Universal Paddle Shifter options (electrical signals)

[Psimpson7]

Bit of a background info first...

I have converted a Defender 90 to run a Gen4 LS with the corresponding 6l80e.

That all works perfectly with a Lokar shifter with which I currently have set up as P-R-N-D-D2 where D2 allows the use of a toggle switch to use the tap up down functionality, in effect manually select and hold any chosen gear.

This works fine however the switch is a bit annoying. Initially I didn't want to use paddles as I thought it was a bit overkill in a Defender (Which inside still looks pretty original) but I think I may try and set something up.

Has anyone used this paddle shifter or have any other suggestions?

https://jhpusa.com/products/works-bell-paddle-shif...

I am slightly tempted to try and make something with the help of a mate who has some machines (and has already made me quite a few parts for the conversion) but sometimes if a good off the shelf option was available it may just be easier to buy something.

That one linked above will work with Momo steering wheels so I could use the relevant momo boss, then the paddles then a momo wheel.

Anyone done anything similar? I think I only need the paddle set with microswitches and a slip ring set up. quite a few of the kits I can find online are much more involved

Thanks
Pete

[Penelope Stoppedit]

If you do decide to make something for the switching you could use an Airbag Ring Clockspring to get the required wiring to the steering wheel switches of your choice rather than suffer the making or sourcing of a slip-ring and brushes set-up

[Steve_D]

Paddles make for a very quick shift which I feel will be an overkill on the defender.
Momo and others make wheels (or a conversion) with buttons on or around the spokes which I would think will work fine.
Also there are a number of sources for small transmitters that fit in the hub and pass data to a receiver in the dash. They can be bought to support a number of channels.

Steve

[Psimpson7]

Steve_D said:

Paddles make for a very quick shift which I feel will be an overkill on the defender.
Momo and others make wheels (or a conversion) with buttons on or around the spokes which I would think will work fine.
Also there are a number of sources for small transmitters that fit in the hub and pass data to a receiver in the dash. They can be bought to support a number of channels.

Steve

Thanks Steve, I just had a quick look at those wheels and they could be an option (If I can find one that isn't too garish) but if I have to go to the trouble of either wiring or setting up transmitters/receivers I think I would prefer paddles

With regard to the shift speed I cant see why it would be any different to the toggle switch I currently have, or if it was running paddles/buttons as they all would send the signals the same way via the tapup/down module?

[Psimpson7]

Penelope Stoppedit said:

If you do decide to make something for the switching you could use an Airbag Ring Clockspring to get the required wiring to the steering wheel switches of your choice rather than suffer the making or sourcing of a slip-ring and brushes set-up

Will have a look at clocksprings. This is the slip ring I was looking at so far:

https://www.sparkfun.com/products/13063

[stevieturbo]

Have you looked into whether your current shift stick/control is a regular bunch of analogue signals....or CAN ?

If the latter, then you're idea of changing the switches might come to an abrupt halt.

And actual shifting is fully controlled by your ecu, not really the buttons your hands touch. Any tuning to alter shifts will be done there.

[Steve_D]

Psimpson7 said:

.........With regard to the shift speed I cant see why it would be any different to the toggle switch I currently have, or if it was running paddles/buttons as they all would send the signals the same way via the tapup/down module?

I was not referring to signal speed I mean paddles come easier to hand than trying to 'find' a button or toggle switch.

Steve

[Psimpson7]

stevieturbo said:

Have you looked into whether your current shift stick/control is a regular bunch of analogue signals....or CAN ?

If the latter, then you're idea of changing the switches might come to an abrupt halt.

And actual shifting is fully controlled by your ecu, not really the buttons your hands touch. Any tuning to alter shifts will be done there.

The control at the box level is CAN however there is a signal converter between the gearbox and the switch that is currently sending the signal. This also takes 2 wires from the box/loom side and converts to 3 wires at the switch. The input wire to the switch is 12v

I'm aware that the shift speed and timing is controlled by the TCM hence my comments above regarding the reply suggesting paddles make a very quick shift. Having the paddles to hand is probably the most important thing really and it what is currently annoying me with the switch.

I think having looked at this more, static paddles mounted on the column would probably be the best option. Maybe I just need to make something!

[stevieturbo]

Rather than paddles at the wheel...surely even an up/down stick, mounted in a normal stick type location ? That would leave the wheel area free, but up/down selection also in a typical and easy to access position ?

Or you can get wireless button setups to affix to steering wheels that allow various control options, I'm sure could be adapted.

I just dont think I'd like such things on the wheel itself, affixed to the car would be better...ie non moving.