Adding switches to Commander

[mwilson]

If I didn't start so many projects my life would be easier...

Ran out of places for additional switches so added an Aux Panel...

Hoping to get it back together tonight..

Factory panel full, added switch to kill power to the sound bar. Also added dual USB charger which also has a digital voltmeter that shows up between the USB ports. Get a picture when I get it wired up in a bit..

 

[mwilson]

I gotta say that being out in the garage listening to Wilson Pickett belt out Mustang Sally on the satellite radio ain't a bad thing....I can handle it just fine !!

 

[mwilson]

Making it modular so I can remove panels by simply unplugging connectors...

 

[JR]

Lookin good Mike! The back up lights are a valuable add on. Is a whip mandatory in your neck of the woods or just an added precaution?

I've got lots of self inflicted repairs to do on my machine from last weekend at Hatfield McCoy. So far on the list is a new grip and hand guard, steering stem, and throttle cable. The fill neck took a nasty hit and cracked all the way around where it goes into the fuel tank. Had to repair it at camp to keep anymore mud and water from getting into the tank and I think it might just be a permanent fix....time will tell.
All in the name of fun :-laf

 

[mwilson]

Whips are not required. These are a toy. Saw a set last year and thought it was just plain cool. Wife got me a set last week for Father's Day. They are scarce and hard to find. Had them running when they arrived. 63 modes and each has a remote. Run them indepentendly or synced. They have a quick disconnect which is a good thing because I don't think they will stand much brush whipping...


Old man fun.....

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TEpXbhONwEs

 

[mwilson]

Wiring in dash finished. Coil of orange wire will be run through the tunnel and out the back. Out of time today.

Wires for sound bar and light bar are inside of the roll cage tube now. Much cleaner..

 

[mwilson]

So far, so good. Calling it quits and loading it for a run on the coastal rail trail tomorrow.

I like it...

 

[JR]

So far, so good. Calling it quits and loading it for a run on the coastal rail trail tomorrow

Is that an abandoned rail road system?

 

[mwilson]

Is that an abandoned rail road system?

Yes, abandoned and turned over to the State of Maine...they pulled the rails and ties to make a multi-use trail system. Pull up a map, I'm staying on Beals Island for the weekend and brought it with me. Trailered it to Columbia Falls this morning, unloaded it and headed East. Put about 130 miles on by the time I got back to Columbia Falls. Furthest point was Bailyville..

 

[JR]

How do you get onto the island? Is the bridge for the rail still up or do you have to ride a road? How far off the mainland is that?

Pictures are definitely needed!

 

[mwilson]

I'll see what I can find for maps. Didn't get many pictures, so much dust in places that we keep the phones in a Ziplock bag. Rained a lot lately but there were several roads that were extremely dusty already...Dust, mud and ledge in random order. 45 mph and then low range 4x4, repeat, repeat....

 

[BoeingDiesel]

Making it modular so I can remove panels by simply unplugging connectors...


View attachment 98798

Nice setup Mike, I'd like to do the same in adding some accessories to the Polaris. I like that fused power distr. block you used..can you recommend a source for that type?
thanks gregg

 

[mwilson]

Hi Gregg,

Came through Amazon, just reviewed my orders and found it. A knock-off of a Cole Hersee or Pollack product, can't remember which one invented it.

Not waterproof, but it is water resistant.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QMTAZ1W/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[BoeingDiesel]

Thanks Mike, I'm going to add a couple light whips and possibly a spotlight, or a light bar.

 

[BarryG]

Just since the switch thing came up and Mike you probably already know this since you deal with these trucks and switches from time to time that Carling, Eaton etc have the actuators in a variety of styles as well as some well actually quite a few that have legends and light lenses etc. However I found a place that will custom etch the switch actuator and put whatever you want on them. They have some stock symbols as well but you can give them a drawing and they will make it. Just thought I would pass it along. Only not so great thing I think is they only use one actuator style I think it is contura IV the totally smooth one. Their regular symbols that they already have aren't too badly priced the custom symbol ones are quite a bit more though unless you buy more than one of the same. In any case if you want to switch something that you cant find a good stock symbol for they are an option.

https://rockerswitchpros.com/product/custom-rocker-switch-actuator/
very bottom of page for custom symbols

 

[mwilson]

I didn't want all kinds of stuff scabbed onto the battery terminals so brought straight battery power to that fuse block, then hooked relays and switches to the outbound fused power. I also installed a 30 amp fuse right at the battery to protect the fuse block feed...then used keyed power to activate the relays...isolates the Can Am from any harm due to add ons...

 

[mwilson]

Just since the switch thing came up and Mike you probably already know this since you deal with these trucks and switches from time to time that Carling, Eaton etc have the actuators in a variety of styles as well as some well actually quite a few that have legends and light lenses etc. However I found a place that will custom etch the switch actuator and put whatever you want on them. They have some stock symbols as well but you can give them a drawing and they will make it. Just thought I would pass it along. Only not so great thing I think is they only use one actuator style I think it is contura IV the totally smooth one. Their regular symbols that they already have aren't too badly priced the custom symbol ones are quite a bit more though unless you buy more than one of the same. In any case if you want to switch something that you cant find a good stock symbol for they are an option.

https://rockerswitchpros.com/product/custom-rocker-switch-actuator/
very bottom of page for custom symbols

I created the "LED Light Bar, Whip, and Music" switches by ordering cheap Chinese knock switch assemblies. Popped the actuators off and put them on Carling / Western Star switches so the back light colors matched. Yes, I'm a freak.....