E46 window switches with one touch function

[george graves]

Since OP was using a 555 timer, it's really not the best plan of attack for something like this. Windows roll up a bit faster in the summer, when your battery is at a higher voltage (just was getting charged from driving and is at 13 volts vs sitting for 2-3 days and at 12 volts) and when well lubricated. So with a timer circuit, you have to say "Ok, the max time it takes to roll up the window? Ok 7 seconds, lets add 3 seconds to that to cover every situation"

So, it can work, but it's like parking a car in one of those car lots with the concrete curbs between each parking space. It would be like if you said "ok, let's drive the mini van up to it, and when we feel it hit, keep your foot on the gas for an extra 3 seconds, just to make sure!"

It add extra stress to the window motor and the switch, and in some conditions might not let the window fully close.

The better way of doing it is to measure the current going to the motor. It's how it's done on just about every car from the factory, regardless or make or model.

[madman23]

Hey. Just wondering if this was finished? I am looking at diing this myself.

[stonea]

Any progress on this?

[Mr. Tasty]

very cool

[ajune]

Although I dont understand any of this, its still a pretty cool project, cant wait to see it finished.

Thanks :-)

Built my test circuit (555 ic timer) to test for activation and timing pulse length to use for auto up/down & vert window actuation (like in modern certs and half door cars with automatic window drop when you open doors and raise when you close them for sealing purposes). I'll use it to activate a pair of SPST (single pole single throw) relays to power window motors.
Currently its built with a test diode to be run by 9VDC, but I will be adding the 5VDC voltage regulator later when I add it to a 12VDC test circuit. Surprisingly simple as far as switched circuits go that essentially use low voltage to drive high voltage circuits. Once its finalized I'll map out a PCB circuit and etch it, install the components and build an enclosure with all components required to run four windows all with auto open/close on them and adjustable timing length and over voltage protection for the entire circuit in case someone gets their hand stuck in the window it will cut power instead of just pinning it helplessly.

[ajune]

For now I've built the 555 timer circuit but I need to adjust the timing of it to generate a longer signal pulse. Currently the pulse only lasts for ~0.1 seconds... -_-

[ajune]

Thanks :D I'm working on building a test 555 circuit right now to act as the trigger for the SPST relays :-)

[stonea]

Although I dont understand any of this, its still a pretty cool project, cant wait to see it finished.

[ajune]

I am currently researching MOSFET transistors and miniatrure SPST (single pole single throw) relays for window operation.

[ajune]

For the 555 timer circuit I have an idea to use it for verts with a switch signal wired to the door switches for opening and closing in the lock. It would have to be tied into the actual latch and ground when opened and open when latched. This would trip I bi-state or mono-state signal to trip a 1/2 second or 1second signal in the timer to activate an auto open relay and auto close relay for the window. More on that later and when I solidify it I will make a new thread.

[ajune]

This is cool. Respect for your skills.

Thanks :D

[TimeMachinE30]

This is cool. Respect for your skills.

[ajune]

Little tid-bit... I'm considering building a 555 timer circuit to run a set of relays for the auto up/down feature. More on that later. Right now I've cut the tracers I needed to and am in the process of soldering in the necessary jumpers as well as reassembling the board and adding the new wires.

[ajune]

New Diagram showing only relevant connections that are on top and any that will be changed.



Changed marked onto both sides of PCB





If someone could review this and let me know if I need to change anything differently from what I have shown above please let me know.

Pinouts are as follows:
1 common ground
2 front up
3 front down
4 rear up
5 rear down
6 illumination + signal
7 front one touch down
8 front one touch up
9 rear one touch up
10 rear one touch down

[ajune]

Electrical diagram of PCB with switches, resistors, and LEDs



Internal images of the physical switches on the board