Ragtop PLC project - Phase II begins.

[Down2TheC]

My dream of better/nicer controls is within sight now. I've started to put some time into "rewiring" the top and window controls. I'm at the early early stage where it's still mostly planning but I thought I'd start the thread in case someone has suggestions. I always bitch about these things, so it's time to fix them.


I've chosen the Programmable Logic Controller I'll use. It has a programming application with full simulation so I've started on the code to make things work the way I want.

At the same time I've mapped out most of the wires I need to intercept.

TU = Top up button
TD = Top Down button
WU = Windows all up button
WD = Windows all down button
OV = The window lock button will act as an Override that makes things normal again. (I think the button is useless so I'm stealing it.)

Thus far the desired result is: (times may change and may even be configurable w/o programming.)

TU touched = Top up for 10 sec -> pause 3sec -> All windows up for 10 sec
Breaks: TU touched = Top stops, Windows stop || OV ON = All stop)

TD Touched = Top down for 10 sec
Breaks: TD touched = Top stop.

TU/TD held = Top up/down until Button released.

WU touched = All windows up for 14 sec
Breaks: WU touched = windows stop

WD touched = All windows down for 8 sec
Breaks: WD touched = windows stop

Cruise Control: Remember the state of CC when turned off. If it was on, flip it on when car is turned on next time. If off, do nothing.

Looks like I can use combo inputs (do something when two buttons are pressed) but I'm not sure what else I want it to do. Maybe a top up/no windows option.

on with the coding...

[PXLpainter]

Dood - I don't care if you DO give me shitt for low-tolerance to NooBs - you still ROCK!!!

If you need any R&D funds, lemme know - I'll see what I can scratch up to help... I'm SOOO into these controls!!

Also - will these work with the top up/down mod (cut wire for the 3MPH limit)?

Thanks...

[Down2TheC]

Won't effect that mod, though maybe I'll work that in as an option.

As for R&D funds, I should get all this and more running for <$129. $99 if I can find the pinouts to make my own programming cable. I'm thinking I can swing that.

[MCOjerry]

<== Feeling stupid.

I'm not quite sure I understand.

[Sebas007]

I do not know either. Maybe it is an old man ragtop language ! haha

<== Feeling stupid.

I'm not quite sure I understand.

[JMSinMaryland]

From what I gather it's a way to raise the testosterone level of convertible drivers while lowering estrogen levels as quickly as possibly.

[Down2TheC]

It's geek speak actually. Let's try it this way...
I'm putting a "Chip" in my car to make the buttons work the way I want. Like if your windows didn't have auto-up so you rig a chip to keep the up button on for 10 seconds.

I guess you could call it a "Ragtop Customizer". Same as what cp-e did to customise the MAF signal to tune the A/F ratio.

[vinnie the sex]

i sort of got what u were talking abuot.... isnt that alota work?

[MCOjerry]

It's geek speak actually. Let's try it this way...
I'm putting a "Chip" in my car to make the buttons work the way I want.

I understand that part...what I don't get is exactly what it will do

[PXLpainter]

Any Updates? Hmmm...??

[NeFaRiOuS_SLE]

I'm interested in getting a ragtop soon... Is there a way to actually manipulate it so that the rear windows act independently? That way when you want a little ventilation with the top up without the front windows, you don't have to open the front windows with it too... Kind of the same idea as tilting a hardtop's sunroof.

[PhreakdOut]

Does anyone recognize this person?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMIhR1jQZls&NR

Check this video Mike. I can see you doing this.

[Mayor]

PXLpainter,

Sorry to get off topic - but your Rims are AWESOME. They are the nicest rims I have seen on any upgraded Solara Convt.

Hats off to ya brother!

Mayor

[PXLpainter]

Thanks Mayor! Check out my CarDomain for details.

Phreak - that's cool. But I bet D2TC would be able to CLOSE his trunk too!

(FWIW - I think that dark tint on a convert is hideous!)

Nef - you can roll all the windows down then just roll up the two fronts. I do that all the time.

[Down2TheC]

D'oh... guess I should watch this thread.
I have everything programmed and I need to buy the hardware. That's Phase II and it begins very soon. (Heck... I've been ready for weeks... I'll buy it tonight.)

I know you get to keep your top down year round but I'm just wanting to have it ready for Spring. Yesterday may have been my last topless day for a long while.

Phase II = Acquire card, load program and get everything bench tested with LED's and buttons.

Phase III = dig out wires and unit test inputs and outputs. Firmware changes as needed.

Phase IV = Wrap it up in a pretty black box, install and test.

Phase V = send one to PXL with documentation.