Yeah, mine works like Ed's. They must have changed the sequence somewhere after 2002.

 

If I ever raise the top with the key, I have to go round and open and shut both doors to avoid just that.

 

Interesting that they changed the sequence. Good thing actually. I don't like the sequence on my car. I feel it puts too much stress on the seals on the front windows.

 

Just had a crazy thought. Why can't a remote solenoid control the same action as the key operation in the door. There must be a switch in the lock mechanism that controls the top. Put a remote switch in parallel with it and let the BPM do the work. Is this a crazy scheme??

 

Its not a crazy idea. This is very similar to what my circuit does...it closes the same contacts with relays that the door lock operates...but additional circuits are necessary to know when the remote wants to open the door or open the top, to time the openning, and also to interrupt the opening when desired. Thereis no way to 'hold' the switch with the remote...it needs to be done electronically.

I have been dealing with backordered parts and some unplanned obligations, but hope to have this tested and posted soon.

 

I think your idea would work hlgeorge, but it would probably require carrying a second remote. The beauty of WhiteXKR's scheme is that it works with the existing fob and buttons.

I remember that within minutes of discovering that one could drop the top with the key, I stood next to my XK8 mashing the remote unlock button hoping against hope that the top or windows would at least wiggle. After about ten seconds with no results, I shrugged and murmured: "Dammit." My wife asked: "What was that all about?" I told her she didn't want to know.

By the way, this all reminds me that a friend of mine who used to work for Motorola created the first radio-controlled garage door opener back in the 70s. Showed me the schematics for it last year. Too bad he wasn't able to claim the patent and royalties. We've come a long way!

Cheers,

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diUu8VidgwQ

 

The reason there are no replies is that we are just still sitting here with our jaws dropped wide open after this video. (and I have an electronics degree for what its worth)

 

Amazing! How do we purchase the retrofit kit!!! Can we raise it too??

 

Really COOOOOL!!

 

Easy does it !

I just built up the 'top down' version this weekend. I think I got all the bugs out, but I want to drive it around for a few days to be sure. At that point I will post a detailed 'how to' for those just interested in the top down version.

UPDATE: See www.thejagwrangler.com for full function version.

 

That's awesome! I can't wait for the write-up!

 

Here is a snapshot of the top down circuit. It consists of one time delay, three relays and two diodes. It fits nicely in the empty space of the door panel near the puddle lamp. There are 5 connections in the door, and 2 connections under the hood.

 

Sold!

 

And I wil be programming the iPhone and Android apps for your setup so people can use their phones to drop the top! and we just made a million dollars I think

 

Add me to the list of impressed and appreciative watchers.

I can wait for your full write-up, but if it's easy to answer ...
- What timer value did you land on?
- Am I correct that after the top lowering completes, if the timer has not yet run out, then this is just like the driver continuing to hold down the lower-top rocker, i.e. nothing further happens, correct?

Nice job!

 

-The timer is set at about 35 seconds, which should accomodate the cars with the pump resistor. It is adjustable if necessary. This design has no dependency on completing the cycle before the 25 second remote control invoked headlight timer times out.

-Yes, it is exactly like holding the door switch for a few extra seconds after the cycle completion.

Thanks Dennis !

 

Wow, that looks easy to wire in. I can't wait for the writeup

 

mmmmm yum yum, fancy this mod!!!... good job!!

 

Steve, I love you man!