ARCHIVE Wits’ End wasting time again but making ashtray less useless

[cody c]

If you don't mind my thought on your ashtray switch plate:

I like it, it seems well thought it and functional, but I think the space would better serve a small HAM radio.

Alternatively (as another product to build) you could print out a sheet of metal or whatever to put over top of the shifter console, with cutouts for carling switches, usb and 12 plugs etc. Mine holds 6 carling switches, and dual needle pressure gauges with manual valves for the airbags, but you could think up something more applicable to folks with an auto trans / HF2A(V) shifter.

I cut mine in half and widened it, and used a spacer off the front mounting brackets. It's simple checkerplate aluminum, but I think you could design and sell something cleaner looking and more functional. Flashlight bracket or emergency tools integrated would be cool too, or even spots for seat heater switches could be integrated and the cigarette tray could hold a small HAM.

Again... Just my thoughts, don't take this as negative feedback, just an alternate.

Also you should build a flip up bottom seat bracket and under seat storage for the driver seat. Just saying

 

[NLXTACY]

Carling switch test good. These should be going into production soon.

 

[mudgudgeon]

looks good man.

Surprised @cody c hasn't asked you to incorporate a gun holder in it

@cody c I dig that under seat storage idea!

 

[cody c]

looks good man.

Surprised @cody c hasn't asked you to incorporate a gun holder in it

@cody c I dig that under seat storage idea!

To be honest, I've thought about best placement and building a mount or something for quick access (along the console, on the roof, on the door etc), but on the passenger seat seems to be best. The under seat storage is nice for things like the ipad or wallet if I don't want to carry them, or when we're at the lake etc.

I do need a better spot to rest my bino's, might build a holder with an old garmin mount still attached to the dash but unused one day. Road hunting tends to make a messy vehicle, there's so much gear and then food wrappers and coffee cups, having places where things reside (like the ipad mount for maps) and pockets for specific gear makes things a bit easier. I hunt on foot as well, but there's a lot of huntable roads on the way to. In another month it will go back to it's weekend (exploring or ice climbing access) format without so much junk up front.

I'm sidetracking, so to keep it tech:

I notice your using different styles of Carling switches, is that just what you had handy, or maybe your trying to match other switches already in place?

 

[karlslashwarren]

Would 2 gauges be an option if one was willing to do some trimming behind the panel?

 

[NLXTACY]

LOTS happened this weekend. But at least I finally solved the strength issue. I had to ressurect my oldhigh school nickname “third leg”

Need to 3D print it all one more time but it look like I have a winner here.

 

[bucketman]

Making any progress?

 

[NLXTACY]

Making any progress?

Printed and tested and finalized. Going into production in a little bit.

 

[bucketman]

Do you have a price and time frame for availability yet?

 

[NLXTACY]

Do you have a price and time frame for availability yet?

I’ll know both this weekend.

 

[NLXTACY]

Testing came back perfect. The “third leg” attaches to a screw that goes into the steel of the dash instead of just plastic. It’s stout!

Just gonna print the Toyota switch version to make sure connector clearance is good and off to production.

 

[NLXTACY]

Reminder, production pieces will be CNC aluminum NOT 3D printed. Printer is just for prototyping.

 

[NLXTACY]

First article of the useless ashtray switch panels are coming off the line for final testing and photography. At the top is the jig used for the CNC. Once finally production testing is complete then the full production run begins.

 

[80ways]

Plans to anodize in black?
Looking forward to this.

 

[NLXTACY]

Yes these will be anodized. Due to its location there is little risk of UV damage.

 

[mudgudgeon]

Very cool dude.
ETA on production?

 

[NLXTACY]

Very cool dude.
ETA on production?

Right after turkey day.

 

[mudgudgeon]

Right after turkey day.

Thanksgiving? When's that?

We don't do that heathen ritual down here

 

[NLXTACY]

Thanksgiving? When's that?

We don't do that heathen ritual down here

The 22nd. It’s when we celebrate the ritualistic slaughter of our own native peoples. Surely you have something similar down under

 

[mudgudgeon]

The 22nd. It’s when we celebrate the ritualistic slaughter of our own native peoples. Surely you have something similar down under

Oh, Ok got ya.
We were colonised by the British too, so brutal slaughter of natives . . .

check. We call it Australia Day