DesignoSLK
9/21/2006 4:31:30 PM
In my quest to find a way to operate the top without having to hold the button throughout cycle, and not spend an arm and a leg, I happened upon a device called SimpleRoofSLK. It does just as I was looking for. It allows the top to be opened or closed with one movement of the button.
It was designed by a German engineer who's selling them for pretty much cost. He designed them for himself and members of his German R170 forum.
When I enquired about it he was surprised word had got to the US, but was more than happy to send me one (You can get them assembled or unassembled. I got mine unassembled for $30, shipping included.). I won't go into detail only to say we worked together to get the Instruction/Installation Manual in English which I have attached to this post.
He will also soon be working on two additional modules that will allow the top to be operated beyond the 5 mph MB design limit, as well as a module for remote operation using the OEM fob.
I'll post another update when I get mine and install it.
The manual is very explanatory with color pictures and how to order information, check it out:
http://www14.rapidupload.com/d.php?f...&filepath=1574 Downloading isn't as obvious as I would have liked, but hey...it's free hosting.
Click on this link, then click on "Download File" in grey lettering at the top left b/w the line and "Sponsored Links Ads by Goooooogle"
PS. I have to give Bazzle some of the credit for producing the German thread.
SLiK32
9/21/2006 9:00:59 PM
Looking forward to your results... I also like that the windows won't go up after dropping the top. That really annoys me.
snanceki
9/22/2006 2:42:09 AM
Hi,
Dumbo question I'm afraid. How do you actually download the file? I can upload OK but can't seem to work out how to download.
Maybe I'm still asleep!
Better still:
1. What is this guys contact details in Germany.
2. In outline how is the changed functionality achieved especially deletion of the 5 mph lockout (this would most probably be better if it was set at 15mph. Any higher might cause the mechanism to become damaged.
Stuart
SLiK32
9/22/2006 9:09:32 AM
quote:
ORIGINAL: snanceki
Hi,
Dumbo question I'm afraid. How do you actually download the file? I can upload OK but can't seem to work out how to download.
Stuart
The link is the word 'download', top left corner. First click loaded what looked like identical page, second click downloaded file. It's a PDF file.
This doesn't change the speed limit, only gives it one touch operation. I certainly am intereted in both. I am surprised MB set the limit so low. 10 mph would have been enough.
snanceki
9/22/2006 7:40:08 PM
Got it this time.
Didn't realise you had to hit download more than once.
thanks,
Stuart.
DesignoSLK
9/27/2006 10:51:03 AM
This thing is great! It took me 15 mins. to assemble it and another 45 to install it. It works just as described in the manual.
I’ve included a link to a quick movie to show it operating.
http://www12.rapidupload.com/file.php?filepath=26962 Click “Download file” in the upper left.
Happy Motoring!
snanceki
9/28/2006 3:39:51 AM
Hi,
Seems like you have to press the switch twice on your video. Is this correct and if so why?
What are the contact details for the guy that sells this device?
Do you have a picture of the kit (at leat the parts) and of the finished item?
Thanks in advance.
Stuart
BikerDrew
9/28/2006 10:07:21 AM
What a great product. maybe we could post a direct email link to the seller. (administration?...)
DesignoSLK
9/28/2006 11:52:40 AM
quote:
ORIGINAL: snanceki
Hi,
Seems like you have to press the switch twice on your video. Is this correct and if so why? I don't understand?
What are the contact details for the guy that sells this device? His contact info is in the manual link above.
Do you have a picture of the kit (at leat the parts) and of the finished item? I knew I should have taken a picture of the parts when I had them laid out. But, there are pictures in the manual. Me--->
Sorry.
Thanks in advance.
Stuart
He's taking a holiday (vacation) starting this Saturday. He'll be back the 14th.
It's an extrememly simple setup parts-wise. 3 diodes, 3 relays, a thermal switch and the connector.
snanceki
9/28/2006 11:59:33 AM
Kevin,
On your video you first move the roof button forwards. The lired light comes on and goes off after about 5 secs. You then move the button backwards. You then show the roof opening.
My question (which you stated you didn't understand) was why did you first move the button forward before waiting and moving it backwards. i.e. You press the button twice.....or did you just press it in the wrong direction on the video!!
Stuart.
mbz300sdl
9/28/2006 12:12:59 PM
Drew did u forget we are administration even if its the lower level.
DesignoSLK
9/28/2006 2:12:58 PM
quote:
ORIGINAL: snanceki
Kevin,
On your video you first move the roof button forwards. The lired light comes on and goes off after about 5 secs. You then move the button backwards. You then show the roof opening.
My question (which you stated you didn't understand) was why did you first move the button forward before waiting and moving it backwards. i.e. You press the button twice.....or did you just press it in the wrong direction on the video!!
Stuart.
Sorry Stuart...I understand now. Hitting the button twice was my screwup. The top was already up and I pushed the button to go up again. The light came on long enough for the system to realize it was already up. Then I hit the button for open or top down operation. Watch the video again with the volume up and you can hear me say..."oops".
BikerDrew
9/28/2006 8:09:45 PM
No, but I (we) have no power to post ads, nor should we. IMHO
I think a section with links to important products would be useful to everyone.
DesignoSLK
10/25/2006 3:41:30 PM
Thought I'd let anyone interested know that the guy who's selling these just orderd parts for 100 more. You can get them assembled or unassembled.
FYI...I've had mine installed for a month now and it works GREAT! I operate it most everyday usually 3 times...To work, lunch, back from work. It rarely rains in Vegas.
Slkboi2000
11/6/2006 11:32:27 AM
the other night i put my top down to give my back windsheild a good cleaning, it was a lot colder than i realized (35 degrees) the trunk tilted backwards, but the top didn't come off, it just hummed a bit, i pushed the top button forward to put the trunk back and put the windows up. the next morning the top worked fine, it was much warmer the next morning (about 60 degress), i remember reading something in the owners manual about never putting the top down in cold temperatures, does something freeze up that stops the top from going down or is there a sensor that regulates the top from going down in cold temp, kinda like a safety overide. Is it possible that I caused any permanent damage that i cannot see?...like the hydraulic system?
slkboi2000
00' slk 230
71,000 miles
DesignoSLK
11/8/2006 3:55:33 PM
quote:
ORIGINAL: Slkboi2000
the other night i put my top down to give my back windsheild a good cleaning, it was a lot colder than i realized (35 degrees) the trunk tilted backwards, but the top didn't come off, it just hummed a bit, i pushed the top button forward to put the trunk back and put the windows up. the next morning the top worked fine, it was much warmer the next morning (about 60 degress), i remember reading something in the owners manual about never putting the top down in cold temperatures, does something freeze up that stops the top from going down or is there a sensor that regulates the top from going down in cold temp, kinda like a safety overide. Is it possible that I caused any permanent damage that i cannot see?...like the hydraulic system?
slkboi2000
00' slk 230
71,000 miles
Is this a "general" top operation question? Or did you get a SimpleRoofSLK module and are wondering if the installation has caused side effects?
autotops
3/27/2007 1:41:11 PM
SLiK32
5/31/2007 5:13:45 PM
dumokie
6/2/2007 8:31:27 AM
I hate to pee in anyones pool.. BUT, what happens if there is some failure during top operation? I guess with the auto system it will keep going and crunch and mangle more parts.. I am wonedring if I have gotten so lazy that I can't hold a button for a minute or two......
SLiK32
6/3/2007 11:42:16 AM
quote:
ORIGINAL: dumokie
keep going and crunch and mangle more parts.. I am wonedring if I have gotten so lazy that I can't hold a button for a minute or two......
As I understand with this device, once the roof is down the windows don't come up - and one of my biggest complaints of my SLK32 is that it wants to raise the windows
immediately after the top drops. Then I have to lower the windows. Annoying. And retarded. What was Benz thinking? Who drops the top and then puts the windows up? Oddly, when putting the top up, there is a long pause between the top locking into position, and the wiindows moving up - and that's the time one normally would be putting the windows up.
Kevin
