KP technologies GB is taking place!

[stsxcrle]

http://www.kptechnologies.com

In order for KPTechnologies to offer a group buy, they need to be a sponsor. They would like to know what the interest is in our community, please vote if you would be interested in purchasing any of their modules:

Reverse Mirror: mirrors will automatically tilt downward when in reverseAuto window up: allows you to roll windows up with FOBSunroof control: Allows opening of sunroof with FOBAuto window lock: car locks at certain speed

**Possibly with an altima provided for testing**:Fog light module: controls foglights separate of low/high beamsNavigation bypass: Use Nav while moving

If you are interested in providing your Altima for testing of above (free labor discount on parts) email: [email protected] providing your trim level nav and foglights preferred. They are located in dayton ohio: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=...=addr

These modules are fairly straightforward but soldering is necessary for install they are not plug and play

GB IS ON GB IS ON GB IS ON zer...p-buy

[AzureCoupe0888]

ok just sent them an email and asked for all the details, so we'll see whenever they reply....

OK OK THE NEWS IS IN!!

I am meetin with kevin!! everything will probably take 8-9 hours depending on what I get. Ok so I dont miss anything...(I have looked so dont just tell me to look for myself)...like I said, so I dont miss anything, what all is available for our cars I am quite sure I am up to have it all installed but I wanna have a definite list so nothing is forgotten and I can give a full report on everything for you guys!! so let me know so I cant tell him everything I want, and go a head and set up a time to meet

this is from the other KP technologies thread

[stsxcrle]

That's awesome, Kevin has been very helpful with all of my questions and getting back to me right away, I hope we can work something out with him.

Can't wait to see some of these modules installed!!!

I'm thinking auto window up, reverse mirror and possibly fogs...

Peter: I think my OP answers your question?

[AzureCoupe0888]

That's awesome, Kevin has been very helpful with all of my questions and getting back to me right away, I hope we can work something out with him.

Can't wait to see some of these modules installed!!!

I'm thinking auto window up, reverse mirror and possibly fogs...

Peter: I think my OP answers your question?

Ya it does thanks! I just sent him an email back, haha, I am aiming for this weekend to get this done, I know everyone would love to see that kind of progress! I told him to give me everything so I can let everyone know exactly how it all works out. To anyways,.. it all sounds pretty cool so for it all to be completely free y not go all out?!?

[mcheddadi]

Welcome to the prototype group AzureCoupe0888

[AzureCoupe0888]

ok this was the email I just got about an hour ago.....>>>

-------------- Original message from <[email protected]>: --------------

Peter,

This Saturday isn’t good for me due to a prior engagement.

I would be willing to do the passenger side reverse mirror tilt, window up, sunroof, and fog light for sure.

The speed lock is universal by nature and will work with any car with power door locks so there isn’t much of a need to test that module.

I’m not very optimistic about the Navigation interface. I’ve been doing some research and it appears that the navigation portion of the unit is very heavy on the touch screen side. Our module can’t interface with the touch screen, there has to be a physical “OK” or “Enter” button for our module to monitor. Maybe I’m wrong, but it doesn’t appear that the Altimas system has such a button.

The fog light module may or may not work – it’s a multiplexed signal that is impossible to judge without trying it out first hand.

Thank you,

Kevin PiersonDirector of Engineeringhttp://www.KPtechnologies.comhttp://www.KPtech ... com/forums

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So I am tryin for May 10th, thats not too bad right? ok so it's not looking too bright for the nav system bypass, and I guess ppl will have to buy the speed lock themselves or ask a friend. Sorry guys.

Lets all just hope the fog light mod will work, cause I would absolutely love to have that one. I will be if it doesn't work. lol

I'll keep yall posted on any updates, if you have any thought, opinions, questions you know what to do...

[adidas2go]

Welcome to the prototype group AzureCoupe0888

Welcome

[TheBourneAltimatum]

you know what will be nice to have....a TPMS reseter button, most cars have them except for nissan, this way when people are swapping out their winters for summers they dont have to go all the way to the dealer and get it reseted

[stsxcrle]

That's a great idea, a lot of people have complained about resetting their tpms...I sent this thread to KP so they will most likely be looking at suggestions like these.

Azure, you should bring this up when you bring your coupe to them.

[notaverage]

I’m not very optimistic about the Navigation interface. I’ve been doing some research and it appears that the navigation portion of the unit is very heavy on the touch screen side. Our module can’t interface with the touch screen, there has to be a physical “OK” or “Enter” button for our module to monitor. Maybe I’m wrong, but it doesn’t appear that the Altimas system has such a button.

WAIT!! There IS such a button, STEERING WHEEL BUTTONS FOR THE WIN!!You can always press the "enter" button on the steering wheel when the "ok" screen comes up on the Nav. Please point this out to KP Technologies, they still might be able to do the nav ok bypass

[AzureCoupe0888]

ok GREAT! I am glad you guys are paying attention. I will bring up both the points with Kevin.

you know what will be nice to have....a TPMS reseter button, most cars have them except for nissan, this way when people are swapping out their winters for summers they dont have to go all the way to the dealer and get it reseted

WAIT!! There IS such a button, STEERING WHEEL BUTTONS FOR THE WIN!!You can always press the "enter" button on the steering wheel when the "ok" screen comes up on the Nav. Please point this out to KP Technologies, they still might be able to do the nav ok bypass

[maxentropy]

Make sure ya let them know--

We want the navigation bypass (use nav system while in motion) to:

1) Be fully automatic (no flipping switches etc)2) It also MUST NOT impact the GPS locating like the other hardware hack

And if they can:

3) Allow connection of another audio/video source to the bose nav4) Get rid of the "Click OK" to continue button that needs to be pressed after every car start.

[maxentropy]

WAIT!! There IS such a button, STEERING WHEEL BUTTONS FOR THE WIN!!You can always press the "enter" button on the steering wheel when the "ok" screen comes up on the Nav. Please point this out to KP Technologies, they still might be able to do the nav ok bypass

I'll check later too.. there may be a button along the side of the nav system that can be pressed instead of the touch screen to click ok as well.... stay tuned...

Please check the other things I mentioned in the factory nav hack-- the nav hack would be their meat + potatoes if it was to do the things I mentioned in my above post!!!

[AzureCoupe0888]

ok just sent kevin another email with ALL of that info so I will be sure to let yall know what he says in return....

[adidas2go]

you know what will be nice to have....a TPMS reseter button, most cars have them except for nissan, this way when people are swapping out their winters for summers they dont have to go all the way to the dealer and get it reseted

that is a really good idea bro

[spockrock]

you know what will be nice to have....a TPMS reseter button, most cars have them except for nissan, this way when people are swapping out their winters for summers they dont have to go all the way to the dealer and get it reseted

oh hell yes that would be nice.

[bina12834]

being able to have full funtionality of the nav when the car is in motion would be awesome.....i dont know what even after pressing the "OK" button when you start up, Nissan still felt the need to disable some funtions of the nav when moving.....drivers pressing the "OK" button takes care of all of Nissans liability when it comes to that.....theres no need to diable funtions as well!!!!!

[guitarist982]

Good call on the steering wheel button. I had emailed KP about a month ago in regards to navi bypass. I was told if there was no physical button, it wouldn't be possible. This is sounding more optimistic now

1) Be fully automatic (no flipping switches etc)2) It also MUST NOT impact the GPS locating like the other hardware hack

This is not what the bypass module does. It is only an Ok-Bypass and I believe adds an additional input. Too lazy to check their website, but 99% sure it is unrelated to inputing data while in motion.

[maxentropy]

This is not what the bypass module does. It is only an Ok-Bypass and I believe adds an additional input. Too lazy to check their website, but 99% sure it is unrelated to inputing data while in motion.

/Sigh

It shouldn't be that difficult to kill the signal that tells the nav the vehicle is in motion without losing GPS...

[KPierson]

/Sigh

It shouldn't be that difficult to kill the signal that tells the nav the vehicle is in motion without losing GPS...

It shouldn't be, but it is. In order to acomplish what you are looking for you would have to reverse engineer the software and manipulate it to reference GPS position while the vehicle is standing still - something it currently won't do.

When you first start the car the navigation system uses GPS to find your location on its maps. Once it has found you, the navigation unit uses the electronic compass and the vehicle speed signal to move you through the maps. While you are moving it periodically checks your map position with the GPS position. However, if you are NOT moving it doesn't bother comparing your current location with the GPS location. This is why you lose position when you cut the VSS signal and your location is updated once you restore the position. There simply isn't an "easy" way around this.

The KPtechnologies module has a programmable AUX output that operates in 1 of 3 ways. One way is the "smart VSS bypass" mode that cuts the VSS signal for 20 seconds (triggered by holding the "OK" button down for 1.5 seconds and then letting it go). However, while the signal is cut, every time the "OK" button is pushed this timer starts over from the beginning. So, as long as you push the "OK" button once every 20 seconds while programming the module continues to allow you to input data while moving. After you are done programming for 20 seconds the signal is restored automatically, and generally within 10 seconds GPS position is updated (as long as you are moving). From what I heard with the Altima this mode will most likely NOT work because there is no "OK" button to push while programming.

One of the other modes is a simple "on/off" setup that would allow you to cut the VSS signal to program by holding the "ENTER" button down for 1.5 second and then releasing it. The bypass would stay engaged until you pushed the "ENTER" button again for 1.5 seconds.

The thing about this, though, is why buy a complete module if you can do this with a simple switch? The "OK" screen bypass would be nice, but its not that big of a deal considering the "ENTER" button is right there on the steering wheel. On the G35 the "OK" button is at the top right of the center console (Now THAT is inconvenient). The only real benefit the module provides is that you don't have to install a toggle switch, so the interior is left unmodified and the system may be a tad easier to use. But, when it comes to a $2 switch or a $50-100 module which one makes more sense?
Modified by KPierson at 6:50 PM 4/23/2008

[AzureCoupe0888]

well it looks like some of this has already been said but here is the 411 on everything so far. I need opinions, Ideas, whatever!!!

--------------------------------EMAIL FROM KEVIN----------------------------------------

I'm not sure how the TPMS works with the Altima, but with the 350Zs and the G35 it's all done through the Consult protocol (to register and change sensors, etc.). I can't imagine there being enough interest in such a module to justify the engineering cost of simulating the protocol. Most people simply eliminate the sensors all together instead of worrying about them working between sets of tires.

I'm not sure how well the steering wheel button would work. I have confidence we could interface with it, but with the way our unit works it would not be ideal.

First off, the module needs to be triggered to allow programming while in motion. On our current navigation interface modules this is done by pressing the OK button and holding it down for ~1.5 seconds. Once this happens, the module energizes a relay to break the VSS signal. This means that GPS position will NOT be updated while the bypass is active. There simply is no hardware way around this (and we don't do software modifications). Once the bypass has been triggered we utilize what we call a "Smart VSS Bypass". This is basically a 20 second timer that once times out restores the VSS signal. However, every time the "OK" button is pushed the 20 second timer is reset and starts counting from the beginning. This allows you to input data while driving, but you don't have to add any switches and it automatically resets when you stop programming (and the OK button doesn't get pushed). If we use the "Enter" button on the steering wheel our "Smart VSS" system won't work as designed, as you would never hit the "Enter" button again after the initial trigger.

However, the output of the module has three different programmable modes of opertation. One of the modes is a simple on/off setup. We could tie that in to the "Enter" button and make everything work utilizing the OEM switch instead of an external switch. The module could also process the "OK" button automatically each time the vehicle is started. The main problem I see here is the price of a custom module (~$75 or so) will most likely be more expensive then most people are willing to pay to acomplish, in reality, what a $2 switch would do. The "OK" bypass really isn't a big issue as the button is on the steering wheel (unlike older Nissans where the button was up and over on the center console). The Smart bypass also most likely won't work, so all you would really be gaining is the ability to switch the VSS signal on/off using the steering wheel button. It may be possible to simplify it a bit and get the price closer to $50 or so, but we would lost features (such as processing the OK screen). I guess how we proceed from here is to decide if the community is in fact interested in any of these options and to see if they are willing to pay to have this all developed.

KPtechnologies will NOT modify any OEM system to allow AUX video inputs on the Navi screen. I'm not sure if that is exactly what was being asked for, but that is our policy. We simply can't take on that much liability.

When you get a chance please let me know what you think,

Kevin

-------------------------------------------END-----------------------------------------------

Ok let me know what you think

[notaverage]

Let me be the first to say THANK YOU to KP, for providing an extensive writeup to explain their concept and design. With the writeup, the NICO communtity now knows the potential that KP has and can provide any additional reasonable suggestions that could benefit KP and the rest of the NICO community.

I would definetly be interested in the VSS bypass and would be willing to pay $75 if it works with the OEM steering wheel controls.

[bina12834]

basically what KPierson is telling us is that his $50-100 module does the same thing as a $2 switch, and most likely the $2 is less work......so you make the choice.

thanks for the info KPierson.....you guys do great work.....keep it up!!

Modified by bina12834 at 9:11 PM 4/23/2008
Modified by bina12834 at 9:11 PM 4/23/2008

[Rolling Estonian]

What about a door latch release. Probably not since a small actuator would need to be installed. But if you're talking to them again ask just in case.

[bina12834]

i dont understand why people want there doors to automatically lock in the altima, when you would have to reach over and unlock them to get out of the car anyways....people arent willing to do the work to push the button to lock them, but theyre willing to do the work to push the button to unlock them.....makes no sense

cars whose doors automatically lock when you go over a certain speed or move out of "Park", have a mechanism in them where when the door is locked and you pull the handle, it will unlock the door when you pull the handle to get out of the car. the altima doesnt have this, so to have the doors automatically lock, without this mechanism, doesnt make sense to me

[Rolling Estonian]

Sorry you've misunderstood. I'd like to shave my door handles, and I'd need a remote way to open (unlatch) the door fom the outside.

[bina12834]

i was refering to what you want to do...i understood that....im just saying people are requesting for their doors to automatically lock when they take the car out of "Park" or go over a certain speed and it just doesnt make sense to me considering what i said above.

[notaverage]

without going into too much detail, the auto lock feature is meant for safety. if you forget to lock your doors when you get into your car, it will do it for you, so no stranger can just open your door and assault you, or whatever. Also its good for children or people who fidget with stuff like door handles, if the door is already locked it wont open with the door handle.

Also, some cars automatically unlock the doors once the engine is turned off. My 1997 honda accord aftermarket alarm had this system, and i loved it.

[bina12834]

if they can make a module that does both auto lock when you go over a certain speed, and auto unlocks when you turn the engine off, then im in.

KP.......can you maybe look into this?

[KPierson]

KPtechnologies currently offers an auto door locking module with an optional speed switch!