Anyone have experience with solid state PDM’s?

[JHouser]

Looking in the direction of power for my M2 build and am curious about these newer power distribution modules. With the s14 swap I’m moving from a stock 02 to a light Restomod and I like the idea of simplifying the actual routing of my 02’s wiring (deleting the fuse box and hazard switch nest). I like the full customizing / reprogramming of switch functions With the potential of adding power door locks, small lighting touches, wiper delay, electric water pump / fan control and pretty much anything else I can cook up. Auto fuses as well as monitoring current draw seems like a great concept. Thoughts? 

 

http://www.motorsportsinnovations.com/RacePak/racepak-smartwire.htm

 

https://www.motec.com.au/pdm15/pdm15overview/
 

https://ecumasterusa.com/collections/power-management/products/ecumaster-pmu16-power-management-unit?variant=8318139269181

Jonathan-

[xr4tic]

Cool, but not worth $2000 to me.

 

I'm doing this to replace the stock fuse box.  Wiring is a nightmare no matter which method you go with.

 

 

[Healey3000]

Hi,

 

I've done some research on this approach.  For a few months now, I have contemplated rewiring the entire car using solid state switching with the elimination of fuses.  The main driver for this is to use CABUSs to connect a few input and output modules in a daisy chain.  With this, there will be a single high-current power conductor, four CAN wires and short output wires to all the high-side loads.  Inputs would be light, 22 or 24 gauge wires.  If you use the Arduino processors (AtMega328), the library has the CAN routines already available.

 

The savings in wiring and complications would be significant.  Of course, one adds complexity in the whole multi-processor architecture but these days, that can be low-risk.

 

With electronic switching of loads, there are a couple of things to watch out for.  One is that a high-side MOSFET cannot block reverse current, unless two are used back-to-back.  I don't know what the Motecs do (they are smart folks so I'm sure they have taken care of this).  With inductive loads, PDM's can be damaged.  Not saying it can't all be designed for, but one has to look carefully at the details.

 

The wiper motor is a special case.  One or two of the Motec channels can be used but the rest cannot, since the low speed winding has to be shorted to ground momentarily to stop at the park position. Inrush current is another area to watch.  The PDM must be able to allow for the surge, without tripping the e-fuse.  Again, this can be designed for but as users, we need to pay attention that the PDM has been appropriately designed.

 

I really want to do the CANBUS thing!  I've identified the switch topology and specific devices as well as the e-fuse current monitor plus the CAN utilities.

[JHouser]

 

.

I really want to do the CANBUS thing!  I've identified the switch topology and specific devices as well as the e-fuse current monitor plus the CAN utilities.

Yea same. I’m closely watching the ECUmaster PMU16. Most of these are designed for Motorsport with dash switching and monitoring so at face value it seems “overkill” but at $1300 the PMU16 is getting close to worth it as I will already be totally re-wiring my car with an updated power distribution box going the can bus route with dash switching would streamline a ton while taking our high current in headlight and turn signal switches. 

this is a pretty sweet little 8 channel analog input to can bus board that with an little housing could clean up a ton and allow for all kinds of cool control. 

https://ecumasterusa.com/collections/engine-management-accessories/products/can-switch-board?variant=8318139170877

[Healey3000]

 

this is a pretty sweet little 8 channel analog input to can bus board that with an little housing could clean up a ton and allow for all kinds of cool control. 

https://ecumasterusa.com/collections/engine-management-accessories/products/can-switch-board?variant=8318139170877

It is nice but pricey.  It's pretty basic and one can make something similar for far less.  Plus, that's more fun

[TobyB]

I have found over the years that things like this are fun while I'm playing with

them, but once I'm done, if it breaks, I NEVER document it well enough.

And replacement parts are difficult, as they're changing so fast.

 

So it gets frustrating.  Document the hell out of it!

And keep a paper copy- the interwebs change.

Companies get bought out, pull products, 'don't support',

And take down code, break links, etc etc etc.

 

Personally, I want PDC's right now.

https://expanse.fandom.com/wiki/PDC

 

t

has Arduinos in some of his cars.

[Healey3000]

 

Personally, I want PDC's right now.

https://expanse.fandom.com/wiki/PDC

 

Heading to the Thunderdome?