hans14914

Sorry for being absent this afternoon - the day job grabbed me. I am prepping for a business trip, and will me incommunicado for Sunday and Monday.

Anyhow, this is a concept that we are working on for several reasons - the rotary encoder version when all said and done is quite expensive. It does work, but there are tons of discrete led's, several shift registers, lots of current limiting resistors... It all needs to be SMD to fit. So the parts are expensive, the assembly is time consuming, and we dont have the option of easily changing out the backlighting color like we could with this version.

Another issue is the fact that the rotary encoders have some height to them (and they are expensive, did I mention that yet?) so the overall front panel does require some caluclated mounting depth. This is not an issue per say, but the magnetic version will be about 0.3" thick, so would be very easy to do some custom mounting solutions for people who want to add double din head units, or populate the console with extra guages... etc. This version could even work in the sunvisor its that slim.

To answer some of the questions regarding resolution, this concept would retain the same level of resolution as the factory controller, just with less visual representation. You woudl have to press the temp+ button 5 times to get the LED to click over to the next state. Similarly, the fan is 100% variable, and pressing the button would increase or decrease the fanspeed in small increments, but it would still take several presses to index the LEDs.

Onto the issue of an LCD display. If someone can actually find one that will work well in this application, it could certainly be used. I have tried to find a small display with very limited success. In order to match the 89+ cars, it would need to be a negative display with an RGB backlight. In order to fit in the din location with a pair of ***** or set of buttons it needs to be very compact, and in order to reduce the overeall pincount and PCB complexity, it needs to be a serial device. The best display I have found that matches all these parameters is a small OLED display which is gorgeous, but runs around $50 each.... not a great choice in that regard.

So that sums up the current thinking on this layout. Comments are welcome and appreciated. However, please consider your comments before posting them for the simple reason that we have applied many hours of thought in each layout and they still all have compromises. It is highly unlikely that an off-the-cuff reply will yield a useful comment. However, constructive comments with a part number for LCD display, or a low-cost durable (optical) rotary encoder... etc would be extremely helpful.

If one goes back to the original concept with the LCD it was deemed to be "unsafe" because it took several seconds to get the demist function to engage (holding the windscreen vent button for three seconds continuously). This is the only part of the project holding up releasing consoles. We really cant afford to make 10 different options for everyone. So lets try and get a general consensus here so we can finally move forward.

Thanks
Hans

jeff spahn

What is wrong with adding $50 to the project cost if it is a better, more functional option especially if it is a quality piece?

hans14914

Nothing in principle, but its just that, it adds at least $50 to the product. Its not cheap to begin with.

We are really trying to make it affordable because lets be honest, if we dont sell any, everyone looses.

I can see starting a new thread with a poll to see if people honestly plan on paying extra for the OLED. I need to speak to Paul about the matter, but I am certainly not opposed to bringing back the OLED - it is simply a cost issue.

Thanks,
Hans

hans14914

Centrafuse Sale this weekend, and new 3.6 update:

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact....LwjG-zX-T6M%3D

finally!

I agree, I think the difference in sales between having rotary **** or not OR having LCD or not ($50) is not going to make any difference whatsoever in sales BASED on the $50 higher price. I am connvinced though you would sell more with the LCD/LED display and moreso with a physical ****.

In other words, let's say the price for the HVAC only unit was as follows:

1. NO LCD temp display and NO physical ****: $300

2. NO LCD temp display but WITH physical ****: $350

3. LCD temp display AND physical **** included: $400


Now I am NOT saying to make them an option, in other words if it was choose one only I would be MUCH more likely to go with number 3, then number 2 and not sure would do number 1. I am betting others feel this way though could be wrong.. wont be the first time..

-------- EDIT ------------

As I am sure you have experienced Hans, code creep can kill a project and getting a consensus can be like herding cats.. But, the goal I am sure is the product quality balanced with timinmg. With that said I am of the mindset the quality of the product fitting into the 928 would be better served with an LCD and at a minimum a physical **** which matches the rest of the interior

EspritS4s

I, for one, certainly didn't mean to sound critical or flippant. I assumed that you were looking for feedback as well as to keep up the level of excitement by showing progress. Regardless, your explanations work for me, keep up the good work. For the most part, I think we primarily just want to cheer you on and provide feedback when asked.

Frank Castle

I was hoping that someone with first-hand product knowledge would chime in as to advantages/disadvantages between Centrafuse and RideRunner

Champagne

This current design, as well as the one with the rotary encoders, I designed earlier, will both integrate perfectly into the new carputer console, as well as a stock console.

One might not like the simplified look, but that a matter of taste.

I certainly do not mind the comments, but please keep in mind that we are looking at the big picture and none of these choices are done lightly. Our goal is to bring forth a quality product that most here can afford.
Also keep in mind that an increase of $50 in parts, often translates into much more at the retail end, when the extra labor and other changes come to bear.

It is my unfortunate experience that very often, when the time comes to actually place the order, price is, all of a sudden, much more important, than it was, when all the extra features were only a topic of discussion on a board.

And rest assured that both Hans and I, are dedicated to the project and we will find a solution that will hopefully satisfy most of you.

Thanks again for all the support.

Paul

finally!

Thanks Paul..

For the HVAC portion only, any guess on price?

slate blue

As I haven't seen the final design I wont comment on that specifically except what finally says is true as a concept in general. You, with the **** have something to tie the system and design of the rest of the 928 together, that can be important. When can we see what the concept or design looks like?

blown 87

I want a **** for the volume, and you will come out better IMHO by going with the top of the line stuff than the bottom rungs.

People that are going to buy this are not going to be worried to much about 3-500 bucks over what has been stated.

Champagne

What is represented here is only for the AC control. The other components for the carputer are still just like you saw at our presentations.

Also keep in mind that for those planning on the full console, with the carputer, you can have full control over the AC from the touch screen. It's just a matter of programming a front end.

Paul

hans14914

Borland,

Thanks for the comments. The simple alpha-numerical 7-segment displays are appealing, but I haven't found one that matches the illumination of the digi dash cars, which is an important consideration. I am hoping that an RGB version will show up, or one that allows a user supplied backlight.

Regarding the potentiometer comment, I do have spare analog pins. However a pot won't play nice with several concurrent control mechanisms. A rotary is required so the PC and the front panel can both update the control module.

Please do keep comments coming, these are certainly very constructive.

Thanks
Hans

Speedtoys

"Also keep in mind that for those planning on the full console, with the carputer, you can have full control over the AC from the touch screen."


This is the group Im firmly in..if I do anything at all.

I'll be ordering, on or about Dec 10th, 2011. (stock options mature every 6mo, then I get a good spend a goin)

RyanPerrella

Can i just ask who designed the icons?

Why not duplicate Porsche icons for the controls? Is it necessary to put the cars silhouette in the icon itself?

Also, is there a cliff notes update for those that checked in last year and who have been asleep the past year? Id love to know capabilities and such.