Using a Convertible Switch as the Throw for HU?
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 50
Likes: 3
From: Kingsport, TN
Using a Convertible Switch as the Throw for HU? Hey everyone, I was looking into doing this AUX mod to my HU and was wondering if it would be possible to use a convertible switch as the throw switch in the tutorial. I have a T-top, so I thought it'd look nice and factory if I installed the convertible TCS plate with the separate switch to use in order to activate the AUX. Only problem is I assume the vert switch is a momentary whereas I'd need a latch switch to make sure it stays on. My wiring experience is limited, but does anyone know if I would be able to connect a relay to the switch in order to force it into acting like a latch? I'm not sure how the vert switches hook up, so I wanted to try and pick your all's brains before I went ahead and bought one just in case it wouldn't work out, haha.
Thanks, guys!
https://ls1tech.com/how-tos/a/camaro...adapter-417993
Thanks, guys!
https://ls1tech.com/how-tos/a/camaro...adapter-417993
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,332
Likes: 347
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
To simplify matters, there is a device from PAC called the TR-7 Universal Trigger Output Module. It has multiple capabilities for various programmable control options but the one you would be interested in is its ability to use a pulse (momentary) signal to activate a constant power feed. Another pulse turns off the feed. You could use that to turn a pulse from the momentary convertible top switch into a constant connection. The module is available on Amazon for about $12.
To complicate matters, you would probably have to wire in a relay because it is doubtful that the internal circuit to be switched in the head unit is a 12V circuit. I've never measured it but I suspect it would be a 5V circuit. In that case, you would use the TR-7 module to trigger a relay that would actually switch the circuit on and off.
You might be able to use a factory Camaro fog light switch. It should fit the same slot as a Firebird TCS or convertible top switch although it would be turned sideways (Camaro switches are horizontal rather than the vertical switches in the Firebird console). The advantage is that it is an on/off toggle switch rather than a momentary switch so you wouldn't need extra relays or modules.
To complicate matters, you would probably have to wire in a relay because it is doubtful that the internal circuit to be switched in the head unit is a 12V circuit. I've never measured it but I suspect it would be a 5V circuit. In that case, you would use the TR-7 module to trigger a relay that would actually switch the circuit on and off.
You might be able to use a factory Camaro fog light switch. It should fit the same slot as a Firebird TCS or convertible top switch although it would be turned sideways (Camaro switches are horizontal rather than the vertical switches in the Firebird console). The advantage is that it is an on/off toggle switch rather than a momentary switch so you wouldn't need extra relays or modules.
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 50
Likes: 3
From: Kingsport, TN
Thank you, WhiteBird! Do you happen to know if the fog light switch can mount directly into the vert switch slot with the existing plugs, or would I need to modify it to fit? If I'm not mistaken though Camaro switches are black instead of the Firebird's gray, so I may end up going the PAC module route. Either way, thanks for the info! Cost isn't a factor so much as just finding a nice clean way to get it done without having to track down that discontinued PIE unit.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,332
Likes: 347
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
I'm pretty sure the Camaro switch would physically fit and snap into the panel but it would be oriented wrong and the wrong color as you mentioned. There would be no plug in harness for it but I can give you the pin connections so you could connect it. I think you could swap your TCS switch for a Camaro ASR switch which has the same connector so that you end up with two black switches but again it would be rotated 90 degrees.
If you go with a Firebird switch and the TR-7 module, I would suggest using a second TCS switch rather than a convertible top switch. It's still a momentary switch but it's only one direction on/off rather than bidirectional up/neutral/down and it has fewer connections to worry about - just the two pins for the switch and two more for the illumination. You could probably find a silk-screening place that could change the switch marking to something more appropriate like "AUX".
If you go with a Firebird switch and the TR-7 module, I would suggest using a second TCS switch rather than a convertible top switch. It's still a momentary switch but it's only one direction on/off rather than bidirectional up/neutral/down and it has fewer connections to worry about - just the two pins for the switch and two more for the illumination. You could probably find a silk-screening place that could change the switch marking to something more appropriate like "AUX".
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 50
Likes: 3
From: Kingsport, TN
I wouldn't worry too much about it being oriented sideways, as you said I could relable it in the proper orientation anyway. Although it does sound easier since it's already a latch switch... You really have given me some food for thought, haha.
I was looking at the panels on Hawk's website and from the back it looked like the brackets that receive the switch are different for the vert and TCS, so I'm not sure if I could use 2 TCS... That being said, because the vert switch has a neutral, that Camaro switch may be the better option so long as it has the proper connections to go into the plate. Then again, nothing a little glue wouldn't fix
I was looking at the panels on Hawk's website and from the back it looked like the brackets that receive the switch are different for the vert and TCS, so I'm not sure if I could use 2 TCS... That being said, because the vert switch has a neutral, that Camaro switch may be the better option so long as it has the proper connections to go into the plate. Then again, nothing a little glue wouldn't fix
