Garmin Power Switch?

Any one have any experience with one of these? Looks kind of interesting and I think Garmin is good with their products one downside maybe is its controlled from your phone. Actually after looking a bit more looks like it can be controlled from a GPS.


Garmin PowerSwitch™ | Compact Digital Switch Box

 

I am going to be installing one. Did you end up going for it?

 

No I didn’t other priorities came up. Post a review once you get it installed I’m interested.

 

I ordered one today...

 

So far so good, I'm happy with this system. My biggest concern was that there would be inconsistencies with my phone failing to automatically re-connect with the device and/or for there to be a constant need to 'search' for the device when launching the app. No problems of either kind.

I still need to hookup the two trigger wires to the engine bay fuse box of my Gen3 Tacoma. I'm going to use INJ as an Ignition tap and Tail lights or Low Beams tap. Ignition to toggle radio gear on/off with ignition (but still able to force it on with the truck off) The other tap for triggering running lights on my Baja Designs S8 light bar.

So, pros/cons vs a Switch-Pro 9100. 6 Switches at 30 amp (100amp total max current) vs 4 20amp and 4 35amp. 2 trigger signals vs 3. For me, another pro of the Garmin was no need to run a control head cable through the firewall (small benefit) The best benefit was not needing to find a place to mount the control head. My phone will always be in easy reach via my RAM mount.

 

Talon Sei (You-Tuber) is building a Tacoma and had one installed in a recent video. Not much info on it, other than it is bluetooth controlled from phone or GPS. He was using a Garmin Overlander GPS. No wires through the firewall sounded nice, but my switch pro install only has one cable through the firewall, and it seems much more convenient to hit a switch vs unlocking the phone and digging though apps and menus. And the switchpro has bluetooth as well for the few times I may want to use my phone up inside the tent.

 

I've been watching much of his stuff for a long time. It was actually his video that led me to know it even existed. I didn't even know it existed before that. I also have/use a Garmin inReach and a 830 Edge bike computer. I saw they had a booth at Overland Expo West, but never went in... There is very little information out there about it.

 

I am just getting to installing mine. Did you still fuse each individual output?

 

Strictly speaking, I don't think its necessary, but I do fuse all positive lines near the source of power (even connected to this switch)

 

Since it's an app, do they provide CarPlay support? That would be pretty slick, especially for people who have upgraded to wireless CarPlay.

 

I didn't even think to look - I am a regular Carplay user. I'll try to remember to look.

 

Installed mine this past weekend. Ended up mounting it on the rear of the Rago Arb compressor mount. I am just getting my exterior lights connected to it and the trigger for the air compressor.

First impressions are very positive. I have a Garmin Overland GPS in my truck, and it has native support, so I like that I consolidate screens. Works well on my phone as well.

All of my wire I am using can support more than 30 AMPs, so I did not fuse the outputs. But as of now there is not a way to limit the current draw in the configuration of the switch per output like a switch pros. It seems like something that could be added to firmware, as it does enforce a 30 AMP limit now. Let’s hope.

the only con I see is that it’s not instant like a physical hardwire switch. There is an ever so small delay. Also if you have hopes of walking super far away and using it, that doesn’t work great either. It works best when you are cab distance away (~5-8 ft). If you didn’t mount it under the big metal hood I am sure the range would be further.

 

Nope, no carplay support.

Mine is also mounted behind my compressor on the ARB mount from Rago. In the spot they designed for the SwitchPro

 

When you say no carplay support, do you mean that there's no direct interface on the head unit through carplay? Or do you mean that you can't run carplay while using your phone to operate the powerswitch? I refuse to lose my carplay just to turn on a light bar.

Thanks!

 

They mean the former; there’s no app display supported in CarPlay in the head unit, like mapping apps. Otherwise functions well in iOS and Android, supports screen rotation, and has fairly robust functionality otherwise.

 

My install.

 

Anyone know if this or the Switch Pro can emulate a three way switch? Looking for something that will work with the Diode Dynamics backlight option. Thanks!

 

I don't have Diode Dynamics, but for my BD s8 with backlight I used another switch location. I then programed that switch to turn on with my headlights.

 

How did you wire this? Did you use the control terminals?