Controlling external devices through your iBus

[LA-Sean]

it's been a long time since I've visited here buts it’s nice to see it as active as always. I've always wanted to be able to tap into the iBus to control external relays/switches and now I've successfully been able to program s microcontroller (MIC) to respond to our iBus messages. With this MIC, I’ve been able to program the Phone, Tape reverse, Clock, R/T and Talk buttons to activate relays momentarily (button push, On-Off) or behave as a toggle switch (button push, On. Button push again, Off). I can program many iBus messages to activate a relay Or a LED or anything else at this point. No plans to venture into sending iBus messages back to this system at this point.

What this will basically help you is to get rid of all those switches we mounted under the board monitor or next to the dimmer switch or center console, or any other goofy place we’ve mounted over the years.

I can program up to 11 functions at this point so plenty of options.

I've designed 2 boards:
1. Is a fully standalone unit, you'll have to attach to Ground, +12V and iBus.
2. Is a piggy back unit to Resler's interface. You'll have to send me your interface and I'll incorporate it into my box. Resler's interface will still be fully functional. This option is slightly less expensive in parts and easier to assemble.

Is there any interest in this? If so, what price range for either boards.

Thanks
Sean
[email protected]

[zeronoo]

sounds interesting, i am thinking at cassette unit exchange wit a 1/2 din DVD player, or just adding a hdd audio/video player but using cassette buttons to have audio/video player fully integrated in the car...

[LA-Sean]

No interest at all???

[agobsh]

well what would you use it for? its sounds cool but what do you use it for?

[Weasel]

Seems you could use it for almost anything... set the unused steering wheel buttons to activate aftermarket AE's, fog lights, QTP cutouts, airhorns, etc... anything with a momentary on/off or relay activation. Hell, you could even use steering wheel buttons to turn on/off the remote wire on your bass amp for added woofers.

Eh, maybe later in life for my X5... when I have more goodies to play with.

[LA-Sean]

Thank you weasel for your input, you are absolutely correct in your suggestions. The possabilities are endless. I do want to ad 1 note, that I can program as toggle also besides momentary.

[ccfj1]

Hi Sean,

Would it be possible to have a learning remote type interface so the screen buttons could be assigned to say the remote of an external dvd player or DvT tuner?

So say pressing button 1 = 1 on the remote etc

and
<<> = channel down
<>> = channel up.

[rayxi]

Very cool. However, I think you might get some interest if you actually implemented some uses for it as an example.

[LA-Sean]

Originally Posted by ccfj1

Hi Sean,

Would it be possible to have a learning remote type interface so the screen buttons could be assigned to say the remote of an external dvd player or DvT tuner?

So say pressing button 1 = 1 on the remote etc

and
<<> = channel down
<>> = channel up.

its doable but will require a little handy work. What you'd need to do is hack the remote for the device you are trying to control and connect the relays from my unit to individual matching buttons on the remote.
I can assign 1,2,3,4,5,6, <, and > to relays no problem. but you need to solder 2 little wires from each relay to the remote button board. I might be able to do that for you as a "service" :-) if you send me the original remote and be Ok with me oppening it up.

[ccfj1]

Originally Posted by LA-Sean

its doable but will require a little handy work. What you'd need to do is hack the remote for the device you are trying to control and connect the relays from my unit to individual matching buttons on the remote.
I can assign 1,2,3,4,5,6, <, and > to relays no problem. but you need to solder 2 little wires from each relay to the remote button board. I might be able to do that for you as a "service" :-) if you send me the original remote and be Ok with me oppening it up.

Cool, I've not got the Dvt unit (or remote) yet, but now I know its do-able, I may well be in touch, how much is the unit and the "service"; PM me mate