Triumphrat

d2mini · 06-09-2006

Please take a look at this link real quick....
Relay with Jumper

In those intructions it says you need a "6 post distribution block" and jumper. The distribution block is the one thing they don't show a picture of and I having a heck of a time finding one. I can't find any pics online and when I went to one of my local radio shacks they gave me a distribution bridge instead. When I was buying everything else at O'Reilly's auto parts store they sent me to radio shack.
Can anyone show me what the distribution block looks like, maybe where to get it, and if not... something to get in place of it??? I went through those instructions last night and wired everything up the way it says, so all i need to do is stick the distribution block in to the system and I'm all set.

Thanks!!!

Mojoinco · 06-09-2006

A distirubution block is also commonly called a terminal strip. Radio Shack sells them, I think even Home Depot sells them, call a local electrical or communications supply house (Graybar, etc). You will want the jumpers that connect all of the one side together (in the parts picture it is the long strip of forked metal), and the jumpers that go to the other side of the terminal strip (connects across two rows to connect just two termianls together).

Alternatively, just get the forked strip (or a terminal strip with all of the junctions connected) and a single row terminal strip. You could even just use a stainless (for corrosion) screw and bolt all of them together, but that looks ugly.

Most terminal strips use #10 screws, so you will want #10 rings for yuor wiring (forks work ok, but no tolerance for working themselves out, unless you use the kind that have bent up ends).

vinnyf · 06-09-2006

You'd probably have best luck with a distribution block at a decent RV store. I haven't seen them with a relay built in, but I haven't looked for them either

You can find REALLY fancy - read: pricey - blocks at automotive sound dealers.

I'd probably opt for a block with individual fuses; it'll make your power distribution a little easier and a lot safer. I haven't dealt with these people but something like this would probably meet your needs:
fused distro block

You can always add an external relay to power the block.
Please keep in mind that aftermarket mobile electrics are a source of a LOT of problems - make all your connections stronger and better protected than you'd think, and it'll probably be just about right.

Hughdemann · 06-11-2006

That setup is fine with one exception. The way it is wired, all your accessories will be drawing power over one 18 gauge wire. On my bike, the main power wire is 14 gauge. This will carry the load much better than a smaller wire. It also matches the wiring on the 20 amp rated fuseholder, which protects the whole installation.
Hugh