Quiz for today

[Pahaska]

While installing my new wireless backup camera, I started to reassemble the overhead console with the map lights. On the front of the console is a black push button switch.

I suddenly realized that for 13 months I have been happily driving this coach and I have absolutely no idea what that switch does, if anything. It is not in the Sprinter manual. I looked through several years of Interstate manuals and the closest I could come was a little squiggle on one drawing. Nowhere could I find an explanation for the switch.

I tried different lights tonight and different radio and disc settings and I can detect no effect from the switch.

The photo was taken in semi-darkness. Forgive the quality.

I'll have to plead ignorance. Can anyone tell me what this switch does? Was it installed by the previous owner, perhaps? I do know that he had some electronics in the coach that were removed before I bought it.

[Camerons]

I have the same switch in a 2016 and have no idea what it does as well. Love for someone to help solve the mystery.

[Protagonist]

It's the "GNDN" switch. My 2012 Interstate doesn't have it.

"GNDN" stands for "Goes Nowhere, Does Nothing" and it's a legacy of the original 1960's Star Trek television show, where there were several conduits in the Engineering Room set labeled "GNDN." It was an in-joke by the set-designers.

Or maybe it's the panic button, but I don't think so. Panic buttons are big friendly red buttons that seem to invite you to press them.

Or maybe it's a "Press to Test" button. But beware… some "Press to Test" buttons are also "Release to Detonate" buttons.

[InterBlog]

So the same switch is present in multiple Interstates?

At first glance I assumed it was a DIY installation. Those types of switches are sold for about nine bucks in auto parts stores (e.g., this one).

Potential key indicator of DIY status - the base is square and the switch is round. A round switch in a round base might be more aesthetically pleasing, but a round hole is a female dog to cut properly, and so square base switches are popular with DIYers. Professionals generally have better cutting tools.

[Pahaska]

Maybe Airstream will chime in on this one.

[Lineolated]

It’s connected to your Kenwood. Push it, and you can give voice commands to the device. My favorite is “standby”, screamed repeatedly to shut off the audio.

[Pahaska]

Originally Posted by Lineolated

It’s connected to your Kenwood. Push it, and you can give voice commands to the device. My favorite is “standby”, screamed repeatedly to shut off the audio.

It would be nice if Airstream had put that in the manuals.

Of course, that is asking too much. Over my four Airstreams, I have yet to see a manual or a wiring diagram that accurately describes the hardware.

[scarletbison]

That's because it's directly part of the Kenwood installation. Lineolated had it right, it's akin to the voice command buttons on new car steering wheels.

[Pahaska]

Originally Posted by scarletbison

That's because it's directly part of the Kenwood installation. Lineolated had it right, it's akin to the voice command buttons on new car steering wheels.

Yes, but Airstream installed the switch, not Kenwood. The manuals should include it. No way could Kenwood manuals describe the location and appearance of that switch without a crystal ball.

I spent 35 years designing hardware for IBM. I spent hours with the human factors folks over descriptions of everything the customer could actuate.

[Mollysdad]

Garage door opener?

[Pahaska]

I tried the button today with the Kenwood on. Sure enough, it responded to my command to "Stand by" on the first attempt. Of course, I was parked with the engine off, so there was no distracting noise.

That was the end since that was the only command I knew. I finally had to turn the Kenwood off to get out of Standby.

Nice to know what that button is for, but I use a dash top GPS and seldom turn the dratted Kenwood on.

[wachuko]

Originally Posted by Pahaska

I tried the button today with the Kenwood on. Sure enough, it responded to my command to "Stand by" on the first attempt. Of course, I was parked with the engine off, so there was no distracting noise.

That was the end since that was the only command I knew. I finally had to turn the Kenwood off to get out of Standby.

Nice to know what that button is for, but I use a dash top GPS and seldom turn the dratted Kenwood on.

Mistery solved!! Cool!!!

[Pahaska]

After quite a bit of net searching, I found the list of commands the Kenwood uses. There are about a half-dozen commands that I may have use for that I'll memorize such as View Map.

I found the command list Here.

[Lineolated]

You can get a list on-screen by pushing and holding the button.