Project RANGER electrickery – Power INPUTS -
Okay, this is an electrickery thread, so let’s look at the complete electrical installation starting with the three power inputs.
From the alternator (primary battery) a pair of cables was run to the electrical panel -
- 50A fuse at the front battery
- 10mm square wires, both positive and negative, from the primary battery to the HCdP Mark 4 Power Panel.
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The use of “split loom tubing” really helps to tidy up the installation.
![CoolDude :cooldude:](./images/smilies/cool.gif)
We also used split loom tubing to protect the wires as it passed under the cab.
The second power input is from the back of the Ranger, where there is a 220V caravan input plug. Was nerve racking to cut a hole into the brand new canopy !!
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From the side we have our third power input, the solar panel.
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These three power sources all feed into the Mark 4 Power Panel from HCdP –
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http://www.hcdpelectronics.co.za/index. ... duct_id=48" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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http://www.bushpower.co.za/products.asp?pid=647" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Why did we go for THIS panel ?
It is the only product on our market that can take all three inputs into a single unit, do some clever stuff inside and use the optimal input as it becomes available – without the user having to spare it a second thought.
![16.JPG](./download/file.php?id=81019&sid=1ac7a238eb336fe0421b89e61d06d0fe)
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Once it has this input power it then does (almost) everything you can wish for:
- The 220V is available from a 2 point, and a 3 point plug. (If you have a 220V input at the time)
- The 220V drives a charger for the second battery.
- The solar is used to charge the battery.
- The alternator power charges the battery at a maximum rate of 12A, AND it drives the fridge without reducing the charge rate to the battery.
- The Mk4 Power Panel goes further to provide the following outputs –
o 2 off light circuits
o Fridge circuit (for ONE fridge only)
o Pump circuit, for a water pump
o Power sockets (this could potentially be used for a second fridge)
In short, this panel provides in a single unit what would otherwise be multiple units, taking up space and causing a much more complicated system AND taking much longer to install. All for the price of a Ctek 250 S !