Switch Panel Views

[TonyBuckley]

I quite fancy this. Any views?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/151289793771?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

I like the idea of the digital volt meter (assuming it is accurate).

But I can't see any lights for indicating a switch being closed which is always useful. Nor can I see how a circuit is reset should it trip?

And why on earth not advertise for Mobos and Yachts? But I do like the decal saying "Headlights and Horn"

Ideally I'd like one with a built in cig lighter socket and maybe USB, but can't find one with enough switches plus these extras.

Thanks,

 

[Poignard]

And why on earth not advertise for Mobos and Yachts? ,

No, no! Don't suggest that. The price will rocket!

 

[Rigger Mortice]

And why on earth not advertise for Mobos and Yachts? But I do like the decal saying "Headlights and Horn"

I have no idea if narrowboats have things like anchor lights and navigation lights but, if not, they may not include the decals that we would want to have. Horror of horrors, they may not include a decal for underwater lights either.

 

[TonyBuckley]

I have no idea if narrowboats have things like anchor lights and navigation lights but, if not, they may not include the decals that we would want to have. Horror of horrors, they may not include a decal for underwater lights either.

The only underwater lights I have is when I drop the torch overboard!

 

[pampas]

Why not make your own? That way you can customize to taste, Panels can be cnc cut by most places that make signs to almost any size, format and colour. switches easily available in fact all the bits are obtainable.

 

[prv]

Why not make your own? That way you can customize to taste

+1

Pete

 

[TonyBuckley]

Why not make your own? That way you can customize to taste, Panels can be cnc cut by most places that make signs to almost any size, format and colour. switches easily available in fact all the bits are obtainable.

Lovely idea but I don't have the time.

And I don't need 'perfect', just something that works - my main reason is to have trip circuits rather than fuses. And to look a little tidier.

 

[TonyBuckley]

+1

Pete

Beautiful. But where are the washing machine and hairdryer circuits lol

 

[prv]

Beautiful. But where are the washing machine and hairdryer circuits lol

Bottom left corner. Just not labelled yet

Pete

 

[TonyBuckley]

Bottom left corner. Just not labelled yet

Pete

I was impressed with Fridge (one day) - didn't mean any disrespect, but it is a fab looking panel.

 

[prv]

it is a fab looking panel.

Easy enough to do - drawn out in Omnigraffle, exported to EPS format, and emailed to these guys to engrave and cut: http://aaisp.net/printing-engraving.html

The parts were mostly from RS, except for most of the engine bits which were removed from the original Yanmar panel, and just click into the accurately-cut holes (datasheets from RS provide the dimensions to use).

I've had loads of bits and bobs done for Ariam.

Pete

 

[nigelmercier]

Easy enough to do - drawn out in Omnigraffle, exported to EPS format, and emailed to these guys to engrave and cut: http://aaisp.net/printing-engraving.html

I'm sure I've asked before, but is it plastic? What was the cost?

 

[prv]

I'm sure I've asked before, but is it plastic? What was the cost?

Yes, plastic. This stuff: http://www.rowmark.com/laser/LaserMAX/lasermax.asp . I specify LM942-402 for my panels. It's reasonably stiff, but larger expanses will want some support from behind.

The Kindred Spirit panel was IIRC £70 inc VAT and delivery - but it's quite a big one, over 50cm wide.

Pete

 

[yachtorion]

It's an Axon panel. I've just bought one and thought it was really excellent quality. Have a look at their proper site - http://www.axoncomponents.com/catagories.php?catname=panels. Loads of different panels and loads of options.

I built my own panel last time, got it engraved etc - it looked stunning - but this time around I couldn't be bothered with the hassle and the Axon panel was about the same price as it cost to make one last time with a lot less hassle.

 

[TonyBuckley]

It's an Axon panel. I've just bought one and thought it was really excellent quality. Have a look at their proper site - http://www.axoncomponents.com/catagories.php?catname=panels. Loads of different panels and loads of options.

Thanks for that. Interestingly cannot see that panel on the Axon site.

I've asked the ebay seller how the circuits are reset cos I can't see how that is done.

 

[yachtorion]

The listing does mention it's a custom panel designed for liverpool boat co and manufactured by Axon so guess that's why you can't find it.

As for the breakers - they'll be integrated with the rockers on that panel. If a breaker trips the switch flicks to off, to reset you switch it on again.

Not my first choice as I'd never be sure if the breaker had tripped or I'd just turned it off.

 

[TonyBuckley]

The listing does mention it's a custom panel designed for liverpool boat co and manufactured by Axon so guess that's why you can't find it.

As for the breakers - they'll be integrated with the rockers on that panel. If a breaker trips the switch flicks to off, to reset you switch it on again.

Not my first choice as I'd never be sure if the breaker had tripped or I'd just turned it off.

Ah yes thank you. Thought Liverpool Boat Co disappeared few years back.

And I don't like the idea that the breaker is the switch itself but that must be the only explanation.

 

[prv]

I built my own panel last time, got it engraved etc - it looked stunning - but this time around I couldn't be bothered with the hassle and the Axon panel was about the same price as it cost to make one last time with a lot less hassle.

Yeah, I don't see making my own as a cheap option. It's just that I have strong opinions on how I want my electrics to work, which are not catered for by generic panels.

The one on Kindred Spirit above is fairly basic, as befits a simple 24' boat. Ariam has the equivalent stuff spread across a number of panels - at the chart table, on the front of the engine box, and in the cockpit.

Pete

 

[TonyBuckley]

Mr eBay man has got back to me with the answers to my questions.

"Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Our internet was down.
The switches you can see are the circuit breakers. They will switch off when they detect a fault. You will then need to switch the circuit breaker twice to reset it. It will operate up to a max of 100 amps.
The ratings are 5, 8, 10 and 15 amp
The toilet breaker is a press to reset type with ratings up to 25 amp"

I am going to go for it once I have measured up.

 

[TonyBuckley]

Well I went ahead and bought the panel I referenced in the original post.

Its nice and solid and well made. The switches are very positive in their action, though not lit - I like that.

And the voltmeter seems to be accurate when comparing a battery across a couple of measuring devices and the connections allow for this to be switched off and just used as a check. Could be annoying if always 'on'.

I haven't fitted it yet; I suspect when I pull my old panel off I will find unhappiness that I could not live with, so considering leaving to the colder months.

It comes with a nice wiring loom (surprised as not mentioned in the ad) that I may or may not decide to use, and I am deficient in some of the labelling requirements - it was billed for a barge - but that's easy to sort.

I visited a friends Moody 30 yesterday; his panel looked like the space shuttle, but the boat has so many more facilities installed.

So overall I am happy and would recommend.