This a continuation of an earlier thread regarding the center console and trying to integrate switching for V1 radar and Laser Interceptor, possibly even a dashcam.


I've taken apart a center console and noted that there are lights and capacitors for seven switches on the board. The remaining three are not lit.

the board exits to three pins that would connect to a bus

I purchased this spare console to use switch parts to be transplanted into the installed console of the car

Calling all installers and electrically proficient DIYers - any ideas on how to use stock switches to control custom electronics?


The look of a radar remote display on the steering column of a 911 just makes me cringe.

 

you see from the parts, the switch presses on a rubber panel that makes contact with the board, note the capacitors and led lights on the panel

Note the three pins on the top center of the board that connects to the bus

 

You should be able to trigger a high impedance (or solid state) relay from those switch contacts. The relay would then control your custom device.
It will take some good soldering skills to connect wires to the switch contacts.

 

It looks like you could probably isolate out any of the switches that aren't used for your car configuration..

The first thing I'd probably do myself (and I just may because this is interesting and I've got my own uses for more switches..) is generate a basic schematic of the boards and switches.

I haven't spent a lot of time on your pics just yet, The IC on the board is a PIC which is a small single chip microprocessor. Probably debounce of the switches and transmits them over the bus (probably CAN)... Also it probably controls and drives the LED on/off for each switch..

So you could probably cut etch for the switches you want to hijack then wire them into your own custom circuit off the switch board. You could do a small proto board that uses the switch closure to activate a PCB mount latching relay. If you have some electronics knowledge this isn't too complicated.. otherwise your going to need someone who does...

I'm thinking for myself I wouldn't mind doing a small proto interface board that does what I suggested and then provides several dry relay contact outputs and also controls the LED on/off state.. Ah.. if I only had the time

 

Thanks for the informed response
I was considering exactly what you said (if I knew how) or to go old school and just have the blanks function bypassing the can bus, going directly to a grafted switch, going to each device directly (not through the bus).
this is beyond me as my talents do not extend to this level just now.

I'll see if YouTube can help with what you propose and also look forward to any ptototype / mock ups you get around too.

I've also read an old audi forum where they integrated radar alerts into their pcm equivalent.
I'm a stock kinda guy when it comes to my dashboards and would like to have everything as discrete as possible, without the tumors from V1, Escort or Bel.
Alternatively I dream of colored LEDs concealed somewhere like the air vents for radar alerts.

I know it's not hard for someone with the know-how, I just need to be pointed in the right direction so any help is appreciated.

Thanks

 

The led's can be incorporated into your rear view mirror, I just had a passport 9500ci installed and wanted as little showing in the cab, the led in mirror is great and can be turned off when needed.

 

I'd be curious to know of the LIN bus messages still get sent for button presses for features that aren't activated. As in, you press one and the LIN module on the console's board has to decide what to send, or not. I'd wonder if the bitmap for the buttons could be detected by listening to the LIN bus. That and triggering messages sent to the board to de/activate the LEDs independently of what the BCM/ECU wants to set. Or does 'activating' the features change the firmware in the LIN module in the console?

For background:

 

I have a K40 integrated into the dash with two teeny LEDs that indicate front or rear radar/laser. This is also a laser diffuser and has saved me a few times. Otherwise it's got voice feedback and a remote to control any options/ functions. I'm all about desecrate and OEM dash so this is a perfect solution IMO