Auto-open windows and sunroof?

[tech_dog]

My last couple of new cars have had a feature where you can open or close all the windows and sunroof from the key fob. I've really grown to like this feature. I am about to get a new alarm system for my 94 80 and would like to add this capability.

My gut tells me this isn't going to work, as there are probably sensors that are required to turn off the motors after they've closed all the way, but I really want to make it happen.

Any ideas?

T.

 

[Romer]

Since you can close all the windows with the engine off before you open the door, you should be able to do this. Seems you would have to tie in the drivers door and the moon roof control at a minimum. So it is probably doable. Easy? I doubt it. You would have to pull out the electronic schematics and design a circuit to be "OR'd" into the system. If you don't understand electronics, then you would have to hire someone. So it will be expensive in any case.

I personally would not want this and would disable it if I had it for many reasons:
1) When Wheeling and stopping you might turn off the engine to check a spot. You will want to leave the windows open so: you can hear the CB, others in the truck don't get hot; you can get easy access if you need to reach in and grab something.
2) On real hot days, I like to leave the windows cracked to reduce the heat inside the truck.
3) When picking up the kids I usually have to sit in the truck and wait. I prefer to do this with windows down, radio on and engine off.
4) probably a few more I have not thought of.

 

[tech_dog]

Romer,

Luckily, I'm an EE so I've got a head start.

Note that this wouldn't be an automatic thing tied to the same button that arms the alarm. I'd want a separate button on the fob that just does windows up or down. The primary use is to open up all the windows when I'm approaching my car on a hot day. I wouldn't want this to kick in automatically, ever.

I think the real problem is going to be the safety issue. I'm guessing that the vehicles that have this feature also have the capability to detect an obstruction, i.e a little kid, and reverse direction.

 

[Romer]

Romer,

Luckily, I'm an EE so I've got a head start.

Note that this wouldn't be an automatic thing tied to the same button that arms the alarm. I'd want a separate button on the fob that just does windows up or down. The primary use is to open up all the windows when I'm approaching my car on a hot day. I wouldn't want this to kick in automatically, ever.

I think the real problem is going to be the safety issue. I'm guessing that the vehicles that have this feature also have the capability to detect an obstruction, i.e a little kid, and reverse direction.

Ahhh, I'm a EE as well. or use to be before I was promoted beyond the levels of my capabilities

So you know it's just a matter of how low a level you want to go. This would be a redesign, but if your a EE should be doable.

Post pics when you are done

 

[Klunky Chris]

aftermarket alarm companies sell kits that do this. they are basically fancy relays that tap into the window circuit. if you hit it with 12v it works the circuit.
some look at current draw to stop the window (not so good as this is variable)
better ones (Alpine for ex) look at the AC ripple from the motor in the line. when the motor stops turning the relay clicks off.

neither are real safe for kids etc. I have this setup in my Supra and if you stick your hand in there it doesn't turn off until it crunches you good.

The big thing is you need 1 circuit for up and one for down and you would want to put the moon roof on a separate one because of time difference in opening/closing. All these things need extra channels on your remote.
plus you would probably have to go with an aftermarket alarm/ keyless system.

funny thing is I used mine to crack the windows remotely on my supra on hot days. The superheated air would rush out and set off the motion sensor on the alarm. I had my windows hooked up to roll up if the alarm tripped so they would just go back up
I really liked the idea though because you didn't have to worry about putting the windows up in a parking lot. If anybody was messing around the car the motion sensor would pick them up... chirp at them... and roll the windows up

it can be done and there are already aftermarket items to facilitate it.

 

[tech_dog]

Thanks Klunk. This is very useful info.

I may try to set it up so that I can auto-open but not auto-close. This would give me my primary requirement without having to worry about crushed kids.

T.

 

[94landcruiser]

I would love to have this as I too am used to all my windows/roof being auto open/close. If you design it I'd love your schematics I can do wiring but am not an ee so I could never (properly) configure this.

 

[wob]

You would need to figure out something unique to close the sunroof. Well, mine anyways. When closing it, it slides forward within about 2 inches of closing and stops, then you have to hit the button again to get it to close the rest of the way. I am not alone in this, am I?

 

[tech_dog]

You would need to figure out something unique to close the sunroof. Well, mine anyways. When closing it, it slides forward within about 2 inches of closing and stops, then you have to hit the button again to get it to close the rest of the way. I am not alone in this, am I?

Mine does the same thing. It's a safety feature.

After thinking about this more, I'm definitely going to focus on auto-open only, so the crush factor and safety mechanisms won't be an issue.

 

[94landcruiser]

My sunroof does the closure stop as well.