Eastern Beaver PC 8 or 4 Circuit solution

arndtmp

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Jul 10, 2023
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Virginia
I have a 2020 ST 1200...need to add power solution to run GPS, Phone and Aux lights (all controlled with individual power switches). The PC8 seems rather large and I don't believe it will fit in the right side electrical compartment.

What say you?

What are you using for power distribution?

Where did you put it?

Pictures if possible would be helpful.

P.S. Is anyone running a panel across the bike in front of the handle bars to mount switches too?

TIA
 

RCinNC

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I believe there are guys on here who've put the PC-8 under the right side cowling. If you search for PC-8 threads I think you'll find them.

I'd rather install a PC-8 (or similar) rather than the 3 circuit solution. Even though you only anticipate three circuits now, that could easily change down the road. If you're going to have to do the wiring anyway, you might as well prepare for some future expansion.

There are power distribution blocks available now that don't use traditional fuses, and are smaller than the PC-8. Bimota has one example; the Neutrino Black Box is another. There's a price to pay for technology though; the Neutrino is close to $300.00.

There are guys here who have used a dash infill panel ahead of the handlebars and installed flush mounted switches on them. If you search for "dash infill" I think it'll get you started. The forum search engine can be a little less than useful, so try a google search for something like "yamahasupertenere.com: dash infill".
 

arndtmp

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Jul 10, 2023
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Virginia
I believe there are guys on here who've put the PC-8 under the right side cowling. If you search for PC-8 threads I think you'll find them.

I'd rather install a PC-8 (or similar) rather than the 3 circuit solution. Even though you only anticipate three circuits now, that could easily change down the road. If you're going to have to do the wiring anyway, you might as well prepare for some future expansion.

There are power distribution blocks available now that don't use traditional fuses, and are smaller than the PC-8. Bimota has one example; the Neutrino Black Box is another. There's a price to pay for technology though; the Neutrino is close to $300.00.

There are guys here who have used a dash infill panel ahead of the handlebars and installed flush mounted switches on them. If you search for "dash infill" I think it'll get you started. The forum search engine can be a little less than useful, so try a google search for something like "yamahasupertenere.com: dash infill".
Thank you... I used the search and thats how I came across EB.... Im just wondering what is the best solution between the two...
 

RCinNC

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If you mean the best solution between the PC-8 and the 4 Circuit Solution, some of it comes down to whether you can find a place to mount the PC-8. I would always opt for it over the 4 Circuit Solution as long as I could find a place to put it.
 

Fpalbrecht

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Lake Mills, Wisconsin
I installed a PC-8 back in Oct 2016 after I bought the bike. I'm glad I got it. I've added a couple more things since then. I used heavy-duty velcro to fasten it to the bike. Hasn't moved since. I would do it that way again.


Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk
 

arndtmp

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Virginia
I installed a PC-8 back in Oct 2016 after I bought the bike. I'm glad I got it. I've added a couple more things since then. I used heavy-duty velcro to fasten it to the bike. Hasn't moved since. I would do it that way again.


Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk
Thank you for the reply and picture....Ill see if my 2020 can accommodate it is the same location.
 

arndtmp

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Virginia
I installed a PC-8 back in Oct 2016 after I bought the bike. I'm glad I got it. I've added a couple more things since then. I used heavy-duty velcro to fasten it to the bike. Hasn't moved since. I would do it that way again.


Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk
How long of a cable did you order to hook it up? was it long enough or too long?
 

Fpalbrecht

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Lake Mills, Wisconsin
There is a "kit" for the Super Tenere. I think. Special plug which plugs into special receiver plug tucked inside an open cavity with another wire.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk
 

Mad_Matt

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Colorado
I'm reviving the thread. I'm considering cleaning up my aux wiring, and I see the PC8 and the 3-4 Circuit Solution as viable options. Currently, we only need one always-hot (battery tender) and 2 switched connections (LED aux lights + heated gear plug), but I can see the need for a third switched connection in the future.

The Circuit solutions are roughly half the price of the PC8. Is the PC8 still the preferred solution? Has anyone gone for the 3CS or 4CS and regretted it?
 

RCinNC

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The PC-8 was the preferred solution for me, back when I first installed it on a V-Strom in 2013 or so. Back then I also looked at that 3 Circuit solution and wondered if I should go with the cheaper one; after all, I only had a couple outlets I wanted to power on the Suzuki. Ultimately I opted for the PC-8, simply because it had the ability to expand to meet future and as yet unforeseen electrical needs.

I also felt that the PC-8 offered a more centralized and compact way of arranging the wiring on the bike.

Flash forward a few years from 2013, and that same PC-8 had transferred from the Suzuki to the S10. I found myself adding more circuits to the S10; instead of two outlets, I now had 2 dash mounted USB ports, one USB port in the rear for the passenger, two bar mounted 12 volt cigarette style outlets (one always hot), and more recently, a dedicated circuit for a Zumo XT. I didn't foresee any of those when I first bought the PC-8, but was glad I went with the more versatile unit.

I also think that, from the standpoint of doing an orderly and efficient wiring job, the PC-8 surpasses the 3 Circuit Solution. My PC-8 fits neatly under my seat and still allows enough room to store my tire repair kit and some other stuff. The 3 Circuit Solution, with it's design comprised of multiple individual components all wired together would, in my opinion, result in a less efficient use of a small space.

Here's my PC-8 under the seat:




And here's all the other stuff I can still fit under the seat:

 

Cycledude

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Rib lake wi
Lots of choices, I have been using Thunder Box for about the last 3 years, very easy to hook up, charges my phone, runs my auxiliary lights, runs my GPS, and could also run a few more things, it’s been trouble free
 
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Mad_Matt

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Nov 15, 2023
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303
Location
Colorado
Lots of choices, I have been using Thunder Box for about the last 3 years, very easy to hook up, charges my phone, runs my auxiliary lights, runs my GPS, and could also run a few more things, it’s been trouble free
Wow, that's some cool tech. I couldn't quite sort out everything it did, but watching this video made it all clear.
 
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