Aftermarket Heater Controller For Ba/bf

[glimmerman]

Oh also, (sorry couldn't add this to the above wouldn't edit),

From what I have read on CAN buses, they are a PCMCIA card.

Would it be possible to some how upload from the current heater control whatever programming they have, and port it off to the carputer and create an adaptor that plugs into a computers PCMCIA ports? Don't know if this has been already listed above in talk I didn't understand too well...

Or does the issue lie in the difference of speeds that are available? Surely FORD aren't the only company in the world with access to technology allowing CAN to run at such a speed, while nothing in existence elsewhere does? - something else must be available somewhere...

Beanie, you mentioned things like

@ Turbocorty: Ok, I have just studied the wiring schematics on the ICC/related circuitry, and there area few things you need to cater for - you probably know all this already, so this is some info for the uninitiated.

No I and iv is important to keep in the back of your mind, as I have a feeling the CANbus loops through each module to the next, ie cascading in/out - so your connector must fascilitate this, or we need to manufacture a plug to support this function once the ICC is removed.

But from what I read, isn't this just to remove the control system for air con?

Leaving the big computer like box with the CD drive intact to run everything else in the car, such as the dimmer for internal lights, the central locking etc?

I guess I am really in need of knowing, what is going to be removed from this plan? I have taken out my ICC to see what its all about, but what is the HVAC controller, I mean, in the physical form when you look at the unit from behind?

Is it the massive metal box that takes up all the room? Just a little confused but I really would like to know what is involved so far according to design plans, so I can better follow the thread.

Thanks again,

Steve

[turbocorty]

Hi Guys,

Not much has happend on it, but I have not forgotten.

The most difficult part is creating a control panel that looks good and is universal across the car ranges.

I have experimented with using a small touch screen, but in order to keep costs down, it may have to be a simple control panel with switches.

Anyway, most of my time has been spent developing gaggets for VE..Fords will follow soon.

Sorry for the wait.

Cheers

[glimmerman]

Any developments on this front?

Steve

[MrBean]

Hey Steve,

CANbus is a protocol, you get it in 2 versions, 11-bit CAN (CAN 2.0A) which is same as our cars have, and 29-bit (Extyended) CAN (2.0B) for added functionality, mostly used in Industrial Field-bus applications.

PCMCIA/Serial/USB/mini-pci/etc are all just different interfaces into the PC, and each of those interfaces have CAN dongles available.

We need to reverse-engineer the handshaking codes between the HIM/IC/ICC, and then can we use the PIDs Ford use for different actions in the HIM to control this via PC or custom hardware interface.

Thought I'd clear this up.

@ TurboCorty: If you forward the schematics to me, I will use Protel to design a PCB if this will make things easier for yourself.....

Br,

Beanie.

[glimmerman]

Thanks Bean,

Steve

[straughsberry]

How this going

[PSIFRK]

any updates on this?? would be very interested if the heater controls could be turned into a touch screen if it was a at a added cost