Tech: Lidatek Installation - Lighted Rocker Switch?

JFB · 8th September 2002, 21:05

While looking at Jeff's (sysvr4) installation instructions for the Lidatek laser echo LE-20, I noticed the push button toggle switch he installed for his MP3 player. He mounted that in the pop-out panel to the left of the fog light switch. I thought that looked nice.

I thought it would be cool to re-wire the Lidatek-provided toggle switch to a lighted automotive rocker switch. I found a nice looking one (Gardner Bender: Rocker - Mini, Lighted - GSW-48) that states that it is for automotive uses.

My idea was to eliminate the Lidatek-provided LED and use the lighted rocker switch instead. I'm having a problem, though, getting the rocker switch to light when the Lidatek alerts.

I used the dremel tool to cut out a rectangular hole centered in the pop-out panel. The hole barely allows the switch base to squeeze though, but the hole is narrower than the lip of the switch base that protrudes above the pop-out panel. Mounted in the panel, it looks very nice.

There are three connectors on the rear of the rocker switch, each with a spade terminal. They are numbered and labeled:

Line
Load
Neutral

I clipped the three wires off the toggle switch provided by Lidatek.

I attached to the red power wire (with the fuse) a female terminal that snaps into the rocker switch spade terminal. I connected the power wire to terminal #2 ("load") on the rocker switch.

In the Lidatek-provided toggle switch the other two red wires (that run to the transponders and speaker) are soldered to the same terminal. I attached both of them to the same female terminal connector, and I connected the two red wires to terminal #1 (line) on the rocker switch.

Terminals #1 and #2 are the ones that close the circuit when you toggle the rocker switch. That part works fine. When I turn on the switch, the Lidatek speaker chirps. I used an IR remote to test the two transponders, and the system alerts just as it is supposed to.

I have not yet mounted the transponders on the bumper. I seem to have misplaced the 8mm socket. Funny, that happens to the same one that fits the trucks on my son's skateboard.

Anyway, to get the rocker switch to light, I tried running a wire from the white line that connects to the transponders, and hooking it to the #3 (Neutral) terminal on the rocker switch. This is the same white wire that connects to the black speaker wire and that would connect to the black LED wire, if I were using the LED. No luck.

I just can't seem to get the switch to light, and I'm not an expert in this stuff. It's possible that I have a bad light in the switch itself (I'll check that). I am assuming that is not the problem, though.

Do you guys have any thoughts on how to wire this so the rocker switch will light up? Here's the wiring diagram...

JFB · 9th September 2002, 00:53

Okay. I figured it out. The lighted rocker switch I was using required too much voltage to power the light. I changed it out for a 12 volt automotive lighted rocker switch just to test the theory.

With the white wire attached to the #3 (Neutral) terminal, the red power wired connected to the #1 (line) terminal, and the two red transponder wires connected to the #2 (load) terminal, the LED functioned perfectly. It lit up briefly when I turned on the switch, and lit up like crazy when I tested the transponders.

Unfortunately, the lower voltage rocker switch it is too wide for the pop-out panel.

Now, I just have to find a 12 volt lighted rocker that will fit in the pop-out panel.

I'll let you know what I turn up.

TiGumz · 9th September 2002, 03:08

Jim,

I like the idea of combining the light and the switch. Please post pics of your install when you complete it.

JFB · 10th September 2002, 06:25

Glenn

I uploaded the pictures. You can see the installation on this page.

Jason

If you see this, feel free to host the images and post them onto this messageboard.

Russ · 10th September 2002, 13:14

Quote:

Originally posted by JFB
Okay... changed it out for a 12 volt automotive lighted rocker switch... a 12 volt lighted rocker that will fit in the pop-out panel... I'll let you know what I turn up.

JFB, so what's the part number of the "recommended" rocker switch? Manufacturer? Cost?

Thanks much!

Russ

CM5GO · 10th September 2002, 13:43

Wow! Very nice job!

Diamond Dave · 10th September 2002, 16:14

Jim,

Fabulous installation there. Very clean. I admire that.

Believe we would all appreciate a future update as to the performance of the unit. Would love to read a post from you stating how the Lidatek saved your back side. Dang Flower Mound police!

Take care,

DWP

atomic80 · 10th September 2002, 16:59

M5 in dash rocker switch installation for Lidatek LE-20

This shows the pop-out panel from the left of the foglight switch. The rectangular hole was cut with a dremel tool, and the edges filed.

Measurements are distance from hole to edge. Narrow edges are 3mm wide. Top and bottom are 10mm wide.

Switch is a 12 volt lighted mini rocker switch.

Showing switch inserted into the pop-out.

Showing wiring for the rocker switch to operate the Lidatek LE-20.

Terminals are numbered, bottom to top:

#3 is white wire to transponder (also connects to black speaker wire).

#2 is red wires to transponders and speaker

#1 is power (connects to fuse)

Showing switch and pop-out mounted in the dash panel. Switch turns on/off Lidatek and illuminates to indicate transponder alert.