Switch panel

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Pladdatoo

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Hi All

I have been working my way through older posts relating to the above as I need to replace the 2 x 6 fuse switch panels on my boat with something a little more contemporary i.e. functional!

These posts describe a number of Off the shelf solutions but none will work with my setup. That leaves me with a bespoke design and that is where I run into a problem. My creative talents (if they exist any where), don't lie in this domain and I'm struggling to put together something that one of the designs shops will even consider let alone CNC cut for me.

I was therefore wondering whether anybody has gone down this route recently (or within memory) and has any tips or more preferably some worked-up designs that I could pinch and then play about with?

I'm open to suggestions and design ideas, but equally I'm not looking for anything too complicated. The fundamental dimensions are about 360mm x 125mm with about 12 switches. It needs to lay horizontally. It would be nice to have what I believe are called mimics, but I better not get carried away. I would also value some help with the electrics in terms of recommended switches, relays etc.

A big ask i know, but God loves a Chancer !

As always, regards and thanks
 
Pladdatoo said:
I'm open to suggestions and design ideas, but equally I'm not looking for anything too complicated. The fundamental dimensions are about 360mm x 125mm with about 12 switches. It needs to lay horizontally. It would be nice to have what I believe are called mimics, but I better not get carried away. I would also value some help with the electrics in terms of recommended switches, relays etc.

A big ask i know, but God loves a Chancer !

As always, regards and thanks
Click to expand...

Drop me a PM see if we can help you.

Brian
 
I made this for our previous boat:

6BD5BA81-2A66-46BB-BFC0-84A4358E2F43-2977-000005729F5A249B.jpg


I designed the layout in Omnigraffle, which makes this kind of thing quite easy, and then Andrews & Arnold cut and engraved it for me ( http://aa.net.uk/engraving.html ). Using the data sheets for the electrical components I could ensure that all the cutouts had precisely the right dimensions and the parts just snapped in.

Pete
 
prv said:
I made this for our previous boat:


I designed the layout in Omnigraffle, which makes this kind of thing quite easy, and then Andrews & Arnold cut and engraved it for me ( http://aa.net.uk/engraving.html ). Using the data sheets for the electrical components I could ensure that all the cutouts had precisely the right dimensions and the parts just snapped in.

Pete
Click to expand...

.............and very nice it is too.................. Do you still have the Omnigraffle file I could play about with ?
 
I ordered a new panel from here a couple of months ago. It was a 12 switch one, with a fancy 2 pole switch for my mast head light. Total cost was around £95. The chap was very helpful, and quick with delivery, and I'm very happy with it. Only slight issue is the stickers which came with it are more aimed at stink boats rather than raggies.

http://www.gscontrols.com/
 
prv said:
I do, if you have the software.
Click to expand...

Someone else has PMed me, mentioning Omnigraffle for iPad.

To be clear, I lay out my panels using Omnigraffle on a Mac; I have no idea how well the iPad version would work and I have specific doubts about the ability to export a PostScript file in A&A's required format for engraving.

Pete
 
I would like to make some comments on switch panels perhaps not much help to OP but it seems to me that it is the end functional result that matters. But some people seem to be obsessed witha very technical looking panel that strives to make it look like that of a nuclear submarine. ie a thing to impress people with
What I advocate is that you carefully figure just what switches and more specifically fuses you really need. Individual fuse aree not necessary for all services if you could cope with one fuse failure taking out multiple services and the fuse rating is appropriate to the wiring size. ie fuse needs to carry max total current of all services on that circuit then all wire connected needs to be able to carry the fuse current without overheating.
So if a cabin light has a switch built into the light why have a switch in a panel for cabin lights. if a VHF radio a music radio or plotter gps has a switch on the volume control why have a switch on a panel? Yes you will need a nav lights switch but assuming you have a battery isolator switch why additional switches?
A fuse failure is a pretty rare event. Indeed more likely to be the holder or a fatigue failure of the fuse rather than a fault condition that fuses it. So less fuses equals less hassles.
Indeed a simple boat often needs just one battery fuse an isolation switch and nav light switch anchor light steaming light etc and maybe a cabin light switch. of course you may well want volt meter amp meter engine controls etc.
Consider therefor that simple really is better. just an opinion olewill
 
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