I made the decision to swap out my Shaker 500 head unit with the latest Alpine DVD unit and also add a rear camera and a shift light. I wanted to be able to switch on/off the TR-7 video bypass, rear camera, and the Raptor shift light. I could have opted for some cheap toggles (which would’ve looked tacky), but instead found an awesome looking switch plate made by Speed of Sound (http://speedofsoundllc.com/05%2B%20switch%20panels.html).

I ordered the 4 toggle switch layout with a 2 1/16” gauge opening for no particular reason other than I really like this layout. I chose an Auto Meter Ultra-Lite II Voltmeter (http://www.autometer.com/cat_gaugedetail.aspx?ref=search&gid=3590) gauge and it fit the bill perfectly.

The SOS switch plate comes pre-wired with leads for easy connections. According to SOS, the switches and wires are sufficient for low-amperage (up to 15 amps maximum) applications. Any high-amperage applications will require heavier gauge wiring and relays.

Each switch has 3 prongs and typically get wired this way…
BLACK – Connected to common vehicle ground (used to illuminate the switch’s LED)
RED (center) – Connected to either a constant 12V or switched 12V depending on your application
RED (opposite end on black) – Connected to accessory circuit 12V in (In my case, Positive lead on Raptor, rear camera, and voltmeter)

Note: The Negative leads off the accessories get grounded to a common ground, NOT TO THE NEGATIVE LEAD ON THE SWITCH!


Switch panel
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/SOS%20switch%20plate%20install/IMG_5617.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/SOS%20switch%20plate%20install/IMG_5618.jpg


Auto Meter gauge
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/SOS%20switch%20plate%20install/IMG_5619.jpg


A Dremel was used to make a small hole in the bottom of the rear cup holder (after removal of the short cup base; pulls right out) to feed all the wires up to the switch panel.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/SOS%20switch%20plate%20install/IMG_5615.jpg


My mess
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/SOS%20switch%20plate%20install/IMG_5621.jpg


The wiring can get a bit confusing so it may be a good idea to tape off each accessory and label it. Key here is to take your time and do one wire at a time.
Tip: To make soldering, heat shrinking, or wire twisting task easier, disconnect the spade terminal from the switch.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/SOS%20switch%20plate%20install/IMG_5622.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/SOS%20switch%20plate%20install/IMG_5625.jpg


Each switch controls the Raptor shift light, rear camera, DVD video bypass, and the voltmeter.

Here are some pics and one video of the completed project.

Note: The reason why you don’t see the ‘DVD’ LED switch illuminated is because the video bypass circuit that the switch interrupts is less than 12V (or is momentary). I removed the Negative terminal off this switch since it isn’t needed.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/SOS%20switch%20plate%20install/IMG_5636.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/SOS%20switch%20plate%20install/IMG_5631.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/SOS%20switch%20plate%20install/IMG_5660.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/SOS%20switch%20plate%20install/IMG_5664.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/SOS%20switch%20plate%20install/IMG_5667.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Alpine%20install/th_80e48f23.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Alpine%20install/?action=view&current=80e48f23.flv)

Wow thats cool as fu*k!!!!!! I want that! How much did it all cost you for that SOS thing the player and the rear camera? If you don't mind me asking.

dang, thats cool, nice

ORIGINAL: s2k

Wow thats cool as fu*k!!!!!! I want that! How much did it all cost you for that SOS thing the player and the rear camera? If you don't mind me asking.

Thanks! The SOS switch panel is what makes it allcool!

The switch panel can be ordered directlyfrom SOS (see hyperlink in post 1). The rear cam I got off ebay, it's the Lorex SG4933R waterproof color camera, costs around $100. The Alpine model is the IVA-W205, a friend over at Alpine used his employee discount and hooked me up. [8D]

Awesome, I guess you don't drink coffee or soda

^^^hmm mybe i should get one so my mom stops drinking tea in my car!

ORIGINAL: TinPony

Awesome, I guess you don't drink coffee or soda

I do, but not in the car (only bottled water allowed!). :D

To be honest, I rarely used the cupholders anyway, so I don't miss them at all.

ORIGINAL: 157db

More flash than function IMO.

Wow! I'm getting slammed so early in the morning! [sm=lol.gif]

Not that I have to explain myself... but yes, I did use a few of those quick splices, and 2 crimp caps, but everything else is shrink tubed. Behind the stereo, all my power and ground wires, and voltage regulator are soldered and heat shrinked.
Could I have made all my electrical connections aircraft quality? Sure I could have. But I'm pretty sure I'll be fine the way it's all connected.

I have the voltmeter hooked up to the switch simply because I had 1 extra switch available. Sure, I could have ordered the 3 switch configuration, but I just liked the look of the 4 better. And since I couldn't think of anything to hook up to the 4th switch, I just went with a simple voltmeter. It's trivial more than anything, but it is more accurate than the +/- gauge in the dash.

btw, that poor soul that'll inherit my jalopy will be my son. [8D]

157..its time we see your car...

Show us all we are missing...:eek:

Well done Taco Bill..you rock..[sm=hail.gif]

ORIGINAL: TacoBill

ORIGINAL: 157db

More flash than function IMO.

I did use a few of those quick splices, and 2 crimp caps, but everything else is shrink tubed. Behind the stereo, all my power and ground wires, and voltage regulator are soldered and heat shrinked.


Would that be two stage Ford heatshrink or the lamo stuff
you can get at Auto-Zone?[:@]

Great post, and excellent install as always. I say soldering all that wiring in overkill, unless you do plan on flying that thing. LOL, make sure you post the wing install pics when you do. Keep 'em coming regardless of what children on here say.

Okay guys, this thread is not intended to be a place for arguements.

Moderator has been called in to clean this thread up so anyone in the future that's looking for constructive comments won't have to read through post after post of non-value added comments.

157- Please start a new thread if you wishto discuss the proper ways to do things. [8D]

Hey Taco, if you can read this through all the kids play, do you happen to have the install pics of the Raptor, that's a great idea, I was thinking about replacing the port with a start button, but I like the shift light there much better.

sorry man, i didnt mean to turn this into that and i appologize for it but i just got fed up with 157db and someone started talkin about it so i chimed in. sorry tacobill

Cut the BS. If you guys want to have an internet dick wagging contest then take it to PM's.

Regardless of what the immature boysays- Tacobill your write ups are the best and you are very creative and insightful. I look forward to your write ups. Oh by the way I used the perfect tire shine on everything black in the engine bay and the door trim, rubber seals on the doors and trunk and this stuff is amazing. Thanks for the tip! Jason

That is cool!!! I saw the switches before and was thinking of getting them but didn't know what to hookup to them......thanks for the ideas. How do you like the Alpine ? I've been looking at the Pioneer.

if i had a daughter, i would make taco bill my son in law!~ think of all the free work i could get out of him!!! as usual Bill well done! and thank you

Man, I always enjoy reading your how-to posts. Cool setup. Does the Alpine have Sirius radio as an option? I hate my Shaker 1000.

I've been waffling about the switches for my upcoming nitrous setup, but I checked out the SOS site and plan to get a 4 switch with a cupholder opening instead of the gauge setup. Thanks for bringing those to my attention. It's just perfect...

John

Thanks Bill - Looks great...love the shift light!!!!!

I love it but can't think of 4 uses for the switches LOL (4 looks better than 3 IMO)

How does the SOS unit attached to the console? Is it firm, no rattles?

Thanks for the kind wordsJason. :)


TTSRACINGWORLD: I really like this Alpine. It does everything I need it for. Once the portable navi gets released sometime this summer, it'll be perfect.

BuddaBing: You're welcome! Sorry, I don't think I can handle anymore in-laws! [8D]

jwgroovin: I'm almost sure it has Sirius capabilities, but a seperate receiver is required (same goes for the iPod controller and Bluetooth).

awakeinAZ: Thanks! I got to test the shift light outonce so far, works perfect! I almost mounted the light in one of the air vents (an idea I got from a member here), but plans changed once I saw the power port bezel.

marcuskeeler: Fit is perfect, no rattles. You have to slightly press it into the cupholder area, but can be lifted out if need be.

bill i love it, it is way beyond super bad@ss!!!!!!!! thanks again and again!