Which switch?

Im adding some underdash and rear underseat lighting and im trying to get them to come on with the dome lights. I assume i can solder the assembly to the door light wire but the problem is i want to be able to also turn them on with a switch even when the dome lights are out (like when im driving) and i know that means i would have to also have to add a constant 12 volts.

Like this: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2048134&postcount=47

But i also want to have 2 colors so i need a switch like this [on] [off] [on]

So my question: is there a switch at like radioshack or online that is a rocker switch (or similar) that would let me accomplish all this with one switch?

 

[fixxxer]

What you need to look for at Radio Shack or any other store that carries a DPDT (double pole, double throw) switch, you may be able to find a lighted switch if you want that. Current needs and ratings need to be taken into consideration as well.

 

[desitdt]

Like this? :http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062521

But im looking for the design of this: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3118987

 

[fixxxer]

With credit to MustangP51:

With a DPDT switch with an "Off" position in the middle (double pole, triple throw?), you basically have two switches in one package, just mirror MustangP51's diagram with another set of lights wired.
http://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?TID=103683&KW=switches

 

[fixxxer]

You would have to use two of those switches but they look nice, pretty low profile, you could easily make a bracket to mount them just about anywhere, including down at the base of your console or under the dash or seat.

 

[desitdt]

why does it have to be DPDT?

 

[desitdt]

basicly what im trying to do is have it on when the doors open, off when there closed; on with a switch and be able to dim them with the factory dimmer; and be able to choose 2 different colors. Am i able to achieve this witch one switch?

Here is what im trying to accomplish. i would like to only have one but i realize that it may not be possible as i cant think of a way:

 

[desitdt]

bump

 

[fixxxer]

The double pole, double throw (DPDT) would be the switch you would need if you want to use only one switch. Double pole = two isolated sets of contacts in one package. Double throw = two "on" positions
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switch

 

[desitdt]

so how would i wire it up?

 

[desitdt]

im about to go to radioshack and i still dont know exactly what switch i need. Basicly a regular DPDT switch isnt going to do me any good? i need a DPDT switch with on-off-on right?

 

[fixxxer]

If you want to be able to independently turn the lights off or on, regardless of the dome light operation you will need a switch that can handle two different on positions as well as an off position, so a DPDT with a center off is the best way to go if you only want one switch to handle your axillary lighting.

 

[fixxxer]

If you are going to use a relay like you have in your schematic, you can use a single pole, double throw switch but you still need the center off type or one set of your lights will always be on. You will need to connect your 12v that you want switched to the common terminal and the trigger leads for the relays connected to the normally open leads of the relay. One set of lights to each of the NO (normally open) contact points of the relay. In position 'A' the 1st set of lights come on, the center position is all aux. lights off and position 'B' is the other set of lights on.

 

[fixxxer]

Here is a diagram I found on the web that should help out with your project, more info at:
http://www.tr6web.com/Documents/tr6/auxlightsPIC.html
Just replace the fog lights they have as the load with the two sets of under-seat lights that you have. Your wires will have different colors, but this should get you going in the correct direction.

 

[desitdt]

well basicly i have 4 sets (actualy 8 if you count 2 on each side) because i have 2 colors on each board. Im actually at radioshack on their computer and i need to know what diodes and relay i need.

 

[desitdt]

which one of these diodes should i get:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2036268
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2049728

and idk what relay

 

[fixxxer]

Go for the 3amp diodes, not the 1amp and get two 40 amp/12v relayshttp://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3020762

 

[desitdt]

all they have is one 40amp and one 30 amp

 

[desitdt]

Here is a diagram I found on the web that should help out with your project, more info at:
http://www.tr6web.com/Documents/tr6/auxlightsPIC.html
Just replace the fog lights they have as the load with the two sets of under-seat lights that you have. Your wires will have different colors, but this should get you going in the correct direction.

This would let me switch between blue and white on both the front and back?

 

[desitdt]

also how would i wire up a pushbutton to turn lights in my center console on?