Sections: Uncategorized Feb 20th, 2004 28 Comments Ian Cull over at gbmini.net has come up with a solution to an issue that has annoyed US MINI owners for a couple years now. The problem is that US spec MINIs have had the auto up feature on the windows deactiviated by default. It's remained a puzzle as to why MINI decided to do this. The most obvious thoughtis that it may have been a response to the litigation happy culture of the US. However for years BMW's available in the US have had this feature with seemingly no litigation issues.
Ian decided to create a solution of his own to deal with the issue:
I have been working (and playing) with microcontrollers for 25 years. The MINI seems to inspire its owners to take their car to the max, one way or another. When I learned that European MINIs have auto-up windows, I wanted the same! Just like rear fog lights.
Having already investigated the design of the toggle switch panel, I was able to design a circuit which easily connected “in line” between the MINI wiring and the switches.
I started with a simple “quick and dirty” design using a high-voltage PIC chip from www.microchip.com; unfortunately this design did not work. But having started down the path, it became necessary to complete the design even though it is now much more complicated than I had originally expected.
In reality, the ability to close the windows without needing to hold the switch is an irrelevance – but the design was fun! I was also able to incorporate circuitry which can control a garage door opener, providing elegant “hidden” control for owners that need it.
You can find out more about this solution at gbmini.net/MINIcircuit.
Brad Thompson Feb 20th, 2004 Link
Wow..that seems like an awful lot of work.
I wonder if the feature could be added more easily by swapping in the appropriate OEM part from a Euro MINI.
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Brian Feb 20th, 2004 Link
Hmm…my thoughts precisely. Although one-tough up windows would be a welcome addition, the mod sounds a tad elaborate (not to mention the warning from my MA that any electrical tinkering would jeopardize the warranty). Wonder what the EU part would cost…
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Lee Langston Feb 20th, 2004 Link
I would guess the problem is not the part but the programming of the body control module. What Ian has done is to bypass that and have the circuit he designed just send the window up command for a set period of time.
I want one.
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Paul C Feb 20th, 2004 Link
I would try to do if he'll sell me that circuit board for a resonable price?? Heck if he wants me to beta test it I'll do it for free…….hmmm
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Dennis Desilva Feb 20th, 2004 Link
OMG! I want one! Are they going to be for sale? I would by this for sure.
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Dave G. Feb 20th, 2004 Link
The MB C230 has one-touch close windows and sunroof. It would basically be a switch that activated the door-key mechanism. Can we make this for a mini?
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Ian Cull Feb 20th, 2004 Link
Lee is correct. The functionality for auto-up windows is buried in the BC1 programming and is not accessible to us. Last year I put a lot of work into decoding the BC1 configuration (trying to crack the rear fog lights); it is clear that there is a sort of “country code” that governs basic functions of the BC1. US MINI owners are only able to have rear fogs by updating the program in the BC1 to allow that configuration on a US spec MINI. The same restriction would no doubt occur for the auto-up windows – and I don't know anyone who has hacked the BC1 enough to reprogram it yet. The circuit approaches the problem simplistically but reliably, by simulating someone holding the switch closed. Unfortunately a lot of “waste” circuitry is needed so that the BC1 does not get upset when power is turned off (because the window switches remain active when the ignition is off).
A number of people have asked for this circuit; I have estimated a $50 price. Obviously that is too much money for some people but, like all other MINI features, you don't have to have it.
If anyone else (Paul, Dave) wants to work on a similar or different circuit, I would love to see your results :)
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Paul C Feb 21st, 2004 Link
Hey Ian,
I don't need the rear fogs or the garage door functions just interested in the auto-up function. You can send me a personal e-mail if you like.
I take it that the install is easy but finding a place to velcro the board to is some work, am I right? Otherwise everything is just plug and play??
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Mike Feb 21st, 2004 Link
This gadget is very cool.
I'd be interested in one as well, just for the auto up feature, even at $50. Please post some more details on how this is installed. From your site it looks like you just undo a connector, and plug both ends into the circuit board. Is it that simple?
Thanks
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Ian Cull Feb 21st, 2004 Link
Paul, The circuit does not, as standard, do anything with rear fogs. Installation is easy enough if you can get access to the back of the toggle switch panel. There is a trim piece below that is removable with one screw; you can then (with thin hands) reach up and access the connector. GadgetGav very sensibly velcro'd his circuit to the back of the trim panel – I will try that on mine but I think it is a very good idea.
Mike, Electrically yes it is that simple to install! The only difficulty is gaining access to the connector on the back of the toggle switch panel – the “quick” way is as described above but otherwise you have to remove the downtubes and the panel.
PS: If either of you are still interested, please email me.
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Dave G. Feb 21st, 2004 Link
I'm in no capacity to try and figure out something this complex in a cars electrical system. I would however love to have it. Would it go in the open toggle position?
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Ian Cull Feb 21st, 2004 Link
Dave, Not sure what your question means … The auto-up circuit is installed behind the toggle switch panel and uses the existing window up switch. No need for an open toggle position.
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njpaguy Feb 22nd, 2004 Link
Is it possible for someone to find out what parts need to be swapped out and/or newly installed (and the OEM MINI part #s) to do a factory-spec mod? Thanks.
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Stuart Feb 22nd, 2004 Link
I dont want to rain on your parade, but the reason MINI does'nt have the one shot up enabled is due to the frameless window design, Basically if you shut the windows from the key fob any resistance on a framed window car will automatically stop the motor and prevent chopped up fingers. With frameless windows is not so easy, the 3 coupe doe'nt have it enabled either. You can have auto up on all windows by using th key in the lock, that way you are close to the car and can back out the closing before it gets bloody. The auto close function with the key remotely is NOT officially available anywhere through MINI
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Gilbert Cabral Feb 22nd, 2004 Link
Ian, I read your tread, good job, please can you check on mbz 2001 model and on,they have this also. The door garrage I think it is battery operated wicth is intalled at the visor.I am looking forward on this.
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Ian Cull Feb 22nd, 2004 Link
Stuart, I agree completely. I have tested the auto-up against something solid and the window has the tendency to push outwards and trap the object diagonally. However I am the only person in my MINI; no kids so no worries. Also, the circuit requires a [i]double click[/i] to operate, so it will not catch out someone not expecting auto-up. Finally I supply the circuit with the [b]option[/b] for auto-up windows on either side; it is up to the owner to decide whether it is safe to enable them (and, if needed, they can be disabled again).
njpaguy, You probably need to have the BC1 and IKE recoded to think that the car is in Europe. I don't think you can get a MINI dealership to do that! The part (the BC1) is the same in both countries – only the coding differs.
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gabe Feb 22nd, 2004 Link
Stuart – actually my 2001 325ci had auto-close on both front and rear windows. I wonder if this is a different spec as in the UK?
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Stuart Feb 23rd, 2004 Link
Hi Gabe, Maybe in 2001 the litigation crew wasn't so hot, it'd be a complete no no here in Europe, and we're nowhere as bad as you guys. and Ian, its a fair comment, and a neat bit of trickery too, I've just witnessed what happened to a pencil in a demo. Ouch!.
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Lee Langston Feb 23rd, 2004 Link
FYI, try shutting your car door with you're hand between the door and frame. I'm betting you will break something pretty good.
To me the whole point is that they trust someone to have complete control over and drive the car around yet they can't be trusted to keep their hand out of the window while shutting it?
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Gilbert Cabral Feb 23rd, 2004 Link
I put my hand between window on my MBZ, they have auto up and down windows and press the botton untill almost squess my hand ,but the window automatically drop down. Ian, you may try this and ask more info how the MBZ did it or, it is there we can't just find it? Second is, I fix one of the door of C230 MBZ I found out that the WINDOW MOTOR there is a thermo current sensing or we call overload sensor that Identify load. Once he identify it, the motor reverses its turn.Is the mini have the same thing?. My Mini still under warranty I dont want to break it yet.
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Gilbert Cabral Feb 23rd, 2004 Link
I put my hand between window on my MBZ, they have auto up and down windows and press the botton untill almost squess my hand ,but the window automatically drop down. Ian, you may try this and ask more info how the MBZ did it or, it is there we can't just find it? Second is, I fix one of the door of C230 MBZ I found out that the WINDOW MOTOR there is a thermo current sensing or we call overload sensor that Identify load. Once he identify it, the motor reverses its turn.Is the mini have the same thing?. My Mini still under warranty I dont want to break it yet.
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Ian Cull Feb 24th, 2004 Link
Gilbert, Lots of things are possible if you redesign the MINI enough – change enough wiring, add enough sensors, etc. That is not what I want to do. This auto-up SIMPLY gives the ability to close the window without needing to hold the switch. It makes no attempt to give pinch protection or anything similar – the driver who chooses to fit this circuit also (perhaps) chooses not to let kids mess about in the car, or whatever.
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Reg YellowMini Feb 29th, 2004 Link
Okay, I wan tone for my new YellowMini! What does it take to talk another one out of you? I have all 6 switches used in this new Mini, is there a way to still make teh Garage Door Opener option work?
Cheers…Reg
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Ian Cull Mar 8th, 2004 Link
Reg, If you are interested, please email me direct. As for the garage door opener interface, I originally programmed it to trigger your opener when you hold the DOOR UNLOCK switch for more than half second – now apparently some MINIs will auto-open windows/sunroof when you do that, so owners of such MINIs might choose to trigger their garage door opener by holding DOOR LOCK instead, or maybe holding a fog light switch (or even DSC). It does not really matter that holding the switch has the “side effect” of turning a fog light on/off or whatever – in fact turning on the front fog while the garage door opens might be a useful feature!?
If your DOOR UNLOCK does not cause the windows, etc to open then double use of this switch is IMHO the best way to control your opener.
PS: Now that I have final pricing, it varies from $40.57 for auto-up only to $54.55 for auto-up and power for your garage door opener. Shipping is at cost, about $2.00.
Gabe – I think I owe you a free circuit for all this bandwidth :) Which type would you like?!
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Phil Williams Nov 14th, 2004 Link
Ian,
I just wanted to write and let you know how pleased I am with your auto up window mod. I have to enter a guarded facility a few times a day and each time I have to go through 2 check points. Trying to pull away, put away a bunch of ID's, roll up the windows, and shift gears at the same time is a real pain, especially in the rain. Your circuit solved the problem. You also make the process so simple. The Paypal button on the website allowed me to pay for the circuit in seconds, it arrived two days after I placed the order, and the instructions were well written and comprehensive.
Like some of your customers I have the factory accessory instruments. Unlike some of your customers I discovered that the best installation approach is to enter from the top. By removing the down tubes and taking the switch panel off (as outlined in steps 8 & 9 in your instructions) installation requires far less disassembly than would be required to remove the instruments and lower panel. While it takes a little more caution to attach the connector to the board while holding it partially inside the instrument panel, it is not hard to make it happen. Now that I know how the car is built I could install the board in less that 15 min. with the shift console in place on any MINI.
Last but not least, the way you have the board designed to allow the auto up and DSC features to be either enabled or disabled depending on the needs of the owner is not just clever it is FANTASTIC. While the danger of an auto up window in the MINI is overrated because the switch for the window is remote from the door, and guarded, disabling the feature when necessary solves any possible problem this installation might cause.
Thank you for your effort in designing and bringing this wonderful product to the MINI driving public.
Regards Phil Williams (2005 Cooper S, DS/DS, JCW, Nav, Aux. instruments, Hands free kit, PIAA Lights, Premium package, Cold weather package, R90, Chrome package, and Ian's auto up window mod)
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Chandran Baloo Jan 6th, 2005 Link
Dear Mr.Ian Cull
HAPPY NEW YEAR
It was a nice article to go through. I was joint by my wife and daughter, when they kept the mouse busy making me read the over and over as they had their own speed reading on the screen.
As for the anti pinch techno. is it a mandatory on all US vechiles, or do they still make a few without this feature?
My interest comes into this aspect of fixing a device on all POWER WINDOWED cars which doesn't have this feature. It is a small box with a HYBRID MICRO device which has a software built-in to control the 1)Power flow to the motor of the window. 2) Self timing the distance of roll-up and roll-down ( as different cars have variable window height ). 3) Regulate the pressure exerted (before jamming fingers and neck of kids and dogs) Software Based. etc,.
The Hybrid can be programmed for more features, utility based and can be shaped to our requirement best suited.
Price – VERY AFFORDABLE
With regards, let me know more on your short-cuts….Great!!!! Bye for now
Chandran Baloo
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