Putting switch with LED on DEI 508D

[SunsetOrange98Camaro]

I aked this question on LS1.com but havent gotten a response yet.
I received my DEI 508D the other day and I plan on hooking it up sometime soon, hopefully. My intention, instead of always having it on, is to put a switch on it so when Im at school or in town I can turn the proximity sensor off. I would like to put a switch and an LED in my ashtray so that when the LED is on the proximity sensor is active. I guess I could put the switch on the 12V wire of the DEI unit I just dont know how to wire the LED. Would a relay be involved in this?? I dont know a lot about relays if one is needed. Any help would be great. Thanks!!

[SunsetOrange98Camaro]

Anyone??

[Skinny]

If you use an LED, you'll need a resistor in line with the power source or that 12V will break it. Most LEDs are rated far less (1-3V). A 440ohm resistor should do. However I would suggest using either an illuminated switch rated at 12V, or a lamp. I use a part marked as a "12V Lamp Assembly" at Radio Shack for all my switches. The part number for the red ones is 272-345. There are also green, yellow, and blue ones in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Now, how to wire it. I'm not sure how you're set up here (or even what the device is) but here are somme generic instructions.
A switch in a car typically either supplies +12V or a ground (-). If you're supplying +12V, then you can ground one end of the light (or LED) and splice the other end with the line going from your switch to the unit you're turning on. If you're using an LED, make sure you put a resistor (probably 440ohm) in line here. That way, when your flip the switch, power goes to that line, and the other end of the lamp (or LED) already has a ground, so it will turn on. On the other hand, if your switch is supplying a ground, then connect one end of the light to a +12V power source (ALWAYS MAKE SURE YOUR POWER SOURCE IS FUSED!!) and the other end to the wire that's going from your switch to the unit you're turning on. In this case, the LED or lamp already has the +12V power source, and the switch will provide the ground, which will turn it on.

If you need any more help let me know. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[ May 04, 2002: Message edited by: 96BeastV6 ]</p>

[SunsetOrange98Camaro]

Thanks alot 96BeastV6!! I didnt realize it would be that easy. To clarify what Im doing - I got in on a group purchase on LS1.com for the DEI 508D proximity sensor (motion sensor). You add this to your factory GM alarm and it will give a warning beep when someone is too close to the car or go full blast when they get closer. I didnt want this sensor to be on at all times so I wanted a switch with a light on it so that I can turn it on or off. Thanks again for the help!!

[Skinny]

No problem, glad to help. Let us know how it works out, and take pitcures if you can.


[img]graemlins/burnout.gif[/img]

[ May 04, 2002: Message edited by: 96BeastV6 ]</p>