BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

I am going to add a fuseblock under the seat of my R1200R this winter and I am doing some searching on the forum to find out what people are installing and how they are installing it. While I was looking at the EasternBeaver web site I found an option to add a diode in the wire from the switched power source to power the relay. The diode is there to protect the CANBUS from a high voltage spike when the relay opens. See link below.
http://www.easternbeaver.com/Main/Produ ... diode.html

Is this diode necessary? Has anyone else used the diode? It looks simple enough to add if it is truly necessary. None of the other manufacturers talk about the diode.

Thanks
Roger L

Roger,
Since you're adding a fuseblock, assume you'll be connecting accessories, so thought I'd post a link to a vendor who makes what appears to be well designed connectors.

http://www.posi-lock.com/index.html


I've not used these (yet), but based on what I've read, these seem far superior to some of the inline tap / crimp connectors I've used in the past. I've soldered and shrink tubed most of my work electrical work recently, but I think these might do for my next additions.

Thanks for posting the thread... will be tracking responses and doing some searches. On the horizon for me is a GPS (mount and power connector) and aux lights... possibly some Photon Blasters from Skene Design.

roger l wrote:I am going to add a fuseblock under the seat of my R1200R this winter and I am doing some searching on the forum to find out what people are installing and how they are installing it. While I was looking at the EasternBeaver web site I found an option to add a diode in the wire from the switched power source to power the relay. The diode is there to protect the CANBUS from a high voltage spike when the relay opens. See link below.
http://www.easternbeaver.com/Main/Produ ... diode.html

Is this diode necessary? Has anyone else used the diode? It looks simple enough to add if it is truly necessary. None of the other manufacturers talk about the diode.

Thanks
Roger L

MOST (not all - but the vast majority) automotive type relays have either a diode or a resistor across the coil winding to damp out any voltage spikes caused by a collapsing magnetic field when the relay opens. On Bosch relays - you'll find either a squiggly resistor sign ( -^v^v^- ) or a diode sign ( --|<-- ) shown across the coil. It is important with a diode to observe the correct polarity. Connected the wrong way - you'll shut down the circuit it's pulling it's trigger signal from, and you stand a chance of destroying the diode.

Adding an additonal one will do no harm, but it also is unnecessary if the relay has internal protection already.

I used this fuseblock. It is designed for BMW's. Check it out. It works great. You can even call them for advice.
Good Luck,
MM

http://www.excelcyclewerkes.com/

I installed an Eastern Beaver fuse block on my R1200R. It is relayed to switched power and I have all my gizmos, aux HID driving lights, GPS, a USB plug, and accessory outlet wired through it. It is divided so some terminals are hot and some switched. I am very happy with it. My old K1200LT had a Blue Sea fuse panel installed which works so well I am installing one in my Toyota truck. The Blue Sea is larger and I believe desgned for boats. The Eastern Beaver is very compact and fits well under the seat on the R12R. There are several good fuse blocks out there and I think it is one of the best things you can add to your bike.

http://easternbeaver.com/Main/Products/ ... tml#30akit

Sean

I had a Centech AP-1 installed on my '07, early on, to service driving lights and Stebel Nautilus etc. Nice and tidy.

See: http://www.centechwire.com/

They now have a wiring harness w/relay specifically for Canbus systems.

Kyle