This post covers the PKE and Keyless Entry Setup…
Battery management seems to be an issue when using either the Infinitybox System or a Power Distribution Module Setup. Keeping either system powered on when the car is sitting will drain the battery in a couple days if not sooner.
Here is a short video on the Key FOB and PKE activation of the PDM…
So I wanted a way to seamlessly power up the PDM when the car was unlocked and power down when it was locked. Sounds easy enough. I found inexpensive immobilizers on eBay and thought about using one of them.
They can power up the PDM when the RFID Tag comes within 2 meters of the car. That solves one problem, but those systems do not have a Key FOB for auto locks. So I could pair the immobilizer with an inexpensive auto lock key FOB system and all would work just fine.
Although that approach would work I prefer a single system that does both. The Compustar system from Firstech can do both and a whole lot more so decided to go with that system.
The Compustar system has a couple features that can be used for this job. It can close to ground when armed or can send ground pulse signals when armed or disarmed. It also has a proximity feature so this will trigger with or without pressing the key FOB buttons when approaching or leaving the vehicle. If it had a close to disarm channel, that would have made this job simple, but unfortunately it does not so had to use the arm/disarm triggers to integrate it with the PDM.
Compustar Modules Purchased:
1)Compustar 2WT13R-SF LCD Remote + 2WR5R-SF + ANT-2WSF Antenna + Cable + FT-TEMP
2)FirstTech OP500 Compustar Programming Device FT-OP500
3)Compustar Firstech START IT Universal Remote Start Controller Kit FT-CMX-HC
Pic of Key FOBs and Antenna. The LCD Key FOB is slick and can be used to set options like turn proximity on/off, turn auxiliary channels on/off, etc…
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There is an available Programming Device which you can use to assign inputs and outputs and change the personality/settings of the inputs and outputs. It cannot do if-then-else logic so not a full PDM. Pic of the optional Compustar programming device…
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Pic of the Firstech controller/Compustar CMX…
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The other item to address is triggering the power lock solenoids. The Compustar has both low current and high current setting outputs to activate the door lock solenoids. In my case I’ll use the high current outputs since it needs to power the solenoids directly. Locking systems that are low current would require a relay which just complicates things.
Pic of the wire outputs of the CMX controller. The high current lock/unlock outputs need to be custom programmed with the OP500. Their default settings are for ignition and starter. I’m using the PDM for that functionality so the programmable feature to change how the outputs behave is really nice. Pic of the wire assignments used to control the door solenoids and power up the PDM…
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Also purchased a couple add on electric modules to integrate the PDM with the Compustar CMX. First is a small latching relay circuit to power up the pdm when the CMX senses the Key FOB is in range and shutdown the PDM when the CMX is armed. When latched, this circuit draws no AMPS which is really nice…
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The second module is a delay off timer module which will keep the PDM powered up for 5 minutes after the CMX is armed. This provides time to run the intercooler fans and cool the engine compartment to prevent the shifter cables from cooking. It will also keep the PDM powered up if the lock button is hit by accident…
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Here is the sequence of powering up the PDM
Pic of the Key Fob Armed and PDM off
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When the key FOB is in range, the proximity feature will send a 1 second negative pulse to the latching relay to close the circuit and power the delay timer relay. The delay timer relay then powers up the PDM…
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If I accidentally hit the lock/arm button on the key FOB, within 15 seconds the CMX will automatically re-disarm because the key FOB is still in range. The delay timer will keep the PDM powered up so there will be no interruption of power to the PDM.
To lock/arm the CMX, press the lock button or have the key FOB leave the vehicle range. The CMX will send a negative pulse to the latched relay to open the time delay relay. The key FOB will show lock/arm status and after 5 minutes the PDM will power down...
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As far as battery management, the CMX plus the antenna draws a total of 15 milliamps. The Antenna draws about 10 milliamps. It can be put into one way mode after 1-3 days to save battery life if desired. The CMX can send a battery voltage warning to the Key FOB when it drops to 11.7 Volts. The FOB can also display the current battery level. Pretty cool…
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Just doing some basic math, my 48 AMP hour battery will draw down 50% over a 2 month time frame. Hopefully the battery shouldn’t need to trickle charge too often.
Lastly, there are a few CMX features which can customize the arm/lock operation and I’ll play with them when I integrate the door solenoids…
1)Lock the doors when RPM > 1000
2)Rearm if you don’t open a door after a specified time period
3)Passive locking when you shut the car off and exit the vehicle. If you leave the keys in the car it will Auto Unlock.