Has anyone figured out how to add a functional button to the center console? It can be done, as noted in this beautiful radar install -- see at around 1:30

 

That my friend, is a very nice install that looks like the factory did it! Kudos to the installers!

As for your question -- yes, it can be done and yes you can utilize a blank. The caveat is that (at least in the 991 - not sure about the boxster?) you will have to modify the switch console box, which for those worried about warranty void and all that stuff would be a non-starter.

The switch console and integrated buttons are basically a "closed" assembly. It is sealed so to speak to keep all elements out (yes, even spilled coffee from the drink holder!), and the circuit board is mounted in such a way as to limit any space you might have to run wires. Theoretically you can modify the board, add functionality through programming (CAN) which can be uploaded through PIWIS tool, but don't know anyone who has done that yet. What is more likely the approach is to run wiring to the switch console box, and then you would have to drill through the box (no other way to run wires into that assembly as far as I know) and maybe even through the board - possibly run very small wires around the board, but modification is necessary in most any case. The tricky part is how to utilize the existing button action, since they would be making nearly direct contact with the board switch-pad....

I have a complete set of pics of a switch console that I've disassembled and will try to post later.... I am working on a project to do just what you are asking about, so I've learned quite a bit about that console assembly and switches!

Hope this helps?

 

Looking forward to the details of your DIY project, plenum! I knew you would have the answer

 

One comment is that you can buy a repair kit for the switch console and make all the mods to it. I think it is implicit since you need that kit anyway to get the proper buttons for the new switch locations.

But it also serves the purpose of being able to experiment on something without messing up the original as well as gives you the ability to revert back to the original switches if you sell it.

Got mine from sonnen for about $175..

So far I had good luck using the unused switch positions and just cutting as appropriate to isolate the switch. Then jumper in wires to get both sides of the contact. I did this for my camera control buttons to get rid of the third party switch module.

 

Any updates or anyone get this to work?

 

Benchmark Motoring Bellevue,WA

 

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...r-console.html

Link to earlier thread with pics of console opened if anyone is curious.

This project has been on the backburner for a while, the original intent was to use the blank buttons to control things like:
Valentine1
Laser Interceptors
Blackvue Dashcam
LED lights

...and to somehow get a custom display for the radar in the dash somewhere. I'm not a fan of the ashtray modules because you really can't see it.

Had messaged a couple of people in the past but don't know how things turned out, if they figured out how to integrate the Can-Bus and install momentary switches.

 

Yeah, would love to see if anyone got this to work