The Ian Cull's Auto-Up circuit adds
auto-up window, track-mode DSC defeat, and auto front fog-light control to the
R50, R52 and R53 Mini Cooper.
FE S has improved on the classic
by adding several window control features, two channels of Stealth Mode Accessory
Control, and a small peizo buzzer to provide some audio feedback when the circuit
is installed in the dash.
Ian's “MINI circuit”
solves the annoyance of having to hold the window toggle switch up to close
windows in a MINI – especially troublesome with a manual transmission
when pulling away from a toll booth in wet weather!
Once the auto-up feature has been
enabled, it can be activated by a quick double click up of the appropriate window
toggle switch. There is now a single click mode as well. In single click mode,
one click does just the driver side, double click does both windows. There is
even a "EU Mode" to support cars that have driver side auto-up from
the factory.
The "Track Mode DSC" will
turn the DSC off shortly after starting the car. This is very usefull for those
that race, AutoX or participate in HPDEs.
The "Auto Front Fogs" turns
the front fog lights on whenever the headlights are turned on. Great for those
that like lots of light!
All of the functions can be enabled
or disabled via the toggle switch panel.
Auto Up Windows
Once the auto-up feature has been enabled, it can be activated by a quick single
or double click (mode dependent) up of the appropriate window toggle switch.
If you click the toggle switch down while the auto-up is active, the circuit
will immediately cancel its signal and window movement will stop.
Track-Mode DSC Defeat
The Mini dynamic stabillity control is what's known as a "slow" system,
cutting power when driving agressively on the track. When enabled, this feature
turns off the DSC system a few seconds after starting the car. No more heading
out onto the track and feeling that loss of power to remind you that you didn't
turn the system off.
Auto Front Fog Lights
When this feature is enabled, the front fog lights will turn on whenever the
headlights are turned on. The toggle will still work as normal, so if you want
to turn them off (when there's lots of traffic around, for example) you still
can. Like all features in this module, it is programmed via the toggle panel.
Stealth Mode Accessory Control
Two channels of Stealth Mode Accessory Control are built into the new V7 circuit.
The channels can be configured to be latching for turning accessories on and
off, or momentary, for controlling devices like garage remote controls. Latching
outputs are "sticky" so that whatever they are set at is remembered
on the next start of the car.
Toggle Switch Mode Selection
No dip switches here! The circuit is put into "program mode" by holding
the lock toggle for 5 seconds. The peizo gives audio feedback too! You can change
the settings as needed in moments. Leaving the track at the end of a day? Just
turn off the "track mode DSC" and have the safety benefits of dynamic
stabillity control on the street. Driving in city traffic for a few days? Turn
of AFF in moments. Once the circuit is installed, you never need to turn a screwdriver
to change settings at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Ian Cull's original circuit?
It's a direct decendent. GBMINI is Ian Cull. He first produced the circuit as
a favor to the Mini community. It's gone through 6 revisions under Ian's control.
After selling more than 1700 of them, it was more effort than he was willing
to sustain, and FES and Ian talked about transferring the product to us. We
have Ian's full support in this effort. He has offloaded the effort of creating
and supporting the product, and the Mini community doesn't loose access to a
wonderful product. After doing a run of over 100 of Ian's v6 of the circuit,
FES has introduced the next generation with more features, all without changing
the price.
Where can I learn more
about this history of the Auto-Up circuit?
All of Ian's web information is still available at Ian's Auto-Up Pages Feel
free to go there and look at the history of the product along with links to
several different installation methods and user reviews.
Can this circuit burn
out my window motor?
No. The MINI window electronics detect window closure and turn off the window
motor automatically. So it doesn't matter if the window is all the way down
or just part way down when you use the "auto-up" feature. Your car
is protected!
What happened to the
Garage Door option?
It lives on in the V7. We've chose a slightely different microcontroller with
some more channels and now provide two output channels. When configured as momentary
outputs, they act just like the shorting mode of the old garage door option.