out of the box/clever ideas/solution to intergrate switches?

[scott_fx]

been searching a while over the internet to figure out unique and clean ways of adding switches to a classic. My problem is that i'm adding seat heaters, 4 power windows, and power door locks. originally I was going to write a program and have a touchscreen interface to control all of these funtions but there were two major flaws with this approach. 1) you would have to take your eyes off the road to see what virtual 'button' you were pressing. So i wrote another program that would solve this based on gestures. but the issue with that was... it wasn't quick and; if you weren't familiar with the system, then you still had to take your eyes off the road. The S.A.F. would probably be very low. So far my favorite solution is to have a tastefully mounted row of momentary (on-off-on) toggle switches with backlit labels above them.

So i'm throwing it out here to all of you guys who are very creative on this forum in order to try to get a bit of a brainstorming session. If you had no limits, how would you solve this issue?

here are some of my ideas.
row of toggle switches
custom touch interface
backlit capacitive touch panel (reference: http://www.electronicspecifier.com/cms/images/old/www/pr35301a1.jpg)
minature switches that just look like a small ball bearing poking up. when you touch them a little screen would show what function they are controlling.


what are your ideas?

[vette427-sbc]

Leave the heated seats in the touch interface. One button for central locking ala' BMW and get a nice switch out of a new car for the power windows. Put the switches in the center console so you only have to have one set (so passenger can control their window too) one switch for each front window and one switch to control both rear windows. Mercedes and BMW have very nice looking and "feeling" window switches in this layout. They also have 4 positions for auto up/down and manual up/down
This is assuming you only need power locks/windows and heated seats. If the switches are going to be multifunction then go for the row of toggles. But I always feel for my window switches, never look for them. Assuming your touch interface will be in the dashboard I dont think reaching for the screen will be ergonomical to roll up/down the windows. Notice most cars have a window switch within reach of where you would rest your arm.

I know, not too out of the box or clever, but thats how I would do it if I had your skills. Sometimes simplicity is best

[scott_fx]

thanks for the suggestions, going to look in to merc/bmw switches. i dont think there will be a touchscreen anymore though. i do like the single switch for the locks. will def be doing that

are these the 3 button switches you were talking about?
http://www.amazon.com/BMW-CONVERTIBLES-Window-Switch-switches/dp/B00AFPH4AO

[vette427-sbc]

These are the ones I like...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DAP-W221-MERCEDES-07-S550-REAR-LEFT-DRIVER-SIDE-DOOR-WINDOW-SWITCH-CONTROL-1-/111187060383

Although on this one the bottom single switch is for the rear sun shade. Not an issue electronically, but might be aesthetically


Why no touch screen anymore? A small one would be nice to put the heated seats and other minimal use switches so that you dont have to clutter up the console

[SS PUNISHER]

How bout a raised screen protector/overlay where the icons would be on the screen?
Just thinking out loud...

[scott_fx]

thats a good idea. I think the important aspect of this would be tactile feel so you dont have to look at the buttons.

i came up with this idea last night. have oval 'channels' laser cut from a piece of plexi in a 2x2 configuration. then lay that over a solid piece of plexi. this would give your fingers something to navigate with. then under the lower piece of plexi would be the capacitive electrodes to detect your finger. if you had 3 per switch you could do gesture sensing. swipe up would automatically roll up the window, swipe down would lower it, while press and hold would low/raise the window until you release.

[zamora7]

Wow this is way over my head but I would like to see it done

[cluxford]

I run momentary switches in my Camaro. Love em. I have 6 in total, all hidden.

These weren't available when I built my car, but if they were I'd do these. Basically build your own with colour and etched image
http://www.autoloc.com/products/buttonbuilder/


These are also pretty cool
http://bluewiremotorsport.com/collections/billet-buttons

[65-fastback]

also have the autoLoc's .

Those moran's sent other etched pics then I ordered, couldnot send them back, and they sent one of them to the wrong address.... (and gone it is....)
Cost me about $400,-.....

Stay away from them, the Hoffman group is unreliable, called them several times (from Europe).