Thor Motor Coach uses the Firefly multiplex wiring system in several of their motorhome brands. As a result, we thought we would share some of our feedback regarding our experience with the system.
Overall, the we think the technology is great and that it has lots of potential. For us, the system seems to be functioning properly and without any problems. That said, the design of the control pads and button layouts could use some improvement.
IN THE DARK
Thor’s main control pad for the Firefly system has a light blue illuminated soft-touch liquid crystal screen surrounded by white labeled buttons on a hard, black plastic frame (“Hard Buttons”). To navigate the system, you press on the Hard Button for the desired function (e.g. Home, AC Power, Main Lights, Rear Lights, etc.). Doing so lights up the soft-touch screen and displays the different functions related to the Hard Button you chose. The rest of the control pads throughout the coach are black plastic panels, each with their own unique set of white labeled buttons.
Overall, this design works pretty well until the coach is dark. The black plastic buttons with white labels are NOT backlit, which make selecting the right button very difficult in low or no light. The attached pictures help to illustrate the problem:
BUTTON LAYOUT & NO ON INDICATOR
In the small bathroom in our Aria 3901, the water pump button is located on the control panel closest to the bathroom door and right next to the light button. If you’re entering the bathroom, the water pump button is in the spot where most people seem to expect the light button to be. As a result, people often accidentally turn the water pump off or on while attempting to turn the light on or off. On top of that, the panel does not provide any indication that the function is ON or OFF. Try this in the dark and the problem is even more likely to occur. See the attached pictures.
So what’s the BIG deal? No big deal, but here’s two real-world hassles to consider. You decide:
- You have a guest over. They go to the bathroom and accidentally turn off the water pump before they successfully turn on the light. Thinking nothing if it, they do their business and when they finish, they TRY to flush and/or wash their hands, BUT. . . you guessed it, no water.
- You’re taking a shower in the back bathroom. Your spouse heads to the small bathroom and accidentally turns off the water pump while trying to turn on the light. Now you have a face full sods and no way to wash them off.
SUGGESTED SOLUTIONS FOR THOR:- Back light ALL buttons.
- Add something to provide visual conformation that a function is on.
- Consider the button layouts of each control pad based on the way people will use the space. Position primary buttons in ideal locations and away from secondary buttons.
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