Why are Switch Pro so expensive

I just got my 2022 Tacoma that I've been wanting for a long time and started thinking that I want to add a switch panel for all the goodies I want to install. I was thinking of going with a Switch Pro setup but man they are expensive! Just wondering why and if any of you have any suggestions?


Thanks,
New guy

 

Ive been wondering why theyre so expensive too lol

welcome to tacomaworld

 

Voswitch is great

 

Having previously owned a another brand of controller, I would account for the increased cost on two fronts. The SwitchPro is miniaturized compared to other controllers, and there is significantly more features in the SwitchPro. They are programable in terms of function and illumination. If you are looking for a simple on/off switch, there are a number of less expensive options. If you are looking for color matching, programmability, and wireless configuration a SwitchPro is your best bet.

 

$170 Auxbeam 8 Gang Switch Panel BA80, Universal Circuit Control Relay System Box with Automatic Dimmable On-Off LED Switch Pod Touch Switch Box for Car Pickup Truck Boat UTV ATV, Blue 2 Years Warranty

https://www.amazon.com/Auxbeam-Univ...38549936&sprefix=auxbeam,aps,163&sr=8-2-spons

 

They also just came out with a new one were you can control from your phone.


https://auxbeam.com/collections/switch-panels-popular-categories/products/qp008526

 

Thanks

 

No love for Spod?

 

Solid state protection, programmability, wireless control, and because they can? Idk

 

You can easily make way better for less, but your paying for popularity, ease of install, something that’s already made. With really basic programming skills you can program a variety of chips & premade boards and get way more options. I Built my own, I can control from phone, manual switches and steering wheel control buttons, it does ECT always on, cameras and gps as standard Toyota functions, and controls all accessories like switch pro through relays. Cost about $50 in hardware and is way more configurable.

 

You could probably make some money making these for people on here…

 

Someone explain the programmability part please.

 

You can set lots of different parameters.
output Dimming, Strobing, Flashing, Master-Slave functions, Memory, Auto Power-Up, Momentary, Battery/Ignition input.

For example, my light bar comes on with the high beams. If I hold the button for the light bar it dims to 50% then 10%. Double tap the button, it activates a strobe affect.
It's a light bar that pulls 6 amps, so I was able to set the amp overload to 10 amps(because it's a solid state fuse)

Light bar only operates when ignition power is on. I programmed a different switch that controls high speed usb outlets to come on at any time, even if the truck is off

There are lots of possible options, and you can program all of it to your liking.

 

Wow ok, that’s awesome. Sounds worth it to me.

 

How much does marketing and sponsorships play in the retail cost? For an example a well known Mt. Bike suspension MFG. retail price on a component was about $1K. The price for this item for a B-level pro (raced regionally with some national events but not on the world stage) was only $260.00. Now consider how much those on the world stage level get supported and paid. Those dollars have to come from some ware. Do I know how much Switch-Pro's pays out in sponsor ships? No.

 

If all you’re wanted to do it turn your lights on and off I don’t think switch pro would be worth it.

my auxbeam has been good

 

Thanks for all of the advice. I'm glad I found this sight! This truck is my daily driver but I spent the extra $ to have a vehicle I can really use to explore places a less capable vehicles can't. That being said I plan on upgrading to a Anytime Camera System, Heated Seats, on board compressor, lights etc.. so I think the Auxbeam would for me.

 

i could, I posted some into about it a few years ago. But ultimately I don’t have the time. I thought about posting all the info to allow people to make their own. But if I do, I just know someone else will start making them and selling them as a completed kit, then chances are they probably don’t fully under electronics or the programming side and create more problems, so decided against the hassle factor. There are a few examples of this already happening on Tacoma world and I really don’t want to feed that. If I could release all the info and people would actually make their own and learn, I’d absolutely support and help that. But seems the majority want a plug n play kit that they can install from watching YouTube.

 

For your anytime camera, you’d actually be better off using the switch pro (with a little electrical know how) or making your own, than the majority of kits out their. If their is a diode in the circuit you buy, or the seller offers diode as replacement items, there is a reason. They are using a diode incorrectly in their circuit and it’s prone to failure when used in this manor.

 

This has piqued my interest. I was looking into designing a custom PCB that could hang out in the engine bay that connects to a raspberry pi in the cab and only requires one cable so you don't have to route a bunch of stuff through the firewall. I lack the computer and electronic engineering skills to be able to design such a board. I've no problems making software though (am a computer scientist), nor making housings (have a 3d printer), or wiring connections.

The problem I think I see is that whatever controls the accessories should live in the engine bay (ideally) for optimal placement, reach, and use. But then it needs to be made of parts that can withstand heat (hard problem) and elements (easy problem). Then you need a controller to control the accessories. I don't think boards like adruino or the Pi can withstand consistently high temps and I'm wary of attempting to isolate them with a bunch of insulation when I can just stuff them in the cab. Plus I want them close by to route other connections and accessories like screens or switch panels.