Connect2Car controls your ride via Bluetooth

If you can't roll down your windows with your smartphone, you need to get with the program, son. Connect2Car, a system that integrates a multi-function controller (MFC) into your ride, allows you to do some pretty fly things with just about any Bluetooth-enabled device. By utilizing SoftDash, a proprietary software module, your portable machine gives instructions via BT (or serial cable) that operate all sorts of components such as the windows, locks, engine, convertible top, solenoids, air-ride suspension (saywha?), stereo, and alarm. But if that weren't enough to keep you busy, you can get a real-time readout of your tachometer on your PDA / smartphone while driving, which is rather unnecessary unless the dash gauge is broken. The installation is fairly straight-forward: just install the MFC in your vehicle, program SoftDash for your specific model, and pair up your BT device to get your whip in gear -- or just play with the hydraulic system at a traffic light. So if the factory controls on your car just aren't exhilarating enough, or if this system is way cheaper than replacing that trunk actuator, you can get your ride MFC-equipped for $399.99 to $849.99, depending on options.

[TeleCustom @ Jul 24th 2006 11:33PM]

Pair this up with something that allows you to send commands via cellphone/PDA/whatev and it would be a neat trick to have around.

Until then, just another waste of money.

[miron @ Jul 24th 2006 11:55PM]

telecustom:
you do know that is exactly what this is meant for right? controlling your car with a "cellphone/PDA/whatev"?

[JWC @ Jul 24th 2006 11:59PM]

Woohoo, now car thieves will only need a PDA to open your car rather than popping the lock. At least they won't break anything when they break in!

[Ron @ Jul 25th 2006 12:15AM]

Nice idea, but we're going a little overboard with finding more things to connect with bluetooth. I already do all these things with the remote start/alarms systems I put in both my cars AND have a consistent 2 way range of 400-500 feet. 1/4 range is claimed but we all know that's in ideal conditions. The same can be said of bluetooth. 30 feet is as good as it gets for any bluetooth connection in my experience. $850 for the MFC with Remote Start?? That's not even installed!! I install for a living and to do any basic remote start alarm (Basic meaning no bypass modules, window modules, multiplexed wiring, diode-isolated trigger wiring) runs about $200. When you start to get into the later model cars, then your MFC installed can cost you close to $1200 or more. You can get similar functionality with a remote start/alarm system installed for about half that price AND have a greater range AND not have to own a smartphone or PDA with bluetooth.

[Neil @ Jul 25th 2006 2:58AM]

Heh, need to hook this up to the Wiimote so I can wave my hands through the air to steer :-)

[Billthesium @ Jul 25th 2006 4:00AM]

why bluetooth. that is the least secure way to look after your car. There are better and proberbly cheaper ways to act like james bond.

[Vision77 @ Jul 25th 2006 6:36AM]

This is a hacker's dream. It would give wardriving a new meaning.(yes yes I know it's not WiFi but I have seen some BT [Blue Jacking] hacking software.

[boi @ Jul 25th 2006 10:50AM]

swo how do i order and how much would it cost to ship it to west africa...the whole package

[hobbes @ Jul 25th 2006 12:48PM]

I looked at their site, the device is not an alarm, but it can control the alarm. The 8 output are programable for customized toggle, momentary, looping and sequenced style switches.(keyless entry, hydraulics, etc) You can control your alarm by using one output and can get into the car in case you locked your keys in. I think it's a very cool 007 product.

[TechGuy @ Jul 25th 2006 12:59PM]

I have the MFC installed in my Accord, the coolest feature I think not mentioned here is that you can set it to automatically activate certain features when you come within range of the car, which I do with my door locks, so when my phone comes within Bluetooth range of the vehicle, the doors automatically unlock and car alarm disarms. Pretty neat feature..

[Joey Best @ Jul 30th 2006 3:55AM]

I have the MFC installed in my Solara Convertible and it works as a great intro piece when I meet a client. It has closed deals for me!!

[James @ Aug 8th 2006 2:41PM]

I wonder if you could assist me. I am a student-teacher and would like to construct a wireless relay system for a high school science class. Students often fear participation in class due to fear of failure. The idea of this system would allow each student to anonymously answer multiple choice or true/false questions in class, and the instructor could more accurately assess their progress. Systems like this have been put into place, but I have little money and would like for the students to participate in the manufacturing.

The system would ideally support up to 20 transmitters with a range of no more than 10 meters. Each transmitter would have 3 to 4 buttons: a, b, c, or d. The receiver would need to distinguish between each response and display the number of responses for each choice. Hopefully the cost for each transmitter would be affordable by each student ($15-$20) and be constructible by the students with proper guidance. I do have a laptop that could possibly be connected to a receiver.

I'd like to also look into the costs associated with building a text messager with similar range. Each student could have a telephone-like alphanumeric button pad and display to anonymously convey messages or answers to the instructor’s display.

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