. You can choose with by flipping the switch. So, in the MINI if you don't have Ian's system, you would have to turn the headlights on AND then turn the foglights on everytime? If that is the case, than I am FOR SURE getting Ian's piggy-back system to turn those bad boys on.

 

The reasoning here shows certain cultural differences in automobile ownership and operation.

In Europe, fog lights are not generally used unless...well...there is fog! It is considered somewhat brash, if not impolite, to drive around with auxillary lights blazing. In fact, a number of European constabularies will ticket you if you have your fog lights on without their being needed by inclement weather!

However, by contrast, the desire to overtake someone on the major European motorways is politely signalled with a quick flash of the "high beams". In the US, this is considered brash and impolite. So go figure.

My preference is to run DRLs for visibility (no flames, please!) and to keep the fogs off unless I am in fog or alone in rural areas at night and need the side-to-side illumination.

To each his/her own...

Theo

 

I also prefer to have the daytime running lights on. I got used to my old Subaru 2.5RS - I left the headlights on all the time. Turn off the ignition and they'd go off, turn it on and they were on. Never had to worry about headlights, and had good daytime visibility as well.


Koopah, I'm curious why you expect to be flamed for liking daytime running lights? I also thought your explanation for fogs usage was good.

_Dave_

 

Historically, the proponents/opponents of DRLs seem to frequently banter back and forth about this issue. Seems like a hot issue most of the time.

Sorry for the hijack,

Theo

 

Ian has always been really great at answering questions; I'm sure if you send him an email he'd be more than happy to give you all the info you need.

 

The auto-up circuit is FANTASTIC!!!! Very easy to install - instructions are very clear.... Well worth the money - my favorite Mod on the car...

Donna
02' CR/W MCS (gone to MINI heaven)
05' Cool Blue MCSC

 

I 2nd that. I did it and its so sweet.

 

Just an FYI Ian has been on vacation so if you don't get a response from him don't be surprised. He will be back next week.

If you want the Auto Fogs you will need to let him know, at which point he will take one of his premade circuits and manually modify it to do so.

The trackmode DSC enables independently of the auto-up windows. The idea is if you have a track day or whatever, you enable it so your DSC is disabled whenever the car is started. Then disable it when you are done with your day of racing or whatever. (I can't imagine why you would want it disabled all the time..but then again I live in new england where it is needed every week!)

I of course highly recommend the auto-up circuit. I also have a driving light circuit from him that works great too.

 

I bought a used window up module.
anyone know if I can "add on" the auto fog light option?

 

Yes, if you look at his site (see link above) it shows that it's a plug in add-on.

 

I understand why it can vary from culture to culture, but I still don't understand why they would keep the fog lights off everytime. If you don't want the foglights to come on- you should be able to leave them in an off position, if you want them to come on everytime- you should be able to leave them in an on position. You know what I mean? Anyway, I am going to be getting this thing ASAP! It sounds like a great peice of equipment.

 

I understand, but the European PDs may not! BTW, I am a happy owner of Ian's circuit with the garage door transmitter link. This is a terrific product!

Theo

 

The instructions are great, and the install on my '03 MCS was very easy; however, when I did the install on my sister's '05 MCS it was a PITA. I contorted the circuit in place without removing the down tubes and scraped the back of my hand pretty bad, I still have a scar

Lesson learned: If you have big fat hands like me, remove the down tubes!

 

I asked Ian that same question and he is of the fog lights is only for fog culture so he would not implement the feature.

I respect that. It's his design, his product.

With that said... I love it. I use the auto up frequently and the "Track Mode" at all track events.

 

Don't look now, Tiger, but I think Ian bowed to the forces of capitalism. :smile:


http://www.gbmini.net/MINIcircuit/index.shtml#AFF


Hang in there, tsukiji - think of it as a human door ding.

 

Ian's stuff is first class and works as advertised. I have the auto-up windows, DCS track day, and Auto Front Fog piggy back circuit on my '03 MCS. I use it all the time. Worth every penny spent and more.

 

I've had my circuit with track mode and garage door opener in my car for over a year and love it. So much so that I just organized a group buy for the Sin City club. It looks like I'll be installing 9 of them on 4/10/05.
Hope there are no 05s.

 

I bought my curcuit from Ian and I am waiting for my S to arrive so I can install it. I bought the auto windows with track mode DSC and the auto fog lights option. I am reading on his website though and it says that the auto fog light option is not recommended for 05's with the auto headlight shut-off. Why is that?

 

Here is the reason: if you turn on the front fogs while the auto headlights are on, then they will stay on.
Since the AFF mimics you turning on the front fogs whenever the lights go on, you now have an interaction!
If, say, the auto headlights come on in a tunnel, the AFF will also turn on the front fogs. Now when you exit the tunnel back to full daylight, the auto headlights will not automatically turn off again.
So you have something like "auto once headlights" instead.


BTW: Thank you everyone for the kind words on this thread
(I missed it all when I was on vacation back in March)

 

I'm gonna throw some more praise your way, Ian!

I installed my auto-up on Sunday - your instructions were great and the pics were very helpful. It only took this novice about 15 minutes and I now have auto-up windows! Thanks, Ian!!

I also now have the mod bug... so I'm looking for what to do next!

 

I think the auto-up mod is the mod I use the most daily (of course except the performance mod). It is very useful, and I have it installed since I got my car last year. That's why I listed it in my mod list at my sig., while most other people just list the performance parts.