Smart wheel background lights

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Smart wheel background lights

November 07, 2020, 07:23:40 pm

In a attempt to not take over " Smart Steering Wheel replacement" my 2001 U 320 Smartwheel doesn't have working background lights. I now understand that this was available since 1999. Thank you Chris. I almost think they may have worked back in early July but they do not now and after my Las Vegas , North Carolina, Las Vegas trip last month they really do need them to work if possible. I,ll look to see if there is wiring diagrams in my stuff or online. Any insight is welcome.
Thanks Scott

Re: Smart wheel background lights

Reply #1 – November 07, 2020, 07:31:34 pm

For accurate information regarding updating, I recommend contacting the mfg. with the model number of the smart wheel and the model number of the smart wheel controller in your rv. That is what I did with mine when I updated it to the newer design, and unlit. For a lighted wheel it is not just the wheel replacement or the smart wheel controller. The steering column itself is different to carry the current. Or use google, or the search on this forum (vipwheels) and/or other forums.

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RV Tech Library - Smart Wheel

Re: Smart wheel background lights

Reply #2 – November 07, 2020, 07:46:39 pm

Jack my coach is a 2001 so I'm hoping I only need to repair what I have .. too cheap to replace for lights. Lol
Scott

Re: Smart wheel background lights

Reply #3 – November 07, 2020, 08:32:00 pm

Scott, My 2001 smart wheel does not light up either. Wonder if it was supposted too?

Re: Smart wheel background lights

Reply #4 – November 07, 2020, 09:09:52 pm

I'm hoping so so we can fix it and mine

Re: Smart wheel background lights

Reply #5 – November 07, 2020, 10:31:00 pm

Rudy and dsd, For accurate information regarding finding out, I recommend contacting the mfg. with the model number of the smart wheel and the model number of the smart wheel controller in your rv. Then you'll need to know which type steering column you have.

RV Tech Library - Smart Wheel

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Re: Smart wheel background lights

Reply #6 – November 07, 2020, 10:56:34 pm

So in searching what diagrams I have I think mine is not equipped with background lighting, however I will contact them for final confirmation. Really would be nice
Scott

Re: Smart wheel background lights

Reply #7 – November 07, 2020, 11:22:12 pm

STEERING WHEEL:
Prior to February 2001, most SmartWheels connected to the Master Control via a dual slip-ring assembly in the steering column. Steering Wheel item numbers PC209x utilize two wires for this purpose. The yellow wire is the multiplex Signal wire and the brown wire is the multiplex Ground wire. The controls on these wheels are not backlit.
Since February 2001 steering columns equipped with clock-springs have been widely used in motor homes. The clock-spring is a device in the steering column that allows continuous electrical connections through the rotation of the column without sliding contacts. The availability of the clock-spring has allowed the transmission of sufficient power through the column to backlight the steering wheel controls. Steering Wheel item numbers PC210x and PC217x utilize four wires for this purpose. These controls on these wheels are backlit.

Re: Smart wheel background lights

Reply #8 – November 08, 2020, 04:55:47 pm

So my coach had a final inspection in September 2000. February 2001 starting date, not taking into consideration installation of old stock during build. Without going any father I'm confident it does not have the background light. I will look into probably a overhead dimmable low power led spotlight aimed at the center of the steering wheel that is out of view to the drivers eyes while driving. I've done similar in different applications with good results. Must be out of view and add "ZERO" background light to the drivers area and windshield. I at this time am unable to justify a coach buck for this, but may feel different in the future. Under 20$ for a led is sounding more practical.
Scott

Re: Smart wheel background lights

Reply #9 – November 08, 2020, 06:32:22 pm

If you went with red led that would work. I have many hours in aircraft with red lights guiding me. Also time with green crts.
As you said better price then new wheel
Mark

Re: Smart wheel background lights

Reply #10 – November 08, 2020, 07:06:28 pm

Quote from: dsd – November 08, 2020, 04:55:47 pm

So my coach had a final inspection in September 2000. February 2001 starting date, not taking into consideration installation of old stock during build. Without going any father I'm confident it does not have the background light. I will look into probably a overhead dimmable low power led spotlight aimed at the center of the steering wheel that is out of view to the drivers eyes while driving. I've done similar in different applications with good results. Must be out of view and add "ZERO" background light to the drivers area and windshield. I at this time am unable to justify a coach buck for this, but may feel different in the future. Under 20$ for a led is sounding more practical.
Scott

Scott, there is a post where someone used the map light socket and put a flex light that could be positioned to just illuminate the center of the wheel. I can't find my solution which is a double flexible booklight that I Velcro mounted to the top of the steering column and can be mounted at night and removed during the day.

Re: Smart wheel background lights

Reply #11 – November 08, 2020, 07:17:10 pm

I did something like that, a red (chart) map light on a flexible arm mounted to the bottom of the driver's side overhead cabinet. When it is on the red light shines down on the steering wheel to help see the buttons. After 10 years I sort of remember which button is which anyway

LED, red or white.

Re: Smart wheel background lights

Reply #12 – November 08, 2020, 07:29:45 pm

Been around airplanes since 1979 when I got my A&P. Yes familiar with red Cockpit lighting. Another thought I had forgot about is the brail method of dots of epoxy on the resume button. Will address after the current mess I got myself in. Aqua hot and wax valve.
Scott

Re: Smart wheel background lights

Reply #13 – November 08, 2020, 08:48:02 pm

The previous owner of my coach wired in small LED bulbs inside the steering wheel. They are powered by a small plastic battery box that is velcroed under the steering wheel. When we first got the coach I had no idea what the box and switch was for because when I flipped the little switch, nothing happened.
When speaking with the PO, I finally remembered to ask about the box. Once he explained to me what it was and how he did it, I opened up the box and sure enough, there were 4 AA batteries (dead of course), put in new batteries, waited for darkness, and sure enough, all the buttons light up pretty good.
When I was at NMS, they had the wheel cover off and I looked at the wires. I could see them go under the buttons, but not sure from there what was done.

Re: Smart wheel background lights

Reply #14 – November 08, 2020, 09:15:39 pm

When I ordered my VIP Smartwheel, they sent it with the wrong button pod on the right side (wipers etc.). They sent me the correct switch pod and didn't want the other one back, so naturally I kept it. I have had a project in mind ever since. Here are a few pictures to illustrate my idea... maybe someone else will get to it before I do, but here it is. The switch pod in the picture shows the familiar flash icon, but the lower four images are something unrelated to our coaches. I suspect they depict a 3-stage engine brake of some kind. Anyway, that is not relevant to my post. Here are pictures of the unlit switch side, lit from behind with a flash light, and the back side where the connector is. Note the two round holes in the back. I surmise that these are recesses for lamps which would illuminate the switch from behind. Note that the white icons on the lit picture show buttons up nicely and so I believe the switch pods are the same for the unlit wheels as for the backlit wheels. I think the VIP wheel for our coach is a PC215 and there are no lamps in the wheel itself, but I am guessing that the later models in the series do. Anyway, what I proposed to do is see if I can find four miniature LED bulbs that I can place in the cavity below the switch to shine up through the holes and power it with a rechargeable LION battery mounted on the underside of the spokes. I haven't investigated the idea beyond shining a light up through the switch to see how that looks, but I am encouraged with the result of my little test... maybe it gives someone else another approach to a nice little upgrade.
Don

Quote from: dsd – November 07, 2020, 11:22:12 pm

STEERING WHEEL:
Prior to February 2001, most SmartWheels connected to the Master Control via a dual slip-ring assembly in the steering column. Steering Wheel item numbers PC209x utilize two wires for this purpose. The yellow wire is the multiplex Signal wire and the brown wire is the multiplex Ground wire. The controls on these wheels are not backlit.
Since February 2001 steering columns equipped with clock-springs have been widely used in motor homes. The clock-spring is a device in the steering column that allows continuous electrical connections through the rotation of the column without sliding contacts. The availability of the clock-spring has allowed the transmission of sufficient power through the column to backlight the steering wheel controls. Steering Wheel item numbers PC210x and PC217x utilize four wires for this purpose. These controls on these wheels are backlit.

Re: Smart wheel background lights

Reply #15 – November 08, 2020, 09:18:38 pm

While I was typing my reply, Mark posts this! LOL! nothing new under the sun...
Don

Quote from: MarkC – November 08, 2020, 08:48:02 pm

The previous owner of my coach wired in small LED bulbs inside the steering wheel. They are powered by a small plastic battery box that is velcroed under the steering wheel. When we first got the coach I had no idea what the box and switch was for because when I flipped the little switch, nothing happened.
When speaking with the PO, I finally remembered to ask about the box. Once he explained to me what it was and how he did it, I opened up the box and sure enough, there were 4 AA batteries (dead of course), put in new batteries, waited for darkness, and sure enough, all the buttons light up pretty good.
When I was at NMS, they had the wheel cover off and I looked at the wires. I could see them go under the buttons, but not sure from there what was done.

Re: Smart wheel background lights

Reply #16 – November 08, 2020, 09:38:17 pm

Don, you are correct. My assumption is the our PO put some little LED's in the cavity and they are just wired to the battery pack. I wish now that when NMS had my wheel cover off, I would've pulled the switch pod just to see how he did it. It does seem fairly basic though.

Scott, this might be easier than adding another overhead light.

Re: Smart wheel background lights

Reply #17 – November 08, 2020, 11:18:26 pm

Old posting, that was never completed. I remember reading about the battery deal. Had a 2 hr timer:

Unfortunately the post was never completed, so we don't know the out come. Wish people would post the resolve

New Steering Wheel

Re: Smart wheel background lights

Reply #18 – November 09, 2020, 12:30:56 am

Simple nice idea. So nice hanging out with smart people!
Scott

Re: Smart wheel background lights

Reply #19 – November 09, 2020, 08:38:36 am

Some nice ideas floating around here. But how do you remove the cover on the steering wheel to access the back side? Does it pull off or are there screws underneath?
The white lettering and outlines on mine are worn pretty badly so I've been thinking of using a white paint pen to re-outline it.

Re: Smart wheel background lights

Reply #20 – November 09, 2020, 11:17:38 am

Quote from: folivier – November 09, 2020, 08:38:36 am

Some nice ideas floating around here. But how do you remove the cover on the steering wheel to access the back side? Does it pull off or are there screws underneath?
The white lettering and outlines on mine are worn pretty badly so I've been thinking of using a white paint pen to re-outline it.

I am going to mess with mine. Unless someone else has that info, will post what I find.

I have some small LED's, small batter pack seems simple. I don't drive much at night, and the cruise is no big deal, but man the wipers are difficult. I have bad eye's to boot.

This could be fun!

Chris

Re: Smart wheel background lights

Reply #21 – November 09, 2020, 11:40:56 am

There are four small screws you can remove from underneath. Once the switch pod is out, the rubber like cover just peels off. The picture below is of the one that came with my PC217L by mistake. Since this switch came with the LED's, I assume that the ones now on the coach did too. I bought Smartwheel in about 2015 and I think the backlit models started around 2002. I popped the cover to have a look and the LED's are clearly visible.
Don

Quote from: folivier – November 09, 2020, 08:38:36 am

Some nice ideas floating around here. But how do you remove the cover on the steering wheel to access the back side? Does it pull off or are there screws underneath?
The white lettering and outlines on mine are worn pretty badly so I've been thinking of using a white paint pen to re-outline it.

Re: Smart wheel background lights

Reply #22 – November 09, 2020, 11:43:07 am

Day 203 without measurable rain, but I agree Thanks for looking into it. Back to Aquahot
Scott

Re: Smart wheel background lights

Reply #23 – November 09, 2020, 12:32:09 pm

Don so the switch pod comes out from the back side?
My buttons are kinda hard to push so might need cleaning out.

Re: Smart wheel background lights

Reply #24 – November 09, 2020, 01:29:44 pm

It screws in from the back and comes out from the top, as I recall...
Don

Quote from: folivier – November 09, 2020, 12:32:09 pm

Don so the switch pod comes out from the back side?
My buttons are kinda hard to push so might need cleaning out.

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