This project is something I'm very interested in as well.

I guess the first step would be finding out what parts need to be swapped out. It would be so much easier if you had an auto climate control car(jdm model) to pull apart and compare with. The next best thing would be a JDM service manual written in english.

Hmmm...perhaps the europeans could help us out there. I guess the search is on. I gonna try and post in the Euro. boards and see if anyone has a service manual.

 

I guess i cant really answer the question as to what needs to be swapped because im using 6 normal servos hooked up to a mini ssc card, which will communicate through the serial port on my comp.... The a/c unit will not be visible when im done, i will have it housed inside the dash. I just wanna know where to buy longer cable things (the cables that actually pull and push the levers, inside.

-J

 

If it will help, i would pull out my control dash unit and try and take some photos as well. I don't know how far i can get in terms of where the wires go etc, but i will try. The E7 service manual that i have only talks about the manual system that you guys have (the UK's rs2 also does not get climate control & its a uk manual)

cheers

edit: I posted the a/c/ventilation pdf anyway... it may help you out in terms of where to put the servos etc..
http://www.daytonagas.com/jemm/temp/G55.PDF

 

Jemm thank you for the PDF file. Looks like the 2 cables will need extended and the wiring spliced. I have seen a extension cable for sale for the JDM GSR models that allows mounting the unit in the glovebox but probably isn't the same as the JDM RS setup like we have.

 

I also want to relocate my A/C controls. I would like to change it to Climate Control so that I could basically put it anywhere. I currently have my LCD folding out of the stock radio's DIN, but I would like it to be permanently molded into the upper part of the dash. Its all documented at www.smanders.com. If you really end up getting it working through servos and VB scripts, I would also do it. I would also be interested in molding a double DIN to replace the lower cubby instead of a single DIN. Anyone here capable of doing that? I think they would sell quite well. That would open up many different configurations.

 

The JDM climate control panel looks identical to the one in the montero... I wonder what parts they have in common.

 

I can imagine the scenario.. "How come you didn't make it into Work/School/date/etc" Oh, my car bluescreened and I had to send the dump to microshaft..

hehe.. In all seriousness, our dash uses cables and vacuum actuators. You would need the JDM control unit, the control box, cables, correct damper brackets and the arms to change the geometry for the servo. It can be done assuming you can get an entire dash assembly (including the HVAC hardware)

Relocating the unit is easy enough, but you were right about extending the harness, and the cables to the heat/cool knob.

Since someone mentioned that the unit appeared in some USDM cars like the montero, at least some of the parts would be available. There's no doubt a custom wiring harness is necessary though, since the dash wiring is somewhat different (Optional connectors are not there, etc..)

 

I second that

 

I was thinking about making a panel that replaces the upper portion of the center console, and blends into where the cubbyhole would be (obviously removed)

Its certainly easy enough to make.. just tedious, I have off in a week or two and was planning on making something, but I'm trying to get a spare upper portion of the center console to take molds from.

 

jdm pics:

http://www.lanevo.net/garage/evo7/audio/audio_1.html

 

jemm,

You almost tricked me!

For a sec it almost seemed like a tutorial to convert a system like ours to the auto climate control, bit I realized it was just a relocation of the controls.. *sigh*

 

 

"Honey, wait for me I need to reboot my Evo."

 

If everything is controlled by a PC doesn't that mean there will be not fan or AC until the PC has booted up?

As much as I like touch screens, there are certain applications where the feel and feedback of a real switch and knob can't be beat. Having realtime feedback means that you can keep you eyes on the road more.

I think the servo idea is good, just have to make sure it has enough torque. instead attaching it to the pull cable, why not attach the servo right on the vent flaps. The cable simply coverts the movement of the control arm 1:1 to another control arm at the vent flaps.

I'd also opt for a real embedded system over a PC. It's much more flexible and dependable, not to mention faster for this applicaiton. (no boot time)

Bryan

 

Why do you need 6 servos???

The last I check, only the air mix and vent zone controls are mechanical. Everything else is electrical and can be replicated by any microcontroller I/O plus maybe a relay.

Bryan