Champagne

As it is now, the surface is indeed completely flush. But for those who do want a tactile reference point for each button, I did find a solution and it is only a matter of adding a clear square over each button in the last laminate.

Paul

Ethre

I think the hatch switch/wiper switch combination is a leftover from the early cars having just the rear window switch there.
These switches look like they might be harder to work by feel though - so the problem may be aggravated.

All three finishes look very nice. I wonder how the brushed metal would look against dark leather interior. Maybe better with the first finish.
I'll be excited to see the final products.

BC

Simply awesome.

The_Remora

I really dig the carbon fibre look panel with blue backlighting nice design work guys!

Darklands

+1 on the tactile differentiation between the 4 switches.
How about 3 little subframes from north to south?
For me it´s important to press the switches blind.

Great work,go on!

Ninespub

Cool stuff and I agree on the wiper and tactile thoughts posted. However, the ****-retentive and/or OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) part of me however says that the passenger-side window switch icons should be reversed (or "flipped" over) so that they follow the right-hand side of the window that it represents. Does that make any sense or am I just full of ****? (No response needed by AO )

svpmx83

My Inner OCD child would say its the left side that needs to be mirrored - to match the shape of the door when looking out, as we are hopefully inside the car when operating the buttons.

RKD in OKC

Can you put a dimple in the last layer so it sticks up like brail?

Or maybe add a second top layer that has the buttons cut out so they feel recessed.

Ninespub

svpmx83 : Yeah, I guess that would apply if the steering wheel was on the wrong side

hans14914

Hey guys,

I have been talking with Paul, and he has some ideas for a way to introduce some tactile representation of the buttons, but after working with these I can say that you really dont need it. Its kind of like if you have an iphone or other touchscreen device, after using it a couple times, you dont even have to look to do simple functions, like unlock the phone. Its only 8 buttons (unless you will be one of the select few to get a custom 10 button panel), and we purposely lowered the panel inside the trim plate so you can feel the top and bottom edges of the frame. You can quickly gauge where you are on the panel without the added texture element.

I admit, it is different than the factory divots, but I assure you there is no problem navigating with the current setup. Adding a texture element is possible, but it will detract from the beauty of the design. The only way to add the textural element without detracting for the beauty of the design would be to have some custom tooling made to hot-press the laminate. There are several issues with this, including that we would only be able to offer this in one color, and the tooling would add a SIGNIFICANT expense to each panel. Tools like that cost around $1700 and you have to have a minimum order of 100 identical pieces, for which you pay a premium for material in the small batch.

The configuration we have now allows us to make the panels in-house. We are doing this so we can offer you guys the most flexible panel arrangements. We can give you custom buttons, and eve flip-flop the right and left window icons

So, I ask that you guys understand that there are limitations to what can be done and still offer overall product flexibility and maintain an affordable price. Our goal for this project was to deliver a fantastic, durable, and custom product for LESS than the cost of purchasing stock non-illuminated, always breaking and icon wearing-off switches.

I think Paul is going to post tentative pricing today. Again, it will be less than the price of factory switches, and not only do you get a lifetime replacement, they light up too! So in review: better quality switches, backlighting, your choice of colors/material, all for less money. Do you guys think you would be willing to give up the divots now? Who's with me

Alan

I think you are confused. There are no 928's from the factory with a hatch release switch there. The rear wiper switch also originally lived on the Pod - and was relocated to the console area by a complete ergonomic idiot. It really does not belong there - however - its more stupid still - the active end for wiping the rear glass is the same end that opens the windows/sunroof on the adjacent switches....

I would venture that if you intended to operate the rear wiper - its pretty certain that you do not want the sunroof to open by mistake...

I think if the switches are located there (and I'd rather they were on the doors) then they should all be for window type functions...

I'd propose L & R Windows, sunroof and a button that (express) opens or closes all three with one press.

Alan

hans14914

Alan,

Express-All could certainly be implemented without an issue. It would just be a simple wiring configuration between the switch panel and the DEI modules. The most "complicated" part would be relocating the wiper to the pod. The factory trim under the pod woudl be a great place for a lot of extra switches, but not sure every 928 owner will want to go that far. However, I like the EXPRESS idea, and will make sure to implement wiring schematics for it in the documentation.

cpayne

Damn there goes the IRA funding for a while. I'm have to have one and all the accoutrement.

Brent

This whole thing just keeps getting better. Divots, we don't need no stinking divots.

Champagne

Hey Guys,

I spent a good deal of the weekend looking at ways to implement a tactile reference to each switch. Not as easy as one might think.

I did find a way that is clean and does the job, but it still detracts a bit from the sleek look of the original.
I personally have no problem locating the buttons within that elevated frame and I think that most would find it easy as well.
But just to clarify, it will be an option for those who want it.

I also want to add to the list of features that Hans posted, that not only does the owner have a choice of finish and artwork, plus the number and placement of the functions, he also can change the color of the illumination by simply swapping LEDs
Whether or not one want the wiper or what orientation you want the pictographs for the passenger side, is all up to you.

I can also add that if for any reason, one decides that he/she needs a different finish: for example, you bought the black texture panel and now it does not match your new carbon fiber steering wheel, you can send the panel back, and for a small fee, I will be happy to replace the top finish for you.
Same situation if down the road you find yourself wanting another function (I know Jim as something cooking )
Since the switches themselves are so sturdy and trouble free, as is the light distribution system, all that is left are the cosmetic bits, and we can customize that any way you want.

The panel of 8 switches, with a basic choice of black texture, carbon fiber and brushed aluminum, customized to your specifications, will come in at around $164.00
Considering that a single factory window switch is $60.00, I think that's not too bad. Even when adding the cost of the DEI module, the total cost is still below the 4 factory switch cost and the new panel offers so much more in terms of reliability, functions and look.

We will be offering a discount for pre-orders, with payment required about 3 to 4 weeks prior to the panels being ready to ship. Some of these components require a large first order and an important setup fee.

So those of you who are seriously interested, please either post here or email me directly. We do need to gauge if this is something people really want.

Thanks again

Paul