IMA Control & BCM Gauge Combo

[pascal28]

I have had IMAC&C for a month now. Worth doing a quick review:

Firstly a big thanks to Peter Perkins for sending me a fully built & tested PCB after I paid for a kit only! I got a deal. He has also offered good support, answering my questions usually within a few minutes/hours.

What I like about the IMAC&C:

1) It is really eye opening to see 'behind the scenes' of the Insight's IMA system - seeing the real battery SOC and regen that goes on without being indicated on the standard SOC panel. I find the IMAC&C's IMA battery SOC, current/voltage and battery temperature readouts very useful.

2) It allows battery exercise. My IMA battery, unfortunately, is a bit tired but I have noticed an improvement after using the IMAC&C to cycle the charge.

3) On short commutes before the auto engine-stop starts working (or in low speed stop & go traffic) allows user to switch off engine when stationary. This gives a small mpg benefit. I had previously tried to do this using the key but IMAC&C is a much more elegant approach.

4) The control of regen & assist are the crown jewels of the system. It allows the driver to keep the engine in leanburn longer. When braking it allows maximum energy to be put into the battery - with the system means the brakes are primarily used to stop from very low speeds only. Obviously the energy you use for assist needs to be 'paid' for but it can be gained when driving downhill, on the flat or whilst braking i.e. in leanburn (or fuelcut) operating conditions. When used intelligently, on short journeys, I have noticed a decent increase in mpg (5+). I have not used it much for long trips yet.

5) Default operation is obtained with one touch of the brakes i.e. you don't need to use the IMAC&C if for whatever reason you don't want to. However having said that the control & visibility of the operation of the car provided by IMAC&C makes driving more fun.

In summary:
Another happy customer

[retepsnikrep]

Nice neat job Pascal. Thanks for write up and pics.
Looks muich like Mark Elvins in that little box with d sub connectors.

[retepsnikrep]

I've just built two IMAC&C boards today and loaded them with latest code.

One is for Richard H the other could be for another European owner

£150 built with switch.

[Mark Elvin]

Well, the plan we to fit my IMA C&C yesterday, all the groundwork was done, steering wheel button wired, PCB nicely mounted in a die cast box, all wire in & out of box use nice sub d connectors, clockspring modified.....

Then the heavens opened so it's another delay.

Boo