22 replies to this topic

[MiniMitch]

The title gives it away really, ive seen this switch panel,
http://www.theminifo...m-switch-panel/

and i LOVE IT, i have no clue where to start, or if anyone has one ?
it would really fininish the car off, if i could find one some where it would be perfect.
any help ?
mitch

[Samini86]

Love that looks ace!!

[cliche]

Ooh - I would like one too !

[Bungle]

try a PM to this member slegersmini

[ryan22_lgm]

i though you couldnt wire the headlights up to these kind of switches ???

[MiniMitch]

I have no clue but it looks amazing.

[ryan22_lgm]

yeh does look pretty cool :)

[Dan]

Of course you can if you buy the right ones. Switches are switches. Toggle switches really exist for industrial processes and machinery, they are made in hundreds of different switch functions and pinouts. If you want a direct replacement for the light switch you need a toggle called a single pole off/A/A+B (or off/on/on on) rather than an off/on/on which is what most people buy and won't work. Or you can do it with 2 separate toggles, one for sidelights and one for headlights.

[ryan22_lgm]

Of course you can if you buy the right ones. Switches are switches. Toggle switches really exist for industrial processes and machinery, they are made in hundreds of different switch functions and pinouts. If you want a direct replacement for the light switch you need a toggle called a single pole off/A/A+B (or off/on/on on) rather than an off/on/on which is what most people buy and won't work.

this is what i read about on another thread because the mini has a off/on/on switch and the toggles are on/off/on or just on/off

[Dan]

Off/on/on toggles are very common, but as I said are not the right one. The standard light switch is SP, off/A/A+B meaning both circuits are commoned to the same supply when in the final position. Off/on/on switches use a changeover function and keep segregation between the two circuits at all times, so they don't work. Either one circuit or the other is connected, never both.

You will find there are a lot more different toggle switches outside the world of car spares. Switches do exist for all functions ever used in a Mini. I have listed them all in the past several times. The hard part is finding all of the functions, in the right current rating (the standard rockers are 16A and that's not really enough for the lights), in the same range so they all look exaclty the same. They are out there though, it's just that some are fairly expensive. Usually the 4 pole on/on changeover needed for the hazards is the hard one to find.

[Sam Walters]

You run two switches as per here. Look on the right hand side.

This is a real simple mod that has some fantastic results. Just need to find someone with a cnc engraver.

You can run the lights through relays.

Edited by Sam Walters, 17 February 2012 - 11:08 PM.

[Dan]

You can, but it adds cost and complexity and having loads of relays in the car develops all kinds of problems with back emf and things that need to be properly engineered out. This info probably isn't available on the12volt.com. The right switch keeps it simple, and is quick.

I wouldn't bother with CNC to be honest, a decent cobbler's or trophy shop should be able to get a panel looking at least that good. I used to do that kind of stuff in the shop I worked at as a kid. We used to do small batches of panels and labels for local engineering places, plumbers and electricians. You'd make the panel and take it for engraving.

<<Sorry, just realised you probably meant to use relays to trim down the current at the switches rather than replace switch functions. That is of course a great idea.>>

Edited by Dan, 17 February 2012 - 11:29 PM.
Update

[Turbo Nick]

just make sure that if you have seperate switches for the sidelight and headlight then you need to make sure the headlights can't be turned on without the sidelights.

have got this in mine, and relayed the lights to keep the switch ratings down for ease.

Edited by Turbo Nick, 17 February 2012 - 11:47 PM.

[MiniMitch]

Turbo nick
You've got one like it , any chance of some pics?

[Turbo Nick]

not like the one up there, just seperate toggles for all my switches, the cheapo maplin LED ones.

only pic i've really got of em, can just make out a row below the rev counter



only need a few switches as it's an old car, headlights, sidelights, electric fan, wipers (single speed), hi boost and had to stick another one in for ECU map switching, although that'll go onto the clutch pedal soon instead.