Electrical Farkles and power distribution

[Makuna]

A little intro:

One of my hobbies is electronics, and rather than just buy and install a FuseBlock or other assorted power distribution/control solutions; I wanted to build my own. Its a sickness, just accept it. That and lots of rain here in the PNW.

My project:

There seems to always be such limited space to put a fuse block/power distribution. I am going with the model of make them small and cheap, and use more than one for each "class" of power use so you can put close to where it is used. Two or three each with only a couple connectors rather than one large one with 4-8 or more connectors.

I also plan to make them smart. Configurable to be on based on input like engine running, high beams on, an aux switch, etc. The output can be just on/off or PWM modulated. And further the output can based on one input to turn on with another used to override and turn it off (highbeams to turn of aux lights).

They will be able to handle descent power draw (10 amp nominal per channel) but may need some that do more (heating)

Now my specific needs are rather meager, but if the project turns out well, I might build a few extra for others; so I am seaking input from some of the extreme electrical farklers out there.

Needed input:

Below I defined some "Power classes". These are arbitrary and I just use them as a starting point to seperate out power distribution (location and use):

•  
  
• Heating - handle bar grips, gloves, vests, seat, etc. Prime issue is High amp draw. What is the max number of connections you need? Max Draw per connection?
  
• Communications - GMRS, FRS, CB, AutoComm, etc. What is max number of connections per area of bike?
  
• Navigation and entertainment - GPS, Radio, iPod/Zune/DMP, etc. What is the max number of connections?
  
• Lights - Aux driving lights. Integrated PWM to control brightness. Max number and Max Draw?
  

thanks for all replies.

Michael

 

[ionbeam]

I haven't seen mcartrophy posting recently so let me link you to his technical tour de force on integrated power solutions --> Read THIS.

 

[wfooshee]

I'm not a fan of multiple distribution points myself, simply because a (relatively) high-current 12V supply has to get to it, wherever it is, and that supply needs to be fused for the total load of the distribution box, whatever that may be. That also decentralizes your troubleshooting, when you have to take the voltmeter here, then there, then somewhere else to track down a dead circuit or fuse, because a certain device passes through a fuse there, then one there, and is grounded there, while anothe device on the bike passes through an entirely different set of fuses at different locations.

The bike just ain't big enough to warrant that, IMO. Distribution as close to the battery as possible, and fused power wires heading out to your devices.

On my own bike I just have a terminal strip near the battery, and I use the inline fuses for the accessories. I don't have anything with a lot of draw, though, my only add-ons are a GPS, a cruise control, and a Power Commander. No heated gear, auxiliary lights, or a powered tank bag. The strip has 6 terminals, two each for hot, switched, and ground. If I decide to go with a fuse block for more sophisticated distribution, it'll take the place of the terminal strip, under the D panel behind the battery. But it'll be just the one block in the one place.

 

[Bounce]

KISS is a great thing when you're in the middle of BFE at 3am.

I liked the barrier strip solution from Warchild so did 2 plus another for ground centralization.

https://www.fjr-tips.org/mods/pdb/pdb.html

 

[FJRBluesman]

I originally did the Warchild power strip on my first Feej. My only complaints were, ease of access and limited space, as usual. It worked great though, Dale did a great job documenting this, but I wanted more terminals. On my second Feej I opted for a Blue Seas fuse block set up. I sacrificed my tool tray for this. Works great I love it, plenty of room for routing. Mounted the switched relay on the side of the tool tray all easily accessible.

 

[mcatrophy]

I haven't seen mcatrophy posting recently so let me link you to his technical tour de force on integrated power solutions --> Read THIS.

Thanks for the plug (no pun intended) but I wouldn't advise anyone to follow my example unless they knew they wouldn't be expanding their electrical farkle inventory and they knew exactly what they were doing. (I qualify for the first, hopefully also for the second

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