Oodles of questions!! Custom switches/electronic gizmo help needed!!

4220 Views 16 Replies 7 Participants Last post by juve021, Apr 28, 2009

FORD420diesel

Discussion Starter · Apr 8, 2009

Ok, so, one of the best things about the R IMO is it's ability to fill several different roles. When you want luxury, you pop it into Comfort and cruise around. When you want performance, throw it into Advanced. In keeping with that concept, I have an ambitious (for me

) plan ahead.

Plan to install:
-iPd pod and boost gauge.
-CFW door pods (yes, one on each side!!

)
-BluePower HU (when gen 2.0 comes out)
-juve021 gauge awesome-ness linky
-DP with electric cut-out a-la ElakR

Goal:
-Replace cupholder center console with a panel. This panel will have the remote amp controller from Rockford Fosgate and the switch for my cut-out mounted to it.

Now the tricky part!!
-I would like to install some form of remote switchable relay into the "remote power" line into the amp; i.e. to be able to turn off the subwoofer from the cockpit. (Again, when one wants to be subtle, relaxed, refined...

). Nooo idea what type/where to source such a part!
-I would like to be able to turn off the lighting for / turn off completely the extra gauges! I know, I know, I =

+

. But hear me out... I think it would be sliiick to pull back the slide-y cover and flip some switches, resulting in the DP cut-out opening and gauges turning on.... ooooooo.

Again, NOOOO idea where to source these either!!

Lastly, any ideas on what to use for the plate itself? If it helps, I can take a bunch of pictures and use my RIDICULOUSLY 1337 MS-Paint skillz tonight when I get home to aid in SS understanding of my goals.

Thanks for any and all help!!

Cheers!!

-Steve

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9

1 - 17 of 17 Posts

chinaonnitrous1

· #2 · Apr 8, 2009

The Gauges have a dimmer wire, You can use it with a small toggle switch for on / off.

Same with the subwoofer. If its an external amp, just switch off the remote turn on wire for that amp.

If its the factory sub, you could just cut the signals to the speakers with a relay and a small switch.

FORD420diesel

Discussion Starter · #3 · Apr 8, 2009

Re: (chinaonnitrous1)

Quote, originally posted by chinaonnitrous1 »

The Gauges have a dimmer wire, You can use it with a small toggle switch for on / off.

Same with the subwoofer. If its an external amp, just switch off the remote turn on wire for that amp.

If its the factory sub, you could just cut the signals to the speakers with a relay and a small switch.

Yep, that's exactly what I'm going for. However, I have no idea where to source such a switch...

(Aftermarket subwoofer/amp setup).

-Steve

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chinaonnitrous1

· #4 · Apr 8, 2009

Re: (FORD420diesel)

The remote wire for the aftermarket amplifier, and even the gauge illumination draw very little power, it is 12v, but about 1 amp of current... or so.

So you can go to radio shack, and just look at thier "toggle switches"

chinaonnitrous1

· #5 · Apr 8, 2009

Re: (chinaonnitrous1)

http://www.radioshack.com/sear...&sr=1

juve021

· #6 · Apr 9, 2009

I've also been looking for some basic on/off switches that are plain and won't attract attention while looking decent in the cockpit. Haven't come up with too many options so far though. My best options I got from PC modification sites

iMIV Support

· #7 · Apr 9, 2009

I'd take a quick look over at either:

http://www.digikey.com/ (Has everything you could want)
or
http://www.active123.com/store...g=eng

They are both very good places which higher quality and lower prices then anything at Radio Shack.

Edit: I read the original post again and saw the need for a relay, if you go to an auto parts store and ask for a standard 12v Bosch relay they should be able to help you out.

Modified by iMIV Support at 8:59 AM 4-9-2009

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idlemind

· #8 · Apr 10, 2009

This is just an idea (question) Last night I did my iMiv install (went perfect) When I pried the trip off the cigarette lighter area, I noticed the plugins for maybe 4 more switches.

I currently have two (Park assist, and Child locks) and one fake one. Is there any way to source THOSE type of pushbutton switches and make them usable for a very stock looking install? I'm sure I could Dremmel out the hole to the right shape, or maybe find a panel with more cutouts than the 3 I already have.
I doubt I would be able to use the actual connections, or maybe its possible if I knew what they were inteded to be? What other options put pushbuttons on that row??

MrTippy

· #9 · Apr 10, 2009

Re: (idlemind)

The OEM switches are available, but they all appear to be screened with a label or graphic for a particular function, e.g. mirrors, traction control, blis, etc. They list for about $19. You could try painting one over. Or, just pick a "non-strategically" labeled oem switch and run with it.

There is also a cap whose function is presumably to plug an open slot, you might be able to source a non-oem switch and mount it on a drilled out cap. Three are part #'s, one for '01-'03, '04, '05+ or probably something like that.

There are two cover plates for the switch panel, one with 3 slots and the other has 7; each has 12v plug.

idlemind

· #10 · Apr 10, 2009

AWESOME.. I knew someone would know... I have the 3 slot variety.. My '07 came with wood trim (reducing my chances of finding a 7slot panel I bet) I thought about using the spacer and either drilling it out, or using it to cap an aftermarket pushbutton.

Where would one order a 7 slot panel (woodgrain?) and a bunch of blanks?

Tiny

· #11 · Apr 10, 2009

Re: Oodles of questions!! Custom switches/electronic gizmo help needed!! (FORD420diesel)

Your subwoofer switch is actually very simple to make.
I would buy a simple switch like this

Assuming the switch has 2 prongs... cut your remote wire near the dashboard (you may need to lengthen it). Then put your remote wire to one prong. You hook up the other end of the remote wire to the other prong. When your switch is on, there will be a constant signal to the remote wire, and it'll operate the same as it does now. With the switch off, the amp will turn off.
This is a must have for any driver with a system. Whether getting harassed by the cops, or just for a drive in movie....

p.s. what is your "Wicked cool setup?"

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idlemind

· #12 · Apr 10, 2009

Re: Oodles of questions!! Custom switches/electronic gizmo help needed!! (FORD420diesel)

Quote, originally posted by FORD420diesel »

-BluePower HU (when gen 2.0 comes out)

anyone know when this is supposed to be released? I almost bought the old one, luckily I read some reviews...

MrTippy

· #13 · Apr 10, 2009

Re: (idlemind)

Quote, originally posted by idlemind »

AWESOME.. I knew someone would know... I have the 3 slot variety.. My '07 came with wood trim (reducing my chances of finding a 7slot panel I bet) I thought about using the spacer and either drilling it out, or using it to cap an aftermarket pushbutton.

Where would one order a 7 slot panel (woodgrain?) and a bunch of blanks?

The oem panels/blanks can be ordered from any dealer. I think the woodgrain is an aftermarket applique--and there must be a 7 slot one for the respective oem panel.

idlemind

· #14 · Apr 11, 2009

Re: (MrTippy)

Quote, originally posted by MrTippy »

I think the woodgrain is an aftermarket applique--and there must be a 7 slot one for the respective oem panel.

CORRECT...

a decent one... but not good enough to keep... I tossed it. So its just the normal black trim like the rest of the bezel.

FORD420diesel

Discussion Starter · #15 · Apr 13, 2009

Re: Oodles of questions!! Custom switches/electronic gizmo help needed!! (Tiny)

Quote, originally posted by Tiny »

Your subwoofer switch is actually very simple to make.
I would buy a simple switch like this

Assuming the switch has 2 prongs... cut your remote wire near the dashboard (you may need to lengthen it). Then put your remote wire to one prong. You hook up the other end of the remote wire to the other prong. When your switch is on, there will be a constant signal to the remote wire, and it'll operate the same as it does now. With the switch off, the amp will turn off.
This is a must have for any driver with a system. Whether getting harassed by the cops, or just for a drive in movie....

p.s. what is your "Wicked cool setup?"

Outstanding!! BTW, thank you all for your assistance!! I now have an idea of what switches to get (I like Tiny's the best... that came out wrong...

) Where did you find those?

Also, where would you all suggest sourcing a blanking plate for the soon to be vacant cupholder spot?

And my wicked cool sub box is exactly that...

It is a fiberglassed box that is made to lay flush along the driver side of the trunk. Net result: ZERO loss of trunk space, with one 10" shallow sub in the trunk!!

Well, zero if you don't count the amp screwed to the side of it hehe. I will take some pictures of it tomorrow if you'd like!! http://********************/smile/emthup.gif http://********************/smile/emthup.gif

Cheers!!

-Steve

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7

Tiny

· #16 · Apr 26, 2009

Re: Oodles of questions!! Custom switches/electronic gizmo help needed!! (FORD420diesel)

Sorry for not getting back sooner. You can find those switches at Wal Mart, Advanced Auto, Pep Boys, Auto Zone...
They are just generic switches. Some light up, some don't. I like to hide it under the seat. IF you get pulled over by a cop, hit the switch, and say your amp is fried.

juve021

· #17 · Apr 28, 2009

Re: Oodles of questions!! Custom switches/electronic gizmo help needed!! (Tiny)

On the topic of adding switches to the console...I found these switches that actually fit nicely in the "blanks" of the console (by the cigarette/12v outlet) provided you cut out a rectangle to snap them in.

http://www.ck-components.com/d....html

They look good, IMO and are small. Granted you do have to do some finagling about the wires but nothing a dremel can't handle! http://********************/smile/emthup.gif

Oh and you can get them from places like digikey, mouser etc.

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