Power distribution blocks

[NuggyBuggy]

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I’m thinking of installing one in my Multistrada and was hoping to do it this weekend.

Currently I would be running GPS, USB charger and heated gear; soon I could see adding an air horn and maybe cameras.

I would rather just buy something closer to turnkey rather than homebrewing something myself.

Anyone have any recommendations, ideally for something that could be sourced locally.

Searched the websites for GP, Royal and Riders Choice and didn’t see anything likely. Shipping isn’t an option as I will be heading to cottage tonight or tomorrow AM.

Is this too esoteric to hope to be able to buy at retail?

 

[oioioi]

You can buy some basic distribution block on Amazon but they are basic.
You want switched power etc you either need to add relays yourself or get one of the better distribution blocks with this design in mind.

Eastern beaver is one and FuzeBlock is the other. Both are on the pricey side and they will not be available overnight.

I had a write up in this here. I'll try to find it .

 

[GreyGhost]

I haven't used it but conceptually, I really like the blocks where it is simple to put any circuit on either a constantly powered or switched line. I think they use a single incoming main power line and a switched relay to control one leg of the block.

If you want it this weekend, I'd put in a dumb distribution block powered through a relay that is triggered by a switched line. Turn the key off and the whole dumb block shuts down.

 

[oioioi]

Here is my thread about this .

Thread 'Switched Power Vs. Constant Power.' Switched Power Vs. Constant Power.

 

[TK4]

Drag Specialties has a 6 circuit fuse block (Parts Canada part # 2120-0389) that's perfect for this type of application but very pricey.
Unfortunately they have no stock right now, might be worth getting on backorder if it suits your fancy.
Otherwise I'd look on Amazon.

 

[Lightcycle]

One thing I was looking at for my GS was a HEX ezCAN. It plugs directly into your existing CANBUS system without any cutting or splicing, provides multiple outlets for devices, and you can configure the devices via your PC or laptop. For each individual outlet, you can configure switched vs un-switched, control the intensity of lights, which buttons on your handlebars operate your device, as well as define the max amperage before the SW fuse trips.

This is one for your Multi:

Select Your Bike - Ducati - HEX ezCAN

Our ezCAN for Ducati Installation guides are divided according to models.To find the correct installation guide, select the installation guide below the list

www.hexezcan.com

Here's an install on a Pikes Peak and V4S:

Example of the config panels:

 

[LBV]

Thunder Box (TB) - HealTech Electronics Ltd.

The Thunder Box simplifies and safeguards the process of connecting aftermarket electronic accessories to your motorcycle, such as heated grips, GPS, etc...

www.healtech-electronics.com

 

[oioioi]

Drag Specialties has a 6 circuit fuse block (Parts Canada part # 2120-0389) that's perfect for this type of application but very pricey.
Unfortunately they have no stock right now, might be worth getting on backorder if it suits your fancy.
Otherwise I'd look on Amazon.

This is my FuzeBlock set up.

 

[Sunday Rider]

Another vote for Eastern Beaver. I've had his set up for more than 10 years and it is easy to work on add or move stuff. Has both switched on and always hot slots.

Eastern Beaver PC-8R PDM

PC-8R Fuse Panel, Fuse Box, Positive Earth, Negative Earth, PDM, 40Amps Fuse Box, New Design

www.easternbeaver.com

 

[Mad Mike]

I’m thinking of installing one in Multistrada and was hoping to do it this weekend.

Currently I would be running GPS, USB charger and heated gear; soon I could see adding an air horn and maybe cameras.

I would rather just buy something closer to turnkey rather than homebrewing something myself.

Anyone have any recommendations, ideally for something that could be sourced locally.

Searched the websites for GP, Royal and Riders Choice and didn’t see anything likely. Shipping isn’t an option as I will be heading to cottage tonight or tomorrow AM.

Is this too esoteric to hope to be able to buy at retail?

If you’re looking for power distribution, then a bus bar type is all you need. PA has those for $15. $5 more if you want a power off relay.

If you want if switched, you have to buy a fancier unit that has its own relay, then your looking for one of the ones discussed above.

For me, I put a simple automotive relay ahead of a simple bus bar fuse box in all my stuff. $20 and 30amps of switched power so power goes on and off with the key.

The harder part will be bringing the accessory wires home to the fuse box.

 

[NuggyBuggy]

One thing I was looking at for my GS was a HEX ezCAN. It plugs directly into your existing CANBUS system without any cutting or splicing, provides multiple outlets for devices, and you can configure the devices via your PC or laptop. For each individual outlet, you can configure switched vs un-switched, control the intensity of lights, which buttons on your handlebars operate your device, as well as define the max amperage before the SW fuse trips.

Wow. Thanks for that.

That's a lot more than I expected, and tying in to CANBUS would be sweet. I can see wanting to control an air horn and auxiliary lighting via switches on the handlebar being great. Too bad you couldn't control all of that from an app. But honestly, beside the air horn I can't see needing all that functionality myself.

A little rich for my blood, though not as expensive as some solutions I've seen that don't do all that.

 

[Lightcycle]

But honestly, beside the air horn I can't see needing all that functionality myself.

Agreed, the only additional device apart from stock on my bike is a GPS, and that's already plugged into an 1A accessory plug provided by the factory right at the headstock, specifically for GPSes.

That's why I didn't end up getting the ezCAN. Total overkill.

 

[NuggyBuggy]

If you’re looking for power distribution, then a bus bar type is all you need. PA has those for $15. $5 more if you want a power off relay.
...

The harder part will be bringing the accessory wires home to the fuse box.

Thank you for that. I do know that what I want to do is reasonably easy for someone with experience with these things. That's not me.I had to look up "bus bar". LOL. I know I could figure it out but have precious little time with my bike as it is, so I think I'd like something more turnkey.

I think I'll stifle my impatience and order something. There's a lot of options I see, but I like the Thunderbox that @LBV linked to, and besides it being a neat solution, I like that I can actually find someone in Canada selling them.

Your point about bringing the wires from accessories being difficult is well taken. Simply fishing wires for my GPS to my battery was an exercise in frustration. That bike is packed tight, and I dread pulling the fairings off.

 

[Lightcycle]

I like the Thunderbox that @LBV linked to

I just watched an installation video. Neat device.

There seems to be some kind of electronic sensor built into the unit that monitors the battery voltage and determines whether the engine is running or not - probably a voltmeter sensing the stator output - which then determines switched vs unswitched power states. Cool solution.

Also included is a traditional switched power relay if the electronic version doesn't work for some reason.

 

[NuggyBuggy]

I just watched an installation video. Neat device.

There seems to be some kind of electronic sensor built into the unit that monitors the battery voltage and determines whether the engine is running or not - probably a voltmeter sensing the stator output - which then determines switched vs unswitched power states. Cool solution.

Also included is a traditional switched power relay if the electronic version doesn't work for some reason.

It is cool ! No need to locate and tap into a switched line and I think you can program switched devices to only come on after a further delay.

Is switched power only available after the bike is started? Wondering if this feature means you also don’t need to worry about electrical farkles making it harder for the bike to start.

It also looks very compact and otherwise easy to use.

 

[Lightcycle]

Is switched power only available after the bike is started? Wondering if this feature means you also don’t need to worry about electrical farkles making it harder for the bike to start.

Yep. 5 second delay from start-up. And another 5 second delay after the motor is off till shutdown. Perfect for follow-me-home aux lights.

 

[GreyGhost]

Also included is a traditional switched power relay if the electronic version doesn't work for some reason.

If for some reason you decided to put this on a bike with a marginal charging system or lots of ppwer draw, the fancy sensor may dump the loads at idle. That could be annoying.

 

[Lightcycle]

If for some reason you decided to put this on a bike with a marginal charging system or lots of ppwer draw, the fancy sensor may dump the loads at idle. That could be annoying.

I can see that.

Perhaps the 5 second delay is to continuously test against a baseline voltage, so spikes and dips would even out over that period. If your charging system can't provide voltage above the baseline with the ignition off, you've got (or will quickly develop) more problems than accessory power.

 

[Sunday Rider]

I found that all of the add ons I had were up front; GPS, aux lights, backup fuel pump, horn and voltmeter. I put the fuse box up front in fairing below lights with Velcro. Easy to remove to make changes and emergency access by reaching up underneath. I didn’t want to run all those wires to the back or under the seat.
Not sure if you have room in your fairing to consider this.

 

[Mad Mike]

It is cool ! No need to locate and tap into a switched line and I think you can program switched devices to only come on after a further delay.

Is switched power only available after the bike is started? Wondering if this feature means you also don’t need to worry about electrical farkles making it harder for the bike to start.

It also looks very compact and otherwise easy to use.

Thunderbox is just a smart relay -- $130 seems like an expensive way of eliminating one wire connection.

• Thunderbox installs with 2 wires: +12 & GND to battery. $5 relay install with 3 wires: +12 & GND to battery, +12 to lowbeam.
• Both power farkles when lights are on
• Both cut power to farkles during cranking
• Thunderbox cuts power to farkles when motor stops running, the $5 relay cuts power when headlights are switched off.
• Both need a fused busbar (or inline fuses - 1 for each farkle).

Saving $125+ shipping is the way I roll.

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