IanF, DanStoren,
Just to let you know that the "version 4" circuit which is being built over the next month or so should be adaptable to drive two garage door openers ...

I listen to feedback!

 

Ian, I've read a little on your garage door feature but I am not exactly sure how it functions. How do you 'program' your remote to replace an existing remote? Is it similar to "Skylink" where the new remote can learn the code?
I currently have two remotes and this new feature would be great.

_________________
Dave - IB/W Cooper S with Lapis Blue.

 

>>IanF, DanStoren,
>>Just to let you know that the "version 4" circuit which is being built over the next month or so should be adaptable to drive two garage door openers ...
>>
>>I listen to feedback!

Damn! Guess I should have held out for the 2 garage door circuit.

 

>>Ian, I've read a little on your garage door feature but I am not exactly sure how it functions. How do you 'program' your remote to replace an existing remote? Is it similar to "Skylink" where the new remote can learn the code?
>>I currently have two remotes and this new feature would be great.
>>
Dave,
My circuit is *NOT* a remote. It does not get programmed.

The circuit interfaces to the MINIs toggle switches, and provides a signal which is triggered when you hold the door toggle up (unlock) or down (lock) for more than half a second.
You would solder some wires from the circuit into your opener so that when the circuit triggers, it is the same as pressing the button on the remote.

Robyns version is similar, but puts out a 9V supply which she connected to the 9V battery connector of her remote - eliminates soldering.

 

Just putting in my feedback here as well as on Ian's site - This is one ESSENTIAL mod, IMHO! I plugged it in this weekend and it works like a charm! It was easy, and Ian's website has very useful instructions and links, so all questions were answered quite satisfactorily. This is one of the best mods I've seen, and Ian deserves a huge round of applause - his mod works, (unlike so many others), and it's priced so any MINI owner can afford it. Thanks, again, Ian!!

BCNU,
Rob in Dago

 

i was going to get one but my local dealer said that would void the warranty covering the ENTIRE electrical system.

yikes!

 

mcs,
April Fool?

 

no, serious. each dealer is different i know, but this is what my dealer said when i asked him about that. i had heard people getting functions turned on by a computer at the dealer, so i asked about windows up etc. he said there wasn't such a function on the mini. i gave him the link to your page and he said that would void the warranty on the entire electrical system if found. i am sorry dont mean to knock your product just saying maybe you should check with your dealer before putting this in. i would like auto up windows but not enough to void my warranty on electrical system.

 

mcs,
There are specific laws about car manufacturers / dealerships claiming that part xyz will void a warranty.
There is a legal requirement that it be PROVED that the aftermarket part CAUSED the failure - assuming there is a failure, of course.
Tell your dealer that he is incorrect.

Beyond that:
I have been designing electronics for vehicles for about 15 years.
This circuit is designed to be extremely car friendly and reliable - for example I use a 60V rated voltage regulator when a 25V rated part would be perfectly fine.
A couple of MINIs - including mine - have had this circuit fitted since last year with no problems.
The supply to the circuit is via a 5A fuse - worst case failure would blow that fuse and cause no damage.
My MINI has been to the dealership a number of times since the circuit was fitted, with no issues.


Finally, if you are concerned, you can remove the circuit before a dealer visit. I would suggest that it be removed if the dealer is working in the center console area, simply to avoid them being confused as to how to re-connect the circuit if they need to disconnect it.

 

I finally got around to putting mine in yesterday and the thing works great. Probably the best $40 I'll spend on the car. It took me 30 minutes from the time I walked in thte door with the box, and would probably take 10-15 if I did it again.

I plan to take it out if I expect the dealer anywhere near it.

 

I have completed the install of my circuit that has auto windows up and controls two garage doors (one off of the door lock switch and one off of what would have been the rear fog lights switch). I didn’t get this option on the car so when I ordered my circuit from Ian he was kind enough to throw in a rear fog light toggle switch, all I needed to do is to drill out the hole in the switch pannel and pop the toggle switch in. Now I have all of the toggle switches in place and all are actual functioning switches.

I did make a small mistake when I ordered the circuit, I assumed (I know what this means) I had a 9 volt garage door opener, turns out that my model (Genie intellicode ACSCTG Type 1) was a 12 volt opener. When I contacted Ian he was able to tell me how to modify the circuit to put out 12 volts. So all works great now thanks to Ian and his ingenious circuit and excellent support.:smile: :smile: :smile:

For anyone that has a Genie intellicode system and wants to install two openers I would recommend getting their key fob size opener (model #GMI-38L) they measure about 1"X 1.5" so two will fit in less space than one of the big ones this way you can hide Ian’s circuit and two openers under the access cover below the radio.

 

Another FYI about that excellent 12V Genie remote (available at Home Depot) - I put mine above the headliner next to the rear view mirror and that location doubled it's transmitting range. I just ran a long wire around the windshield down to Ian's circuit. Mmmmm, garage door opening, toggle switching goodness.

 

I've had my window up circuit on the car for a month or so now (is that all? Seems like something I always had) and it's fantastic. I bypassed all the "stretched tape" problems that everyone seemed to be having in April by using some very fine, bare wire and wrapping it tight around the connections into the on/off switch on the remote. Cut off the excess and viola! I'm going to put together a group buy for the Sin City MINI Club and have an install party. Every member of the club who's seen my windows go up as if by magic, wants one.


Thanks Ian.

 

Just another endorsement for the auto-up/GDO module. Bought it months ago for a friend's car and finally found the time to install it. It was much easier than I had anticipated - Ian's illustrated instructions were AWESOME. He even customized it so the garage door opener worked on the non-existant ASC/DSC switch. As an added bonus, while it was apart I added three toggles so now she has a full rack. It looks great and works even better! Thanks to Ian for the great invention and to Scooterboy for supplying an extra toggle!

 

So how much do these run? I want one!

 

Glad to hear it ... I had wondered how you got on with them ...

 

You can find all the details on:
http://www.gbmini.net/MINIcircuit/index.shtml

though I couldn't find pricing...(?) roughly $40-$60 depending on which options you want (auto-up, GDO powered or switched, Track mode DSC). You can also PM Ian (above) - his site says he only has five left!

 

Thanks.
I expect the price to be higher for the next batch so I took the old prices off. Can't figure till all my bills come in though ... BTW:
November 26, 2004: 499 shipped; no stock until the next batch is built!

 

Rob,

I have an auto up circuit that Jenn installed for me about 6 (?) months ago. Can the garage door opener be added it that? Or is the garage door opener a newer version?

Earll

 

Earll, I would suggest you contact me directly and we can discuss options.

 

Just got my circuit from Ian this afternoon and I didn't hesitate one second after the postman delivered it to me to install this piece of genius!!!! It only took maybe- maybe half an hour. All I can say is DAMN THIS THING IS HOOOOTTTT!

Thank you! Thank you so very much IAN-you da man!!!!!!! Who da man? YOU DA MAN!! That's right you heard it-YOU DA MAN!!!!!!

....and don't let anyone ever tell you otherwise!!!!!!!

 

Thank you :smile:

 

Here you go:

James

 

Why, thank you James

 

Wow, I do like the idea... and it is so tempting... but if my windows go up automagickally, then I won't have a reason to get out, insert my key and close them before walking off... Of course, that could be just a habit (like rolling the windows up with pinky and index finger) I developed to compensate for this lack.