Mk 3 nearly ready

haydn callow · Post by **haydn callow** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 11:44 am

[img][img]http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r286 ... talarm.jpg[/img]

Thanks to all you good folks and the feedback recieved from you (yes we do take it all onboard) very soon the above Mk3 Coolant loss alarm will be available. This should overcome the problem of ever having to unplug it to charge a phone etc and perhaps not have it plugged in at the vital moment.
So !! we now have 3 versions to choose from.
I still feel the Mk1 which you wire in and forget is the best option but if anyone feels unable to do that then the Mk 2 or Mk 3 should provide an alternative.

The above photo is of a preproduction prototype, the final alarm will be much the same.

Any comments most welcome and thanks for all your support.[/img]

David Edwards · Post by **David Edwards** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 12:39 pm

Being not tech minded this is the sort I will go for when ready, you really aught to patent or otherwise protect these designs, all that work could easily be pinched off you.

Post by **mobilecat** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 12:44 pm

I agree entirely with non techie opinion above. It is also what I would go for as I wouldn't have a clue with the wired version.

haydn callow · Post by **haydn callow** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 12:53 pm

The Mk 1 wired in version really is very easy to fit and the instructions are very comprehensive (thanks mainly to Bonza). around 200 have now been DIY fitted and no reported problems that could't be resolved with a phone call or reading the instructions before starting work.

Post by **mobilecat** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 12:58 pm

I know everyone is really happy but face it - plug in versus wire in - no contest the MK3 will be the winner.

roosteruk · Post by **roosteruk** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 1:21 pm

Its all down to what people feel happy with.
The wire-in is a little more technical, as you have to look for an ignition powered cable. There is a little more drilling and a bit of fiddlyness around the dash.
But for peace of mind, the wire in has my vote.

If anyone purchases any of the kits and requires help.I have no problem helping anyone.
If they want to come here to my house, like Mountain Goat, all the way from Scotland is, I am happy to assist....well you would end up assisting me.

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 1:29 pm

I'm with rooster. Mk1 for me.......everytime. Its not that hard to fit at all (hardest part is drilling holes in expansion tank and you have to do that with all of them I think)

haydn callow · Post by **haydn callow** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 1:37 pm

Mike is right...at least as far as Bongos. All versions of the Bongo alarm require the tank to be drilled.....this is not the case for other vehicles which have different cooling systems and different probes are required which we now have available. These are proving popular with the classic car buffs.

roosteruk · Post by **roosteruk** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 1:40 pm

The bit about a little more drilling, is the mounting of the LED somewhere.
As Haydn states, all Bongo header tanks need drilling.
Sorry, should have been clearer

tigs · Post by **tigs** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 1:55 pm

I can see workshops on campsites starting up here

haydn callow · Post by **haydn callow** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 2:07 pm

A demo fit of a alarm to the Bongomeister's Bongo was planned at last years Welsh Bash. However the weather was really bad and it didn't happen. I am hoping to attend the Main bash this year and will do a workshop there if that is what peeps want. If anyone at any other bash would like to do the same I am happy send some kits and othe bits & bobs to anyone who would like to do this. The Northeners would be a good one for a volenteer to come forward.
Anyone interested please let me know.

haydn callow · Post by **haydn callow** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 3:06 pm

Below is a photo of a very neat and well made double socket adapter which is available from Towsure.(there is also a 3 socket version) It also boasts a row of led's which indicate battery charge/condition.
The second photo shows the same with a Mk 2 alarm plugged in (All that is required to finish the installation is to connect the wire you can see to the top probe in the header tank)

[img][img]http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r286 ... arm002.jpg[/img]
[img][img]http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r286 ... arm001.jpg[/img][/img]

haydn callow · Post by **haydn callow** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 3:10 pm

I would expect the Mk 3 to be about the same price as the others. Maybe a £ or 2 more but not a lot. We try to keep the price down as low as is practicable.

daveblueozzie · Post by **daveblueozzie** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 4:11 pm

When Niel came to have his fitted at my house with Karl (roosteruk) we commented on it would be nice to know its actually on, i know a led light's up when coolant low ,but sometimes the cigar lighters are not a tight fit and maybe another led, just to prove the socket is working, and the plug securely in. or am i being over cautious.

haydn callow · Post by **haydn callow** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 4:39 pm

I think you will find that the "plug" we use to house the alarm is a good quality one and is most unlikley to not make a good contact in the ciggy socket. However, point taken and we will work on a duel color LED which will be green when power is on and red to alarm. Hopefully the Mk 3 will incorperate somthing along these lines. If you look at the photo of the prototype you will see 2 x LED's, one on top and one on the front.
Development of these alarms is a ongoing thing.
The ultimate aim is to provide a "wireless" version...this is still a long way off but if it can be done it will "change" the way manufacturers send all types of alarm warnings to the vehicle dash.