Accessory Switch Solutions

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JohnJ7

JohnJ7

Joined
Feb 23, 2018
Threads
5
Messages
19
Location
Los Angeles, CA
I am currently debating whether or not to install a switch panel solution for the accessories I will be installing. I prefer the factory look and would rather not install a panel and use the existing empty slots in the dash and install Toyota sized switches that I found on ch4x4. However, I do understand the ease in wiring if a panel is installed. I will be needing 6-8 switches tops. I'm curious to see pictures of setups whether it's a panel or existing slots.
 
Also consider the ARB Linx. We've done sPod and others, all have neat features. The ARB is the most feature rich and can easily be popped into the console when not in use.

IMG_4656.webp
 
cruiseroutfit said:
Also consider the ARB Linx. We've done sPod and others, all have neat features. The ARB is the most feature rich and can easily be popped into the console when not in use.

View attachment 1841397
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I have really been looking at the ARB Linx setup. Since it seems to run partly off of a Andriod phone, I was reading that it can be upgraded via WiFi and stuff for future modules and uses.

Do you have any experience with it? Any pros / cons? Just curious. Thanks.
 
TonyP said:
It's not a phone but a seperate, stand-alone, provided, screen.
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Yeah, sorry. I realize that it comes with it.

But look at it, that has to be some kind of phone they custom programmed. I mean Android is Linux and opensource, which could easily be programmed to meet the needs of whatever. So many things run Linux you would be surprised.
 
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TonyP said:
It's not a phone but a seperate, stand-alone, provided, screen.
Click to expand...

Ya, it sorta seems like a phone...just without phone software. Wonder if they based it on Android? No idea...but seems like they could save a pile of R&D doing that. :meh:
 
I got this message on here after we discussed the Linx in a thread back in January 2018:

Just dropping you a note because you wrote the most technical response to the launch of LINX that I have seen yet.

FYI, the screen is an Android device that we modified with a 4WD-worthy integrated mount system, and we stepped up the working temperature and battery quality markedly due to it being left in a hot windscreen all day.
The controller is actually Arduino based - so you were close on the Raspberry Pi suggestion.
It is BTLE and/or USB serial linked to the screen. Whatever it finds it connects by.
The controller firmware is reflashable via either BTLE or USB link, so you don't need a laptop for upgrades.
We had to write our own Arduino bootloader to be able to do that via serial connection.
I'm expecting the geeks in the robotics labs to come chasing us for that one!
The controller stores all values and settings and keeps executing with or without screen link, so a stolen screen can simply be replaced and re-linked to continue where you left off.
I hope that clears it up a bit for you.

-daniel
 
LALC said:
I got this message on here after we discussed the Linx in a thread back in January 2018:

Just dropping you a note because you wrote the most technical response to the launch of LINX that I have seen yet.

FYI, the screen is an Android device that we modified with a 4WD-worthy integrated mount system, and we stepped up the working temperature and battery quality markedly due to it being left in a hot windscreen all day.
The controller is actually Arduino based - so you were close on the Raspberry Pi suggestion.
It is BTLE and/or USB serial linked to the screen. Whatever it finds it connects by.
The controller firmware is reflashable via either BTLE or USB link, so you don't need a laptop for upgrades.
We had to write our own Arduino bootloader to be able to do that via serial connection.
I'm expecting the geeks in the robotics labs to come chasing us for that one!
The controller stores all values and settings and keeps executing with or without screen link, so a stolen screen can simply be replaced and re-linked to continue where you left off.
I hope that clears it up a bit for you.

-daniel
Click to expand...

Great info!
Thanks.
 
options2 said:
I have really been looking at the ARB Linx setup. Since it seems to run partly off of a Andriod phone, I was reading that it can be upgraded via WiFi and stuff for future modules and uses.

Do you have any experience with it? Any pros / cons? Just curious. Thanks.
Click to expand...

Lots of experience. Check out this thread:
ARB Linx

Give us (Cruiser Outfitters) a ring if you have specific questions, I'd love to help out. We stock the LINX and modules and have installed them in a variety of Toyota applications too. Neat units.
 
I currently have ch4x4 switches but just bought Air on Board switches because they offer a “light green” that matches the 2008-2015 interior better. They also have a “light blue” for 2016+ which I bought one to see if it is closer to factory.

We’ll see though.

I have a 2011, with six switch blanks. If someone needs more than six accessories at drivers reach, I recommend they go wheeling instead of buying things to wheel.

Air compressor, rear locker, front locker, RedArc Tow Pro, auxiliary fuel tank, one set of off road lights
 
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options2 said:
I have really been looking at the ARB Linx setup. Since it seems to run partly off of a Andriod phone, I was reading that it can be upgraded via WiFi and stuff for future modules and uses.

Do you have any experience with it? Any pros / cons? Just curious. Thanks.
Click to expand...

You might want to have a chat with Slee. IIRC, they didn't like the fact that the ARB system puts relays in the engine bay -- they were concerned about the long-term reliability of the relays. I think they preferred a different switching system that they've used for some time.

I may be misremembering, so YMMV...
 
For the most part we use Switch-Pro for auxiliary switching. We will be installing ARB Linx in our shop Tacoma. I think I explained why we prefer the Switch-Pros in the other thread. ARB Linx has the edge on versatility they offer in terms of the interface and the programming they can install.
 
M1911 said:
You might want to have a chat with Slee. IIRC, they didn't like the fact that the ARB system puts relays in the engine bay -- they were concerned about the long-term reliability of the relays. I think they preferred a different switching system that they've used for some time.

I may be misremembering, so YMMV...
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You can put the relays inside or out. To be be fair aftermarket accessories and Toyota themselves have been putting relays under the hood since the first Cruisers... with a good relay and reasonable mounting, non-issue. The Linx control box is likely what Christo was referencing and it must be mounted inside. Easy to accomplish on the 200, below the glovebox is a super tidy option.
 
Kurt is correct. Was referring to the unit. The issue with the Linx is that it is really just a switch box for the low current side of all the circuits. It still relies on each accessory to have it's own harness and fuse / relay.

Switch Pro's are solid state and all switching and fusing is done inside the box. So all you run from the unit in the engine bay is the wires to each accessory. No more relays or fuses.
 
The beauty of the LINX vs the SP/Spod style units is the if/and logic ability for switching and the ease to change that switching logic on the fly. Add the modules, ability to run maps, diagnostic apps, etc on the same device all wirelessly is cool. I do wish the control module would have been integrated with relays or solid state high amp switching but that isn't a deal breaker for many installs. A simple clean relay bank is easy to incorporate under the hood where needed. Many of the items controlled by the system don't even need a relay (e-lockers, ARB solenoids, charge ports, selectable pressure manifold, etc)
 
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