Very cool. Mac. This is going to be a sweet mod. Keep us posted.

 

A small update...

Since some of the parts I'm using have a non-standard configuration, I'm having to create their PCB footprints from scratch. Obviously this takes time, but I believe I have created all of the necessary files.

I was up until 4:00 this morning working on the PCB layout, and while I still need to do some touchup work, I believe I can fit it into a box measuring 3.2" x 1.6" x 0.7"...pretty friggin' tiny. Originally the decision was made to use through-hole components, but now I'm wondering if I couldn't have made things a bit easier on myself if I went with surface mount. Granted, that's neither here nor there anymore, but I'll try to plan better for the next project.

There are a couple of board companies that I will be requesting quotes from. Their quality looks excellent, the prices aren't outrageous (I HATE hidden fees), and turn-around time will be roughly 1 to 2 weeks. As promised, once the order is placed I will use that breathing time to look for local etchers. I will also consider experimenting with etchings that are filled with Day-Glo paints and use the UV LEDs.

Looking at the date of my original post, I'm surprised it's taken me this long to get this project to its current point. Oh well, I guess progress knows no time frame.

Oh, FYI...I have an interview in sunny Florida on the 30th and my parents will be visiting from the 11th of July to the 20th. I would like to get the board order in before I leave for the interview and the first official piece on a car before they show up. Just to give you an idea of my self-imposed timeframe...

 

JEZZZZ Mac just finsh the darn thing already - I don't care how it works i just want it to work on my car

heck where's that old post with the red ones for sale I'll buy that and have you fix it when you have time.... ;P

 

Patience, Stevie-san, patience...

 

Hey Mac,

Where in Florida are you going for the interview? If you are in the South Florida area, we have a meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Let us know and somebody will come get ya from your hotel and take you to mee the So Fla crew

- Ganthet

 

Thanks for the offer Ganthet, but I don't think I'll have the time. I'm flying into Orlando Sunday night, the interview is Monday in De Leon Springs (West of Daytona) until 3:00ish, then I leave same day at 7:00ish. I SO dread technical interviews

 

A question about installation difficulty has been asked in another thread. Obviously I will post instructions on my website and send a paper copy along with the screen, but to give you an idea, read on.

For a stealth installation, an extra hole will need to be drilled into the secret compartment lid large enough to accept an RJ-45 connector (phone jack). I suggest putting the hole under the mechanism's base. You can place the control box wherever you desire, but I suggest somewhere in the secret compartment, the glovebox, or in the transmission tunnel (it all depends on how often you wish to change the color of the light).

There are only 4 connections necessary...power, ground, brake, and e-brake.

For power, I suggest running a wire from the front dash for power that is controlled by the headlight switch, or maybe powered only when the car is on, but there will be a switch on the screen itself if you choose to have it powered all of the time. This can be run through the center transmission tunnel.

For ground, well, pick that up anywhere, even in the tunnel.

For brakes, I believe the power for the brake lights runs through the center tunnel (I will confirm before shipping), as well. This is an optional connection, so if you'd like your windscreen to stay one color instead of turning red with the brakes, tie this connection to ground.

The e-brake line is in the center tunnel, so finding it is easy enough. One side connects to the e-brake switch, the other side connects to ground. The ground connection is removed and replaced with the wire from the controller.

For those interested in removing the windscreen for track events and such, a short stub will be provided with all controllers to replace the phone jack. This finishes the connection to ground for the e-brake so the soft top can still be operated.

 

OK, the PC board is pretty much finished...the footprints are done, the components are placed, the tracks are run (I need to make sure the traces and footprints are of the correct size for the boardhouse, so that may take another day or two). I will send a copy to modifry for his final approval since he has pretty much become my unofficial second pair of eyes (and he asked for a copy)

I will try to send the plans out to the board house in the next few days (again, hopefully before my interview). Turn-around time is 3-5 days, so if things go as planned I will have a full working product ready to sell in less than two weeks (and hopefully before my parents arrive in town).

 

once these are being produced any chance of working something out with Rick where if one purchases a windscreen from him he'll ship it to you for this mod (saving shipping and time) if the customer so chooses? Maybe even have all the cost on Rick's site or something...

 

Sooooo ...do I ship my assembly to you on or before July 12th

- Dave

PS. I need a mailing addy