Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Tech
Tech ALL bikes: "Generic" tech questions and answers. Maintenance, general discussions etc.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 21 Apr 2009
todderz's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: USA
Posts: 182
Wiring Multiple Accessories

Hi folks,

I need to wire up a few things (GPS, heated grips, power socket etc). Each item has it's own wiring with ring connectors and an in-line fuse, but I'd prefer to have something a bit neater without so many connections on the battery terminals.

Can anyone tell me how to go about doing something like fitting one main feed and splitting it to each device, either with one main fuse or independent fuses on each branch, that's only live when the ignition is on?

Any suggestions very welcome. I'm getting nowhere....

Thanks!!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 21 Apr 2009
steved1969's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Yorkshire UK
Posts: 106
I use one of these WWW.NIPPYNORMANS.COM

Not cheap and I am sure if you know you way around electrics you could easily knock one up for less, but once fitted adding in extra electrics is a piece of cake. Also if you get the additional relay then you can wire it up so it's only live with the ignition.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 21 Apr 2009
todderz's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: USA
Posts: 182
That's the right kind of idea, just a little pricey.

Thanks to this helpful article Fitting a power socket - Honda Trail Bike Wiki I now know how to make my feed live from the ignition, using a £1.98 relay.

All I need now is a way of splitting the live feed from the relay onward to my multiple devices.

What is the best way of making a 4-into-1 connection?

I've been looking for some kind of distribution panel, but that Nippy Normans one is the only thing I've seen. Can anyone point me to a cheaper option?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 21 Apr 2009
Contributing Member
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Woking
Posts: 13
You can use Choc Bloc Electrical connecters (found in any Electrical shop) -




Image taken from :- Electrical Mods for the R1200GS


You still should add in a fuse for each outlet (horn, lights, grips etc etc) It'll be cheaper than the Centec unit, but unless you're a wiring God it'll look messy and possibly be somewhat unreliable and difficult to fault find on.

I'd recommend a Centec type unit (they're not the only manufacturers of this type of thing) every time. And make your own loom instead of having bits of wire running all over the place.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 21 Apr 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Nottingham UK
Posts: 227
You could simply solder four wires to your one thick feed wire, however I've never really got the hang of soldering myself and have given up with it now. If you've not tried soldering before I wouldn't recommend trying this route as its a ballache.

I would use a chocolate block connector like you'd use with your house wiring, and stick all the wires in one end and tighten the grub screw. It aint pretty but it works. No doubt someone will jump in and say that this could never possibly work for any length of time, but I've never had any problems with this method. Plus if your wires do pull out after a several thousand miles you just undo the grub screw, stick em back in again, and retighten, and good for another few thousand. Just because something is simple or scruffy doesn't mean it isn't effective.
__________________
UK to Mongolia 2009, on a DR350
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 21 Apr 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
Twist three wires together and solder over. Heat shrink the joint. Repeat. Twist two of the two pairs together, solder and heat shrink. Solder a female spade onto one end of the 1:4 flying lead and Robert's your dads brother.

Mechanical connections WILL fail, bits of plastic WILL hold water, solder is your friend.

In 20 years of working on vehicles the only exception I can think of is IP68 connectors. For things like your GPS that don't need more than 5A, cut off the open bendy contact ISO/DIN sockets and refit IP68's. Vehicle Wiring Products will post all you need overnight.

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 21 Apr 2009
steved1969's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Yorkshire UK
Posts: 106
Quote:
Originally Posted by todderz View Post
All I need now is a way of splitting the live feed from the relay onward to my multiple devices.
You also need to make sure the wiring is up to the load, having tried to draw power for an 8 Watt Jacket from a 3 Watt socket I can assure you that things will melt if they are not up to the job
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 21 Apr 2009
Contributing Member
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Woking
Posts: 13
I've got to say that the biggest cause of electrical problems is badly soldered connections.

Statistically, the best way to join things together, from an electrical perspective, is to cold weld them together using a crimp tool. Pliers just don't supply enough force.

YMMV.....
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 21 Apr 2009
todderz's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: USA
Posts: 182
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheEnglishman View Post
You can use Choc Bloc Electrical connecters (found in any Electrical shop) -


Clever and cheap. Nice!
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 22 Apr 2009
Xander's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Back Down Under (WA)
Posts: 562
Quote:
Originally Posted by steved1969 View Post
I use one of these WWW.NIPPYNORMANS.COM
Me too.. might be costly but it is a lot cheaper then having to rewire your bike cus you did a hack job in the first place...

But as important.. what ever you do.. put everything behind a relay. direct wiring is the best way to fry it
__________________
2000 Africa Twin
http://two-up-ona-twin.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 5 May 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: On a RTW ride - currently Asia
Posts: 99
If you want something neat, next time I'd recommend one of these two.

This is what I have, very trick features:

FUZEBLOCKS.COM







This one is new and pretty nice as well:

PC-8

__________________
Currently on a RTW ride:
https://www.facebook.com/AroundTheWorldWithLukasM
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 11 May 2009
JHMM's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Cape Town - South Africa
Posts: 114
It will be tricky to make all the cabling look neat. I like the choc block idea. One fuse is may not be suitable. If you plan to use more than one device at a time the fuse will need to be larger to accomodate the amps of all devices on at the same time.
Danger is when only one device is used, the device will need to exceed the larger fuses amps before it blows. I would advise to rather use more smaller correctly rated fuses for each device.
Remember to use the correct thickness cable if extending any cables to devices. A thicker cable is able to carry more amps than a thinner cable. If the cable is too thin it will cause it to heat and supply insufficient power to the device.
When soldering it is best to tin the tip (just melt a little solder). Tin the wires tip. Warm the area you area about to solder slightly first. Then proceed to solder the two together by melting solder on the area.
__________________
To those who say it can't be done - stand aside for those who are already doing it.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 13 May 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: sunny England
Posts: 790
those fuseblocks.com gizmos are very neat, as i'd expect for $80. i have wired in a "fuse+relay socket" part#RS3F £2.02ea from Vehicle Wiring Products Ltd. Suppliers of auto electrical parts.
i hope they are still going i cant get onto the website, so i took a pic of my bike.

anyway basically its a small relay block with 3 seperately fused outlets. i put in a 30A relay wired direct via a fuse to the battery, switched from the headlight circuit so i cant leave anything on all the time. its powering the stebel nautilus horn, heated grips and front power socket at the moment. all the outlets i wired with spades (yes, the dreaded spades ummm im telling mum....) so i can chop and change as i feel like
Attached Images
 
__________________
dave
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
* Kawasaki KLE '05 - with accessories * voleurs Kawasaki Tech 62 8 Oct 2024 17:07
accessories for transalps tucan Honda Tech 4 16 Sep 2004 23:36
4x4 Accessories - Too Expensive? JonHarbour Equipping the Overland Vehicle 7 18 May 2002 06:48
Yamaha XTZ660 - wiring in electrical accessories WavyDavy Yamaha Tech 0 17 Sep 2001 18:02
dommie accessories tim Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 1 28 Nov 2000 03:47

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 08:45.