Mount INMotion Cell

<<  Power Cell Wiring (Final Draft)                                 Install InVIRONMENT - Circuit 1/3 >>

Major System Category: ISIS
Task: Mount inMotion Cell
Parts: ISIS inMotion Cell Kit
Prerequisite Tasks:
Additional Costs: $500
Time Requirement: 3 hours
Date Started: October 31, 2013

Date Completed:  October 31, 2013

The inMotion cell is the last fused module for the power system. This is different configuration from the normal power cell. It is designed to manage forward/backward, up/down and lock/unlock (e.g. door poppers, windows, mirrors). I concluded that it is cost prohibitive for mirrors  as you would basically require an entire cell for mirror operation, and there is the size foot print issue to consider (e.g. I'm starting to run out of space).

The first thing you notice is the inMotion cell has only five fuse slots. This because the circuits are paired for up/down, on/off. forward/backward. The second thing you notice is the power leads include a black grounding cable.

At this point in the build, I still have the Passport 9500ci to shoe horn into and the inTouch Net black box to install. All of these items have to be accessible without having to take apart the car. The most inaccessible component is the Vintage Air HVAC unit. The rest of the car is literally built around this one component! My concern is if I have to get into the car for something that goes bump in the night, I don't want to be stuck dismantling most of the vehicle.

I used a Vraptor mounting plate and positioned it next to the master cell plate. These are hinged so they can be swung up under the passenger side dash.

I used one of Vraptor's Isis mount plates and a simple hinge from Home Depot to set up the mount for the inMotion cell. Originally, I purchased one additional mounting plate, but I did not end up using it. These were nice to have in inventory when the time came to get things done. The reason for the hinge is so the master and the inMotion cells can be swung up and latched above the passenger side of the cockpit. It is a little crowded over on that side, but there is a fair amount of leg room. Besides, this isn't a car built for long rides. I am building this car for myself, Sunday afternoons, local car shows and obnoxious Mustangs.

I ran the power and ground cables through the 2 inch conduit built in over the tunnel. This is an optional add on that costs nothing to do. It isn't my idea,. I came across this on another guys site. I don't remember which one anymore.

I ran the data cable through the 2 inch conduit that runs above the Vintage Air Unit and out the pre-drilled access hole to the front bay. The megafuse for the inMotion cell is somewhat different than the rest. It has 2 50 amp plug in fuses, and grounding for the inMotion celll is done directly to the frame.

I ran the grounding wires to the front frame, sanded off the powder coat and bolted them to the frame.

ISIS Wiring Diagram - First Draft - October 2011

I started working on the wiring diagrams for the GTM about 2 months ago. A little thing called work got in the way. Over the past couple days, I have had a chance to concentrate on this project. I am using ISIS Power for my wiring. ISIS is an intelligent multiplex system that does not rely on traditional relays, fuse boxes or fixed functionality. It is simple and flexible.

This is the best explanation video of the ISIS system that I have found.

The brains of the ISIS system is the Master Cell. All inputs to the electrical system go here and are distributed to the appropriate Power Cell. The Power Cell in turn directs current to connected peripherals. Instructions are passed between Master Cell and Power Cells via data bus (the data bus is represented by the heavy red line in the drawings). Power leads are run from the battery/fuses to each Power Cell. This eliminates the need to run high current through the inputs and switches. Signal input from switches to the Master Cell is measured in milliamps.

Major Wiring Diagram.

Based on all the peripherals I plan to incorporate and using the GTM standard worksheets as a starting point (these are the base set up sheets for a GTM available on the ISIS website), I mapped out the number of cells I need to run everything in the GTM. NOTE: This wiring is independent of the engine harness. These are the ISIS components:

1. Master Cell with InTouch Mobile interface card. Location: Forward firewall.
2. (3) Power Cells. Location: (2) forward firewall, (1) rear firewall
3. InMotion Cell, Location: Forward Firewall.
4. InTouch Console: Double Din center console.
5. InDash: Behind driver's dash board.
6. Mirror Controller: Forward firewall.

InMotion Cell handles bi-directional items like windows and telescoping steering column.
ISIS is coming out with a unit dedicated to controlling the side view mirrors. I presume it will be priced below an InMotion cell. 

Power Cell 1 reflects basic ISIS programming for the GTM. These peripherals are all located forward.

Power Cell 3 is an addition to the basic 3 cell starter kit. It manages most of the additional electronics I plan to add.

Power Cell 2 is located in the rear engine compartment. It reflects basic ISIS programming with the addition of the seat heaters.

ISIS Car Wiring System

The project I am currently working on involves updating the front end of the Boxster. One aspect of the new look is the addition of DRLs (daytime running lights) that I purchased from Pedro's Garage. For you Boxster enthusiasts, this is a great site for do it yourself projects.

To get power to the DRLs, I have to tap into the windshield wiper motor. Sounds simple, until you look at all the wires running to and fro just for the wiper motor. Fortunately, I have a multimeter and a very good after market manual. There are several pages devoted to schematics of different electrical systems. As my eyes begin to glaze over, I realize that wiring the GTM could be the hardest part of the build.

So I asked people who have wired cars. My wife's cousin, Tim, has restored several classic cars (and a few other odds and ends) told me to check out American Autowire. If I had a classic Mustang or Corvette that required rewiring, this certainly is the system I would use. However, this is a GTM that I plan to install just about every electronic gadget known to man.

Then I stumbled across the ISIS Multiplex System on the Factory Five Forum. This system might also be referred to as ISquare, 1 + 1 or LittleFuse. ISIS is a modular and scalable electrical system that that manages the lights, signals, dash gauges, electronics, ignition, battery monitoring, electric windows, door poppers (well you get the idea).

Rather than stumble through a poor explanation, I found 4 videos produced by Two Guys Garage. The best part of these videos, they explain the ISIS system and they install it on a GTM!

These videos are about a year old.

Since then, they have added the inMOTION Cell. This module handles item like door poppers, power windows and anything where reverse polarity is necessary to make something run. It manages 5 devices instead of 10 like a regular power cell.

The other addition is the inTOUCH MAX Double DIN Touch Screen. With the exception of turn signals and hazard lights, every switch on the dash can be managed from this touch screen module. Plus you can password protect the car, in addition, the security already built into the master cell. The next video shows an actual install.

I talked to Jay Harris, President of ISIS Power last week. He answered a few more questions:

• LED lights, flashers - no problem. All of that is managed through the master cell and there is no reliance on electro-mechanical flashers.
• The different cells are daisy chained via a data cable enclosed in wire loom. On a build like the GTM, there is no order dependence for cells.
• Back up cameras are not currently supported by the inTOUCH cell. Jay plans to support cameras via inTouch by first Quarter 2012.
• Custom programming can either be done at the factory, or you can do it yourself.
• There is lots of info and reference material on the ISIS Power Site.

This is a modular and scalable system that even a computer geek like me can figure out.

Down side: it will cost more, and I will not be using the supplied wiring from the kit.

Up side: the sky is the limit!!