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Any interest in adj illuminated s/w buttons??

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by BT Tech, Jan 14, 2006.

  1. BT Tech

    BT Tech New Member

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    Since day one the very dim steering wheel buttons have bothered me so I am now in the process of making that a distant memory.

    There are several ways to go about "fixing" this issue but I wanted to see if there was sufficient interest in coming up with a marketable product.

    What I had in mind was to simply use the existing illumination control to vary the brightness of the switches on the S/W. The same way that it controls the dash lighting and the MFD.

    Before I start to get into this I wanted to see how many of you would actually be interested in this kind of product.

    The cost of this product would probably be under 100 dollars but this could change depending upon the quantity produced.

    Any feedback or suggestions would be appreciated!!


    Thanks!!

    Brian
    BT Tech
    305-652-3115
     
  2. kpauley

    kpauley New Member

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    Seems there are several people discussing this issue in a more current thread, so maybe there is interest. I think it would be nice if it adjusted with the dimming wheel....not sure how much I'd pay though...

    Dimm steering wheel thread
     
  3. saechaka

    saechaka Member

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    count me in for one as long as it's under $100.
     
  4. tbstout2

    tbstout2 Member

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    Brian,

    I'd be interested as well. One thing I'd like to add, though, the turn signals and high-beam indicator lights are not regulated by the dimming switch - and I think they should be. The reflection of these lights, when in use, bug the heck out of me.

    BTW, love the stiffening plate!
     
  5. jwe8f

    jwe8f New Member

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    I'd love it too, but it would have to be reasonably simple to install and way under the $100 suggested above. Would you have to exceed the operating range of the lamps in the steering wheel?
     
  6. sseres

    sseres New Member

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    I'm here to second the request for "way under the $100." Maybe something in line with coastaltech's ev mod ($45)? Love the idea, though!
     
  7. DocToss

    DocToss Junior Member

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    I am interested also, for the right price.
     
  8. comtech5

    comtech5 New Member

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    I am interested...the overly dim buttons are a major flaw in my opinion. Would love to see an aftermarket solution!
     
  9. habel

    habel New Member

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    Same here - for the right price (way under 100...)
     
  10. SomervillePrius

    SomervillePrius New Member

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    I would be interested as well as long as it's 1) an easy intsall and 2) less then a hundred
     
  11. craigcush

    craigcush Member

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    From radio electricians point of view, I would be concerned about exceed the operating range of the lamps as well. Plus the cost stated.

    Those lamps were chosen for their output by design. to exceed that would dramatically reduce life of the bulbs if not fry them in a few hours to days depending on their rating and voltage applied. (or resistance removed)

    I am all for it. But not if I have to pull it all apart later in the year to replace all the bulbs.
    Perhaps the parts catalog specifies voltage and I am wrong, hope so. Real problem finding the buttons for me.

    Were you going to make a harness to reroute the source voltage through the dimmer?

    Thanks for stepping up to resolve, I wish you the best.
     
  12. BT Tech

    BT Tech New Member

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    Okay everyone.. I will keep you all up to date on my progress on this new mod.

    My intentions are to keep this looking stock and to have the curent illuminator adjust the brightness on the S/W buttons so we can actually see them at night.

    I wish I could talk to the original designer or who was responsible for the current design and drag him out back!!! :angry:

    I will try to keep the price as low as possible.


    Thanks!!

    Brian
    BT Tech
    305-652-3115
     
  13. coolfire74

    coolfire74 New Member

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    I want one if under $100. Thanks!
     
  14. cairo94507

    cairo94507 Active Member

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    I definitely want that modification. Please do it and $100 is fine with me. But, if you really wanted to get the market captured, take over where Coastal Tech has apparently dropped the ball. Make a navigation/blue tooth modification to solve that problem. I have waited for 3/4 of a year and still nothing from Coastal Tech yet.
    Thanks, Michael (Cairo94507)
     
  15. BMcGraw

    BMcGraw Member

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    Put me on the list too Brian. And while you're at it, an Audio/Video interface controllable via the steering controls would be nice. Just Coastal's ViewTech2010...but one that's really on the market! :angry:
     
  16. dbarry

    dbarry Member

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    Count me in!
     
  17. Vincent

    Vincent Don't Wait Until Tomorrow

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    I've Got a Spare 2006 Prius Steering Wheel For You

    Brian,

    I have a 2006 Prius steering wheel that I'll donate to the cause. It's complete with all standard and navigation buttons, so you can experiment all you want with out risking damage to your own Prius or buying any parts. I doubt you'll be able to talk to the original designer, but you'll at least be able to take one of his designs apart.

    Add this to your research; it sure seems like the illumination on the 06 leather steering wheel buttons is brighter than on the standard 06 steering wheel I'm offering you. Maybe there's a Toyota modification you can use as a model.

    Good luck and I hope your mod will adjust off the dashboard dimmer switch and not damage the light source.
     
  18. cgraham

    cgraham Member

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    Please keep me informed

    I only got my Pri yesterday and have not evaluated this issue yet.

    I agree no use overloading the existing bulbs.

    C
     
  19. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    Guess you mostly want responses from the "I want it" group...but here's one from the "no thanks" group.

    First of all after about 2 months with the car you can find, by feel, all the controls. They all have a distinctive location and tactile pattern on them making them accessible day or night without removing your eyes from the road.

    When it is extremely dark finding the buttons by sight is no problem, for me, at all at the current brightness levels.

    I guess, if it were really cheap and easy to install (<$25 and <15 minutes) I might get the mod just to maintain my reputation as the fearless guinea pig of Priuschat. And there are, I admit, times where it would be nice if they lights were a little brighter, but I too am concerened about the impact of using a dimmer and life of the bulbs.
     
  20. BT Tech

    BT Tech New Member

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    Thanks Vincent and this is very gracious of you!! I will let you know if this is needed but at present I am all set. I had to use my own as the "guinea pig" as I started this project some time ago.


    Thanks!!

    Brian
    BT Tech
    305-652-3115