“HKenabler” now installed in GBMINI

Posted on by Ian C.

I recently completed the install of my new HKenabler circuit, to allow my Kenwood head unit to run with the Harmon Kardon amp/speakers – and to give me control of the amplifier “mode” (SPATIAL, FESTIVAL, etc). I used the empty position in the top left of the heat controls to fit the switch connected to the HKenabler circuit (in England, this position is for the windshield defroster switch, an option not available in USA).


I needed the assistance of Gary from MINI Peabody to get the heat controls out of GBMINI, but after that disassembling and installing the switch was not too difficult.

Interestingly I am getting to like the sound of the HK system in “MINI H/K” mode with driver emphasis turned on; in the past I disliked the HK modes (except SPATIAL) so I am not sure if I have matured, or if the better sound quality from the aftermarket head unit has improved the HK sound … either way, I am happier than I have ever been with the sound of my car (finally!)

MINI Convertible nearly here!

Posted on by Ian C.

During todays visit to MINI Peabody to say “Hi” to Randolph and install his auto-up-windows MINI circuit, we were lucky to see a copy of the latest Dealer brochure covering the MINI Convertible. What is more, Randolph acquired a discarded copy for my collection!

The image on the front changes from a closed to an open convertible, depending on angle:


The brochure discusses the new MINI Convertible:
… combines the strong emotional appeal of the unmistakable MINI design and the fun of open top driving … designed to inspire love at first sight … changes made to accommodate the soft top have virtually no effect on the amount of head, shoulder and leg room for back-seat passengers …

There is also a large section comparing the MINI Convertible with the PT Cruiser and new VW Beetle convertibles – interestingly a “+” for both models is genuine four-seater which presumably is an acknowledgement of the cramped rear space of the MINI Convertible …
The brochure definitely makes the car look very tempting 🙂

More iBus circuits – iPod control using MFSW

Posted on by Ian C.

After designing the HKenabler circuit, I prototyped a similar circuit for my friend Gavin (GadgetGav on MINI2). He has an iPod installed in his car using the Belkin kit (reviewed last year on MotoringFile). This kit provides power & sound, but no control.
So we built a simple circuit that monitors the steering wheel MFSW buttons (track up/down and the unused middle button) and puts out signals when the buttons are pressed; these signals are then wired into an iPod remote to simulate button presses. This might sound complicated but it is inexpensive and effective; the result allows Gavin to control his iPod track up/down using the steering wheel buttons; in addition the middle button now does play/pause on the iPod:


I don’t have any plans at the moment to make more of this circuit – if there was reasonable interest (10 or more people) something could be done. Realize however that the iPod remote is sacrificed by this install (although I believe a replacement is not too expensive).