176 replies to this topic

[fezzasus]

Background

 

My heater implementation uses a solenoid to control the flow of hot water (either though the heater matrix or bypassing the matrix) rather than controlling the flow of hot air which was one of the contributing factors to the fairly anemic OEM heater. Unfortunately the combination of the pulse width modulator and solenoid has been the weakest component of the system.

 

Position now

Rather than spending the lifetime of these cars supplying replacement electronic components, I have developed a bowden controlled manual heater control. This still controls the water flow rather than air flow and is a relatively simple retrofit, as the device is entirely manual, this should be much more durable.

 

The entire control system will be £40 delivered, i'm about to place an order for the initial batch (control cables are custom made) but wanted to know interest, if any, to guide the quantity I am ordering.

[techieboy]

Yes, please. I knew there was a reason I'd held off on installing the Mk2 that wasn't just because I fear the black hole that is the front compartment.

[ayresyy]

   Just realised I will need to find a new heater before I can make use of this.

Edited by ayresyy, 17 May 2016 - 07:53 AM.

[Code Monkey]

Current one works great right now for me, my only issue is the heat knob now goes up to 11  

Is a little spinal tap, as the notch on the controller goes past the red markings behind it.

[A.C.oral]

Is this what will rectify the constant minor flow of heat coming in even when heater is turned off? (I have an early example)

[furtive]

I'll take one. I have an early model of your heater apparently but assume this will fit them all?

[siztenboots]

old school tech

 

[fezzasus]

Is this what will rectify the constant minor flow of heat coming in even when heater is turned off? (I have an early example)

 

That's correct. The PWM fails and the heater defaults to hot.

[fezzasus]

I'll take one. I have an early model of your heater apparently but assume this will fit them all?

 

They'll fit on all but gen. 1 models, however all have been replaced with gen 2.

Edited by fezzasus, 17 May 2016 - 10:02 AM.

[A.C.oral]

Sweet. I'll take one when I find someone to fit it. (I'm clueless)

[siztenboots]

is there a multimeter reading to , say the valve plug which would indicate pwm failure , based on temp setting at each range?

[slindborg]

is there a multimeter reading to , say the valve plug which would indicate pwm failure , based on temp setting at each range?

 

Tricky with a PWM, but from the sounds of it, if the PWM fails it fails "hot" so that will either be 0V or 12V as opposed to something in between (based on how DMM's work).

 

Or buy a DSO scope kit from ebay for a tenner

[fezzasus]

is there a multimeter reading to , say the valve plug which would indicate pwm failure , based on temp setting at each range?

 

working PWM pulses 12 v to 0 v every 2 seconds in mid temp. position. Failed PWM tends be constant 0v regardless of position, however i've seen one which was constant 12v

[fezzasus]

Sweet. I'll take one when I find someone to fit it. (I'm clueless)

 

I'll create a guide to go with it.

[fezzasus]

 

is there a multimeter reading to , say the valve plug which would indicate pwm failure , based on temp setting at each range?

 

Tricky with a PWM, but from the sounds of it, if the PWM fails it fails "hot" so that will either be 0V or 12V as opposed to something in between (based on how DMM's work).

 

Or buy a DSO scope kit from ebay for a tenner

 

 

Or attach a light bulb, the PWM frequency is very low (0.5 Hz)

[siztenboots]

 

 

is there a multimeter reading to , say the valve plug which would indicate pwm failure , based on temp setting at each range?

 

Tricky with a PWM, but from the sounds of it, if the PWM fails it fails "hot" so that will either be 0V or 12V as opposed to something in between (based on how DMM's work).

 

Or buy a DSO scope kit from ebay for a tenner

 

 

Or attach a light bulb, the PWM frequency is very low (0.5 Hz)

 

 

cool finally a use for that 12v automotive light up pen type probe. you know the one that hides in the toolbox , until it stabs you with the pointy end

[slindborg]

 

 

 

is there a multimeter reading to , say the valve plug which would indicate pwm failure , based on temp setting at each range?

 

Tricky with a PWM, but from the sounds of it, if the PWM fails it fails "hot" so that will either be 0V or 12V as opposed to something in between (based on how DMM's work).

 

Or buy a DSO scope kit from ebay for a tenner

 

 

Or attach a light bulb, the PWM frequency is very low (0.5 Hz)

 

 

cool finally a use for that 12v automotive light up pen type probe. you know the one that hides in the toolbox , until it stabs you with the pointy end

 

 

You mean, everytime you put your hand near the toolbox  

[oldjoe]

i have a heater of yours i never fitted, i will take some pictures so i can figure out which model it is. i presume i will need this?

[badgerade]

Yes please 

 

Would this replace the existing valve?  I think mine has started leaking again

[oldjoe]

this is mine, not sure if its a MK1. will it need this £40 addition?