Power distribution and switched power devices

D3V!L

A slightly more technical thread for the forum if you will...

I have two devices that require their own power source as well as a connection to a switched power source to determine if the bike has been powered on. One is a tracker and the other is an alarm. The tracker draws a small trickle all the time and the alarm would obviously turn off when the ignition is turned on.

Does anyone have experience wiring something like this up and would a power distribution module like a PDM60 work ?

Max Headroom

:eek:....What..???.....you building an electric bike Willis..........:P

two wheels good

A dist. unit isn't essential. You'll have a switched power connector somewhere on the bike - cockpit or under saddle.
The question is can it support the current draw. If not, use it to switch a relay and power the device direct from the battery.
But .. don't you want these devices powered permanently, or at least when ign is off?

D3V!L

two wheels good wrote: »

A dist. unit isn't essential. You'll have a switched power connector somewhere on the bike - cockpit or under saddle.
The question is can it support the current draw. If not, use it to switch a relay and power the device direct from the battery.
But .. don't you want these devices powered permanently, or at least when ign is off?

I was thinking the pdu would be a neater way forward. One of the devices, the tracker stays on all the time but goes asleep when it detects the bike is gone off.

CJhaughey

One of these is less than half the price.
https://www.easternbeaver.com/Main/Wiring_Kits/Fuseboxes/PC-8/pc-8.html

two wheels good

CJhaughey wrote: »

One of these is less than half the price.
https://www.easternbeaver.com/Main/Wiring_Kits/Fuseboxes/PC-8/pc-8.html

I've been considering that unit. I'd like to consolidate all my connections and relays. All the EB kit looks so well put together. I must look to see if they have a manual headlight switch kit listed.

Devil,
How will your tracker cope if the bike is pinched by lifting it into a van?

CJhaughey

two wheels good wrote: »

I've been considering that unit. I'd like to consolidate all my connections and relays. All the EB kit looks so well put together. I must look to see if they have a manual headlight switch kit listed.

Devil,
How will your tracker cope if the bike is pinched by lifting it into a van?

Are you fitting a relay as well, or just switching the main wiring?

D3V!L

Devil,
How will your tracker cope if the bike is pinched by lifting it into a van?

Congratulate them on a feat of brilliance.

D3V!L

CJhaughey wrote: »

One of these is less than half the price.
https://www.easternbeaver.com/Main/Wiring_Kits/Fuseboxes/PC-8/pc-8.html

Might be just what I need , thanks

Del2005

D3V!L wrote: »

Congratulate them on a feat of brilliance.

Happens more often than you think. I've heard of roofs been taken off garages and the bike lifted out.

D3V!L

Del2005 wrote: »

Happens more often than you think. I've heard of roofs been taken off garages and the bike lifted out.

20 years biking and 30 plus bikes, (most premium models) owned I've never had a bike robbed. Strange that. Anyway completely off topic.

Max Headroom

D3V!L wrote: »

20 years biking and 30 plus bikes, (most premium models) owned I've never had a bike robbed. Strange that. Anyway completely off topic.

Famous last words....;)...then why bother with all this stuff ???

D3V!L

Max Headroom wrote: »

Famous last words....;)...then why bother with all this stuff ???

Its an insurance requirement.

two wheels good

CJhaughey wrote: »

Are you fitting a relay as well, or just switching the main wiring?

For the headlight switch? Via a relay. If I'm going to meddle I may as well do it properly.
I see EB do have a selection of options and switches. With two relays. I must take a closer look at the main beam circuit 'cos the switches are single pole.
Of course I'll be tempted to add the dist. board to the shopping list - to make the most of the shipping costs!

galwaytt

I disconnected the always on headlight on my bike, which I use that way for certain use only. But mine is an old-fashioned bike where you can cut, add relays etc easily.

A modern CANBUS bike on the other hand, won't let you do that - you can't simply cut/tap the headlight wire- will cause all kind of issues. Even adding lights is a pain. Although stuff like this exists to help: https://www.clearwaterlights.com/pages/canopener

two wheels good

D3V!L wrote: »

Congratulate them on a feat of brilliance.

Let me re-phrase my question:
How will your tracker cope if your bike is pinched by breaking the steering lock and wheeling it onto a hydraulic lift into the back of a truck?

Seriously though .. what's the advantage of having the tracker off when the ign is off?

D3V!L

galwaytt wrote: »

I disconnected the always on headlight on my bike, which I use that way for certain use only. But mine is an old-fashioned bike where you can cut, add relays etc easily.

A modern CANBUS bike on the other hand, won't let you do that - you can't simply cut/tap the headlight wire- will cause all kind of issues. Even adding lights is a pain. Although stuff like this exists to help: https://www.clearwaterlights.com/pages/canopener

Thanks GTT, I may go for something to open up the CANBUS in the end, rather than tap into it.

Has anyone tried the Hex EXCAN ?

listermint

I have a Relay Fuse board that is made buy a guy on Vstrom forum UK. have had mine installed about 4 years.

It powers tracker, Heated Grips and also a USB Outlet, Relay switches on when the bikes ignition is on. Recharges the GPS battery at that time and activates the grips and USB outlet.

I love it, worth every penny.


http://www.v-strom.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=24607.0

Takes 3 Fused Outputs.