dandy7200 September 5, 2007 Share September 5, 2007 Been a while since I posted a good DIY thread so here goes..... I wanted to build a bigger and slicker power center for my new tank. I wanted to use the DJ panels as relay switches for my ACIII so I can override them quickly without getting into the ACIII menu. With this configuration, I can also see the lit rocker switch meaning the ACIII has turned something on or off. Also, I wanted the outlets to be top mounted this time around since it will be difficult to get to the plugs on the new setup. Gey plugs are controlled by ACIII and black ones are just wired to the DJ rack only. First I wired up a bunch of duplex plugs with power cords. I pulled the connector pin so each outlet goes to a separate power source: Next I wired a few cords with cord grips: Open up a DJ rack: Remove top sets of jumper wires and set aside: Remove bottom wires and discard, remove power cord and save for another project: Drill holes in back of panel and insert extension cords: Common ground connected: Power cords have new connectors installed and go on bottom part of switch. Jumpers are reinstalled on top part of switch: Close it back up and mount to 32" rack rails: Some goodies installed: Hon, can you unplug the skimmer for me? Done: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamesbuf September 5, 2007 Share September 5, 2007 Holy crap. You truly amaze me sometimes man. Sorry for not getting back to you this weekend. Life is kinda hectic right now. I'll be back in town either on the 13th or 14th. Now get back to work on that tank. Time is counting down for you to be ready. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EBR September 5, 2007 Share September 5, 2007 I wanted to build a bigger and slicker power center for my new tank. I wanted to use the DJ panels as relay switches for my ACIII so I can override them quickly without getting into the ACIII menu. With this configuration, I can also see the lit rocker switch meaning the ACIII has turned something on or off. Also, I wanted the outlets to be top mounted this time around since it will be difficult to get to the plugs on the new setup. Gey plugs are controlled by ACIII and black ones are just wired to the DJ rack only. <snip> OMG. What a great idea. How cool is that!? So let me get this straight ('cause I really like the DJ panels, but don't have an AC yet). You would normally leave the switches in the on position, allowing them to turn on/off as the AC3 dictates -- leaving you the option of breaking the connection at will -- right? I'm just not clear on how the panel of boxes fits in. I'm guessing that cords from the DJ panels go to the AC3, and the panel of boxes get plugged into the DJ panels, and then "things" get plugged into the panel of boxes. In any case, that is a very cool idea. And nice, clean, detailed work! Just plain neat. This thread is bookmarked :-) Matt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dandy7200 September 5, 2007 Author Share September 5, 2007 (edited) No sweat James. Holiday weekend I figured you found something fun to do. EBR, I forgot to take a piture of the top of the unit: This is where equipment gets plugged in. You pretty much got the rest of it. Edited September 5, 2007 by dandy7200 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EBR September 5, 2007 Share September 5, 2007 Ah. I didn't catch the blue area at the top of the one shot from the back -- must have been distracted by the mess o' spaghetti :-) Thanks. Matt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tygger September 5, 2007 Share September 5, 2007 Very nice. You're one smart dood. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YBeNormal September 5, 2007 Share September 5, 2007 Hey Dan, I'm beginning to sound like a broken record here but, "Nice job!" Since you seem to buy them in bulk quantities, where are you buying your power cords? I was going to do something similar but on a much smaller scale and figured there has to be a source for good cords under $5 a pop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbartco September 5, 2007 Share September 5, 2007 http://www.cablewholesale.com/catalog/powercords.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jason the filter freak September 5, 2007 Share September 5, 2007 not a clue what you've done there, but it looks freaking schweet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rioreef September 5, 2007 Share September 5, 2007 When you power that thing up, let me know so I can have a backup generator at my house ready. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YBeNormal September 5, 2007 Share September 5, 2007 http://www.cablewholesale.com/catalog/powercords.htm Thanks Doug. Adding to my DIY bookmarks... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NRehman September 5, 2007 Share September 5, 2007 Dan, Very sweet. This is the neatest and most compact power center I have seen (with 40 outlets to boot)! An inspiration to us all.... Thanks for sharing. Doug, Ditto...added to DIY! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
treesprite September 5, 2007 Share September 5, 2007 very cool Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HowardofNOVA September 5, 2007 Share September 5, 2007 Dan, AWESOME DUDE!!!!! Have you hooked up a WATTS UP yet to that beast? If you don't have one, I got mine that I won at the last meeting? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Ward September 6, 2007 Share September 6, 2007 Dan, Definitely want to talk about this with you when you come get your RO equipment (or maybe I'll make a trip to your house so I can figure this out). I'm trying to figure out where the ACIII integrates. Does this eliminate the need for the DC8? I want to do a similar thing, just using standard rocker switches instead of DJ switches - I thought the ACIII might hamstring me a little on my desire to control everything, but I'm very curious as to how all this works. ~Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dandy7200 September 7, 2007 Author Share September 7, 2007 Dan, Definitely want to talk about this with you when you come get your RO equipment (or maybe I'll make a trip to your house so I can figure this out). I'm trying to figure out where the ACIII integrates. Does this eliminate the need for the DC8? I want to do a similar thing, just using standard rocker switches instead of DJ switches - I thought the ACIII might hamstring me a little on my desire to control everything, but I'm very curious as to how all this works. ~Brian Sweet, does that mean I get personal delivery of my AWI order? Dan, AWESOME DUDE!!!!! Have you hooked up a WATTS UP yet to that beast? If you don't have one, I got mine that I won at the last meeting? Only power it draws is from the rocker switches. I would gues that nothing will even register on the meter. I have a killawatt and will hook it up when ready just to see but there is really no more power than what would normally be used. http://www.cablewholesale.com/catalog/powercords.htm Thats a good one. I got mine from mcmaster about $2.75ea if I remember right. I ended up cleaning up the wiring quite a bit so it's not nearly as scary in the back. Still need to add a few things to the panel next to the multicontroller and will update pics when completed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Ward September 7, 2007 Share September 7, 2007 Sweet, does that mean I get personal delivery of my AWI order? If you can help me out with my electrical schemes, I'm certainly willing to run it out there. Any chance you're good at plumbing? That's what I'm really struggling with right now. ~Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dandy7200 September 8, 2007 Author Share September 8, 2007 If you can help me out with my electrical schemes, I'm certainly willing to run it out there. Any chance you're good at plumbing? That's what I'm really struggling with right now. ~Brian You got a deal! Plumbing, I can surely help with as well. I'm a far better plumber than electrician Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YBeNormal September 8, 2007 Share September 8, 2007 Any chance you're good at plumbing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dandy7200 September 9, 2007 Author Share September 9, 2007 I admit, I was somewhat amused by the question as well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Antiguan September 9, 2007 Share September 9, 2007 First I wired up a bunch of duplex plugs with power cords. I pulled the connector pin so each outlet goes to a separate power source: Dan, I am either confused or missed a point but if you pulled the connector pins from the outlet for seperate power source, hence 2 independent outlets, should'nt there be 2 power cords from each box? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dandy7200 September 9, 2007 Author Share September 9, 2007 Dan, I am either confused or missed a point but if you pulled the connector pins from the outlet for seperate power source, hence 2 independent outlets, should'nt there be 2 power cords from each box? Thanks. Your right and there is. Each 4 gang box has 8 cords coming out the back. I know it's hard to tell from the picture but I put them on top and bottom so they were easier to trace back once installed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Antiguan September 9, 2007 Share September 9, 2007 Your right and there is. Each 4 gang box has 8 cords coming out the back. I know it's hard to tell from the picture but I put them on top and bottom so they were easier to trace back once installed. Thanks for the explanation Dan. I see it now - the early morning coffee must have been spiked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madmax7774 September 12, 2007 Share September 12, 2007 Dan you could get rich just patenting your hobby idea's!! I know I have personally copied you for at least 2 major items, (the auto water change, and the DJ panel). Nice work on the power center. Is that going to go into the area where your existing "fish room" is? John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EBR September 12, 2007 Share September 12, 2007 (edited) Never mind -- answered my own question. Matt Edited September 12, 2007 by EBR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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