Alpine Siege | 100 Series HVAC Controller - NAV DELETE - (OEM+)

[Deflagrate]

Personally, I'd prefer to leave the button as I don't always run the rear HVAC, but a way to control the rear temps/fan from the front would definitely be nice. Luckily (or unluckily depending how you view it), I'm in Texas and don't really have seasons, so I can leave it on max AC for 95% of the year (but I do plan to eventually move to a place with actual winters).

Not sure what it would look like as far as integration with the OEM controls would go. Maybe add a button that overrides the rear controls for when you want to control it from the front, but if you want to let passengers control it you can press it to give them back control? Maybe have two buttons with just status LEDs on the bottom (either of the display, or beneath the two buttons on each side), one to disable/enable rear controls, another to switch the driver controls between the front and rear systems? That way you can reuse the new front controls instead of having two of everything.

I would happily wait for this option to be added if it sounds feasible, but I'm in an '06 LC, so I'm waiting no matter what.

 

[Coin]

Interesting idea, but like you said, in Texas it's A/C 95% of the time.

 

[LJE]

Hell yeah! Ok question.... I can barely make out the numbers on the HVAC screen, how easy/hard is the display to read in real life from the driving position?

So - that screen does definitely look a little worse on camera than in real life.

However...

The screen viewing angle was my only complaint on my drive yesterday. I could make out the temp digits from my driving position, but had to move my head or really focus on the screen to see anything else. The reason is that the LCD has an up-to 30 degree "optimal" viewing angle from above - however, my vertical view angle is about 33-35 degrees from my seated position. So to really get good contrast on the screen I had to duck a little bit.

Usuable still? Yes, absolutely!

But is it optimal? No, not really.

And what really bugged me about that is that the actual function of the module was flawless. It worked perfectly throughout my drive & I didn't realize how nice it would be to have physical controls rather than needing to poke at a screen. I had been excited to be able to upgrade the head unit, but sorta overlooked the ease of use of physical HVAC buttons themselves. And the placement is great - makes it really easy to reach for them and know which button you're hitting without having to look.

So, I badgered @Anarchy to let me fix the design based on what we learned in testing. We're working through what that looks like right now, but I think we've got a good solution that doesn't require any PCB revision (PCB design is frozen). I'm going to sprint to try to get that done this weekend so Anarchy can get another MJF prototype on the way.

Still though, this thing is super cool. Major props to Anarchy for pulling this together!

 

[Anarchy]

I’ll admit I was hesitant to make another revision this close to the finish line, especially with the controller itself now functioning as intended.

That said, @LJE is right. If we know there’s an opportunity to improve the viewing angle before production, it makes more sense to address it now rather than knowingly ship something that could be better.

I really appreciate his help working through these final mechanical tweaks. The current setup is absolutely usable, but the revised design should put the display at a much better angle from the normal driving position.

Realistically, this probably pushes things back around 3-5 weeks, unless everyone decides they’re perfectly happy as is.


@LJE - aside from the headunit issues we had, how straight forward is the hvac controller install? Plug 3 x harnesses in, & you’re done? A true plug-n-play?

 

[imperium]

I’ll admit I was hesitant to make another revision this close to the finish line, especially with the controller itself now functioning as intended.

That said, @LJE is right. If we know there’s an opportunity to improve the viewing angle before production, it makes more sense to address it now rather than knowingly ship something that could be better.

I really appreciate his help working through these final mechanical tweaks. The current setup is absolutely usable, but the revised design should put the display at a much better angle from the normal driving position.

Realistically, this probably pushes things back around 3-5 weeks, unless everyone decides they’re perfectly happy as is.


@LJE - aside from the headunit issues we had, how straight forward is the hvac controller install? Plug 3 x harnesses in, & you’re done? A true plug-n-play?

LC owner here, so I'd be waiting a little longer anyway, but I'd be happy to wait longer for a better viewing angle.

 

[LJE]

I’ll admit I was hesitant to make another revision this close to the finish line, especially with the controller itself now functioning as intended.

That said, @LJE is right. If we know there’s an opportunity to improve the viewing angle before production, it makes more sense to address it now rather than knowingly ship something that could be better.

I really appreciate his help working through these final mechanical tweaks. The current setup is absolutely usable, but the revised design should put the display at a much better angle from the normal driving position.

Realistically, this probably pushes things back around 3-5 weeks, unless everyone decides they’re perfectly happy as is.


@LJE - aside from the headunit issues we had, how straight forward is the hvac controller install? Plug 3 x harnesses in, & you’re done? A true plug-n-play?

Absolutely plug-and-play on the HVAC side. And, the harnesses feel really nice too. A stark contrast compared to the head unit harness.
I will say, the plug-and-play does end there though.

Proper 100% integration of the new head unit requires some splicing, and since replacement of the amp is a requirement with the replacement of the headunit, that requires some wiring too.

I plan to put together as comprehensive as a guide as possible, pulling from the electrical wiring diagram for each of the different years to verify each one is the same (or properly note where they're different). My goal for the guide would be to make it so that as long as you can match connectors & count the pins holes to find the correct wire, you'd be able to do it easily. Lots of pictures & diagrams. Anyone want to buy some amp brackets to support that?!?


I've also thought about trying to find someone to do a custom plug-and-play harness for the amp wiring (which is most of the work), but I'm not sure how much demand they'd be for that vs just snipping 14 wires & connecting them manually. Thoughts?

 

[Jack90210]

So rewarding to see this in a vehicle other than mine!

As someone who has designed systems and finally got to eventually see it working "in the real world" independent of my experience, I really feel this!

 

[Jack90210]

<snip>

I've also thought about trying to find someone to do a custom plug-and-play harness for the amp wiring (which is most of the work), but I'm not sure how much demand they'd be for that vs just snipping 14 wires & connecting them manually. Thoughts?

Depends on cost/time, but it would fit the cleanly-engineered aspect of the project and would likely be attractive for a lot of people

 

[wesr4242]

Absolutely plug-and-play on the HVAC side. And, the harnesses feel really nice too. A stark contrast compared to the head unit harness.
I will say, the plug-and-play does end there though.

Proper 100% integration of the new head unit requires some splicing, and since replacement of the amp is a requirement with the replacement of the headunit, that requires some wiring too.

I plan to put together as comprehensive as a guide as possible, pulling from the electrical wiring diagram for each of the different years to verify each one is the same (or properly note where they're different). My goal for the guide would be to make it so that as long as you can match connectors & count the pins holes to find the correct wire, you'd be able to do it easily. Lots of pictures & diagrams. Anyone want to buy some amp brackets to support that?!?


I've also thought about trying to find someone to do a custom plug-and-play harness for the amp wiring (which is most of the work), but I'm not sure how much demand they'd be for that vs just snipping 14 wires & connecting them manually. Thoughts?

I would be interested in an amp bracket

 

[crimsonaudio]

I've also thought about trying to find someone to do a custom plug-and-play harness for the amp wiring (which is most of the work), but I'm not sure how much demand they'd be for that vs just snipping 14 wires & connecting them manually. Thoughts?

There was a guy selling harnesses here for a while for people who wanted to cobble together HVAC components from overseas to remove the nav system, but he stopped making them. I think there is some demand, and it will likely increase once this new HVAC unit becomes available across the platform, but I've no idea if there's enough to demand to actually make the harness as a product.

I'd certainly pay up to a couple hundred dollars for a plug-and-play harness, but as an old school car audio guy I'm okay with chopping up wires if need be.

 

[tmoneyallday]

There was a guy selling harnesses here for a while for people who wanted to cobble together HVAC components from overseas to remove the nav system, but he stopped making them. I think there is some demand, and it will likely increase once this new HVAC unit becomes available across the platform, but I've no idea if there's enough to demand to actually make the harness as a product.

I'd certainly pay up to a couple hundred dollars for a plug-and-play harness, but as an old school car audio guy I'm okay with chopping up wires if need be.

You're thinking of JerryB. He retired out of it due to how flaky people were with orders I believe.

 

[HundySkiTaxi]

I’d go for as much plug and play as I can get from you guys just to save time. Already replaced my touchscreen once via the old Denso trade in program years ago and would LOVE to swap out for an aftermarket unit. Vlite is great when it loads right but the small, dim oem screen is limiting.

Full turn key replacement package (hvac, android screen, amp bracket, amp harnesses, amp) availability would be quite attractive for purchase.

 

[Kieron]

I can't wait till its my turn to get one
Ive replaced the screen with a second hand one
No joy
Replaced the Gateway 13 ecu and the two fuses still no joy.
So I'll stop throwing money away and wait my turn
I'm looking at alternative to heat my truck for the winter. I ordered a 12v fan heater to sit on the dash. It was depicted with flames spewing out of it. I plugged it in and it wouldn't burn your face
Looked into a diesel heater a bit too intrusive for me with the vent amd exhaust.
If anyone knows of a better way to get through the winter I'd be grateful for any tips
Cheers all from the wet UK

 

[YotaJo]

I can't wait till its my turn to get one
Ive replaced the screen with a second hand one
No joy
Replaced the Gateway 13 ecu and the two fuses still no joy.
So I'll stop throwing money away and wait my turn
I'm looking at alternative to heat my truck for the winter. I ordered a 12v fan heater to sit on the dash. It was depicted with flames spewing out of it. I plugged it in and it wouldn't burn your face
Looked into a diesel heater a bit too intrusive for me with the vent amd exhaust.
If anyone knows of a better way to get through the winter I'd be grateful for any tips
Cheers all from the wet UK

Little late to all of this. What do you mean by replacing gateway 13 ecu, No Joy?

 

[NE Snowman]

1) Fix the screen, it’s worth doing right to never mess with it again imo.

2) Harness/HU/Amp connectors, I’d be willing to pay extra for plug and play, but have done spicing in previous cars. (last car I left all my amps, subs, HU because I had to splice)

3) You guys rock, excited for this next year sometime.

 

[Kieron]

Little late to all of this. What do you mean by replacing gateway 13 ecu, No Joy?

On my model 2004 face-lift UK spec lc 100
Behind the screen is a Gateway 13 this feeds info to the screen and radio etc

 

[Kieron]

Bit I am not an expert foar from it

 

[Kieron]

Far from it !!!

 

[Squ1dward]

For those that did the original nav delete can that screen be used? I'd really like to upgrade from the standard double-DIN 6.95" screen.

yes. This module will let you install any head unit. Just like the nav delete.

 

[Squ1dward]

On my model 2004 face-lift UK spec lc 100
Behind the screen is a Gateway 13 this feeds info to the screen and radio etc

View attachment 4215412

I believe this can be removed if you are no longer using the factory head unit. I removed it during the Nav Delete and everything works fine. It allows extra space for cables behind the new head unit.