Switch Panel

[old-git]

I think this is my first new thread in this forum

I am looking for a switch panel, similar to this:

http://www.obr.uk.com/obr_electronics.html

I want to be able to control all of the cars functions from the steering wheel (similar to F1)

I am awaiting a response to my query from OBR, but has anyone seen aything similar. Buttons need to be both momentary (horn, starter, gearchange)) and on off (lights, indicators, line lock, launch control). Approx 16 buttons in a panel approx 150mm square.

Alteratively, I could use separate buttons spread around the plate fixed to the wheel (this is just a proof of concept at the moment):

http://www.torquecars.com/forums/att...1&d=1326672468

http://www.torquecars.com/forums/att...1&d=1326672468

[waynne]

Is this any good to you? http://www.zroso.com/index/index.php...d=48&Itemid=56

[stamford]

That is some serious stuff right there, very nice and would look spot on.

[T9 man]

Firstly, thanks for that link Waynne it has given me another idea

I think that would look marvellous on your car OG and I don't under the circumstances think the price is to outrageous either!

[old-git]

I have looked at this before, but it is actually for a games console!

However, I have just asked them if it is suitable for a real car and will report back with their reply.

[T9 man]

Marvellous OG look forward to hearing the updated news! I was getting all excited then!!

[old-git]

Just received a reply from OBR regarding their panels. A 12 switch panel with labels is just over £1800, making the F1 wheel cheap

[T9 man]

Blimey does that include fitting? seems a tad steep!

[stamford]

That £1800, is that just for the membrane panel with required legends? If so I'll talk to our specialist here as we use touch screen HMIs and panels and he is also in the special effects business for movies so has plenty of contacts.

[old-git]

Originally Posted by stamford

That £1800, is that just for the membrane panel with required legends? If so I'll talk to our specialist here as we use touch screen HMIs and panels and he is also in the special effects business for movies so has plenty of contacts.

I believe so. A separate control unit is offered with relays, etc. If you would do that it will be much appreciated. I don't need any explosions, however :-0

[T9 man]

Originally Posted by old-git

I believe so. A separate control unit is offered with relays, etc. If you would do that it will be much appreciated. I don't need any explosions, however :-0

Not even a little explosion for your maiden flight down the Santa Pod runway

[stamford]

Originally Posted by old-git

I believe so. A separate control unit is offered with relays, etc. If you would do that it will be much appreciated. I don't need any explosions, however :-0

LOL I think once it gets off the line there'll be one in the seat!

I'll need to catch up with him as he's working at his workshop on some projects, must set a reminder!

[old-git]

Originally Posted by T9 man

Not even a little explosion for your maiden flight down the Santa Pod runway

No explosions, thank you, just a controlled burn of combustable material.

[old-git]

Originally Posted by stamford

LOL I think once it gets off the line there'll be one in the seat!

I'll need to catch up with him as he's working at his workshop on some projects, must set a reminder!

That will occur prior to getting into the car as I don't want to carry any unnecessary weight up thr strip

Thanks again.

[stamford]

I've dropped him a line and will let you know in due course.

[old-git]

Originally Posted by stamford

I've dropped him a line and will let you know in due course.

Great, thanks.

[stamford]

He's getting too technical for me now! He seems to think the membrane unit is a CAN BUS system. Output from the panel being multiplexed and sent via two wires to a processor, power unit that handle the logic. So a certain amount of programming required.

However he did say it is possible make up a membrane switch panel with individual switches (not multiplexed) and will switch low current and use relays to switch over on the 12v system.

He'll get back to me after looking at other possibilities.

[T9 man]

Originally Posted by stamford

He's getting too technical for me now! He seems to think the membrane unit is a CAN BUS system. Output from the panel being multiplexed and sent via two wires to a processor, power unit that handle the logic. So a certain amount of programming required.

However he did say it is possible make up a membrane switch panel with individual switches (not multiplexed) and will switch low current and use relays to switch over on the 12v system.

He'll get back to me after looking at other possibilities.

I am interested in this too stamford, so if you can let your mate know that there are two people involved it might be more of an incentive for him!

Cheers

[old-git]

Originally Posted by stamford

He's getting too technical for me now! He seems to think the membrane unit is a CAN BUS system. Output from the panel being multiplexed and sent via two wires to a processor, power unit that handle the logic. So a certain amount of programming required.

However he did say it is possible make up a membrane switch panel with individual switches (not multiplexed) and will switch low current and use relays to switch over on the 12v system.

He'll get back to me after looking at other possibilities.

Yes, he is correct. The OBR unit is a CAN system so other components are required. Al I need is a switch panel with wires I can connect to relays.

[old-git]

Originally Posted by T9 man

Marvellous OG look forward to hearing the updated news! I was getting all excited then!!

Response from ROSO:

Yes, the wheel is strong enough but definitely not for use in real
car. I really would not recommend you to do that.

I have replied asking for his reasons for not recommending its use on a car.

[T9 man]

Originally Posted by old-git

Response from ROSO:

Yes, the wheel is strong enough but definitely not for use in real
car. I really would not recommend you to do that.

I have replied asking for his reasons for not recommending its use on a car.

OK thanks for that OG

[old-git]

I'm also looking for a digital gear indicator (1 to 6)

[stamford]

Originally Posted by old-git

I'm also looking for a digital gear indicator (1 to 6)

I came across something like this a while back, I'll need to check my home pc favourites as I hope I kept the links. Might be worthwhile getting something custom made, cheaper I guess. Sequentional gearbox wasn't it? Will it be a powershift system?

[stamford]

Just found this, not sure of your configuration.

http://www.electronics-lab.com/proje...006/index.html

and this

http://www.geartronics.co.uk/classic.htm

[old-git]

Originally Posted by old-git

Response from ROSO:

Yes, the wheel is strong enough but definitely not for use in real
car. I really would not recommend you to do that.

I have replied asking for his reasons for not recommending its use on a car.

Željko Roso has replied
Hi

Ok, while the wheel is very strong (and practically indestructible) in
direction of rotation, I'm not sure how it would handle high forces
on braking. If you insist on my wheel and weight is not crucial for
you, I can make the base of the wheel from steel instead of aluminium.
Steering wheel will weigh more than 2000 grams then.

Željko

I think that, on reflection, this wheel will look a little OTT in my sparse, minimalist, cabin.

A plain switch panel or separate switches will look better. Also, I don't think I need so many rotational switches (maybe just one)