Got a chance to install one of my Christmas gifts this weekend. The old one is available if anyone is interested.
FYI- Found a way to light the Smart Wheel buttons, without replacing the steering column. Details will be posted when the project is complete.
Bob
Nice !!! 8) I wonder if that would fit on an older Foretravel? say 1994 U300 Did you get it from the factory or supplier? Aprox. cost?
The new wheel was approx $290 directly from VIP. I'm not sure what you have. Maybe someone on the forum will let you know.
Bob
Would love this upgrade.
More information please! Did you do the install yourself? We have a '98 U320. Is VIP a on-line supply company?
VIP= Vehicle Improvement Products
Bill & Jan,
Contact VIP and tell them what you have. I'm fairly certain that you would be able to upgrade, but doubtful that you have the correct steering column to illuminate the Smart Wheel Buttons. I included a picture of the original steering wheel. Yes, I did the install myself.
Bob
I do not think a 94 u300 has the same column with steering wheel buttons. 97 and 98 had the non light up button steering wheel. 99 had the powered column to furnish the light up buttons and the rearranged buttons with a clear protector over the buttins
They may have changed to the newer style steering wheel and column some time in 99' but ours (1999 U270, build number 5402) had the older style smart wheel and the SM203 IPX master wiper control (controls cruise control, wipers, flash). I know that Dave Katsuki who has a 99' U270 and is build number 5484 is likewise equipped. We have both changed to the newer style VIP Smartwheel PC217L. As far as I know, there is no way to have backlit buttons on our wheels. Would love to find out otherwise! Even without the backlight, the VIP Smartwheel PC217L is one of the best upgrades for the buck as far as driving pleasure.
Don
This is the steering wheel on my '99 but it doesn't light up.
Wish it did as the braille system is a pain at night.
Have the same upgrade on our 97. I too wish it lit up.
Chris
Looks exactly like my 2000 model.
Trent
Does yours light up?
No
Like others for the last few years I have been wishing it lit up. Slowly memorizing the buttons location.
I am in the final stages of completing my lighted steering wheel conversion. I will be powering my wheel with an Admiral 1000mAh 3S 11.1V 30C LiPo Battery with JST Connector. It tucks under the wheel out of sight. Admiral 1000mAh 3S 11.1V 30C LiPo Battery w/ JST EPR10003J – Motion RC (https://www.motionrc.com/collections/lipo-batteries/products/admiral-1000mah-3s-11-1v-30c-lipo-battery-w-jst) For those who are interested in doing the same, there are several potential ways to accomplish it. The first step is to remove at least one of the button panels. Remove four screws and disconnect the plug. The button cover will peel off the housing, exposing the PC board. Inspect the board for two led's. If you are not sure what you are looking at, post a picture and I will let you know what I see. You may not have the led's.
I was told by VIP engineering that in the past, they sent out conversion wheels with lighting based on whether or not the model coach had the provision for powering the led's. They now send out all wheels with lighting to avoid extra inventory.
To be continued
Bob
Yep, I checked into getting backlights working on our conversion, and found I would have to change the steering column, so abandoned that idea. Luckily we seldom drive at night, so not much of a problem, but I would love to find a way...
Are you charging the battery from the control lines? What turns it on/off?
Dave,
The battery pack is removable for charging. SkyRC e3 11W 3 Cell (3S) Compact AC LiPo Battery Charger – Motion RC (https://www.motionrc.com/collections/battery-chargers/products/skyrc-e3-1-2-amp-3-cell-3s-compact-ac-lipo-battery-charger#description-tab) It tucks up under the steering wheel. The lights will be started with a momentary push button switch.
I am hoping to wrap things up this week and will post pics of the completed project.
Did you check to see if the led's are there?
Bob, I just took one of the panels off S Wheel and I have room for 2 lights I guess as there are contacts there at the 2 spaces between buttons. I looked at the rubber panel into light and sure enough I can see the lines of the wiper function buttons, and by putting a flashlite behind the panel it all lites up. Perfect, so were do I get the "bulbs"?? you have already posted the battery pack so just need hooking up info.
Thanks
JohnH
Craneman, yours is the same as mine and to me looks like you can do it too. Take one of the side panels off as Bob mentions and remove silicone cover and put a flashlite behind it.
JohnH
Thanks John I will check it out.
John,
Are you sure that the led's are not there? They are very small. There are other options but utilizing what's there is the easiest. Can you take a picture of the PC board.
Bob
Bob, took it out again to take picture.
Does not look like any there to me.
JohnH
I won't bother taking mine apart as yours is newer than mine.
John,
Looks like you got your wheel before they standardized on the lighted button circuit boards. The new boards come with two
3 VDC led's in series and a resistor on - side. This arrangement is necessary to operate on a 12 VDC system. My conversion utilized the provided led's by cutting the necessary harness wires and tying them to a timer/relay which is initiated with a momentary push button. When I am complete I will program the timer for a two-hour interval. If the need arises after that, tap the button and off you go for another two hours. The timer is in the circuit to make sure is secured after the sun comes up, as it would be very easy to overlook. Lipo's should never be discharged below 80% of capacity.
If it were me I would check with VIP and see how much replacement boards are. I have micro led's that I intended on using until I found they were already there. They are difficult but not impossible to work with. You would also have to provide resistors at each location.
John the 2 openings in the piece in your picture should have 2 bulbs in them They look like T5 1/4 turn sockets which would use a 194 style bulb.
Stump, the problem I see by using those connectors plus a bulb is that they would be way too high as there is only about 1/4" clearance between the circuit board and silicone cover. Plus that type of bulb would get hot. Now I know what It looks like inside these controls I will re-address it all later this year as I have a miriad of things way more important to build etc once we get home from Mexico. I am also seriously considering having a glass dash installed like Bob has as I think they are "neat".
Lots of time for fun stuff later on.
JohnH