Carbon Fibre Emotion Control Unit
Discussion
Ice27 said:
KarlFranz said:
I think this is a great idea. Alas, my car doesn't use an ECU. However, what about making it possible to attach it to a key ring? Then, those of us with a Volvo key fob could buy one to replace our current unit and have it programmed by the dealer. Or, have a new design that we can transplant the guts of the existing Volvo unit into.
+1 for this idea!!! Yes, logo on the end and and labels (even just readable symbols) around the buttons would be dramatically better.
Given that they charge an absurd $630 for this horrible plastic version, which wears out pretty easily, I would think that a 3rd party could make a nicer key, sell it for less, and still make good money.
Given that they charge an absurd $630 for this horrible plastic version, which wears out pretty easily, I would think that a 3rd party could make a nicer key, sell it for less, and still make good money.
Thank you very much for the feedback. Looks like the interest is there.
Logo. Yes, needs to have something on top.
Buttons. I do not really want to touch them right now.
Finish. Both gloss and matte can be made.
The idea would be to keep all internal parts from the plastic key and just swap the shell, which should be a straight forward job.
I will get tooling cost next week, and come up with a no-margin cost for Pistonheads members willing to pay upfront - the more of us and the lower the cost will be obviously ;-)
Mb1
Logo. Yes, needs to have something on top.
Buttons. I do not really want to touch them right now.
Finish. Both gloss and matte can be made.
The idea would be to keep all internal parts from the plastic key and just swap the shell, which should be a straight forward job.
I will get tooling cost next week, and come up with a no-margin cost for Pistonheads members willing to pay upfront - the more of us and the lower the cost will be obviously ;-)
Mb1
Actually, when I suggested the logo, I meant a larger one on the bottom side, opposite of the buttons. Although I imagine having a logo on the end that shows for those who actually have an ECU ignition would be nice as well.
I really would like the ability to attach a key ring to it, though. I know that doesn't matter to those with the ECU, but I'm sure all other potential buyers would appreciate this.
P.S. I glad the mods haven't shut this thread down. Obviously there's quite a bit of interest in this topic.
I really would like the ability to attach a key ring to it, though. I know that doesn't matter to those with the ECU, but I'm sure all other potential buyers would appreciate this.
P.S. I glad the mods haven't shut this thread down. Obviously there's quite a bit of interest in this topic.
CatalystV12V said:
I'm sure the dealer told me the cost of the glass ECU had come down to £400.... I could be wrong... But would also be interested in something a little more classy to replace the plastic one.
While I was in HWM a few weeks ago I enquired about the cost of a replacement crystal ECU, and yup, they've come down to £400ish. Still a frightening amount for a key though...
I almost dropped it on the road 1st time I used it 
Here's another idea for us non-ECU types: The existing key fob has a metal end with the key ring attached to it and then two separate halves that make the rest of the fob body. Just make a replacement for the upper half that has the cutouts for the buttons and a lower half that has an Aston logo. Make them available in a choice of different carbon finishes and colors or even in aluminium (brushed, anodized, etc.) and you will probably find yourself quite a few buyers. You could become the iPhone replacement shell business of the Aston key fob world! 
p.s. Might want to test aluminium first to make sure it doesn't limit transmission range too much.
p.s. Might want to test aluminium first to make sure it doesn't limit transmission range too much.
KarlFranz said:
Here's another idea for us non-ECU types: The existing key fob has a metal end with the key ring attached to it and then two separate halves that make the rest of the fob body. Just make a replacement for the upper half that has the cutouts for the buttons and a lower half that has an Aston logo. Make them available in a choice of different carbon finishes and colors or even in aluminium (brushed, anodized, etc.) and you will probably find yourself quite a few buyers. You could become the iPhone replacement shell business of the Aston key fob world!
p.s. Might want to test aluminium first to make sure it doesn't limit transmission range too much.
This for me - I'd take carbon but aluminium would be my preference!!p.s. Might want to test aluminium first to make sure it doesn't limit transmission range too much.
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