Aftermarket HVAC controls

[SShep71]

I have hit a brick wall with my project because of GM and their damn GMLAN system. I may have to go with the vintage air setup, but i dont like their controllers and dakota digital controls arent that much better. I know that ISIS has some stuff available but thats 2000.00. Does anyone know of any other options for controlling it?

[meenaggie]

Restomod Air is a sponsor and has several options.

http://www.restomodair.com/view-all-products/controls/

Also, I like the streamline controllers from vintage air and that is what I went with.

[bhays]

That's the first I knew of the restomod stuff. Extremely cool! Thanks!

[scott_fx]

i've been looking into getting into making some custom gadgets for classic cars. I noticed you're in cali too (im in la) if you're interested in being somewhat of a guinea pig I'd love to work on something like this. We could do something completely stealth that you wont notice until it powers up (backlit capacitive buttons under a smooth sheet of plexi like this: http://in.mouser.com/images/microsites/Atmel-qtouch-top.jpg). You could even have the micro-controller regulate the temperature based on an temp sensor. Or if you want something a bit retro like. you could integrate a vfd display next to some vintage knobs. (http://www.adafruit.com/products/347 or http://www.adafruit.com/products/773) or you could go with a full fledged lcd display. you can have it control more then just your a/c. it could incorporate window controls, air ride, back up camera, etc...

I don't do this professionally (i'm a visual effects artist) but; this is something i want to explore as a side business eventually.
here are some projects i've messed around with in my free time
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5g38ue5OOW4&list=PLBB1QmITOH7frgzZqQhL9mN_OM6V90pBl

just throwing out ideas...

[SShep71]

Well I still have no solution for my HVAC controls. I have started to work with Scott, however when I talk to different aftermarket companies I keep getting the "well we offer a controller, you should consider it" I don't understand why these manufacturers refuse to co-operate more or try to help out. Instead I get the obligatory sales pitch.

[vette427-sbc]

What HVAC system do you have? and in what car? By GMLAN I assume you are transplanting a factory system into something? The vintage air stuff is simple and would be easy to make your own controls for.
If you are trying to retrofit the GMLAN controlled stuff, try giving these guys a call;
www.idatalink.com
They do alot with GMLAN and other vehicle CAN system control through simple (-) and (+) inputs. Most (if not all) of their stuff is ignition immobilizer bypass stuff, but its worth a shot.

[GRIMMEY71]

Not hi-jack a thread but has anyone used toggle switches to control vintage air? Also the restomod air is gorgeous stuff

[scott_fx]

Not hi-jack a thread but has anyone used toggle switches to control vintage air? Also the restomod air is gorgeous stuff
their system uses potentiometers to control some of their functions. with a toggle switch you could wire up a momentary toggle to control the functions by the amount of time you hold the toggle up or down (like a window switch) or you could do what my cayenne does and for each tap up or down it will advance a step. You'd need a microcontroller and either a dac or a resistor ladder. You'll need some visual feedback though. you could possibly do it with a tiny oled screen or leds

wouldn't be hard at all.

[GRIMMEY71]

their system uses potentiometers to control some of their functions. with a toggle switch you could wire up a momentary toggle to control the functions by the amount of time you hold the toggle up or down (like a window switch) or you could do what my cayenne does and for each tap up or down it will advance a step. You'd need a microcontroller and either a dac or a resistor ladder. You'll need some visual feedback though. you could possibly do it with a tiny oled screen or leds

wouldn't be hard at all.
Thanks for the info, now I have a nice directions to look while internet googling, again thanks.

[scott_fx]

Thanks for the info, now I have a nice directions to look while internet googling, again thanks.

you could probably use a device that can control volume by key presses (linear, not log) and hack that to work. i think they are out there.

[scott_fx]

if you can do a little soldering:
http://www.eleccircuit.com/digital-volume-instead-of-a-rotary-press-using-ic-ds1669/

[H2Ogbodies]

In my Gbodies I have installed several digital control units from LT1 Roadmasters and Caddies-I use the ambient air temp sensor, stepper motor/actuators for the blend doors, etc. Much cheaper than aftermarket besides I like an updated yet factory look.