Need finding switches

**rizaydog** · 01-25-2009, 12:33 PM

I just got a new mini itx board and am planning an overhaul of my carpc. I am planning to make a custom center console to replace my stock console. I plan to include the head unit, mini itx board, m4 psu, dvd rom drive, receiver for wireless keyboard, usb hub, and various switches. I have got the basic plan down but need a little help with the switches.

I want to add the following switches to my new console:
Fog Light
Power window switches
Amp
PC
Monitor

My power windows are after market. They came with switches. My power switch for the pc came with the auto power on module I purchased from W3bMa5t3r. I purchased switches for the rest of the items at an auto parts store. They are all different switches, mounted between my seat and the floor. I would like to replace all of them with matching switches when I build my new console. I am looking for smaller switches with some type of lighting. I don't like the looks of toggle switches. I like the "ROUND ROCKER SWITCH BLUE LED" from the store but I don't know if they will work for my needs.

Anyway, I have found lots of switches for the fog, amp, and monitor. The problem for me is the pc and power windows. Are the power window switches special? Can I add a switch to my Intel D945GCLF Mini-ITX Motherboard and m4 that will act like a power switch on a desktop?

Any input will greatly be appreciated.

**damarble** · 01-26-2009, 02:50 AM

These might work, only thing is I don't know if they return to center automatically.

http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a...DIODE/-/1.html

I'd probably just hit a junkyard and take a bunch of matching switches from another vehicle.

**rizaydog** · 01-26-2009, 04:51 AM

Thanks for the help. I think that would work for the windows. However, for the other items, I'll have to find different matching switches. The junk yard is a good idea. I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the help.

**rdholtz** · 01-26-2009, 05:58 AM

If you can't find what you want there, check the Mouser catalog. There are about a bazillion different types there. The catalog is online as PDFs, or you can order the whole book, which is about 1-1/2 inches thick. Some of the prices are surprisingly low, too.

**rizaydog** · 02-04-2009, 12:44 PM

I found all the switches that I wanted. But I want to make sure of something. Can I add a momentary switch to this motherboard when used with the M4?

**lilscorpion** · 02-04-2009, 09:28 PM

Check out http://www.carlingtech.com/ for a huge selection of rockers that work well for custom setups. I've used them on buggies, jeeps, and hot-rods in the past with great success.

They are available with may different colors, words/pictures, styles, momentary, on/off, 3 position, etc.

You will have to find a supplier as you cannot buy them direct but locally I can find them at Napa and online an example is http://www.waytekwire.com.

**DarquePervert** · 02-05-2009, 09:26 AM

Originally Posted by rizaydog

I found all the switches that I wanted. But I want to make sure of something. Can I add a momentary switch to this motherboard when used with the M4?

You want a switch on the ACC line to turn it on/off. This will trigger the M4 to turn the PC on/off when the engine is running.
T basically acts as a valet switch for the PC. If you turn the switch off and the engine is off, the PC will not boot up when the engine is started, as the PSU would not be getting voltage on the ACC line.

**rizaydog** · 02-05-2009, 01:21 PM

This line doesn't carry the higher current to the psu correct? The switches that I found only carry like 15 amps. The draw on the ACC line should be fairly small?

**DarquePervert** · 02-05-2009, 01:24 PM

Originally Posted by rizaydog

This line doesn't carry the higher current to the psu correct? The switches that I found only carry like 15 amps. The draw on the ACC line should be fairly small?

Correct. The line is only used to sense the ignition state, and carries very little current.