New 12VDC distribution panel - May 2024

Over the years the VK6RAV repeater has had many ad hoc additions and modification that had left the equipment installations looking quiet confusing and lacking any standard. Central to this chaos was the 12VDC distribution panel that lack consistency and including non-adherence to basic wiring colour code.

The new 12VDC distribution panel was constructed around some basic principles that include;

• That as much as possible all wiring would be behind the panel including leads connecting equipment to the panel. 

• All equipment circuit would have an individual protection fuse and that the fuses would be restricted to two current ratings, 5A for minor equipment and 20A for higher load equipment such as the repeater.

• Positive wires may be any obvious colour other than BLACK or GREEN. RED is preferred.

• Negative wires are to be BLACK or sleeved with BLACK heat shrink tube or similar.

• Fuses are Standard Blade Fuses (ATC/ATO)

• 12VDC supplies are made available for lighting, mains voltage inverter and other 12v type equipment via a 50A Anderson connector and 30A mini Anderson connectors.

Fig 1. DC Panel wiring. 

Photo 1. New 12VDC distribution panel installed.

Photo 2. New 12VDC distribution panel installed.

Photo 3. New 12VDC distribution panel under construction.

Photo 4. Old 12VDC distribution panel 

See: DC Panel wiring detail.pdf. 

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Page last revised 06 October, 2024