I'm looking at the 4008 Rigrunner, but the only thing I'd like is for a remote switch of the outlets.
For those with Rigrunners, I'm asking if anyone has opened them before because I want to add the following into the cabinet: 4 Bosch-type relays and an RJ-45 connector to run Cat5 up to the dash of my vehicle for low-voltage switching.
The following will be connected to the Rigrunner:
1x iDEN two-way mobile
2x Rx-only Spectras (off one connector)
1x 60watt strobe unit
1x 400watt inverter
1x 12v accessories (GPS/Jedi charger)
I was going to make this all out of separate pieces, but if it's all doable in a Rigrunner that would be awesome. I could also use other fused PDUs (http://tinyurl.com/83m6x) but for me the sticking point is a remote-switch capability (which will be connected to the 4 buttons on a Mastercom siren unit.)
What do the install-pros think? Is this doable? If I get a take-home company vehicle then this would be installed over the next few months.
Rigrunner/PDU install questions
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The iDEN mobile should have an ignition sense line.
The RX-only Spectras definitely have an ignition sense line.
The 400-watt inverter is too much current for a rigrunner anyway.
The 60-watt strobe unit should be wired to A+ all the time and its sense line switched.
The accessories are low-current to begin with.
And the Mastercoms are, what, 20A per button?
Sounds to me like you're trying to make life complicated for yourself. The Rigrunner is a good idea to run your A+ (except for that inverter...), but the switching can be done other ways.
The RX-only Spectras definitely have an ignition sense line.
The 400-watt inverter is too much current for a rigrunner anyway.
The 60-watt strobe unit should be wired to A+ all the time and its sense line switched.
The accessories are low-current to begin with.
And the Mastercoms are, what, 20A per button?
Sounds to me like you're trying to make life complicated for yourself. The Rigrunner is a good idea to run your A+ (except for that inverter...), but the switching can be done other ways.
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videonerd
- Posts: 259
- Joined: Thu Aug 19, 2004 9:48 pm
- What radios do you own?: Little Tikes walkie-talkie
What other ways are there to accomplish the same thing? The Mastercom is (obviously) up front and the gear to be switched is in the trunk of the vehicle.
I'm running a broadcast camera battery charger (rated for 60w @ 120v)and a P4 laptop off the 400w inverter, so I feel it's safe to run it off even a 15A fuse on the Rigrunner.
Can the ignition lines (especially in the Spectras) be tied to the same switched 12vdc source?
I'm running a broadcast camera battery charger (rated for 60w @ 120v)and a P4 laptop off the 400w inverter, so I feel it's safe to run it off even a 15A fuse on the Rigrunner.
Can the ignition lines (especially in the Spectras) be tied to the same switched 12vdc source?
Yawn. I told you how to accomplish what you want. Run +12 to the devices, switch the low-power inputs. In fact, for most of those devices (strobe pack, Spectra, iDEN mobile) you aren't supposed to be switching the main A+ - just the ignition input.
An average P4 laptop can draw up to 150 watts. Plus 60 for the charger (what, Anton?) gives you 210... figure 80% efficiency, for 262.5 watts on the DC rail. With a nominal voltage of 12VDC (with engine off), that's 21.875 amps. I say again - you need to run that direct to big-smoke A+. I've got a 600-watt pure-sine inverter in my truck to run lighting, an Anton charger, computers, or whatever else I plug in - I know what I'm talking about. Figure worst-case - you have the inverter spooled up drawing 20A, the strobes running, and you key up the iDEN mobile. Poof, your input fuse goes bye-bye. The RR is also not rated for >40A.
For reference, I'm running 1/0ga. master power to my panel fused at 250A.
An average P4 laptop can draw up to 150 watts. Plus 60 for the charger (what, Anton?) gives you 210... figure 80% efficiency, for 262.5 watts on the DC rail. With a nominal voltage of 12VDC (with engine off), that's 21.875 amps. I say again - you need to run that direct to big-smoke A+. I've got a 600-watt pure-sine inverter in my truck to run lighting, an Anton charger, computers, or whatever else I plug in - I know what I'm talking about. Figure worst-case - you have the inverter spooled up drawing 20A, the strobes running, and you key up the iDEN mobile. Poof, your input fuse goes bye-bye. The RR is also not rated for >40A.
For reference, I'm running 1/0ga. master power to my panel fused at 250A.
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videonerd
- Posts: 259
- Joined: Thu Aug 19, 2004 9:48 pm
- What radios do you own?: Little Tikes walkie-talkie
Waaait... you just simply said the switching can be done other ways. I might be slow but I know what I read!
Charger is an AntonBauer Titan Twin.
Geez, way to go, now you got me thinking about running lighting from the car... technically you don't need a pure sine-wave inverter to do that, do you? Guess it's time to swipe one off an ambulance or something.
Charger is an AntonBauer Titan Twin.
Geez, way to go, now you got me thinking about running lighting from the car... technically you don't need a pure sine-wave inverter to do that, do you? Guess it's time to swipe one off an ambulance or something.
Connect the dots... you switch the low-power leads, thus eliminating the need for relays, etc. Just run a few wires from the Mastercom back to the radios.
Titan Twin? Bleh. Not enough power output to charge my Hytron 100/120/140s in any reasonable period.
I can run lighting, but generally don't. Inverters don't always cooperate well with purely-resistive loads. A Honda EU2000i generator would be more suited to the task. But I have the option if I need it.
Titan Twin? Bleh. Not enough power output to charge my Hytron 100/120/140s in any reasonable period.
I can run lighting, but generally don't. Inverters don't always cooperate well with purely-resistive loads. A Honda EU2000i generator would be more suited to the task. But I have the option if I need it.
I run a RIGrunner 4012 at home but I would never use one in an auto environment. Very similar to the 4008. The power pole connectors do not have lock tabs so in an auto environment they can be pulled or jarred out too easily. The other posts above also have merrit. Just my .02 worth.... ..fineshot1
fineshot1
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