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Ken the electrical guy Q n A

Discussion in 'Technical Chat' started by Kens04Taco, Oct 8, 2019.

  1. Oct 8, 2019 at 12:59 PM
    #1
    Kens04Taco

    Kens04Taco [OP] Well-Known Member

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    kangs and thanngs
    Hey everyone

    I wanted to open up this thread for anyone who has an electrical project coming up and wanted to ask questions. I know electrical can be difficult and confusing for some so I hope that I can help bridge the gap. If you want to learn I’m here to help.
    Edit: This page is for anyone who has any electrical questions, projects, and or information to teach everyone. All are invited to contribute.
    -Ken

    99FF7436-F3C5-4176-B369-5BA9CEC9569C.jpg

    (Electricians Rubiks cube)
     
    Last edited: Apr 27, 2020
  2. Oct 8, 2019 at 3:55 PM
    #2
    Knoxdavid34

    Knoxdavid34 Stranger with candy

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  3. Oct 8, 2019 at 4:03 PM
    #3
    TartanEagle

    TartanEagle Well-Known Member

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    Please keep this available in the coming future. I have a lot of electrical to do, but am not able to do it now. I'm collecting the necessaries while I bide my time until that yet-to-be-named free weekend (or two).
    It would really be great to know this thread is here for those scratch me head, smack the relay with a hammer type scenarios I know I'll get myself into.

    Cheers for offering!!
     
    Kens04Taco[OP] and jackn7 like this.
  4. Oct 8, 2019 at 4:14 PM
    #4
    RyanDCLB

    RyanDCLB Well-Known Member

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  5. Oct 8, 2019 at 4:24 PM
    #5
    Kens04Taco

    Kens04Taco [OP] Well-Known Member

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  6. Oct 8, 2019 at 4:25 PM
    #6
    Kens04Taco

    Kens04Taco [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Sure buddy this is why I made it. I’m happy that you find it beneficial :thumbsup:

     
    TartanEagle[QUOTED] likes this.
  7. Oct 8, 2019 at 4:32 PM
    #7
    Kens04Taco

    Kens04Taco [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I would recommend taking all of the accessories you’re going to be adding and writing down a rough drawing of where they are in the truck and what current they draw. Do your calculation and rough drawing and this will allow you to visualize everything. Depending on your experience and level of skill you will be able to know roughly how long and what wires will need to go where. This will allow you to decide on what you’ll need to accomplish it
     
  8. Oct 8, 2019 at 4:40 PM
    #8
    cosmicfires

    cosmicfires Well-Known Member

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    Snugtop cab high canopy.
    Is that your latest project?
     
  9. Oct 8, 2019 at 4:42 PM
    #9
    Kens04Taco

    Kens04Taco [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Ha no it’s not...I’m currently designing an overhead switch panel for first gen Tacoma’s, finishing my bed electrical panel, and some other goodies
     
  10. Oct 8, 2019 at 4:44 PM
    #10
    IvanhoeTaco

    IvanhoeTaco Well-Known Member

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    Hey I'm looking to wire up an ADD switch for my prerunner 4x4 conversion and was wondering if I could somehow rig up a push button switch (like an oem one in the space beside the steering wheel) instead of using a double throw toggle. I just dont know how I would make an on/off switch into a double pole momentary?
     
  11. Oct 8, 2019 at 4:56 PM
    #11
    Kens04Taco

    Kens04Taco [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Congrats on your conversion bud :thumbsup: I finished up mine about 6 months ago and I love it. I’m glad you asked this because it’s something I haven’t done yet.

    we can figure it out bud, is the factory button on the transfer case shifter a momentary or off on? Relocating the switch will be very simple once we understand how it works. If it’s simple on/off switch then we can utilize any on off switch of your choosing.
    If the switch is a momentary double pole double throw switch you’ll just have to make sure you double check for polarity each position. Let me see if I can find something in the FSM wiring diagrams
     
    Last edited: Apr 27, 2020
  12. Oct 8, 2019 at 5:00 PM
    #12
    IvanhoeTaco

    IvanhoeTaco Well-Known Member

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    I am using FJ cruiser transfer case so only "electronics" is the front diff add actuator. Pins im using are 1,2,5,&6. 1 and 2 are power/ground (reversible for movement needed) and 5 and 6 are the limit switches in the motor, I was planning on using them to illuminate led or something but technically all I need is 1 and 2 for movement.
     
  13. Oct 8, 2019 at 5:32 PM
    #13
    Kens04Taco

    Kens04Taco [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Ok so what you need to do is this. Get your self a double pole double throw relay. This relay allows for reverse polarity across a two wire system (your 1 & 2 pins). You’ll get a momentary On off on switch. One side of the switch will be the trigger for one polarity of your choosing (for example up with be out) the other side of the switch will trigger the reverse polarity( for example down will be in ). If you’d like I can draw you up a wiring diagram. The leds can be wired in parallel with the limit switches in the motor. Assuming these are ground switches you’ll just power the leds with switched or constant 12v and will illumate when the limit switch grounds
     
    IvanhoeTaco[QUOTED] likes this.
  14. Oct 8, 2019 at 5:48 PM
    #14
    OnHartung'sRoad

    OnHartung'sRoad -So glad I didn't take the other...

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    Whats the best wire length/amp and gauge table or calculator you’ve used?

    Thanks!
     
  15. Oct 8, 2019 at 5:50 PM
    #15
    0xDEADBEEF

    0xDEADBEEF Trash Aficionado

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    I'm a fan of this one:

    [​IMG]
     
  16. Oct 8, 2019 at 6:03 PM
    #16
    IvanhoeTaco

    IvanhoeTaco Well-Known Member

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    I would love a diagram!
     
  17. Oct 8, 2019 at 6:14 PM
    #17
    RyanDCLB

    RyanDCLB Well-Known Member

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    Thanks! I'll do that. Both compressors have wiring harnesses that should be long enough, they should also have relays too. I'll do the rough drawing as recommended and run it by my brother who is an electrician and will be helping me with the bulk of the installation.

    I also have a Northstar Cab Over camper with 7 pin plug and a 14' Crestliner Fishing Boat with a 4 pin trailer plug. Any recommendations on type and size of Battery? (assuming I'll need to replace stock, and, I'd like to avoid a dual battery setup). Should I be looking at High Output alternator?

    Edit: I'm also considering adding a light bar like this 30" Rigid
     
  18. Oct 8, 2019 at 7:05 PM
    #18
    Kens04Taco

    Kens04Taco [OP] Well-Known Member

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    you got it! I have one drawn up but I want to make sure I give you correct information. I’m trying to find one more piece information about the actuator before I send it your way.
     
    IvanhoeTaco[QUOTED] likes this.
  19. Oct 8, 2019 at 7:07 PM
    #19
    IvanhoeTaco

    IvanhoeTaco Well-Known Member

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    Awesome man thanks so much!
     
  20. Oct 8, 2019 at 7:15 PM
    #20
    Kens04Taco

    Kens04Taco [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Wow your really going for it! It’s hard to say what brand of battery you should use. A lot of people are using odyssey for the size and capacity. They are pricey though. If you plan on using your accessories while the truck is off I would highly recommend going dual battery. It’s really comes down to the numbers. If you only plan on using a lot of accessories only while the truck is running you’ll want to think about a HO alternator. The thing that most people won’t mention is duty cycle. Almost of companies boast high numbers but it’s important to look at what rpm are these outputs at? For how long can the alternator maintain this output? a lot of alternators reach those high numbers at high rpm. Are you planning on using these accessories while the truck is at high rpm or on trails? On a trail your rpm will relatively low making all those high numbers they posted useless to you. Planning is everything, sit down and write what you’ll be using, when you’ll be using it, and then match that with a unit that will be a little more than you need.


    For example police cars, ambulances, fire trucks, and high end out put alternator companies will use a 90-100% duty cycle. This means you can run that puppy at full output without it causing an issue. If you get a HO alternator that has a duty cycle of say 50% you’ll get half the output after a relatively short period of time. Not to mention running an alternator at a output that exceeds it capabilities is a good way to burn it up
    These are things to consider when shopping for an alternator.
    Utilize your brother he’ll save you a lot of head aches and he’ll know exactly what I’m talking about
     
    Last edited: Oct 9, 2019

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