Auto wipers/ Auto headlamps

[71camaro]

One of the great omissions of the D2 was auto wipers and auto headlamps when raining and dark. It seems odd these would be skipped since even Golfs and Polos of the era had these on better optioned models.

Hella had the Raintronic system available for a short time that acted as an add-on auto-wiper system. It was large and didn't add auto-headlamps in rain or darkness, however. Raintronic appears to have been discontinued as well. So, what do we do?

A system is available here in the United States called Rain Tracker.

Demo video on a Yaris:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woW1Z38GDok

http://www.raintracker.com/

I've been researching for quite some time how to add these features, and this system is by far the most reliable based on user reviews, and in fact some say it operates in a manner more favorable than even most OEM systems. The great beauty of Rain Tracker is that it not only operates lights and wipers with these features otherwise in the "off" position, but one can also operate the wipers and lights if they so choose independently of the module. And, if you want to turn off the systems it's quite easy to do as well with toggles that can be hidden anywhere (I'll be placing mine on the base of my driver's seat memory trim, hidden but easily accessed).

So then, we have a module to operate this. What about the sensor then? It is placed on the window behind the mirror. I'll be painting the windshield where it mounts to match how most OEMs hide the sensor from the outside. For the wiring I'll be using a plastic trim channel, either from a VW Golf mk4 or a T5 that will look fine. I'll trim/reshape the ends of the channel to fit the headliner and sensor as necessary. All wiring and modules go under dash for a clean looking install.

Rain Tracker provide great wiring diagrams and support as well. Apparently our wipers are controlled in a manner similar the C5 A/S6, and they have diagrams for our cars as well as the C-chassis cars, here:

http://www.raintracker.com/compatibi...i_s6_02-04.pdf

I ordered the unit tonight, when it arrives next week I'll have further information.

[Architex_mA8tey]

That's a great mod, useful and pretty reasonable price! Watching with interest, I wonder how much the unit would be delivered to the UK after they've added all the customs charges etc. I bought a bumper filler from over there which was ok price wise but the cost of getting it sent here and paying duties etc was ridiculous

[David's8]

Thats a great little mod. Shipping costs are, according to their site:

USPS:1st Class International $19.74 ; : Priority Mail International: $45.85
FedEx: International Economy: $100.61
FedEx: International Priority: $107.16

and then there's customs i guess, tho' i've no idea what that might come to?

[David's8]

Answering my own question, according to the HMRC Customs wesite no customs charges are due as the value is <£135 but VAT is charged on goods over £15 and is charged at the "same rate as for similar goods sold in the UK".

So at $89.95 the postage would be:
$19.74 and the VAT @20%:
$17.99
= $127.68

or about £80 all in (unless I've made a c@ck-up somewhere).

[Architex_mA8tey]

Thanks David, thats still not too bad for effectively getting auto wipers and auto lights. . . . hmmm

[David's8]

I think so too. Anyone going to the States in the near future?

[Architex_mA8tey]

Originally Posted by David's8

I think so too. Anyone going to the States in the near future?

Thats 2 orders to pick up then lol

[David's8]

There is an interesting caveat on their website about the headlight control though....

Wiring the vehicle for headlamp control is trickier than controlling the wipers. It often involves external relays. So, while we emphasize how straightforward the wiper control wiring is, we make no such claims for the headlamp control. We provide the feature more for the for the professional installer, the OE / Chassis builder applications (e.g. RV's), and the advanced DIY. We advise against its deployment for most nonprofessionals. We do not offer any technical support or design assistance for the headlamp control feature. The headlamp control works great, but you are on your own to use it.

[71camaro]

Originally Posted by David's8

There is an interesting caveat on their website about the headlight control though....

Wiring the vehicle for headlamp control is trickier than controlling the wipers. It often involves external relays. So, while we emphasize how straightforward the wiper control wiring is, we make no such claims for the headlamp control. We provide the feature more for the for the professional installer, the OE / Chassis builder applications (e.g. RV's), and the advanced DIY. We advise against its deployment for most nonprofessionals. We do not offer any technical support or design assistance for the headlamp control feature. The headlamp control works great, but you are on your own to use it.

Yeah, it says that, but it's actually pretty damned simple, already been comparing diagrams.

[David's8]

Ok 71Camaro, sounds like you have it nailed. I am rubbish with this electricity stuff. Look forward to your write up.