A "bright" idea: illuminated window switches ** Important order info added **
10-15-2010, 09:13 AM
#106
Yesterday my power window switch broke. Also, the rear hatch swich hasn't worked since I got my car.
I would much rather tear the dash apart and replace the switch with this new pod than replacing the original switch.
Put me down for one.
I would much rather tear the dash apart and replace the switch with this new pod than replacing the original switch.
Put me down for one.
10-15-2010, 10:45 AM
#109
Former Vendor
Thread Starter
10-15-2010, 11:02 AM
#110
Rennlist Member
I looked at the modules on ebay just to see physically what they are. As I understand it w/o benefit of any diagrams on the proposed installation, I need two; I'm trying to remove some outdated (GPS) and the associated mess going to the CEP; considering the gremlins I already have, I don't think I want to stuff any more boxes into my console. That's just me. The upgrade looks nice, but not for me.
10-15-2010, 11:52 AM
#111
Rennlist Member
Norcoastal,
You will need to run a line from the hatch release switch to the console area. All the other necessary connections are available under the console. I have notes on how to install everything with the standard sunroof/window/wiper option. I will get the hatch release instructions done early next week, and then post the document here publicly so they can be reviewed.
I am also working on getting some group pricing on the 530t and 529t modules. This is not set in stone yet though, but I am looking into it. Margins are pretty low on those units, so I may not be able to save people money on them after handling and shipping them twice.
Steve, if you dont like the idea of using the DEI modules, but want the look of the new panel, you can substitute the "intelligent" module for "simple" relays. You would need a relay for each direction, so 6 in total. If that seems like something more in-line with what you would want, I can draw up a schematic for you.
Thanks,
Hans
You will need to run a line from the hatch release switch to the console area. All the other necessary connections are available under the console. I have notes on how to install everything with the standard sunroof/window/wiper option. I will get the hatch release instructions done early next week, and then post the document here publicly so they can be reviewed.
I am also working on getting some group pricing on the 530t and 529t modules. This is not set in stone yet though, but I am looking into it. Margins are pretty low on those units, so I may not be able to save people money on them after handling and shipping them twice.
Steve, if you dont like the idea of using the DEI modules, but want the look of the new panel, you can substitute the "intelligent" module for "simple" relays. You would need a relay for each direction, so 6 in total. If that seems like something more in-line with what you would want, I can draw up a schematic for you.
Thanks,
Hans
10-16-2010, 12:53 AM
#112
I like the idea of fitting straight into the 90+ harness as i don't want to find extra space for other modules as it is already pretty tight under there. My 90 already has one touch from the factory, unless it is just the switch jamming! lol
06-24-2015, 10:45 AM
#115
Rennlist Member
The switch components we designed the kit to use became too expensive. They stopped selling the components wholesale direct, and we built the last few dozen kits with "sample" parts they were willing to sell us for "development." The cost of buying them as samples was exponentially more expensive... over a 400% increase in cost. The labor to build the panels, plus the increase in material costs made additional batches impractical.
06-24-2015, 11:10 AM
#116
Alternatives? Part numbers so we can build our own?
06-24-2015, 11:26 AM
#117
Rennlist Member
Its not difficult to build your own, just expensive. Tooling fee for the fiberoptic panel alone was $1000, then you have to buy a minimum of 100 pieces at ~$12each. If you use the same kind of switch mechanism, you have to coat the PCB traces with a special conductive carbon ink, which only a handful of manufacturers will do, and it requires a custom screen and additional setup fee. Even if I posted all my design files, to build the first one, it would cost over $2500.... plus you still cant source the switches directly anymore.
Best way to move forward would be to have a more generic membrane switch panel made with a metal or polyester dome. You could have these made with a single back-light color and fixed top design for a reasonable price. My assumption is if you wanted to order 100, you could probably get them made domestically for just under $100/panel and much less if you went to an Asian build house.
Best way to move forward would be to have a more generic membrane switch panel made with a metal or polyester dome. You could have these made with a single back-light color and fixed top design for a reasonable price. My assumption is if you wanted to order 100, you could probably get them made domestically for just under $100/panel and much less if you went to an Asian build house.
06-24-2015, 12:27 PM
#119
Rennlist Member
Dammit...this was definitely on my future upgrade list 
06-27-2015, 06:01 PM
#120
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My car came with one, and the first time I pressed the rear wiper button it let out some magic smoke.
The windows all work I was just looking around to see if I could buy a new one.
That's a shame.
The windows all work I was just looking around to see if I could buy a new one.
That's a shame.