Will the person who asked me about the cupholder lights speak out again? I would like to send out an eval kit to them for testing. I made up a set for my X and they work great. I used Ulta bright blue LEDS and have to say they add a cool look at night! I may make a new CoolKit out of this idea. If anyone is interested let me know. I can take some pics and show you what they look like. They are very easy to install and use the dash light circuit for power. They dim with the dimmer switch too!

They don't interfer with the function of the cup holders in any way. They can also be used to light up the center console area, the glove box, the storage pockets in the back of the X or the storage pockets in the doors of the X. Colors available are Blue, White, Yellow, Red, Green or Orange. :cyclops:

Keep up the good work brother! You're always thinking. :D

Why thank you sir! (I'm supposed to be working on real work stuff but just can't get focused :smoker2: )

Pics are always great.

How much how much

I'm interested! I can't count how many times I've nearly spilled something because I needed to put my drink down quickly and couldn't find the hole! :o

Originally posted by rhombus
Pics are always great.

I have to 'second' this request.... and agree with RRDSTARR and CHUCKH's comments....

Ok I will get some pics today and post them Monday. Until I work out the details I can't give exact pricing but the basic kit will be under $20.00. In the mean time give me an idea of what you would like color wise and what you would like to light up.

I want green (see the aviation studies on which color light is best on the eyes, night vision)...

Maybe blue to match the radio.
Either way, I'm in baby!
Cool stuff

Originally posted by coolerman
Ok I will get some pics today and post them Monday. Until I work out the details I can't give exact pricing but the basic kit will be under $20.00. In the mean time give me an idea of what you would like color wise and what you would like to light up.

Count me in! I think I'd like Blue to match the radio, if that can be worked out. Thanks.... do you do the paypal thing, or just a check to you?

Originally posted by ChuckH
I'm interested! I can't count how many times I've nearly spilled something because I needed to put my drink down quickly and couldn't find the hole! :o

There are so many jokes to this line, but I think I'll just let it be. ;)

Originally posted by Philosopher
Keep up the good work brother! You're always thinking. :D

Always amazing us. Another good idea from Coolerman.:flash:

Thanks guys for all the kind words! Here is a pic so you can see what it looks like installed: CHI Pic (http://www.globalsoftware-inc.com/coolerman/new folder/chi1.jpg) Here is a short video of the dimmer in action. CHI Video (rtsp://63.106.139.36:554/CHIVideo.rm) (You must have Real Player Basic 8 to veiw!)
When I get all the details worked out I will post prices and start taking orders. All feedback welcome :D

I don't do .rm, so endulge me: The dimmer you're talking about, is it hooked up to the existing dimmer, or do you have a seperate switch/knob for this? Also, are the lights always on? You could connect a relay, and have them blink when the truck is off, more theft deterrent!

Originally posted by superjens
The dimmer you're talking about, is it hooked up to the existing dimmer, or do you have a seperate switch/knob for this?

Read his first post again. :) They work with the stock dimmer ...

Originally posted by coolerman
Thanks guys for all the kind words! Here is a pic so you can see what it looks like installed: CHI Pic (http://www.globalsoftware-inc.com/coolerman/new folder/chi1.jpg) Here is a short video of the dimmer in action. CHI Video (rtsp://63.106.139.36:554/CHIVideo.rm) (You must have Real Player Basic 8 to veiw!)
When I get all the details worked out I will post prices and start taking orders. All feedback welcome :D

Nice! As always, good to have your electrical genius around!

Sorry! Here is a .mpg for you :D CHI VIDEO(mpg) (http://www.globalsoftware-inc.com/coolerman/New%20Folder/ChiVideo.mpg) It's 3.5 meg! (Any ideas how to shrink it down?)

I'm downloading it and I will try and encode it to a smaller format.
The server that is hosting it is very slow so smaller will be better.

Ok I have converted it into a Apple Quicktime mpeg.
(8k)

Which did not work so have removed the link

I couldn't check that last one, is it really 9K? That's nuts. I could get it down to 1 MB, quality is pretty close to original. How did we get this far off topic? :)

1 meg mpeg (http://www.superjens.com/junk/chivideo.mpg)

It took 5 minutes on the T-1 server here at McBoeing! I will definetly order one from you Coolerman! :flash:

Originally posted by superjens
I couldn't check that last one, is it really 9K? That's nuts.


I thought that it would not work and was just in my cache.

I suck at this multimedia stuff. I normally use Windows Media Encoder but it would not read the file since it did not have sound (well I have to use Quicktime to convert it to a .avi then try the Win Encoder :) )

What did you use to comress the video?

Just out of curiosity. Doesn't someone manufacture an illuminated ring (thin profile)? That would be an interesteding cup-holder light as well, just install it on the bottom of the holder.

So Coolerman, when are you going to run the AC through to the cup-holders? Small vents underneath could help keep drinks cold. We could have used those back in Moab last July. :D

Originally posted by Schludwiller
Just out of curiosity. Doesn't someone manufacture an illuminated ring (thin profile)? That would be an interesteding cup-holder light as well, just install it on the bottom of the holder.

So Coolerman, when are you going to run the AC through to the cup-holders? Small vents underneath could help keep drinks cold. We could have used those back in Moab last July. :D

uh oh, you just gave me an idea! :)

BTW, uh, thanks for letting it be! :finger:

What did you use to comress the video?

I pulled out one of the tools I use to make video-CD's (yes I know, ripping DVD's is bad mmmkay). For this one I used TMPGenc, set it up with a variable bit rate, low limit, kept the fps down to 23/sec, mpeg-1, check it out, I just got it down to 300 KB and the quality is still really good!

300 KB (http://www.superjens.com/junk/chivideo2.mpg)

Nice!

Much better than the 3meg :)

Whoa!
I just want to say that that is cool!
Great idea, nice implementation...

Originally posted by coolerman
They don't interfer with the function of the cup holders in any way. They can also be used to light up the center console area, the glove box, the storage pockets in the back of the X or the storage pockets in the doors of the X. Colors available are Blue, White, Yellow, Red, Green or Orange. :cyclops:

Can you still remove the rubber insert for larger cups / bottles? If so, add me to the list, and I guess I'll take blue to match the stereo.

I'll need to look at the X in the dark and decide how many I want as I will be removing all the interior to do a major wiring overhaul and will want to cover all my bases at the same time.

GREAT IDEA MAN. THANKS.

Originally posted by Craigs_Tonka


Can you still remove the rubber insert for larger cups / bottles? If so, add me to the list, and I guess I'll take blue to match the stereo.

I'll need to look at the X in the dark and decide how many I want as I will be removing all the interior to do a major wiring overhaul and will want to cover all my bases at the same time.

GREAT IDEA MAN. THANKS.

I emailed Coolerman with the same question and he said that the rubber inserts are still removeable. The lights are only attached to the plastic part. My main concern was the situaion where you pull up your bottle and the rubber insert comes with it. I had visions of that happening and the light getting ripped from the wiring! :( I'm happy to say that wouldn't be the case though! :)

One place I want to wire a freaking light is in the glovebox! Coolerman??? :D

I'd like to have a couple into my Steel Horse console too! :)

OK Was out of town yesterday and this morning so just got back to these posts! Wow! Ok answers.
1. If you want a truely nerdy way to cool your beverage than get a 12 Volt thermoelectric cooler (like the ones used in the 12 volt fridges) mount it in the bottom of the cup holder so the cooler side faces the bottom of the can and the hot side is underneath the console with a small fan to carry away the heat. This will keep any can frosty cold. Check out Allelectronics (http://www.allelectronics.com) for the coolers. Click on the Online catalog then enter the part numbers. Part # is TEC-1 for a unit with a heat sink or PJT-1 for just the cooler.

2. These LED'S can be used anywhere you need light! Mounted in the Glove box a white LED could be left on all the time or a switch could be rigged up. (Like a tilt switch or a reed switch). I will look into the glove box idea.

3. I have seen electrolumnence panels used to light things up. However they require a 90 Volt power supply to acheive the glow :(

how about a light that mounts under the engine and floods the engine with light when you open the hood? that would be cool and useful. Another place I'd love a light is under where the chain winch PTO is for lowering the tire. even in full daylight that's impossible to find.

Cool kit, coolerman. I may need to order a few of your mods.

Matt

Originally posted by Matt Peckham
how about a light that mounts under the engine and floods the engine with light when you open the hood? that would be cool and useful. Another place I'd love a light is under where the chain winch PTO is for lowering the tire. even in full daylight that's impossible to find.

Matt

You aready have a live wire there for your license plate lights. With my bumper off I have a low light glowing under my truck at night from them.

Before I removed my spare from underneath I hit the jack-lowering point for the tire with some day-glo orange spray paint. Much easier to see.

Originally posted by Schludwiller
I hit the jack-lowering point for the tire with some day-glo orange spray paint. Much easier to see. A great idea. I never thought of "marking" it, but now that you've mentioned it, it makes perfect sense. :frog:

Hey coolerman...

Great job with the cup holder illumination... Count me in for
ordering your mod... You've got mail, brodda... Lates!

Air B :sun:

I should have the kit ready for sale after Christmas! I should have the installation instructions and pics posted on my Web site soon. Are ther any 5 speed people interested? :smoker2:

Yes, 5 speed kit please! :D

Thanks dude!

Yup

Me me me me me!

5sp. here as well

5-spd

I wonder who has one of those and is Very Close for testing.......:frog:

Cliff

OK! I guess Wilbur will be the test mule :thinkerg:
We will get together soon and design the 5 sp kit. We are also looking into a reverse light kit for the Frontiers.

OK Wilbur the test mule came over the other day so we could see what was needed to put the CHI Kit in a 5 sp. Well the wires I am tapping into on the auto (the illuminator lights for the shifter console) don't appear to exist on the 5 sp Frontier :( Can someone with a 5 sp X look under the center console for the following wire bundle? It's labeled M35. It should have a Pink wire with a black stripe and a Blue wire with a red stripe and several others.

http://globalsoftware-inc.com/coolerman/new folder/m35.jpg

It may be under the carpet behind the drivers seat. If it isn't then I have to run much longer wires from the console to under the dash. Any help would be appreciated!

I have written up the install instructions and have the pricing done but will have to modify the pricing if I have to have a longer wiring harness :(

I'll keep you guys informed...

Did you finalize a kit for the automatic? It's too bad the same kit won't work, but I'll be selfish since I have an auto and ask "what about me". I would be willing to do one now if you have one setup for the auto.

I have a MAJOR project coming up where I want to strip out the interior and re-wire the stereo, amps, sub, daylighters, additional back up lights, and the CHI and finish everything off in heat shrink tubing after soldering all connections. (Not something I want to rip into and do again so I'm trying to time everything at once.)

:) Thanks again.

i like lighting. you like lighting? ever since i was a kid, lighting was cool. especially the low powered glow of a colored light like blue or green at night. remember when you got your first flashlight? i was wondering how permanent they are in the cup holder holes? can you take out the rubbers to wash them still? wil they heat up your beer when they are on? hehe...:D

Yah Brah! i'd be interested in a set of the blue...maybe 2, have you hooked them up to the rear cupholders yet? Or would you get blinded by blue light?:cool:

DROCKS: They can be hooked into the rear holders but would slightly interfer with cups that were a tight fit. This is due to the LED holder protruding into the holder area. This is not a concern with the front holders as the LED mounts in the 'handle' area. I could make a kit that illuminated all 4 holders.

Xman9: You can still remove the rubber liners to wash them. The Led is mounted into the console itself. A hole is then made in the rubber liner for the light to shine through. An LED produces almost no heat so your beer is safe :D

Craigs_Tonka: Yes the Auto kit is finalized. I will post a link to the pricing page shortly.

Anyone with the 5 sp have a chance to look for the M35 harness?

I was thinking that someone else would have looked by now.
I will have a look this weekend and post what I find.

Originally posted by coolerman
Craigs_Tonka: Yes the Auto kit is finalized. I will post a link to the pricing page shortly. That's great, another MOD to add to Tonka. :D I will show it off with our local club and see if I can drum up some more business for you. ;)

Originally posted by coolerman


Anyone with the 5 sp have a chance to look for the M35 harness?

I haven't looked, but is that harness for illuminating the auto transmission selection? Maybe they used the same harness for both, but I wonder if it's left out of the standards.

Originally posted by coolerman


http://globalsoftware-inc.com/coolerman/new folder/m35.jpg



I'll keep you guys informed...


I've been to that campground!

Good one Matt!
That wiring diagram looks like this campground down by the Dunes on the Ocean in Oregon! :D

Hahaha, you're right! I don't know about that particular campground, but the picture does look like a campround layout. Pretty funny! :D

BTW, coolerman, I rerouted that wiring under the seat when I put my stereo stuff in and I don't recall there being a set that ran forward like that from the same harness. Seems like something I would remember, although it has been a long time since I did that.

The more I think about it the more I think it will not be there for the manuals :( The auto wiring harness has a lot more to it than the manual. So to save money they would have had different harnesses. Funny my 1991 Pfinder has the wiring for every mod that was offered! That's where I got the idea the X would be the same. No problem, I will just have to have a longer set of wires to reach under the dash.

Matt, that was pretty funny!

Whenever you put together that auto package, let us know!!! I'll bet there'll be more than a few of us in our little group interested in this kit!!!! Any one know a website that I could get blue bulbs for the dome lights? That would be outstanding!!!!!!!!

DRocksX

Most of us who have changed out interior lights have changed the map lights to red bulbs. We use red so we can see the interior of the cabin without affecting out night vision.

Pepboys or other autoparts store has the cylindrical bulbs that fit the map lights, I'm sure they would have the bulbs that fit the dome light. My local Pepboys has complete ricer-lights for the entire vehicle. One package that contains bulbs for all interior lights and your marker lights. Just pull the bulb and go hunting....

CoolKits Pricing (http://www.globalsoftware-inc.com/coolerman/coolkitspricinglist.htm)

Guys so sorry for the long delay in getting this info ready...
Go to this link for all the CoolKits pricing. I have not heard back from NOR so I am selling the kits directly for now.

The CHI kits (CoolKit #5) for the automatics are ready for orders! The manual kits are presenting some wiring problems :( Nothing I can't solve! I'm just having problems locating a source for the wire I need to extend to under the dash.

If you are ready to order just send me an email tellng me what you want. Thanks to all who helped on this project!

Very nice mod...

OK guys and gals! The manual CHI kit is done! All the manual peiple who expressed an interest in this kit send me an email and check out the web site. Look for CoolKit #6. CoolKits (http://www.globalsoftware-inc.com/coolerman/coolkitspricinglist.htm)