Comments on: The Ian Cull Auto-Up Circuit Reviewed http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/09/10/the_ian_cull_auto-up_circuit_reviewed/ MINI Cooper news, reviews and opinion. Mon, 22 Mar 2010 02:08:20 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: Remote opening/closing of windows and the sunroof - 2010 Mazda 3/Mazdaspeed 3 Forums http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/09/10/the_ian_cull_auto-up_circuit_reviewed/comment-page-2/#comment-294314 Remote opening/closing of windows and the sunroof - 2010 Mazda 3/Mazdaspeed 3 Forums Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:41:20 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/09/10/#comment-294314 <p>[...] A few years ago a Mini owner developed an add-on module to correct this, and sold a ton of them: MotoringFile Archive The Ian Cull Auto-Up Circuit Reviewed I have one of these, and it's awesome. Mine also controls my fog/driving beams and my garage door. [...]</p> [...] A few years ago a Mini owner developed an add-on module to correct this, and sold a ton of them: MotoringFile Archive The Ian Cull Auto-Up Circuit Reviewed I have one of these, and it's awesome. Mine also controls my fog/driving beams and my garage door. [...]

]]> By: Dr Obnxs http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/09/10/the_ian_cull_auto-up_circuit_reviewed/comment-page-2/#comment-283457 Dr Obnxs Fri, 27 Nov 2009 05:41:33 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/09/10/#comment-283457 <p>An update in case anyone reads about it here still:</p> <p>Ian transferred production over to FES Auto (www.fes-auto.com) in the summer of 09.</p> <p>DSC and Front fog lights are now standard.</p> <p>We're about to release v7 that also has two channels of aux control that can be configured to "toggle" or be momentary, so garage door mode will be built into all of them. We also added an peizo buzzer to give mode selection feedback once it's all buttoned up in the dash. We also added some more modes so that you can set up single click mode, and also control both windows with a single toggle (based on a user's request out of Greece).</p> <p>Also, the MCAW has gone the way of the Dodo, so this is currently the only auto-up product for the first gen Minis that I know of. Anyway, the product is alive and well for all that want it, and it's feature list is growing while the price is still pretty close to what Ian originally offered it at.</p> <p>I'd really like to thank Ian for letting FES run with the product. He gets his free time back, the Mini community keeps access to a really cool product, and FES gets a few bucks from the whole deal.</p> <p>Matt</p> An update in case anyone reads about it here still:

Ian transferred production over to FES Auto (www.fes-auto.com) in the summer of 09.

DSC and Front fog lights are now standard.

We’re about to release v7 that also has two channels of aux control that can be configured to “toggle” or be momentary, so garage door mode will be built into all of them. We also added an peizo buzzer to give mode selection feedback once it’s all buttoned up in the dash. We also added some more modes so that you can set up single click mode, and also control both windows with a single toggle (based on a user’s request out of Greece).

Also, the MCAW has gone the way of the Dodo, so this is currently the only auto-up product for the first gen Minis that I know of. Anyway, the product is alive and well for all that want it, and it’s feature list is growing while the price is still pretty close to what Ian originally offered it at.

I’d really like to thank Ian for letting FES run with the product. He gets his free time back, the Mini community keeps access to a really cool product, and FES gets a few bucks from the whole deal.

Matt

]]> By: MotoringFile » Archive » MF Review: One Year w/the 2005 MCS http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/09/10/the_ian_cull_auto-up_circuit_reviewed/comment-page-2/#comment-39704 MotoringFile » Archive » MF Review: One Year w/the 2005 MCS Sat, 03 Jun 2006 13:53:45 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/09/10/#comment-39704 <p>[...] Ian’s Auto-up Circuit - Read the review [...]</p> [...] Ian’s Auto-up Circuit – Read the review [...]

]]> By: Gabe http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/09/10/the_ian_cull_auto-up_circuit_reviewed/comment-page-2/#comment-34174 Gabe Sat, 01 Apr 2006 03:32:57 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/09/10/#comment-34174 <p>Ian has a new batch and there is a new auto-up:</p> <p><a href="http://motoringfile.com/2006/01/03/the-mcaw-auto-up-window-circuit-reviewed/" rel="nofollow">MCAW Auto Up Window Circuit Reviewed</a></p> Ian has a new batch and there is a new auto-up:

MCAW Auto Up Window Circuit Reviewed

]]> By: Adrian S http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/09/10/the_ian_cull_auto-up_circuit_reviewed/comment-page-2/#comment-34170 Adrian S Fri, 31 Mar 2006 23:45:24 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/09/10/#comment-34170 <p>Damn! I put off buying this thing because I had so many other hobbies going on.... and NOW I find out its no longer being fab'd. BUMMER!! Does anyone know where I can get one nowadays?</p> Damn! I put off buying this thing because I had so many other hobbies going on…. and NOW I find out its no longer being fab’d. BUMMER!! Does anyone know where I can get one nowadays?

]]> By: Ian http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/09/10/the_ian_cull_auto-up_circuit_reviewed/comment-page-2/#comment-10667 Ian Sat, 08 Oct 2005 02:56:27 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/09/10/#comment-10667 <p>Thanks John :) It was great to see you again too.</p> <p>The MINI circuit is currently unavailable. I won't be selling them any more - they take too much time.</p> <p>But I am hoping that one of the MotoringFile sponsors might be able to take over the sales ...</p> Thanks John :) It was great to see you again too.

The MINI circuit is currently unavailable. I won’t be selling them any more – they take too much time.

But I am hoping that one of the MotoringFile sponsors might be able to take over the sales …

]]> By: GMINI http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/09/10/the_ian_cull_auto-up_circuit_reviewed/comment-page-2/#comment-10666 GMINI Sat, 08 Oct 2005 02:32:31 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/09/10/#comment-10666 <p>Nearly one year after i picked up my DSC/AutoUp from Ian Cull himself at the Make a Wish Event in RI, I had the fortune and honor of having the Man himself install the device in my aux gauge beriddled dash, during the Round Long Island 2 lunchtime.</p> <p>Great product, Ian!!!</p> <p>And folks, as of last weekend there are but forty left in the last batch of circuits EVER.</p> <p>Sadly.</p> Nearly one year after i picked up my DSC/AutoUp from Ian Cull himself at the Make a Wish Event in RI, I had the fortune and honor of having the Man himself install the device in my aux gauge beriddled dash, during the Round Long Island 2 lunchtime.

Great product, Ian!!!

And folks, as of last weekend there are but forty left in the last batch of circuits EVER.

Sadly.

]]> By: Ryan http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/09/10/the_ian_cull_auto-up_circuit_reviewed/comment-page-2/#comment-10665 Ryan Sun, 08 May 2005 01:19:53 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/09/10/#comment-10665 <p>does anyone know how to disable this autodown feature on a factory installed chip or mod? I dont want it to be autodown anymore. </p> <p>please email me at airnegri@hotmail.com if you have any idea. </p> <p>I have a 03 mustang.</p> does anyone know how to disable this autodown feature on a factory installed chip or mod? I dont want it to be autodown anymore.

please email me at airnegri@hotmail.com if you have any idea.

I have a 03 mustang.

]]> By: Will http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/09/10/the_ian_cull_auto-up_circuit_reviewed/comment-page-2/#comment-10664 Will Mon, 22 Nov 2004 17:43:15 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/09/10/#comment-10664 <p>oops! I should have said "without removing the down tubes".</p> oops! I should have said “without removing the down tubes”.

]]> By: Will http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/09/10/the_ian_cull_auto-up_circuit_reviewed/comment-page-2/#comment-10663 Will Mon, 22 Nov 2004 17:41:37 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/09/10/#comment-10663 <p>Ian, thanks mucho. I received the mini circuit on Saturday and installed removing the down tubes. The trim piece was tricky, as my mini is 2005, and the attached "small item" tray is constructed as one unit with the trim piece. I had to rotate this unit almost 180 degrees vertical to allow it to be forced between the down tubes and the lower portion of the dash unit. Once that was accomplished the rest was a piece of cake after carefully reading your instructions. Since space is precious in side the Mini, being able to hide the remote garage door opener is practical ( no more bumping my noggin on the opener that was attached to the driver's side visor)as well as aesthetically pleasing. My suggestion to you is don't stop making them, as it is a superb add on to the mini. Everyone should buy one.</p> Ian, thanks mucho. I received the mini circuit on Saturday and installed removing the down tubes. The trim piece was tricky, as my mini is 2005, and the attached “small item” tray is constructed as one unit with the trim piece. I had to rotate this unit almost 180 degrees vertical to allow it to be forced between the down tubes and the lower portion of the dash unit. Once that was accomplished the rest was a piece of cake after carefully reading your instructions. Since space is precious in side the Mini, being able to hide the remote garage door opener is practical ( no more bumping my noggin on the opener that was attached to the driver's side visor)as well as aesthetically pleasing. My suggestion to you is don't stop making them, as it is a superb add on to the mini. Everyone should buy one.

]]> By: Phil Williams http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/09/10/the_ian_cull_auto-up_circuit_reviewed/comment-page-2/#comment-10662 Phil Williams Sun, 14 Nov 2004 20:48:02 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/09/10/#comment-10662 <p>Ian,</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Thank you for your effort in designing and bringing this wonderful product to the MINI driving public.</p> <p>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)</p> 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)

]]> By: Ian C. http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/09/10/the_ian_cull_auto-up_circuit_reviewed/comment-page-2/#comment-10661 Ian C. Wed, 03 Nov 2004 23:17:14 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/09/10/#comment-10661 <p>Will, Unsure why you had trouble accessing www.GBMINI.net; I have sent an email to you ...</p> <p>If anyone else needs to reach me, my email is GBMINI@MINIsOnTop.com</p> Will, Unsure why you had trouble accessing http://www.GBMINI.net; I have sent an email to you …

If anyone else needs to reach me, my email is GBMINI@MINIsOnTop.com

]]> By: Will http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/09/10/the_ian_cull_auto-up_circuit_reviewed/comment-page-2/#comment-10660 Will Wed, 03 Nov 2004 00:07:20 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/09/10/#comment-10660 <p>Ian I tried to contact you thru the article, but your site was not available to me. I would like to order from you the auto up, with garage door opener. Please contact me. Thanks.</p> Ian I tried to contact you thru the article, but your site was not available to me. I would like to order from you the auto up, with garage door opener. Please contact me. Thanks.

]]> By: BOB http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/09/10/the_ian_cull_auto-up_circuit_reviewed/comment-page-2/#comment-10659 BOB Sat, 16 Oct 2004 18:23:28 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/09/10/#comment-10659 <p>Installed the 12v GDO/AU ckt. great directions, very easy install, works great. I installed the modified Genie garage door opened under the dash as listed in the directions. It will open my garage door from 500 feet away, it has better range then before!! Auto up works great! Thanks Ian.</p> Installed the 12v GDO/AU ckt. great directions, very easy install, works great. I installed the modified Genie garage door opened under the dash as listed in the directions. It will open my garage door from 500 feet away, it has better range then before!! Auto up works great! Thanks Ian.

]]> By: Agro http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/09/10/the_ian_cull_auto-up_circuit_reviewed/comment-page-2/#comment-10658 Agro Fri, 17 Sep 2004 19:51:26 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/09/10/#comment-10658 <p>I installed the circuit with DSC deactivation and garage door opener without removing the downtubes (I have fairly large hands) in about 30 mins. That time included modifying my garage door opener. I have a 12v opener, so I wired the leads from the circuit onto the battery terminals for the opener. Then I ran some fine (24 gauge?) wire across the switch terminals of the opener. I then closed the opener case again, with the power wires running out through a hole in the opener case. Installed the circuit in the car, pushed the opener up in the cavity with the circuit board and impressed my wife with the coolness of the mod. All up, about 30 minutes. Following the instructions that came with it, I had not problem working the harness catch. Love the mod and am (not very actively) putting together a Sin City MINI Club group purchase and installation party.</p> I installed the circuit with DSC deactivation and garage door opener without removing the downtubes (I have fairly large hands) in about 30 mins. That time included modifying my garage door opener. I have a 12v opener, so I wired the leads from the circuit onto the battery terminals for the opener. Then I ran some fine (24 gauge?) wire across the switch terminals of the opener. I then closed the opener case again, with the power wires running out through a hole in the opener case. Installed the circuit in the car, pushed the opener up in the cavity with the circuit board and impressed my wife with the coolness of the mod. All up, about 30 minutes. Following the instructions that came with it, I had not problem working the harness catch. Love the mod and am (not very actively) putting together a Sin City MINI Club group purchase and installation party.

]]> By: Greg V http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/09/10/the_ian_cull_auto-up_circuit_reviewed/comment-page-2/#comment-10657 Greg V Thu, 16 Sep 2004 01:11:04 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/09/10/#comment-10657 <p>This was truly an option that I felt I was missing out on. Most all the other cars that I test drove had this auto up and it was quite disappointing to find that the Mini did not have it. </p> <p>It was only at Dyno Day that I saw Ian putting one in a car and within that split second I told him that I was certainly next. Installation in 5 min? No way, I think it was more like a minute and 30 seconds! </p> <p>What's next Ian?</p> This was truly an option that I felt I was missing out on. Most all the other cars that I test drove had this auto up and it was quite disappointing to find that the Mini did not have it.

It was only at Dyno Day that I saw Ian putting one in a car and within that split second I told him that I was certainly next. Installation in 5 min? No way, I think it was more like a minute and 30 seconds!

What's next Ian?

]]> By: windsorblue http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/09/10/the_ian_cull_auto-up_circuit_reviewed/comment-page-2/#comment-10656 windsorblue Wed, 15 Sep 2004 18:01:02 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/09/10/#comment-10656 <p>this is great, i love this feature on our volkswagen. and was totally perplexed as to why it is not included on the cooper. i may order this now so i can install it as soon as our cooper arrives</p> this is great, i love this feature on our volkswagen. and was totally perplexed as to why it is not included on the cooper. i may order this now so i can install it as soon as our cooper arrives

]]> By: Theo http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/09/10/the_ian_cull_auto-up_circuit_reviewed/comment-page-2/#comment-10655 Theo Tue, 14 Sep 2004 04:13:28 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/09/10/#comment-10655 <p>Attaching your opener....</p> <p>I removed the circuit board from my opener and soldered a jumper to close the switch. Then I attached some double-sided foam tape and connected the flying leads. The circuit board was then pressed and stuck behind the removable center panel. I even drilled a small hole in the panel so the "activate" LED on the opener's circuit board showed through.</p> <p>Space may be a premium for some behind the panel so removing the circuit board from your garage door opener can save you valuable real estate.</p> <p>FWIW</p> Attaching your opener….

I removed the circuit board from my opener and soldered a jumper to close the switch. Then I attached some double-sided foam tape and connected the flying leads. The circuit board was then pressed and stuck behind the removable center panel. I even drilled a small hole in the panel so the “activate” LED on the opener's circuit board showed through.

Space may be a premium for some behind the panel so removing the circuit board from your garage door opener can save you valuable real estate.

FWIW

]]> By: Ian Cull http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/09/10/the_ian_cull_auto-up_circuit_reviewed/comment-page-2/#comment-10654 Ian Cull Mon, 13 Sep 2004 21:00:30 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/09/10/#comment-10654 <p>The MINI circuit does <em>not</em> provide a garage opener, only the ability to turn your existing one on/off using the MINIs toggle switches. If your opener works OK down with the toggle switches, you could relocate it there and make it disappear ...</p> The MINI circuit does not provide a garage opener, only the ability to turn your existing one on/off using the MINIs toggle switches. If your opener works OK down with the toggle switches, you could relocate it there and make it disappear …

]]> By: alex http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/09/10/the_ian_cull_auto-up_circuit_reviewed/comment-page-2/#comment-10653 alex Mon, 13 Sep 2004 20:49:43 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/09/10/#comment-10653 <p>sorry, one more question- upon reading your description of the opener circuit, it sounds like maybe it just provides the power/switch- i.e. is there a transmitter? Or do I still need the opener clipped to my visor, but now I use the toggle instead of the button on the opener? Am I misunderstanding?</p> <p>Thanks!</p> sorry, one more question- upon reading your description of the opener circuit, it sounds like maybe it just provides the power/switch- i.e. is there a transmitter? Or do I still need the opener clipped to my visor, but now I use the toggle instead of the button on the opener? Am I misunderstanding?

Thanks!

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