Need help with cabling radios to power supply

[bobruzzo]

I have 5 pieces of equipment attached to my Astron 35M power supply. The rear of power supply is looking very messy. See attached pic....I have NO ROOM to add another piece of gear. What I have connected is an IC-7300, IC-2730, LDG AT-200 Pro antenna tuner, a CB and a meter. I have been looking with NO success for some kind of block so I can run my radios to the block, and then run just the 2 wires (pos/neg) from the block to power supply. Electrical supply stores have NOTHING. I want to eliminate the rats nest of wires connected to power supply. I dont know what the item I need is called. But I am sure someone out there can help!

 

[mmckenna]

You can do the seriously overpriced but nice RigRunner distribution panels.

or, just get a fused distribution system.
I've used BlueSea products. https://www.bluesea.com/products/category/16/Fuse_Blocks
Also, look at Newmar. Expensive, but nice: Rack Mount DC Distribution Panel | 12V DC | 24V DC | 48V DC | 450 Amps to 900 Amps | Newmar Powering the Network

 

[bobruzzo]

You can do the seriously overpriced but nice RigRunner distribution panels.

or, just get a fused distribution system.
I've used BlueSea products. https://www.bluesea.com/products/category/16/Fuse_Blocks
Also, look at Newmar. Expensive, but nice: Rack Mount DC Distribution Panel | 12V DC | 24V DC | 48V DC | 450 Amps to 900 Amps | Newmar Powering the Network

Thank you! Now I have a starting point.

 

[SteveC0625]

+1 on the Blue Sea fuse blocks. Great quality and easy to use.

 

[bobruzzo]

+1 on the Blue Sea fuse blocks. Great quality and easy to use.

I am looking at that one but need to figure out what I need to connect my cables to it and how to run the pos/neg cable to power supply

 

[a417]

I am looking at that one but need to figure out what I need to connect my cables to it and how to run the pos/neg cable to power supply

ST Blade Fuse Block - 6 Circuits with Negative Bus and Cover
5025

Consolidates branch circuits and in-line fuses

• Positive distribution bus with #10-32 stud
• Can be used for 24-hour circuits
• Models available with or without a cover
• Cover satisfies ABYC/USCG requirements for insulation, incorporates an easy to open push button latch providing easy access to fuses, storage for two spare fuses, and label recesses that accept Blue Sea Systems" Small Format Labels for circuit identification
• Fuse blocks with covers include 20 write-on circuit labels
• Tin-plated copper buses and fuse clips
• Accepts ring or snap fork type terminals
• Accepts ATO® and ATC® fast acting blade fuses
• Fuses sold separately

These get my vote. They use the same fuses found in most vehicles, they take ring or snap fork terminals (that go on the ends of your wires) and look slick. If you have a good crimper, you can terminate the end of your wires with whatever you would like to use.

[edit - sorry Bob, I linked a 6 pole, but they have a 12 pole version for $10 more.]

 

[mmckenna]

I am looking at that one but need to figure out what I need to connect my cables to it and how to run the pos/neg cable to power supply

8 gauge or 6 gauge conductor from the power supply to the distribution block. The last BlueSea block I used was a four slot ATO fuse model that had a #10 screw size stud for the input. I think it was #6 screws for the distribution side.
I've used them in a couple of trucks, 6 gauge wire from the fuse installed at the battery to the distribution block behind the seat.

 

[AK9R]

I think it was #6 screws for the distribution side.

#8

Darn good thing as crimp terminals with #6 rings would be pretty small.

https://www.bluesea.com/products/5025/ST_Blade_Fuse_Block_-_6_Circuits_with_Negative_Bus_and_Cover

 

[slowmover]

I’ve used WEST MOUNTAIN RigRunner mobile and base.

Also POWERWERX PDC-75 for mobile.

Was worth my while (why did I wait) to invest in Anderson Power Pole tools & supply. My installs are mainly mobile and subject to revision plus removal.

BUSSMAN Termination Fuse at BATT with 6-AWG ANCOR to 12VDC

The 75 takes up very little space (and no exposed terminals). Heavy for size due to encased solid copper Buss bar.



Retail: WEST MARINE plus HRO has this supply & gear at their stores (see online catalogs).

I just have to find the locations I can whip in with a 72’ long tractor trailer.

.

 

[slowmover]

Let me also recommend articles by W8JI on proper base station bonding (and more).

 

[ClemsonSCJ]

I got this off Amazon and it has worked like a champ. I unhooked the buzzer cause I’ve heard it will go off when it doesn’t need to.
Chunzehui F-1008 Horizontal 9 Port 40A Connector Power Splitter Distributor Source Strip, 1 Input and 8 Output. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078N343XK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_A8J90W48NEA1G531AD0K?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

[ClemsonSCJ]

8 gauge or 6 gauge conductor from the power supply to the distribution block. The last BlueSea block I used was a four slot ATO fuse model that had a #10 screw size stud for the input. I think it was #6 screws for the distribution side.
I've used them in a couple of trucks, 6 gauge wire from the fuse installed at the battery to the distribution block behind the seat.

My Astron 50 amp supply will not fit anything bigger than a 10awg into the little terminal in the back. I have a 3ft run of 10awg wire going from my power supply to the fuse block and I haven’t had any issues with voltage drop.

 

[mmckenna]

My Astron 50 amp supply will not fit anything bigger than a 10awg into the little terminal in the back. I have a 3ft run of 10awg wire going from my power supply to the fuse block and I haven’t had any issues with voltage drop.

For a short run like 3 feet, 10 gauge will show probably 0.3 volt drop. Not enough to be an issue.
The install I was referring to was in a full size/crew cab truck, where the run is about 17 feet by the time you figure in all the routing. That would give you about 2 volts of drop if you used 10 gauge, and that might be a problem for some radios, especially without the alternator spinning.
On the other hand 6 gauge over 17 feet is about 0.8 volt drop.

 

[slowmover]

Use 3%

 

[AK9R]

The full chart, which has some useful info about fuse ratings for these circuits, can be found at: https://d2pyqm2yd3fw2i.cloudfront.net/files/resources/reference/20010.pdf

 

[sdu219]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07X32KGF8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use this one