Electrical Control Panel for 50kl Fair Organ Outfit
Electrical Control Panel for 50kl Fair Organ Outfit
Of the things one might not give much thought to around a fair organ, the electrical wiring of the control gear and associated display vehicle equipment must be high up the list of common ‘un-noticeable’ elements. After all, the organ just has a supply to the blower and key frame motor, so it’s simple, right?
Over the last couple of months I’ve spent many hours completing electrical installations on my 50-keyless fair organ’s display vehicle, the finished result being far from simple…
Firstly, the lorry electrics needed some re-wiring as I was finding certain vehicle lighting circuits prone to connector degradation after standing unused for long periods. At the same time, I also fitted a complete and very advanced alarm, tracking and immobiliser system for full security and piece of mind. With a view to enhancing the driving experience, I’ve found the pair of air horns I fitted a great toy for letting other motorists know you’re there!
The 12v systems continue inside the back, with low-voltage lighting, fridge outlet, water pump, charging sockets and supplies for the collecting monkeys, all switchable to be operational from the lorry or generator/leisure battery. On the subject of the generator, for ease of use I built a 5KVA Diesel geny under the floor, an undertaking started while the organ restoration was half way through…
With the engine protruding through the floor, a cupboard enclosing this was the next logical step, this soundproofing the generating unit, while providing additional storage and a sink/drainer/worktop above. Then came lots of wooden panelling over the first fix of routed cables, at the same time as replacing the old polystyrene bodywork insulation with fire and heat retardant fibreglass (not a fun job at all :? ).
In terms of AC power, the 230V required for the organ, main lighting, and sockets for vital ancillary equipment (e.g. kettle!) can come from an external mains connection or the integral diesel generator, hence a changeover switch was needed. In addition to the generator 12V control and starting circuits, MCBs were required with an RCD for safety. I duly made a switch panel to house everything, complete with gauges and indicators. For convenience I also installed an automatic 12V charger system so that mains or generator AC power can be used to independently supply the 12V leisure amenities, and/or charge either the lorry or the generator battery (particularly useful given the lack of use both these batteries are likely to get in winter months!). To save costs I made this system up using parts of an old car battery charger, a model railway transformer, and a PC cooling fan, all integrated into the space within the control box.
A picture paints a thousand words, so here goes…
The finished result…
The 12v systems continue inside the back, with low-voltage lighting, fridge outlet, water pump, charging sockets and supplies for the collecting monkeys, all switchable to be operational from the lorry or generator/leisure battery. On the subject of the generator, for ease of use I built a 5KVA Diesel geny under the floor, an undertaking started while the organ restoration was half way through…
With the engine protruding through the floor, a cupboard enclosing this was the next logical step, this soundproofing the generating unit, while providing additional storage and a sink/drainer/worktop above. Then came lots of wooden panelling over the first fix of routed cables, at the same time as replacing the old polystyrene bodywork insulation with fire and heat retardant fibreglass (not a fun job at all :? ).
In terms of AC power, the 230V required for the organ, main lighting, and sockets for vital ancillary equipment (e.g. kettle!) can come from an external mains connection or the integral diesel generator, hence a changeover switch was needed. In addition to the generator 12V control and starting circuits, MCBs were required with an RCD for safety. I duly made a switch panel to house everything, complete with gauges and indicators. For convenience I also installed an automatic 12V charger system so that mains or generator AC power can be used to independently supply the 12V leisure amenities, and/or charge either the lorry or the generator battery (particularly useful given the lack of use both these batteries are likely to get in winter months!). To save costs I made this system up using parts of an old car battery charger, a model railway transformer, and a PC cooling fan, all integrated into the space within the control box.
A picture paints a thousand words, so here goes…
The finished result…