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Old 05-30-2019, 08:47 PM #16
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thanks for all the great ideas. it definitely brings in a lot of factors and things to think about. I do aggree that the modularity of plug and play units would be easier. as well as only havingt 4 open spaces for AOB switches in the trd orp dash. That would mean I am limited to my current plans.

Just many factors to consider as well as possible additions in the future.
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Old 05-30-2019, 09:12 PM #17
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I was running a home made distribution system that used AOB switches. I would say, it wasnt hard and was an interesting and fun experience. I'm now running apollointech system along with switches that are mounted onto a 3D printed mount. Much more cleaner and tactile vs the OEM switch location and AOB switches.


Will be mounted a volt meter to the OEM Toyota SOS button location.

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Old 05-30-2019, 11:25 PM #18
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This is a great thread guys! Wish I knew all this info before I started my project and bought something.

I wanted the convenience of using the OEM blank switch locations AND having an additional switch panel but I did not want to use the blank area below the A/C controls since I have an amateur radio there.

I researched the:
Schrockworks Bussman
Switch pros 9100
sPod Bantam
eBay Bussman knockoff
DIY methods

The Bussman was ok but no switch button panel.

I liked the switch pros button panel but that unit could not accommodate using AOB switches in the blanks.

The 8 switch Bantam could be daisy chained with 3 more units for up to 32 accessories with one touch screen and could use AOB buttons for 1 or 32 remote switches! BUT it is in the price gouging range!

eBay knockoffs were the same as the Shrockworks Bussman

The DIY was out because I’m too busy with other stuff than to design something even though I’m quite capable.

I chose the sPod Bantam with touchscreen but had a hard time due to its excessive and over priced cost! I agree with the others that the touch screen is quirky but it’s works. I have yet to find a suitable location that I like. The engine compartment switch is small and has all the overload protectors without the need for relays and fuses. Very current technology. It appears to have all electrical protection circuits water proofed and board is water resistant. The screw connections are protected but neither water proof or resistant.

I recommend it, but put up with a less than state of the art touch screen or get the push button panel and limit your switches to 8.
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Old 06-02-2019, 01:31 PM #19
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So I priced everything out for a DIY using AOB switches and here is how it would play out vs the other options including estimated install/assembly time:

complete DIY starting with blank cheap relay box: $250-275 + 4-6 hours of wiring.
Pros: cheaper, can wire any way I want, easy maintenance of bosch relays etc.
Cons: lots of DIY time, not as clean install, no bluetooth, limited to 6 devices.

DIY Using Shrockworks Bussman and prewired kit: $300-350 + 2-3 hours of wiring.
Pros: cheaper, can wire any way I want, easy maintenance of bosch relays etc., save some time vs from scratch, bussman is better than univeral relay box.
Cons: lots of DIY time, not as clean install, no bluetooth limited to 5 devices.

Spod Touch: 750 + 1 hr wiring
Pros: very easy install, very modular, clean and nice looking install and controls, bluetooth
Cons: Price, could get water damaged.


Switchpros: 600-700(with mounting) + 2 hrs labor
Pros: very easy install, very modular, clean and nice looking install and controls, bluetooth
Cons: Price, could get water damaged, not as clean as spod due to all the wiring, not as modular as spod.



Overall, I think DIY is cheapest option but not as clean and limited modularity, Switchpros falls in between DIY and Spod for combination of price, features, ease and cleanliness of install. Spod is the most expensive option but easy and clean install and more modular in the long term.

I dont have the immediate need for it yet since I am waiting on the roof rack and lights etc, but I think that I will end up going the spod touch route since it would be a long term investment for me. I don't like buying new cars, so I would plan to keep the 4runner for 20 years most likely or as long as it does not fall apart.
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Old 06-04-2019, 09:31 PM #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jdm-v35 View Post
So I priced everything out for a DIY using AOB switches and here is how it would play out vs the other options including estimated install/assembly time:

complete DIY starting with blank cheap relay box: $250-275 + 4-6 hours of wiring.
Pros: cheaper, can wire any way I want, easy maintenance of bosch relays etc.
Cons: lots of DIY time, not as clean install, no bluetooth, limited to 6 devices.

DIY Using Shrockworks Bussman and prewired kit: $300-350 + 2-3 hours of wiring.
Pros: cheaper, can wire any way I want, easy maintenance of bosch relays etc., save some time vs from scratch, bussman is better than univeral relay box.
Cons: lots of DIY time, not as clean install, no bluetooth limited to 5 devices.

Spod Touch: 750 + 1 hr wiring
Pros: very easy install, very modular, clean and nice looking install and controls, bluetooth
Cons: Price, could get water damaged.


Switchpros: 600-700(with mounting) + 2 hrs labor
Pros: very easy install, very modular, clean and nice looking install and controls, bluetooth
Cons: Price, could get water damaged, not as clean as spod due to all the wiring, not as modular as spod.



Overall, I think DIY is cheapest option but not as clean and limited modularity, Switchpros falls in between DIY and Spod for combination of price, features, ease and cleanliness of install. Spod is the most expensive option but easy and clean install and more modular in the long term.

I dont have the immediate need for it yet since I am waiting on the roof rack and lights etc, but I think that I will end up going the spod touch route since it would be a long term investment for me. I don't like buying new cars, so I would plan to keep the 4runner for 20 years most likely or as long as it does not fall apart.
Nice write up Sir! While the sPod Bantam is incredibly expensive, I am very very pleased with it. I take way too much time installing everything but in the long run, the system is excellent.

The bigger sPod switching system does not appear waterproof, but the SPod Bantam has a different design. The only thing partially exposed are the 8 positive and 8 negative connections for the accessories and the 10 optional connections for 8 AOB switches, the low voltage override, and a hot switching circuit.

I paid $845 less a 5% discount, however, there was a group buy here a few weeks back that resulted in a fairly nice discount. Might keep watching to see if that pops up again.

I mounted the Bantam on a Stainless PowerTray that makes this a professional looking install.
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Old 06-11-2019, 10:18 PM #21
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Some way over due photos of my Feniex 4200 Mini controllers...

First two are the front controller, last is the rear controller...
Attached Images
DIY vs spod/switchpros-img_20190611_155422397-jpg  DIY vs spod/switchpros-img_20190611_155441828-jpg  DIY vs spod/switchpros-img_20190611_155509974-jpg 
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Old 06-12-2019, 01:02 AM #22
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Take a look at the S-Tech Systems. I did a review here that may be worth a look. Custom OEM style or Rocker Switches w/ housing, Power Module, wiring, custom engine bracket, 5 year warranty for under $400. Had mine for a few months now and couldn't be happier

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Old 06-12-2019, 09:10 AM #23
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@ehcanadian

I did see your review and took a look at that product. Though the relay box they are using is the exact same part i was going to use and it costs $6 on amazon. I did consider that in my diy and it would cost about half what the stech sells for if i built it myself, and i would use the aob switches that actually fit in the oem slots.

For someone without the electrical knowledge and skills it is a good economical solution but i couldnt justify the price since I can build pretty much the exact same system with better switches for much cheaper.
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Old 06-12-2019, 02:11 PM #24
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some really good info here.
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Old 06-17-2019, 09:20 PM #25
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so while I was looking for a spod or switchpro I ended up getting a switchpro 9100 for a great deal, so that is what I will end up installing!

It just arrived and I havent installed any of the lights yet or got my roof rack in so I will wait a bit longer.

Here is what I have so far(not all installed):
s2 sport pair rear(installed)
2 pairs of s2 flush mounts for the SSO rack(not yet installed)
rear power bank for RTT power(installed but not wired)

looking to get:
dual s8 baja designs in grill light bars
hidden winch setup
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Old 06-18-2019, 11:58 AM #26
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Anand View Post
Some way over due photos of my Feniex 4200 Mini controllers...

First two are the front controller, last is the rear controller...
I considered this as an alternative to the expensive setups because of the price. Can't really beat it! Looks good!
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Old 06-18-2019, 02:00 PM #27
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I went the 6 Gang Waterwich setup from Amazon.. I paid $115 at the time.



I looked at all the options i could find, and like a few of them quite a bit, but I couldnt justify the cost (To the wife mostly). In the 1 year of ownership, I have only used my aux lights 3 times.

As I upgrade my lights, I may upgrade the switch as well.
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Old 06-18-2019, 03:55 PM #28
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I really wish the Waterwich one would come in a different color LED. That green / yellow is awful.
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Old 06-19-2019, 10:14 PM #29
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I really wish the Waterwich one would come in a different color LED. That green / yellow is awful.
I agree. I didnt want to go with most of those amazon setups because of the light color.

As far as use, I use the rearr lights every time I go camping and plan to use the sides often as well, which is why the bluetooth was important to me. I try to go camping every other weekend almost year round as long as there is no rain storms or snow in the forecast and temps are above freezing during the day.
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Old 06-20-2019, 09:09 AM #30
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Quote:
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In the 1 year of ownership, I have only used my aux lights 3 times.
Wow.... the roof/grille/ditch/fogs get used daily (I use fogs as "DRL's" also), rear lights every time I go into reverse, ground lights anytime I'm parked at night, and side scene lights at least every few days for some reason or another
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