Is this possible?

Could someone run switches for accessories (Winch, lights, inverter, ect...) to a touch screen HU?
You could have a separate screen for the switches and preferences (Preferences would be one switch controlling multiple lights).

I imagine it's possible, but would take an external control box to plug into the HU.

I know some people will say it's to much wiring or to complicated, but could it be a option for people who don't want 6 or 10 aftermarket switches in the dash or in the headliner?

 

I'd be interested as well.

 

Definitely possible. Would take a little electronics knowledge though, but probably not complicated.

The first thing that springs to my mind is to replace the stock radio with a touch screen and a "carputer" which is basically just a small computer with parts customized for vehicles behind it. Then a USB interface from the switching to the computer. It would take a little custom software to use it, but doable.

The USB interface would just have opto-isolated switches (opto-isolator and triacs). Probably just run a small AVR/PIC to flip them on and off. I would be almost willing to bet that such a beast probably already exists, at very least as an Arduino shield. opto-isolator/triac combo is my favorite way to interface external devices instead of big clunky expensive relays. Triacs are cheap (50 cents or so) and can handle crazy voltages/amperage.

Basically, completely doable, but it will take a bit of work.

 

Thank you Mike for the info, I didn't even think of a USB option for controls.

I'm gonna check around the street car forums as I'm sure they would have done this if it's possible.
And I'm gonna look at the definitions of the acronyms you used.

 

Something like this connected to the HU, and the output from the USB relay going to a standard relay setup?
http://numato.com/16-channel-usb-relay-module

 

Spod has a system that uses a phone or I pad. Still need switches but you can hide them.

 

Sounds cool, The problem I'd have is mounting the iPad in the dash.

 

It works via bluetooth , you don't have to hard mount the iphone or ipad

 

yeah, but then you kinda defeat the whole "integrated" idea.

 

Gives you the option of switching stuff on / off while outside the cab

 

True, but that's a feature I'd rarely, if ever, use. Winch has controls on it or has a remote, bed light can be run in cab and in the bed.

 

It's the exact same thing your talking about with MORE options than you need and it's put out by a reputable vendor who has top notch engineering.

Problem solved in my book.

 

But, for what I want I'd have to integrate an iPad into the dash, and I've never done anything like that before.


Bump for more ideas.

 

Ha! I just started a similar thread the other day

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/audio-video/334703-raspberry-pi-arduino-taco.html

 

Good luck programming Apple's shitty API's to do this. You'd have better luck, an easier time, and more success if you did this on Android or any Linux box/tablet.

I've installed tons of car computers. Everything the OP wants to do is possible, but will be a huge pain in the ass unless you know how to write code.

 

You just download the SPod control app

sPOD by Star Technologies
https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/spod/id715062852?mt=8

 

They would rather write code and redesign the wheel

 

I just want one device (either an iPad in the dash, or a HU modified to work) to control my music ad any switches I want to put on them.

 

you won't find a commercial head unit that you can modify to do this. It would be a carputer or something not designed for the car (ie ipad, iphone, android, arduino). Unfortunately car audio has yet to fully embrace features and functions. I know people were rooting the Kennwood dnn990 since it is run on android, haven't heard anything about the 991 yet though.