Owners Manual - InPOWER LLC

InPOWER
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Owners Manual
VCMS Switch Panel System
Model VCMS-SP09
1. Product Description
The Switch Panel System consists of a six-position switch module, a six output power module and a 15 ft. communications
logic cable. It is used in applications that require the driver to operate auxiliary vehicle 12 volt devices such as interior and
exterior lights, heaters, warning lights, beacons, pumps, etc.
The system contains a VCMS-SM6 Switch Module with six push buttons that are back lighted to allow easy night viewing.
Each push button accomodates a custom legend and contains a status LED that indicates if the switch is on or off. The
anodized aluminum case features a low profile measuring only 0.55 inches high, allowing mounting location flexibility. It is
mounted to a flat panel via four 0.70 inch long 6-32 threaded studs. The case design is an aluminum two-piece clam shell
held together by two screws on each side. The module can be easily opened to install the switch legends. The module
contains a 10-position connector on the rear for the communications logic cable connection. A mounting cutout template
is shown in Figure 3.
The system’s VCMS-PM1 power module is remotely located from the switch module and connected with the communications
logic cable. The power module contains six 12 volt 15 amp outputs for powering the auxiliary loads. The power
module has a maximum current rating of 60 amps (total of all six outputs). The outputs provide automatic shutdown
protection for short circuit and overload conditions. Three +12 volt (BAT) terminals are provided for the incoming power.
Each terminal must be connected to the battery with an individually fused (20 amp) wire. Note that all six internal power
switches are powered from a common 12 volt bus that is connected to the three +12 volt BAT terminals. A mechanical
drawing of the VCMS-PM1 Power Module can be seen in Figure 4.
The power module’s four digital inputs allow external signals to be monitored by the system. These signals are voltage
levels between zero volts (chassis ground) and battery voltage. Typically these inputs are from a contact closure such as
a switch to either ground or +12 volts. The VCMS application program defines each input as actuated by either a ground
or +12 volt input. The program for this systems uses input I-1 to monitor the Ignition Switch status so it is activated by a
+12 volt signal. Wiring terminations for the power outputs, digital inputs and the +12 volt supply utilize 0.25 inch faston
blade terminals. The communications interface utilizes a 10-pin connector.
Input I-1 (Ignition On) activates the switch back lights and enables switch operation. Each switch is programmed to operate
as either a 2-position latching (push to turn on, push again to turn off) or as a momentary switch (on for the durration
the switch is depressed). This system is programmed to have switches SW1, SW2, SW3 and SW5 operate as 2-position
latching, and SW4 and SW6 as momentary.
© Copyright 2009 InPower LLC
InPower LLC
3555 Africa Road
Galena, Ohio 43021 USA
740-548-0965
www.InPowerDirect.com
Page
1 of 6
VCMS Owners Manual
Document: OM-136 Version Code: A
Date: Oct. 27, 2010 Date: Oct. 27, 2010

System Diagram
SM6 Switch Module
Switch
SW1
Switch
SW3
Switch
SW5
Ignition Switch
+12 Volts
Ground
Logic Cable
PM1 Power Module
Switch
SW2
Switch
SW4
Switch
SW6
Load #1
Load #2
Load #3
Fuse
Outputs 15 Amps Max.
20
Fuse
20
Fuse
20
Fuses not
supplied with
system.
Load #4
Load #5
+12 V Battery
Power Source
(60 Amps Max.)
Load #6
FIgure 1
6-Position Switch Module
Logic Cable
Connector
2.74
3.33
Not to scale.
Figure 2
© Copyright 2009 InPower LLC
InPower LLC
3555 Africa Road
Galena, Ohio 43021 USA
740-548-0965
www.InPowerDirect.com
Page
2 of 6
VCMS Owners Manual
Document: OM-136 Version Code: A
Date: Oct. 27, 2010 Date: Oct. 27, 2010

6-Position Switch Module
Mounting Cutout Detail
Cutout for connector
0.50
0.25
0.38
0.95
1.50
2.74
0.16 Diameter
(For #6-32 screw)
2.00
3.33
Not to scale.
Figure 3
VCMS-PM1 Power Module
Mod 1 R3
Figure 4
2. Switch Legends
The Switch Modules design allows for easy installation of switch legends. Each push button switch contains a separate
molded switch cap. A set of legend sheets is furnished with each system offering a wide variety of switch legend descriptions.
A matrix of forty legends are printed on each sheet of special photographic paper. The desired legends are cut out,
then placed in the switch caps, followed by the light diffusers. No adhesive is required. Figure 5 through Figure 10 shows
the assembly stages of the switches.
© Copyright 2009 InPower LLC
InPower LLC
3555 Africa Road
Galena, Ohio 43021 USA
740-548-0965
www.InPowerDirect.com
Page
3 of 6
VCMS Owners Manual
Document: OM-136 Version Code: A
Date: Oct. 27, 2010 Date: Oct. 27, 2010

4. Switch Legends Continued
Figure 5 - Switch Module
fully assembled.
Figure 6 - Switch Module with
top case removed.
Figure 7 - Switch Cap with
printed legend and light diffuser
assembled.
Figure 8 - Switch cap, printed
legend and light diffuser.
Figure 9 - Switch cap with
printed legend installed.
Figure 10 - Switch Cap with
printed legend and light diffuser
installed.
3. Installation
3.1 Getting Started
Determine the best location for the switch module and the power module. Allow for the routing of the communications logic
cable between the modules. We recommend installing the cable in a cable loom for protection. You will need a crimping
tool for the 0.25 inch faston blade terminals. Be sure to follow the crimping tool instructions for the proper wire size and
terminals. The VCMS Input/Output diagram (Figure 11) is a key reference document in that is shows how the modules are
configured. It also should be used to capture the switch legend descriptions used and the names of the 12 volt auxiliary
devices being controlled by the system. Complete this document and keep it for a record of the as installed system.
3.2 Mount the Switch Module
Mount the switch module on a flat surface or mounting bracket using the four #6-32 threaded studs to secure the module
to the panel. You will need to make a cutout for the logic cable connector (See Figure 3). Connect the logic cable to the
switch module and route the cable to the power module.
3.3 Mount the Power Module
3.3.1 Determine the best location for the power module. Take into consideration the routing of the interconnecting logic
cable that attaches to the 10-pin connector on the top of the module. Also take into consideration the routing of the wires
to the power outputs, inputs and the +12 volt fused power source.
© Copyright 2009 InPower LLC
InPower LLC
3555 Africa Road
Galena, Ohio 43021 USA
740-548-0965
www.InPowerDirect.com
Page
4 of 6
VCMS Owners Manual
Document: OM-136 Version Code: A
Date: Oct. 27, 2010 Date: Oct. 27, 2010

3. Installation, Continued
3.3 Mount the Power Module
3.3.1 Determine the best location for the power module. Take into consideration the routing of the interconnecting logic
cable that attaches to the 10-pin connector on the top of the module. Also take into consideration the routing of the wires
to the power outputs, inputs and the +12 volt fused power source.
3.3.2 We recommend mounting the power module to a flat metal surface. This allows the transfer of heat from the module
when operating high current draw loads. Mount the module using four 6-32 screws and lock washers. Do not drill out
the mounting holes to accept larger screw sizes. This will break the module’s ground connection. Do not over
tighten the mounting screws.
3.3.3 The wiring terminals on the power module are male ¼ inch faston blade terminals. You will need to attach insulated
female terminals to the wires. Use a good quality crimping tool and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct
terminal types for the wire size.
NOTE We recommend using wire tags that allow proper wire identification in the event the wires are removed at
a later date.
3.3.4 Wire the ground (GND) terminal to a good quality vehicle ground (Battery Negative). It is important that this
ground is connected to the power module before the interconnecting logic cable is connected.
3.3.5 Wire the six module output terminals (O-1, O-2, O-3, O-4, O-5 & O-6) to the correct auxiliary loads using the VCMS
Input/Output Diagram (Figure 11) for reference. Note that some outputs may not be used.
NOTE If inductive loads (motors, coils, etc.) are used it is important that these devices contain a diode suppressor
across the device.
3.3.6 Wire the digital input terminal I-1 to a source of +12 volt power that is activated only when the Ignition Switch is On.
3.3.7 Locate the +12 volt battery power source. Install three 20 amp fuses at the power source as shown on the system’s
InPut/Output Diagram (Figure 1). Install wires of suitable size for the amperage and length from the three fuses to the three
BAT terminals on the power module. Be sure to determine the current draw of the six power outputs to ensure that
the power module is not overloaded. The maximum current draw of the combined loads cannot exceed 60 amps.
If the +12 volt power source is directly connected to the vehicle battery, note that a VCMS configuration with a single power
module with all switches and back lights off will draw about 16 milliamps of power. Alternatively, you may obtain the +12
volts power from an ignition switch-activated power source.
4. Operation
Turn the Ignition Switch to the On position. The switch module’s back lights will illuminate.
Operating any push button on the switch module will cause its status LED to turn on and the corresponding power module
output to be activated. Each switch is programmed to operate as either a 2-position latching (push to turn on, push again to
turn off) or as a momentary switch (on for the durration the switch is depressed). This system is programmed as follows.
Switch Switch Function Power Module Output
SW1 2-Position Latching O-1
SW2 2-Position Latching O-2
SW3 2-Position Latching O-3
SW4 Momentary O-4
SW5 2-Position Latching O-5
SW6 Momentary O-6
Note that if a switch is activated and the Ignition Switch is turned off the power module output will turn off and the switch
will be reset to its Off position.
© Copyright 2009 InPower LLC
InPower LLC
3555 Africa Road
Galena, Ohio 43021 USA
740-548-0965
www.InPowerDirect.com
Page
5 of 6
VCMS Owners Manual
Document: OM-136 Version Code: A
Date: Oct. 27, 2010 Date: Oct. 27, 2010

VCMS-SP09 System Input/Output Diagram
Switch Module
Switch Legend
SW1: _____________________________________
Switch Function
2-Position Latching (Off_On1)
SW1
SW3
SW5
SW2: _____________________________________
2-Position Latching (Off_On1)
SW3: _____________________________________
2-Position Latching (Off_On1)
SW2
SW4
SW6
SW4: _____________________________________
Momentary
SW5: _____________________________________
2-Position Latching (Off_On1)
SW6: _____________________________________
Momentary
Logic Cable (15 ft.)
VCMS-PM1 Power Module (MOD1)
System Outputs
System Inputs
O-1 ____________________________ ( _____ Amps)
Ignition On (+12 V)
I-1
BAT
O-2 ____________________________ ( _____ Amps)
Unused
I-2
O-3 ____________________________ ( _____ Amps)
Unused
Unused
I-3
I-4
GND
BAT
O-4 ____________________________ ( _____ Amps)
O-5 _____________________________ ( _____ Amps)
BAT
O-6 _____________________________ ( _____ Amps)
Ground
20
20
20
+12 Volt Battery
Fuses not supplied with system.
Power Module Input Assignments
Input Function
I-1 Ignition On (+12 Volt True)
I-2 Unused
I-3 Unused
I-4 Unused
Power Module Output Assignments
Output Activated By
O-1 SW1 + I-1
O-2 SW2 + I-1
O-3 SW5 + I-1
O-4 SW4 + I-1
O-5 SW5 + I-1
O-6 SW6 + I-1
Customer Project:________________________________ Date__________
Figure 11
© Copyright 2009 InPower LLC
InPower LLC
3555 Africa Road
Galena, Ohio 43021 USA
740-548-0965
www.InPowerDirect.com
Page
6 of 6
VCMS Owners Manual
Document: OM-136 Version Code: A
Date: Oct. 27, 2010 Date: Oct. 27, 2010