Thanks guys. I can understand simple things like developing web applications. But when it comes to electronics, my understanding is limited to "broke" or "not broke".
Accessory Switch Solutions
- Thread starter JohnJ7
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To the OP, here is another simple cost effective option. I'm running one of these with some OEM style switches for my AUX lighting, works great and looks OEM. Picture is with the switch in the on position, the small green indicator is off when the switch is off. This will give you 5 fused relay circuits and 5 fuse only circuits.
@cruiseroutfit and @sleeoffroad ... Great little burst of insights!
Thank you.
When I finally get fully locked and add side/wide lighting, I’ll need some kind of switch block.
I honestly hate how randomly spread out the switches are on my 08. Seriously goofy, with most switches almost impossible to actually SEE while driving! The first improvement I noticed when I hopped in @indycole ’s 16 was the huge, centralized button cluster in the center console/shift box. What an improvement!!
Thank you.
When I finally get fully locked and add side/wide lighting, I’ll need some kind of switch block.
I honestly hate how randomly spread out the switches are on my 08. Seriously goofy, with most switches almost impossible to actually SEE while driving! The first improvement I noticed when I hopped in @indycole ’s 16 was the huge, centralized button cluster in the center console/shift box. What an improvement!!
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- Thread starter
- #24
Thank you all for the responses.
@ckkone that's what I am looking for. For now, all I will need is a switch for the lights and a switch for the air compressor. Later down the road, I will need switches for lockers and even then I would still rather go with OEM style switches (I think they look a lot cleaner)
@ckkone that's what I am looking for. For now, all I will need is a switch for the lights and a switch for the air compressor. Later down the road, I will need switches for lockers and even then I would still rather go with OEM style switches (I think they look a lot cleaner)
Lots of sellers with different style switches.
12V 3A LED Car Push Button ON OFF Switch for Toyota Hilux Prado Landcruiser RAV4 | eBay
I ran all the fused leads to the interior and have them tied up under the dash for future use, it really is a neat little fuse box and helps keep things tidy.
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For those with unlimited budgets (not me), seems like you could use the ARB Linx system to control the circuits in the Bussman waterproof relay box that @ckkone used.
Relays under the hood is a non-issue. Bosch makes some really nice waterproof ones with matching sockets, easy to find on Amazon or eBay.
I can't seem to find anything in the ARB docs about the maximum current rating of each circuit for the Linx system. Maybe I'm missing the concept. Too bad they don't also have an app to supplement the proprietary display module, so you could also run the thing from your phone.
OTOH, the Android app for the Switch-Pro has some pretty terrible reviews, avg score of only 2.7, which puts it in the "don't even bother" category. Maybe worth finding an old gen iPhone to dedicate to the task (I'm not an Apple person).
Relays under the hood is a non-issue. Bosch makes some really nice waterproof ones with matching sockets, easy to find on Amazon or eBay.
I can't seem to find anything in the ARB docs about the maximum current rating of each circuit for the Linx system. Maybe I'm missing the concept. Too bad they don't also have an app to supplement the proprietary display module, so you could also run the thing from your phone.
OTOH, the Android app for the Switch-Pro has some pretty terrible reviews, avg score of only 2.7, which puts it in the "don't even bother" category. Maybe worth finding an old gen iPhone to dedicate to the task (I'm not an Apple person).
+1 on using old phones for dedicated functions.
I stash an older iPhone just so I can track my truck if ever stolen. The phone is always on and is traceable using FindMyiPhone App. Reasonable monthly add on to my phone plan for this little security truck.
A thief would have to be extremely lucky to happen upon its location in the truck.
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SQRRRL
SILVER Star
Just looked at the LINX. Awesome!
Must have if you plan to go down the Overland road. Amazing .
Thanks for the info Kurt. Didn’t know......
Must have if you plan to go down the Overland road. Amazing .
Thanks for the info Kurt. Didn’t know......
Let me know if you're interested in a setup, we have them in stock and ready to ship. I love mine!
Here’s a question for ya, Kurt:
Would it be possible to run the Linx...but keep hard wired switches in their annoyingly hidden scatter on the dash board in case the Linx fails, or the screen is stolen?
Convenience would be great, but the idea of losing all switches in one fell swoop is not a pleasant thought.
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Oof... another reason to have a backup controller as an app on your phone. Seems like if the display got misplaced, mishandled (dropped), or swiped, you'd be unable to control anything. Right?
Maybe suggest to ARB, Kurt?
Absolutely, you can have both if desired. Plus bypassing any switch in an emergency is a paperclip away
Absolutely, you can have both if desired. Plus bypassing any switch in an emergency is a paperclip away
Wow.
Thank changes my impression completely.
Thanks.
Wonder if that’s also true with Spod.
Any relay is easily bypassed with a paperclip generally, honestly if someone is worried about being stranded because they can't turn on their LED light bar or compressor, they need to spend a time working on some field expedient repairs specific to their truck.
For example on the lockers. Not only can you switch to front only, front only with rear, etc mode on the fly. You can also tell it you're using your dash mounted switches and to not allow the LINX to activate lockers.
You can tell a button to only turn on your reverse light if your vehicle is in reverse, but in a few key strokes turn them on manually instead. Or have all your lights go on when you turn on your high beam, change it in seconds to everything goes on when you turn your key on. Select the EXACT pressure you want your tires aired up to (you still need to hook up the hose but you don't have to put a gauge on your tires). Air up a left airbag, charge a dual battery, etc. Flexibility is massive.
Of course doodads like lights aren’t life or death and aren’t gonna strand anyone with a brain.
I’m thinking more about what a pain it would be if your lockers, and other conveniences all went out requiring tinkering in the field...compared to the assurance of your hard wired switches.If they can BOTH be used simultaneously, then it removes the reliance on a single doodad that controls them all...that could fail.
In other words...I’d keep all my switches intact...then enjoy the convenience of centralized controls. The fact it doesn’t have to REPLACE them makes this a much more attractive convenience mod.
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That is exactly how we've done setups, using relay boxes with one "bus line" from the LINX
.5A is the number that comes to mind. I'll grab a manual out tomorrow when I'm back at the shop.
This was discussed in our pre-release product training and again when I met with the Linx engineer at SEMA last year, I'm sure they have heard it alot. They were worried about apps causing interference with their system and that leads to complaints. Along with that is the battery life, temperature variables, screen brightness, etc. This is basically a phone without a SIM card. I would love to see them offer an add-on app for owners to be able to tie at least some functions to their phone. I never need to activate my locker via phone (and you can always have a redundant old school locker switch) but I may want to turn on or off lights from the campfire. I could do that with their display but I don't ever plan to leave the vehicle with mine. I for one wouldn't want it associated with my phone, I'm not always the one driving my 200 for example. They do offer a 200 Series specific A-Pillar mount too. I'll grab a pic of that if anyone is interested.
I did download the Install manual and took a look, I can't find anything in there about individual circuit amperage capacity.
The Install manual is beautifully written, but wow they sure didn't spare any ink on it. Lots of black space. Very very minor complaint, I guess.
The Install manual is beautifully written, but wow they sure didn't spare any ink on it. Lots of black space. Very very minor complaint, I guess.
Just messaged with the LINX engineer in Australia, it is .5A and that does appear in the install manual (I peeked at the PDF version). That said it won't cause damage if you try a higher load, it will just go into limp mode until you remove load. So .5A which is plenty to fire a traditional relay of any size.
Page 9
Page 9
Perhaps ink is cheaper in Australia?
I can't say any of our LINX customers have mentioned the amount of black ink in the operation manual yet
I can't say any of our LINX customers have mentioned the amount of black ink in the operation manual yet
This fits nicely. A little bit of cutting and the OE USB jack is relocated behind the enclosure with a permanent lightning connector pigtail that pokes out on the right side of the instrument cluster.
You can also see where I have the Redarc trailer brake controller. It's directly in front of the e-brake handle so it comes to hand without even looking when needed.
Lastly, you can see where I replaced one of the factory 12V ports with a dual USB power port/volt meter. The meter shows the house battery, saving the space penalty of a Nat'l Luna or IBS linear display.
You can also see where I have the Redarc trailer brake controller. It's directly in front of the e-brake handle so it comes to hand without even looking when needed.
Lastly, you can see where I replaced one of the factory 12V ports with a dual USB power port/volt meter. The meter shows the house battery, saving the space penalty of a Nat'l Luna or IBS linear display.
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