Adding an override switch to a Redarc. How to install the switch in the dash.

[Defender90 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Defender90]

Just thought, after adding my Redarc SDI12, I decided I ought to install an override switch so if the starting battery ever dies (Happened several times on my old Prado) then I can press a button on the dash and start off the AUX battery.

Quick trip to Jaycar secured me the parts required to complete the job.

1x Momentary Illuminated Switch
2m of 4 Core Silicon Sheathed Cable
1x 2m length of cable protector
1x 1K ohm resistor



The LED requires an earth so I picked this off (Black wire) from the earth on the Redarc unit. Saved trying to find an earth in the dash.
The blue wire is connected to the override connector and the brown wire is connected to the AUX battery side of the Redarc as per the diagram included with the unit.





Continued...........

[Defender90 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Defender90]

.......Continued

Next was to run the cable in the sheath through to the inside of the cabin.

I pushed a hole through the double skinned water-tight seal (Shown below) and re-sealed with black silicon.



To get better access behind the dash just unscrew one screw securing the panel shown below.


Taking this panel allows you to get you hand up inside the dash so you can pop off the switch panel complete.



Once the panel is pulled forward you can then easily pop out a switch blank ready for 'modification'

Lots of drilling filing and cutting later.......


Continued...........

[Defender90 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Defender90]

......Continued

Looks worse than it really is.


The black wire went to the -ve of the 12v LED
The blue wire went to the +ve of the LED and one side of the switch (Any side)
The brown wire went to the other side of the switch.
1k ohm resistor goes between the +ve of the LED terminals and the blue wire.

All put back together and ready to go.


Once again. Worked well and there were no major fires to speak of.