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A electrical system to replace the switch panel - ideas ? Want one ?

  • June 13, 2013 7:01 AM
    Quote
    Message # 1317263
    Deleted user
    So here is my crazy idea. I'm an electronics engineer by trade and I have electrical issues on my boat and its got me dreaming. My electrical issues are nothing big just speaker wire ran all over and a tired old electrical panel. Same of my switches are going out as a little wiggle is needed to get it to work. 

    I'm considering designing a circuit board to replace my switch panel, but also to do more. I would like to include a clock, GPS, temperature sensor, carbon monoxide sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, remote control for lights, voltage levels, security sensors and do all this in a small little box. Perhaps Bluetooth so my iPad could update my website for remote monitoring etc. 

    The entire space that my switch panel is mounted on could then be reused for storage etc.

    Is this a bad idea? Corrosion? I have made circuit boards with gold plating etc. reliability issues? What's your take? 

    Now the question is would you want one and if so what features would you like to have included? 

    I'm going to make a prototype run of 5 boards but want your input before I begin. 

    All this has to be discrete as I don't want to take away from the old look of my Westsail. So no displays, funny robot noises and the likes, just a small black box installed in a nook of my boat controlling and monitoring whatever. 


  • June 13, 2013 9:52 AM
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    Reply # 1317398 on 1317263
    Deleted user

    A printed circuit would be interesting but I am not sure you are addressing the need of the switch panel?   (circuit protection i.e. brakers)  these take up space and should be replaceable.

    some comments

    1.) less power draw is better (switching off the extras at anchor or when not in use) IS REQUIRED. (1 watt is to much to waste 24/7)

    2.) if you were thinking a remote breaker buss that is less money than marine prices (that would be great if the breakers are available all over the world).

    3.) for lightning strike issues It (may or may not) be better to have instruments separated from the rest of the elec system?

    4.) a westsail PCB layout with leds for lighting was done by some one on the WOA list (this was cool and has some potential as a group buy, but the breakers and heavy wire connections need to be included in the overall design. = bigger than a trace 

    5.)  If you were looking for wifi, remote control,  and some other fun stuff You may want to look at a fanless enclosed cpu with extras (to this end there are some good starts in this direction and I to am a bit interested in this area but don't have the time.)  
    like

    http://openskipper.sourceforge.net/

    and

    http://www.panbo.com/archives/2012/07/dy_navlink_how_will_your_ipad_get_boat_data.html

    http://marinux.tuxfamily.org/#PROJECTS

    http://navigatrix.net/

    Lastly the cpu with a wifi to (ipad, laptop,or ???) would be nice to have in the elec panel as long as it can be turned off and that all systems can operate upon there own if wifi , cpu, network, or other elec failures.

    Norm

    Last modified: June 13, 2013 6:24 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)
  • June 13, 2013 8:33 PM
    Quote
    Reply # 1317891 on 1317263
    Deleted user
    Norm 

    The switch panel is really what I want to remove. It's big and expensive! I can design a circuit board to do the same thing but much smaller, even able to run more current & more devices and for larger devices ( large as in power hungry ). 

    I was thinking of using smaller switches or buttons to turn on/off said devices ( in conjunction with the iPad, iPhone, laptop, or over Internet or what else anyone chooses ) and the circuit would consume nano-watts of power. In fact I could have a small watch battery run the PCB for a few months as a backup in case power is lost. Then again if power is lost then even a traditional switch panel doesn't work. 

    I am still considering things as I rework my electrical system. I enjoy your feedback by the way, thanks and keep it coming. The links you have provided are fantastic - I'm reading them now. 
    Last modified: June 13, 2013 8:35 PM | Deleted user