Gardner,
No pricing wasn't mentioned by Nigel cause at the time Jan 2006 this technology was just
beginning to enter the marine market and capabilities competitive pricing etc. was not yet
sorted. I would expect a some premium on component price while savings on the install.
EPLEX uses it's own proprietary communication protocol for reduced cost and flexibility,
It's not RS-422, ethernet or anything that I know, just (1) pair of wires. Octoplex and
Powersign are both CAN bus compatible with NMEA 2000. They use their own design
cables and connectors. (added cost)
It is true you can make a distributed power system on your own with localized fuse boxes
or panels with some reduction in cabling. Not going to get the huge reduction proposed
by all these vendors.
These systems are not intended to require their proprietary components EXCEPT for
interface modules to enable the communication. Base system for EPLEX is the clock
module and one "other" module to communicate. The system can be as much or as little
as you desire. All is based on the flexibility and needs you have for power, control and
communication. You tell them what you want and they optimize the configuration for
you, to include module locations etc. The beauty is let them design it for you and adjust
from there to balance your needs and cost.
If the bus isn't proprietary then the modules are more. The electronic fuses and
intelligence capability within each module to program themselves or be programmed
varies by supplier. EPLEX keeps an operating system program and communication timer in
the clock module, plus a back up program of every module in the network for redundancy.
All of these companies offer flexibility to expand as needed. I expect in the near future
these will become de rigueur standard as buyers demand more system information and
builders look to control labor costs with packaged wiring harnesses, like todays
automotive industry.
My reco is call and start a dialog. It costs you nothing but time and some thought into
your needs, which is a good exercise in itself. Let them make their best offer for system
config. Too expensive, choose what you want or just walk away.
JT
--- In harryproa@yahoogrou
>
> The system sounds fascinating, but expensive. Did any of the Nigel
> Calder articles mention pricing? Another question would be just how
> proprietary it is. For example, do you have to buy their inverter to
> hook up to the equipment? Their tank monitors?
>
> I have long thought that a bus design makes a lot of sense for boats,
> but I haven't been paying attention to the literature. It would seem
> that you can do the power bus without any particular companies
> equipment. I would think that the real proprietary technology would
> come in the twisted pair data bus. Can you give any more info on that,
> to save us lazy types the trouble of digging? Is it RS-422, or
> "one-wire" or ethernet, etc?
>
> Thanks. It looks like a great lead if it doesn't cost more than the boat!!
>
> - Gardner
>
>
>
> --- In harryproa@yahoogrou
> >
> > When considering a cruising sized harryproa, let me suggest EPLEX as
> an option for your
> > electrical system design. I have no current or prior relationship
> with this company.
> >
> > http://airpax.
> >
> > I don't know a whole lot about them except from articles written by
> Nigel Calder and
> > published by Prof Boatbuilder and Sail magazines. EPLEX, from
> Sensata Technologies is
> > among several companies, like Paneltronics and others that are
> creating multiplexed
> > wiring systems for marine and other applications.
> >
> > The design philosophy comes from the automotive industry, and it is
> called power
> > multiplexing. The basic system uses a 12V or 24V power backbone
> while all switches and
> > fusing are honed off distributed nodes, and all are connected by a
> twisted pair of
> > communication wire. The premise is wiring does NOT have all go back
> to a central fuse
> > panel. Only the twisted pair cable and 12/24V power bus wires go
> back to a central fuse
> > location. Thus big savings in weight (30% or better wire reduction)
> and simpler install.
> > The multiplexing concept allows any circuit, fuse, or switch to be
> checked from anywhere
> > in the twisted pair network. Nodes can be replaced completely
> without any
> > reconfiguration. New nodes added and can be configured from a
> control panel or off-line
> > using a PC. Status, faults, power usage, voltages, tank levels,
> engine data, genset info.,
> > etc can all be monitored from any point in the network. The system
> can use AC nodes for
> > those circuits as well.
> >
> > These nodes have electronic fuses which can be set for independent
> trip current levels and
> > have manual back up if the electronics fail. For systems that are
> critical, parallel wiring
> > can be done for those circuits or they can be separate and apart
> from the EPLEX wiring.
> >
> > A bit of history. ED&D Inc (designers of EPLEX) was bought by
> Airpax which is now a
> > subsidiary of Sensata Technologies. EPLEX is not sold direct to
> customers but is wholly
> > supplied by Wes-Garde. http://www.wesgarde
> this relationship is
> > Wes-Garde must design your electrical system to offer a bid price
> for the components.
> > They will do all the programming using their proprietary E-logic
> application and provide
> > telephonic or on-site support for your installation. It costs you
> nothing for the system
> > design and you have no obligation to buy !
> >
> > Modular install may make electrical system planning for Seabbatical
> easier, boat lighter,
> > and installation easier, especially if contracted for multiple
> boats. They are receptive to
> > single boat custom designs and not dissuaded by one-off projects.
> >
> > POC is Bret McDonald system manager or Wes Sorenson VP, PH (860)
> 527-7705, Cell for
> > Bret (860) 250-2538.
> >
> > Rob can excommunicate me now for shameless product propaganda, but
> this ranked in
> > the almost too good to be true category. Check their websites for
> confirmation of
> > anything that I suggest. This power multiplexing technology seems
> to be catching on
> > across the boatbuilding industry, why not proas too.
> >
> > To be fair, two of the other big players are Moritz Aerospace for
> Octoplex systems.
> > http://www.moritzae
> >
> > and Paneltronics for Powersign systems.
> > http://www.paneltro
> >
> > All have advantages and unique capabilities specific to their
> hardware and system
> > execution. Please check all. Paneltronics seemed reluctant to help
> me, as they were too
> > busy with large volume builders.
> >
> >
> > JT
> >
>
Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required)
Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch format to Traditional
Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe