MCAW Auto Up Window Circuit Reviewed

Nice review.

I’ve had my Cull Auto up for a few years now, bought one for my daughter’s MC as well. Can’t figure out why BMW didn’t include with US MINI’s but Glad Ian saw the need.

As far as the new kid on the block goes more power to them as it sounds like a good product and I wish them success. I do think Ian’s sounds a little easier to instal/program as it only took me, not a electrical kind of guy, a mere 15 minutes from start to finish, but I was able to do it without removing down tubes.

What type of devices would one use for the “two generic auxiliary outputs”? Looks like for an extra $7.00, that has a benefit.

I don’t believe that’s the case as BMW has sold coupes for years with frameless window that had the auto-up feature. I’ve owned a couple myself.

Our ’02 Jetta also had auto-up windows.

Gabe, I don’t see the name of the author in your page layout. I think it would be especially worth while with reviews.

Gilbert, I think I read someplace that this circuit and the one sold by Outmotoring were not developed untill after Ian announced he was no longer going to produce his unit, as they were not wanting to take away his market, just fill the need that was left open.

Gabe and company -

Thank you for evaluating and reviewing the MCAW Product. We will be updating the instructions to better clarify the programming time delay noted in the review.

One small clarification between the Standard and Deluxe Circuits. The Standard Circuit support Auto-up Windows and your choice of one auxiliary output (which could be DSC Auto-Off, GDO, or a generic auxiliary output). The Deluxe version has Auto-Up Windows and all 4 auxiliary functions plus a second generic auxiliary output.

Thanks again- Randy

I may have missed it somewhere, but is this new auto window up circuit like Ian’s in that, it is designed for FULL up operation from a fully open position … or can it be used from only a partially open position?

Back in the early 80′s I worked in a 12 volt shop where we routinely installed a product called Smart Windows from Clifford electronics (now a subsidiary of Directed Electronics). These units were simple timer/relay units which worked with nearly all power windows on all cars and they also worked on most sunroofs. The issue as to why we don’t have them on many cars in the U.S. is not due to a lack of technology, or ability. The issue revolves around one simple fact: 1) We are a nation of people who think we are not responsible if we try to dry our hair while still sitting in a bathtub of water. i.e.: we have the misfortune of suffering from both stupidity and greed. This also accounts for much of the retooling of the MINI’s front end (pedestrian impact reduction) as well as the difficulting in getting the JCW sport seats in the States (airbag issues).

so is there an overcurrent protection in the factory circuit which “opens” the circuit if it is held too long?

There is an overcurrent detect/shutdown built in to the MINI in the BC1: If a kid decided to click and hold the switch you would not want the motor to burn out. So there is no need for anything extra in the MINI circuit.

Yes. Ian has circuits ready and waiting for your order at http://www.gbmini.net/MINIcircuit/index.shtml

If you have to ask why… Only in the MINI community is your response =)

-Randy

Now if the question (BMWNA) will not add this on new Mini’s, in what reason they don’t like to add this feature… Safety?

And if that’s the reason How about my 1998 318 ti bmw had window auto up down. How about Mercedes they had those. It’s doesn’t make sense to me I’d paid my mini almost 40K still I need to add this feature?

While I applaud the ingenuity of all those who’ve come up with a solution to this problem I’m still left wondering about the mechanics of it all. My sister in Ireland has an 04 Cooper with auto-up. My 05 MCS here in the states like everyone else’s doesn’t come that way from the factory.

Are we saying that it’s a simple programming issue that can be fixed using the shop’s computer or are the control circuits actually different (which is what necessitates adding the circuit card)?

I’m headed over to the ‘ol sod this spring, and if there’s a particular part available from one of the Dublin dealers (a “euro” version control circuit for the windows), I’d like to have it ordered and ready for pickup while I’m there. But if it’s a simple matter of programming (UK vs. US) that’s different altogether and I’d have to do some more investigating.

Sparky’s Dad

Schmagagled, in investigating the MINIs functionality when developing the original auto-up-windows, I learned that the “BC1″ electronic body control module for the car is configured by a sort of “country code” which makes different features available. So in England and Europe, the BC1 makes the driver window auto-up (but not the passenger window) – of course this is the righthand window in England and the lefthand window in Europe. In USA, neither window is allowed to be auto-up according to the programming inside the BC1. Attempting to change that programming is not easy – hence my design of MINI circuit.

I presume the new designers did none of the background investigation but simply duplicated the functions that I had originally developed ;)

Wrecker (Rick)

Thanks for the update. I have been meaning to contact you through email but both Kevin and I have been extremely busy…. but busy is good so no worries.

Shoot Kevin an email about what you ar elooking for in regards to your fog lights.

Thanks and Happy New Year. -Randy

Can this be programmed to have the driving lights on withouth the hight beams…. I would buy one right now!

J.

Bumpy2k,

My friends 1995 M3 has auto up with frameless doors so I think you’re statement is incorrect.

Hei Ian thanks for replying, just found it today..

If you ever find this post, how can I get my hands on that RLR module and what is it?

How to install.!