Climate control through pc

SweetLikeChutny · 07-25-2005, 04:11 AM

I'm new to the car computer world and had some ideas. I wanted to flush mount an lcd into my car but the climate control unit is taking up a lot of space. So I had a crazy thought, I've done many things like this in my electronics/computer engineering class but was wondering if other people have done it. Has anyone been successful in controlling the cars climate control through a pc?

Thanks

Jirka Jirout · 07-25-2005, 04:30 AM

Not thru PC, but thru a Mac and some additional hardware. The hardware is able to perform some basic control (ie. turn on and off and then shut down the airco if the temperature of the heat exchanger gets too low). When connected to the Mac, the computer takes over and can control the airco based on the information from 6 temperature sensors, placed throughout the car.

I have completely replaced the airco controls in my car, if you have a newer car with CAN-bus controls, you might eventually be able to patch into it and simulate the original controls...

Let me know if you want more details.

gyro · 07-25-2005, 04:36 AM

If you just open your eyes ... It's right uder your post for the moment ...

and you would have found http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/user-innovations/50365-hvac-control-car-pc-through-serial-port.html

0l33l · 07-25-2005, 03:14 PM

What kind of CC do you have? Digital or mechanical?

SweetLikeChutny · 07-26-2005, 12:10 AM

digital. Its an MKIII supra for further infromation. Let me know if anyone gots any ideas or experience...mistryneil@gmail.com

0l33l · 07-26-2005, 01:38 AM

My grandpa is currently working on a USB controller for digital climate controls... I don't know when it will be done though. It will have 32 inputs/outputs, 2 or 4 A/D converters, and everything will be optically isolated.

Dexter · 07-26-2005, 02:26 AM

youse digital peeps got it made.

mines mainly mechanical, im using an array of hardware/hacks, both off the shelf and custom.

I've got a RS232 stepper motor controller, driving two motors, which are mated to modified HVAC components. I've got a custom hardware interface between my controller/input (Crystalfontz 633 USB), and the OEM HVAC circuitry. Also had to do some poking and prodding to get the A/C to turn on without the stock fan switch in place. I've written software to control/interface with the Crystalfontz and thats what is being used for the control. I chose to go this way so that the HVAC could be changed at any time, without having to switch programs, go back between apps, etc ,etc.

The Crystalfontz is a SWEET unit, by the way. up to 32 temp sensors, 4 GPIO, 4 fan controls, and a keypad with legend. Very robust.

Ralphie · 04-05-2007, 12:05 PM

it is nice when it works

Siezmik · 04-05-2007, 05:08 PM

You do realize this thread is from 2005?

Ralphie · 04-06-2007, 11:36 AM

stupid from me I see that right now, I did a search about external inputs and did not notice in the date.