Champagne

I am working on a brushed aluminum insert and a new version of the AC panel for the leather inserts.

We are taking the comments from those who saw the samples at SITM and tweaking the components.

By the way Sterling, did you get my PM the other day?

Paul

hans14914

No "exciting" updates on my end either. I am working on the rubber sleeves for the *****, but no pictures to show of that yet. Also, investigating having the board holder made out of steel instead of composite so I can use rivnuts or other threaded inserts for easier assembly. Finally, working out a deal on a custom assembled capacitive touchscreen monitor just for this project. I have narrowed it down to 4 configurations, but obviously need to get that number down to one. Also, taking the comments made by Jim at SITM, I am trying to find a control that will dynamically adjust the LED backlight via PWM from a 0-5v input (photo-resistive eye) to provide more elegant automatic dimming control. Currently, the screen "dims" by changing the gama curve of the video output, and leaving the backlight constant. The more elegant solution is to leave the gama constant, but adjust the backlight. If a controller can be found that supports this feature, and the 7" panels we are using, I hope to be able to include this option. After speaking with some LCD experts, these controllers are known to exist for slightly larger panels (10-15"), so it is reasonably to assume that we should be able to find one for the 7" panel.

When the climate control is ready to move to PCB, I will have some updates, and will be looking for some volunteers to test.

Thanks
Hans

Brett Jenkins

I'll gladly help you test this Hans.

hans14914

Sterling,

The screen I am using now has that feature. I can continue to supply that option if you would like. I am looking at using a different controller though for the standard version, that removes a lot of the extra connections for an easier installation. All those extra inputs lead to a bulky cable connection. It works, but is a little difficult to install with the console in the car. I am leaning towards a stripped down controller that just has the necessary inputs, making wiring much easier. It also allows me to purchase the screens as bare modules instead of a retail assembly. When purchasing the retail version, the resistive touch, power supply, case, dashboard mount, stylus.... etc all is discarded, but adds cost to the product. I can provide a much nicer display for less money by sourcing all the raw components that we want, and having custom LCD assemblies made for this particular project.

If you want spare video inputs, backup camera (reverse position switched), then i can source the appropriate controller. At this point in time, I am planning on using a LCD module which is compatible with both the simple and deluxe version control boards. My current brackets already support the deluxe version, so its just a matter of price.

Thanks
Hans

risc

I want to spress my opinion maybe I'm wrong but here it is any way..Why not retrofit from other car the ac/control unit and add own radio system..

Champagne

Because we want to design it exactly the way we want, with the look that we want, and be able to make it do what we want.
That said, we give ourselves the latitude to customise it and adapt the system so that everyone can have as close as possible both the look and functions that fits in their car. All of which as to mesh with the 30 year old hardware that is the base of the AC system.

Paul

81Euro

I'm in, checks in the mail! Seriously, I can't wait please advise when you are ready to start sales/distribution. 81Euro, Pacific Blue and almost All New.

risc

Champagne That sound like a lot of money for research & development....Wonder what will be the asking price...and what do you want to do diferent with a elect. Ac/Heater control panel them other do not do?? I ask so i won continue retrofiting this piece i post it may cost me less them what i spending now....

Franks928s

Hans - can you manage all of our expectations with what you would consider to be a reasonable timeline for availability? I'd like to purchase 2 of them for both of my cars but may go a little different of a route if this realistically won't be available for 6 more months. We all appreciate your work and know this isn't your full time job. So ,be fair to yourself when projecting the timeline to us. Thanks!

Frank

hans14914

This is certainly weeks away, not months. The climate control is taking the longest amount of time. I dont want to get too many out without significant testing. As far as the PC portion is concerned, it is ready to go, and could have several ready in a couple days time.

The project is not dead, just nothing new to update on right now. I will try and get a big update ready for this week.

Thanks
Hans

jmrjames

What is wrong with you ? Are you taking time off to eat and sleep? My bid is $19.99 in one easy payment.

hans14914

Most of it is related to the fact I keep running into tools I dont have to test/debug. I think things are finally to a point where I have the tools to be confident to move this out to beta testing. I have a list of beta testers assembled, so the minute i feel I have a stable revision, its going out for a couple weeks of testing, and then it will be ready for production. After I get betas out for a while, I will start investigating the pre-order process for those that want them ASAP.

Thanks,
Hans

jmrjames

Hans it was a joke. You are doing GREAT

Mike B

+1001...Hans, stay the course...you're doing a great job!

Franks928s

[QUOTE=Sterling;7694869]I ....so cut Hans and Paul some slack and let them spend their time working on this instead of stressing on the timeline..... 3 weeks or 3 months? I'd rather wait 3 months to know it was done right instead of rushed.... if its out sooner then great.... but devlopement is time consuming....

Sterling, I don't think asking someone to set our expectations is making someone stress on the timeline...perhaps it gves them more freedom to perform their work without having to respond to the same question numerous times.

You may prefer to wait but others may opt to find an interim solution, especially when the AC control isn't operating properly and its 100 degrees outside. Absolutely - I'll wait for the end product but I also don't want to invest in an interim solution if the end product is a week or weeks away either.

Frank