AutoWindow remote window control is done for Subaru.

[scottmcphee]

I typically discuss my electrical mods and designs in this Interior/Audio forum, but this mod bridges the gap between interior and exterior (because it's the windows) so I don't know where best to put it. I guess we can have the discussion about installation, and fitting your Legacy with AutoWindow models, talk about the features.. etc. right here.

I did make a vendor announcement in that forum, because these things are now for sale:
http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=62585

To save you chasing threads here's a direct link to my web site: www.autowindow.com (http://www.autowindow.com)

First off, the story. I designed AutoWindow for my VW Passat which spawned tremendous interest and a line of products that now fit very many VW and Volkswagen-derived vehicles (that aren't sold in North America).

When I sold the Passat and got a Legacy wagon there was a great gaping hole in my life. I didn't miss the VW but I sure missed AutoWindow!! My wife did too. It is a very handy tool when you have kids, etc, and park the car then realize while walking away that somebody left their window down. ZAP from the remote, up it goes! And the venting stuff is really handy in summer for letting out heat. Especially because Subaru chose zero tint for windows.

Anywho... I'm happy as a clam to have it back. I gotta tell you straight up: it's an involved install process, some would say a PITA to do... but in the end very rewarding and provides a high grin factor, and is very very practical.

Would I do it again for the next car I buy? Damn right I would. In fact, realizing that, I made this revision of AutoWindow UNIVERSAL FIT - so it will work in no matter what car I happen into the future. Once and for all it's done. Many people over the years have asked "will it work in my car?" It feels good to finally just say "yes". For any car in the world with power windows, power locks, and remote entry system... it just took a Subaru to get me there.

I've taken the trouble to write detailed installation guide for Subaru Legacy for the Universal Fit model. I couldn't possibly do this for every car in the world, so if you buy one, I'll include these instructions and save you hours of head scratching trying to find wires, etc.. consider yourself part of the special crowd.

So read the stuff about Universal Fit on the autowindow.com web site if you are interested, and we'll go from there. There's a FAQ up there that I'll post here, because it's the first question.

Cheers,
Scott

[scottmcphee]

Q: (http://legacygt.com/forums/#TOC19)Tell me more about the new Universal Fit models, for Classic and Cool+ (http://legacygt.com/forums/#SEC36)




We've been asked for years, "Does AutoWindow work in my <name it> car?" and we've had to say sorry. The problem is that many vehicles with power windows lack electronics with inputs to allow window operation when the car is off. Our friends at DEI have a module that's been on the market for years to add one-touch up/down for cars with power windows and it fits any car imaginable. The DEI530T module also happens to have the necessary electronics needed by AutoWindow. So, we adapted AutoWindow Universal Fit models to drive DEI modules. This means that if you can fit DEI530T into your car (and you probably can) then you can also enjoy all the features and benefits of AutoWindow Classic, or Cool+ models. Including the Nite Sense and Rain Sense options! AutoWindow Universal Fit models require installing DEI530T module/s for your car, sold separately. One DEI530T operates a pair of windows. Four door/window AutoWindow operation requires two DEI530T modules. One AutoWindow Universal Fit unit drives one or two DEI modules for 2 or 4 window control.

[scottmcphee]

Legacy falls into the category of "lacking the electronics" as mentioned in the FAQ.

Now, some people might have installed and configured DEI530T's in there Subaru's already. You can wire these modules so that locking the car rolls up windows - without the help of AutoWindow. If that's all you need, great.

The design goal of AutoWindow is simple:

Extend the function of your car's original remote.. giving you total control of windows, in ways that don't conflict with the normal use of the remote.

So you get to choose when you want window action, by using new sequences and combinations of remote presses. It doesn't just happen every time "accidentally" when you don't want action. The DEI alone cannot offer you this flexibility and control. Nor can it do the higher level functions (temperature sense, rain sense, etc..) AutoWindow is also programmable (by remote of course) so that you can tune / change the command set to do behaviors that you want.

So if you have DEI's installed - you are half way there.

[phoenix96]

Wonderful!

Is it still possible to use the DEI530T for "auto-up" window switches?

[fatbastard]

Hmmm...love this on the wifes A4...nice to vent the heat in the summer. Going to have to look into this more.

[zmarko]

Wow. Nice work!!! Kudos! Pretty cool stuff. So the cool + rain sense will automatically close the windows if it starts raining?? :eek:

[scottmcphee]

Wonderful!

Is it still possible to use the DEI530T for "auto-up" window switches?

Yes.

The benefit of having the DEI's installed, is that every window now also has auto-up and auto-down, using the interior window switches, both from the driver's control and at each door switch.

[scottmcphee]

Wow. Nice work!!! Kudos! Pretty cool stuff. So the cool + rain sense will automatically close the windows if it starts raining?? :eek:

Yup. It closes *vented* windows.

AutoWindow has this vent mode... it can be done manually from the remote by pressing UNLOCK UNLOCK LOCK
or it can happen automatically on the Cool+ model (gets too hot inside car).

When windows are vented, the rain sense option will detect rain on the windshield, and close them. The reason why it doesn't close fully-open windows is for safety (a neck can be in there, whereas a vent you can only fit fingers in there).

A thing to mention is that DEI modules provide anti-pinch feature - the motors will stop when they hit end of travel, whether that means the window seal, or something else caught between the window and its fully closed position.

By the way, AutoWindow uses a windshield mounted rain sensor sourced by OEDES, the company that produces RainTracker product (windshield wiper rain sensing speed control). http://www.raintracker.com/
These rain sensors are excellent quality and are very sensitive, can detect mist droplets down to 0.3mm pitch. We've had zero returns on the rain option. If you have a RainTracker installed (or want to) AutoWindow can share the same sensor. Crazy!

[Fox06LegacyGT]

how long will this take to install?

[scottmcphee]

how long will this take to install?

The long part is the DEI modules - need to visit each door, and bring wires out.

Locate the DEI module/s under the dash, running wires from there.

Once that's done, AutoWindow install is "trivial" and would take less than one hour.

Let's see, I started my install in October and just finished now, so that's 7 months to install. But I had to invent the product along the way... ;-) your time may vary.

Seriously, allow maybe 2 hours per door average. You get the hang of it by door number four and your times improve, probably 1 hour for the last door.

Scott

[Fox06LegacyGT]

The long part is the DEI modules - need to go into each door.

Locate the DEI module/s under the dash, running wires from there.

Once that's done, AutoWindow install is "trivial" and would take less than one hour.

Let's see, I started my install in October and just finished now, so that's 7 months to install. But I had to invent the product along the way... ;-) your time may vary.

Seriously, allow maybe 2.5 hours per door average. You get the hang of it by door number four and your times improve.

Scott

so do we technically have to order 4 kits? essentially one for each door, or am I reading that wrong?

[scottmcphee]

so do we technically have to order 4 kits? essentially one for each door, or am I reading that wrong?

No.

Like the FAQ says, ONE AutoWindow drives the whole car.
It drives one or two DEI modules.

ONE DEI module drives two door windows.
So if you want four window control and benefits of AutoWindow, you need to install TWO DEI modules.

If you never use rear windows (no kids, always drive alone or with a front passenger)... you can install just one DEI kit for the front two windows. That limits AutoWindow control to just the front two windows as well.

You get the idea..

[Fox06LegacyGT]

No.

Like the FAQ says, ONE AutoWindow drives the whole car.
It drives one or two DEI modules.

ONE DEI module drives two door windows.
So if you want four window control and benefits of AutoWindow, you need to install TWO DEI modules.

If you never use rear windows (no kids, always drive alone or with a front passenger)... you can install just one DEI kit for the front two windows. That limits AutoWindow control to just the front two windows as well.

You get the idea..

gotcha...do you sell the DEI kits as well, or is there a place to order those from?

sorry for all the questions but I appreciate all the help. This sounds like something that would be sweet to install.

[fzanetti]

Wow... Great news...

Really miss my auto windows from the S4 too...

A simple thing, we know why Subaru really hasn't enterred the Luxury brand domain yet hehehe

Flavio Zanetti
Boston, MA

[praedet]

Does the install of the Legacy include DEI instructions :D

[unclemat]

Can I install this thing plus DEI modules so I have auto windows for all FOUR windows but the rear switches would keep working without AUTO UP/DOWN feature?

[scottmcphee]

Few things,
I don't source DEI's (yet)... ebay is one good source.

I can give tips on putting the DEI's into Legacy only because I did it. But these come with their own basic wiring instructions that you follow. Start by taking the door panel off, cut the motor wires, bring all four lines back to the DEI module through the door wire conduit (this is the worst part of the install but using a wire "fish" of some sort really helps..)

Locate the DEI module/s under the driver's dash. All wires will be found or connected there.

Scott

[scottmcphee]

Can I install this thing plus DEI modules so I have auto windows for all FOUR windows but the rear switches would keep working without AUTO UP/DOWN feature?

You get auto up/down when you connect a window to a DEI. Can't get around that. (Remember that's the main purpose of why that module is sold).

I hear where you're coming from... keep it away from the kids, right?

On this topic, it is worth noting that the window lockout switch on the driver console still does it's job. You can disengage the 3 passenger windows even after DEI's are installed, as expected.

I've noticed one little side effect: the LED in the window switch on the door glows dimly with the window lockout, rather than being totally dark as is stock behavior. I checked the schematics that this is not harmful, and see why it happens because I've also cracked into the DEI module to explore the answer. It's not harmful... just admire the new feature.

Scott

[scottmcphee]

Who has got one or more DEI 530T installed already? I have an idea!

thanks
Scott

[CobaltForge]

Man Scott, you come out with some of the coolest ish! If I wasn't looking to install a Double Din unit, I'd be all over this!

[KA81]

subscribed

[rexster]

Who has got one or more DEI 530T installed already?

i would like to know as well. i have used the DEI modules in a prior car ('92 GTi) and they worked great for auto up/down. I used them with a power window kit and converted the car from manual windows to power. I used a python 4 channel alarm to have auto up/down/vent functionality. I want to put them in my legacy but i don't want to do the install myself. i went to a local stereo shop (tweeter) and they told me that they have had bad luck with the DEI window module in subarus. they said that it has burned out the motors on several cars and they won't install them in subarus anymore. i was willing to give them a couple hundred to put them in with an alarm but they weren't interested. so i'm curious if anyone has been using them for a while.

[SpeedNeeder]

Does anyone have an Auto-Up solution for the drivers window?
Also Auto Up-Down for the passenger front?
Is it just a matter of putting in a different button on the door?

[Claw]

Awesome piece of engineering you've got there Scott.

Subscribed.. will have to keep an eye out on this thread.

[scottmcphee]

...they told me that they have had bad luck with the DEI window module in subarus. they said that it has burned out the motors on several cars and they won't install them in subarus anymore.

DEI specifies 14 AWG wire gauge to the door motors from the module, use it. Too thin gauge mucks with the resistance and inductance of the motor circuits which can lead to strange operation, or not enough power to drive.

The DEI uses relays to close the same good old +/-12 battery to motor poles, just like the window switch. But it's also "listening" to the motor and cuts power when the characteristics "sound like" end-of-travel (motor stall). Some vendors call this "anti-pinch" or "pinch protection". If DEI doesn't hear anything, after a normal amount of time it cuts power anyway - figuring any car would have it's windows closed by then.

You have control over the amplification of this stall condition, via DIP switches on the DEI module. I found the default (middle) value of closing "pressure" fine for my Legacy. The low setting had windows stopping before they could finish rolling up.

I recommend you find the minimum setting needed for you car to close windows. You can hear the DEI relays "click" off when window hits end of travel, so you can tell if you are over-driving them.

Maybe the installer never listened for the click, and just dialed up to max every time to avoid the possibility of customer complaints of windows not closing... or used thin wire because it's easier to snake into the doors.

Just a thought.

Scott

[onehungwaylow]

Any chance you can post up the instructions or send me a copy?
I'm really interested on performing this mod.

[scottmcphee]

Any chance you can post up the instructions or send me a copy?
I'm really interested on performing this mod.

Posted here!

Here are the instructions for AutoWindow install, specifically for Subaru Legacy.

Plus the user manual so you get the idea of using AutoWindow Classic from the remote. The user manual also shows the programmable options that are available on AutoWindow that can be changed using the remote.

All of this works!

Scott

[BDII]

I just want auto up on both passenger and driver.

Got anything for me?

[scottmcphee]

I just want auto up on both passenger and driver.

Got anything for me?

Get yourself one DEI 530T module installed. This gives you one-touch up/down from stock interior switches on driver and passenger doors. Install the DEI under dash, not in a door.

Then, you can add remote control up/down/vent by adding an AutoWindow module. It is *very easy* to add the AutoWindow module once the DEI is installed.

[BDII]

Do you sell this product?

[scottmcphee]

Do you sell this product?

I sell AutoWindow modules.
You can only buy these from me, via www.autowindow.com
I also sell RRAP for Subaru.
I also sell Tap Turn Subaru.

I do not sell DEI 530T. These are easy to get from many other sources.

Regards,
Scott

[BDII]

You should become a vendor of that product.

[leggtnut]

Wow, Scott, you are a GOD. I really missed this operation on the drivers window on my 90 Legacy. Is there a way to have it just be the drivers side? I kind of liked it that way, but if not. both fronts are good for me. Also, I liked they way it worked in the 90, normal operation from the button untill I clicked it all the way down for up or down, then it went up and down automatically, like the auto-down is currently. Is there a way to get that back as well?

[scottmcphee]

... Is there a way to have it just be the drivers side? ... clicked it all the way down for up or down, then it went up and down automatically, like the auto-down is currently. Is there a way to get that back as well?

One DEI 530T module supports 1 or 2 windows, so you can wire only the driver's side if you want.

Without changing the stock window switch, there is no double click position for auto up. Just a quick pull and release of the stock switch causes the DEI to do an auto up. Pulling for longer than this skips over the auto up function and window defaults back to stock - when you release the switch the window stops. With the DEI installed on driver's side, the double click down position on the stock switch is not technically needed anymore because DEI auto down works just like auto up, push and release and the DEI takes over. However you can still use the double click push down position on the switch in which case the Subaru does the job of auto down.

May as well finish the story.... when a window is doing an auto up / down using an interior switch, flicking that window switch either way stops the auto in its tracks.

Scott

[scottmcphee]

I've announced a sale on AutoWindow Classic (with venting), unheard of price ever offered for this model of just $50 - cheaper than the most basic model.

The sale price also applies to Universal Fit model, which works in Subaru.
So if you're interested about doing this mod.. act now and save $20.

Regards
Scott

[puzzled]

I have had one of the AutoWindow Classics for a few weeks now and I love it.

I made a couple videos to show it in action:
Note: I only have this controlling my front windows.

Rolling down the windows - Press Unlock three times: Video Link (http://www.puzzleddesigns.com/video/auto_window/Windows_Down-Unlock-3x.avi)

Roll up windows (after exiting car): Video Link (http://www.puzzleddesigns.com/video/auto_window/Windows_Up-Lock-1x.avi)

Vent Windows - Press Unlock-Unlock-Lock: Video Link (http://www.puzzleddesigns.com/video/auto_window/Windows_Vent_Open-Unlock-2x_Lock-1x.avi)

Close Vented Windows - Press Lock once: Video Link (http://www.puzzleddesigns.com/video/auto_window/Windows_Vent_Close-Lock-1x.avi)

Default setting to close windows: Press Unlock-Lock: Video Link (http://www.puzzleddesigns.com/video/auto_window/Windows_Close-Unlock-1x-Lock-1x.avi)

[scottmcphee]

Hey, thanks for posting up the videos and for your positive feedback puzzled!

You asked a question and I'll answer it here..

In the Vent windows video, you ask "Why does the vent windows take 8 seconds to respond?" The answer is this: the vent command is a two part sequence, the first part is to ensure windows are fully closed and the second part is to open windows a crack. Unless AutoWindow *knows* windows are already fully closed the vent sequence begins with a full roll up - which takes about 8 seconds. This is the delay in the video... it's actually completing a rollup first. If any window was partially down doing a vent command, you'd see them all go up first.

Supposed you do a Close command... then sometime later do VENT command (without disturbing the car in any way). AutoWindow remembers it has done a close so it skips that part of the vent sequence and goes directly to opening them a crack. (Try it!).

Does it hurt for AutoWindow to always try rolling up windows for 8 seconds if they're already closed? No. Because the DEI modules have an anti-pinch feature that senses end of travel and the relays cut the power to windows as soon as they hit top. AutoWindow just doesn't bother reading that early cut-off signal and takes the simple approach of humming its silent tune for 8 seconds.

In general, AutoWindow remembers what state it has left the window from the previous command - so long as you don't enter / exit via the driver's door - at which point it assumes nothing because you may have used interior controls to adjust windows. So, it forces itself to forget whatever it thought about windows each time the driver's door shuts.

Regards
Scott

[onehungwaylow]

Hey Scott, I left you a PM. Please check.

[natoli4]

has anyone installed these? I'd like to know how it's working!

[zmarko]

has anyone installed these? I'd like to know how it's working!
Post #36 in this thread.

[GTkansan]

So how much would it be for the component to only make the windows (f+r) to be auto up and down? The other stuff is interesting, but not really anything I care about.

[puzzled]

has anyone installed these? I'd like to know how it's working!

I have it installed and it is still working like a champ!