DIY sPod system. Has anyone built one?

Topo.Ranger

Adventurer
I have been looking at getting an sPod system for the Jeep and I just started to realize that six switches wont be enough. I have found some videos on Youtube to build a 5 relay DIY sPod and on other forums to build a 10 relay. I was just curious if anyone has built one for their Jeep.

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/stereo-electronics-electrical/157834-spod-ha.html

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rfrm-bussman-fuse-box-relays-spod-ha.334877/

YouTube Video
Part 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gylXb1XwGZM
Part 2:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i54sHJJZgRY
Part 3:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSvaVNWmin0
 

onetraveller

Adventurer
Yeah I have seen those videos. But Im trying to figure out the wiring for the 10 relay box. I would assume its close to the same as the 5 relay box.

The wiring should be the same, just more of it. More importantly, you will need to calc your load requirements for the main power line coming into the box so it can be sized properly. You could also do 2 boxes, maybe one front and one rear mounted or some other breakdown by usage.

Mike
 

Topo.Ranger

Adventurer
The wiring should be the same, just more of it. More importantly, you will need to calc your load requirements for the main power line coming into the box so it can be sized properly. You could also do 2 boxes, maybe one front and one rear mounted or some other breakdown by usage.

Mike

yeah I was going to use two of the Bussmann 15401-2-0-1-0A RFRM Panels with 10 micro relays and a combination of 40 mini fuses or circuit breakers on each. But i might be over thinking or maybe not even thinking at all but on this forum im a bit confused on the plugs underneath.

on post 42 of 209 i am having trouble following where the 5 pin plugs go to.

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/stereo-electronics-electrical/157834-spod-ha-5.html
 

HAFICON

Adventurer
I did build one.. I came out ok.. But my wife ended up buying me the system for Christmas last year... But SPOD will sell you just the switch/gauge pod for less than $100 bucks.

The pod I with the help of a friend built.




This was the unfinished version that we scraped. The idea was to have the POD integrated with overhead storage unit and CB mount.






It was a great idea and I still kinda want it but maybe oneday I will get back around to it. The SPOD is a lot of $$$$ but man is it worth the money.. If I do redesign the overhead console it will be compatible with the SPOD unit.

I dont have a good picture of it mounted but this is what it looked like... Never did box in the CB but it was alright..
 
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SportsmanJake

Adventurer
When you build your own (like in the tutorial above) you actually learn about the design and what wires do what. If you modify your vehicle, you better know how it works in case you run into problems.

I guess the SPOD would be nice for someone who does not have any extra time to build one.
 

Happy Joe

Apprentice Geezer
Another option to a switch pod depending on how addicted to projects/therapy/switches you are (no criticism intended); I find that an extra, OEM/stock headlight switch can often be integrated nearly invisibly into the dash although this is vehicle/dash layout dependent (I favor stealth switches when they are necessary).
an extra headlight switch can switch, with relays;
fogs, via the parking light terminal.
aux lights (2 sets, or one set and rock lights, if you also use an old style, foot operated, under the carpet bright dim switch), via the headlight terminal.
and the ARB compressor (need to change the wiring to switch on the ground side), via the interior light terminal.
Wire the auxiliary reverse flood via a relay that needs both the reverse switch and the Aux lights switch to be engaged).
The only toggle/non OEM switch on my vehicle is a hidden one (keeps busy, "whats this do?" fingers from activating it) to run the winch from inside the cab.
..just providing a possible option...
Enjoy!
 

G.O.A.T

New member
I've only used the ENGO winch in one situation so I can't really comment on long term quality. Did a hidden winch install in the factory bumper. It seems to be great for the price and it saved my butt in that one situation big time!
 
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HAFICON

Adventurer
Having built my own. Wired it up I used a Pre-Built relay box for it. Soldered everything, heatshrink, realy getting anial pick with the wiring look. It was nice but like I said the wife bought me the SPOD and to do it all over again I would have bought the SPOD to start with. I am an engineer by trade I love building stuff and solving problems so I understand where building your own might make sense. It gives you a feeling of accomplishment and even if it cost the same in the end. You can say I built that. The nice thing about the SPOD is simplicity, it is super clean, also had add ons where you can operate you SPOD remotely from your phone. The low voltage detection is nice but that can be easily wired into a DIY system. I actually disabled the low voltage on mine because it kills power to the SPOD at start up.

The SPOD switch pod is $89 bucks so you could grab it and do all the wiring yourself, and have the nice interior look. I have the A-Pillar pod it is nice but only allows 4 switches and no gauge. If you are able to build your own I say go for it, you might have the next big thing at your finger tips. If you so choose to do your own system here are a few useful links for components.

Air manifolds, solenoids and all kinda of cool stuff.
http://www.pneumadyne.com/index.php

Hard to find electrical components.
http://www.texasindustrialelectric.com/home.asp

Wiring solutions:
http://www.wireandcabletogo.com/Tray-Cable-THHN-PVC/

And I am sure you have seen this place before.. SWITCHES
http://www.otrattw.com/

have fun.
 

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