Auto up windows – the continuing saga

Posted on by Ian C.

So I decided I would no longer sell the auto-up-windows MINI circuit due to the time involved, but I happily discussed & worked with Aaron at OutMotoring for him to sell the circuit – I started the process by ordering parts.
Then, the MCAW appeared. In further discussions, we concluded that it would not be viable for OutMotoring to sell the MINI circuit with this new competitive product on the market – Aaron would have needed to charge more than I used to sell for, and my price already is a little higher than the MCAW.

So I had a problem. I had parts to build a batch of (128) MINI circuits, but it would cost me even more to build them – and then I would be back to selling them myself. I also had no idea if all future auto-up-windows customers would buy the lower cost MCAW. But I decided to complete the build, which leads me to:

I received this batch recently, let the waiting people on my email list know, and told them also about the MCAW. I don’t know if people prefer the “original” and proven (1000+ installed) MINI circuit, or if the price difference is not too significant, but either way I have received nearly 20 orders yesterday & today.

So the MINI circuit is once again available, for now at least.

14 thoughts on “Auto up windows – the continuing saga”

  1. I’ll be the first to put a good word in for this auto-up circuit. I’ve had mine in two MINIs and still think it’s one of a few essential mods for any owner.

  2. I think when one considers the overall design, reliability and support for Ian’s circuit, the issue of a few dollars becomes less of a decision factor.

    Add to that the fact that supporting Ian means that you are supporting a person who has given a great deal of his time, energy, altruism, and thoughtful concern for the MINI community. The original is the best!

  3. Something about the MCAW just rubs me the wrong way. You’re a good sport, Ian. I think it may be that he refers to you as the “others on the market”. He should at least give credit where due.

    I love my Ian Cull Auto-Up Circuitâ„¢. The garage-door integration is fantastic; that gets used at least twice a day. The only problem is reminding my wife, who rarely drives the MINI, that you have to hold down the “landing gear” switch to close the door! 😉

    I’m assuming that these don’t have Track-mode DSC or garage door integration available, since you built them en-masse, correct?

    I don’t understand the rationale for not selling these on OutMotoring. Frankly, given the positive vibe in the community (and the community support that OutMotoring gives, a la WRR), I don’t see how having these for sale on his site could fail, even at a higher price!

  4. I’m assuming that these don’t have Track-mode DSC or garage door integration available, since you built them en-masse, correct?
    Actually, all options are available – after the first 30, all circuits have been built like these (complete but not coated) so that I can add/modify as needed by customers.

  5. Something about the MCAW just rubs me the wrong way. You’re a good sport, Ian. I think it may be that he refers to you as the “others on the market”. He should at least give credit where due.

    Just to stand up for all parties involved here… I think the folks behind the MCAW circuit had no idea that Ian was going to sell any more Auto-Up circuits at this point. From talking with them I’d say they have a ton of respect for what Ian has created here and have been totally reasonable about the whole thing. In fact I think Ian has been as well. To me there’s really isn’t bad guy or any bad products here… just two good people who will probably sell quite a lot of circuits. After all… the market just got 40,000 people bigger in 2005 alone.

  7. Man, I am close to buying a second one just in case mine breaks down or if I ever get a second MINI. 😉

  8. So, am I crazy, or are these things built in larger PCBs, then broken apart after final assembly?

  9. Lee,
    You are not crazy – the circuits are “panelized” 4×4 to allow more efficient manufacture. The individual circuits are too small to handle on wave solder machines, etc.

  10. Ian
    you have a great product. The MCAW doesn’t offer the ease of instructions, ease of install, and most of all, the “Auto Front Fog” add-on circuit!!!

    you have a wonderful product- good luck with whatever you do!

    allan

  12. I believe that I ordered one but never got around to installing it in my MINI but now I lost it. Is there a way for me to get another one? I’ll happily pay for it!

  13. I read about both circuits and chose Ian’s for these reasons (in order of importance):

    1. I would have heard by now if the circuit fries MINIs

    2. Programming seems easier

    3. I like having the ribbon cable

  14. I have an ’06 MCS with Ian’s circuit installed and would like to say that it works great.

    Toughest part was the install as I have large hands and it was a problem to get the dash apart enough to do the install. Still, I would do it again in a heartbeat.

    Thanks again Ian.

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