Adding power to the saddlebags... without a plug. (Finished!)

[MAN OF BLUES]

For projects and hobbyists they are a great connector since they are configurable if you need to change something. I personally prefer to use more compact connectors because on my bike I wont be pulling more than 5 amps (worst case) through any connection I add.

I wouldn't go so far as to say that, they ARE an industrial connector, therefore the exotic tooling needed for creating harness' using them, and the quantity you must purchase, put them completely out of the realm for "one off" projects...
Nice connectors though, I have used them in my corporate designs a few times.

after looking a bit more...updated to show;
these actually are nice, in the 15A size...
http://www.powerwerx.com/anderson-powerpoles/powerpole-sets/30-amp-red-black-anderson-powerpole-sets.html

[reh8388]

Part 2 of this project is one of those things that can be done 100's of ways, but finding a way that is simple yet effective is proving a challenge. I am working on a couple ideas for it still but I have also started looking into a 12V socket for inside the bags as well as a decent way to cover the wire once it enters the saddlebag. This is the socket I wound up finding and I will most likely epoxy this into the saddlebag so I don't have to sink a screw through the case.

[VirginiaJim]

Could you tell us where you got it?

[reh8388]

Could you tell us where you got it?

Jim - Let me get this one in and make sure it isn't garbage and then I will post a link. No sense in people wasting money if I get this in and it is poor quality.

[VirginiaJim]

Fair enough.

[Classvino]

...For the good of the order, look up "Anderson Power Poles".   Theyre pretty popular in robotics, and ham radio, and Im really surprised they haven't taken on more in the automotive world for their simplicity and reliability...

Yeah, any type of plug would certainly be easier to set up, but kinda ignores the intent of the op :

...I had to get power to the saddlebag without adding any steps to the current removal of the saddlebags. (Put key in -> pick up handle -> saddlebag off)...

MGvalerio's electric pin solution is pretty ingenious, and if you're going to be pinning your bags onto the bike anyway, it's certainly a good solution.

I'm still, however, leaning towards the spring pin solution on the bag hangers...  hidden and totally hands-free - just drop the bags on and you're in business...

If you're thinking of epoxying in an interior socket, consider a dual plug - the number of things needing charging always seems to be multiplying...  or maybe even :



Jamie

[just gone]

Having an electrified tank bag, I can't imagine what I would need to put in the saddle bags to be charged. Maybe a spare C14 battery? However, I'm still watching with interest as it seems that if 2 spring pin contacts can be placed in one hook area then perhaps a third could be added at the other hook? Three wires to each case would allow running light-brake light-turn signal to be mounted on the rear of the bags. For those so inclined, a fourth wire would allow either an amber turn signal, or (always on power w/very low amp fuse) a saddle bag interior switched low profile LED light strip. As it is with only two pins, it still would allow for a great brake light set up. I'm not convinced that extra rear running lights add much to safety, however extra brake lights and turn signals are a big plus IMO. I think I'd go for the extra brake lights and amber turn signals if a third wire could be added at the other bag hook.

 So yes, this is an interesting thread even for those that aren't charging stuff in the saddle bags. 

[garfield1974]

Having an electrified tank bag, I can't imagine what I would need to put in the saddle bags to be charged. Maybe a spare C14 battery? ...

 

[Classvino]

Having an electrified tank bag, I can't imagine what I would need to put in the saddle bags to be charged...

Having electrified saddlebags, and easily running power from the front plug to my phone and/or GPS if necessary, I can't imagine what I'd need a tank bag for.... 

(just funnin really, I've been looking at those tank bags too...)

And I like the idea of extra contacts for brakes and blinkers...   hmmmm.....

Jamie

[Stephen.G.Fiddes]

I wouldn't go so far as to say that, they ARE an industrial connector, therefore the exotic tooling needed for creating harness' using them, and the quantity you must purchase, put them completely out of the realm for "one off" projects...
Nice connectors though, I have used them in my corporate designs a few times.

after looking a bit more...updated to show;
these actually are nice, in the 15A size...
http://www.powerwerx.com/anderson-powerpoles/powerpole-sets/30-amp-red-black-anderson-powerpole-sets.html

I use the 15A, 30A, and 45A ones religiously. (Based on the size of wire im using. All of the actual connectors are the same size). I cant count the number of times I've had one wire hooked up somewhere, then been finished with it (or needed it somewhere else) and used it on another application.  The connectors are small enough I can easily feed them throughout any space almost.  I did buy their special crimper tool after a while to make the assembly easier, but for a couple years just used needle nose pliers.

Theyre not for every appliation (IE: something that could get submerged or really wet) but for anything I want to be easily disconnectable in the future, and have a secure insulated connection, these are what i use. If im worried about the connection coming apart, I ziptie it together with small ties.


I know this isnt what the OP was looking to do, but they are fantastic products. (Despite the high price...). MGs post brought it to my head. They work fantastic for me. Maybe not for everyone, my .02.

[reh8388]

Ok guys, I have been working a second project that I actually started before this one but had been waiting for parts for it so I started this project. I am waiting until that project is done to post about it but that's why this one hasn't gotten all my attention.

Anyways, I have an idea for the saddlebag side of the system. I have to just make it/order the parts to make it. Hopefully in the next couple weeks I will have everything in. That looks like it is the only part left to figure out.

I received the 12V socket that I ordered and I am really pleased with it. Total cost was ~$18 and I ordered it from ebay here from a seller named dcjoules (in case the link dies you can search for him). It shipped quickly and it is made in Australia. Feels pretty solid and should work well for the saddlebag.

Last night I played around with positioning inside the saddlebag to allow me to still put a full-face helmet in the saddlebag. Here is the position I will probably go with (it is just taped in place for fitment testing). This position is directly over top of where the wires will come through the back of the saddlebag meaning there won't be any wires visible inside the bag.

[reh8388]

Sorry for the delay, but it's done! (well mostly). I finally got the parts in and finished all my traveling for work so I had some time to finish this up and I am happy to report that it works like a dream. I have not mounted the socket inside the saddlebag yet, but the wires are there and I just need to epoxy the socket in place. I am going to test this out for a week or two before glueing anything into place.

First, here are a few pictures of the spring pins on the bike. They are very unnoticeable when the bag is off, and are not visible at all when the bag is on (picture of that later).







The next part was how to get the power contacts mounted to the saddlebag. I had a very small circuit board made up. It is literally just two big contact pads on the front that are connected to two big contact pads on the back. I used a dremel to inlay the board on the saddlebag and drilled a hold to bring the wires (soldered to the back of the board) up and then through a hole in the saddle bag.

Saddlebag back from a distance.


Close up of circuit board mounted.


Profile view of circuit board mounting (the board isn't glued in place yet so there is an ever so small gap)


Wire routing into bag.


The only evidence there is power going into the saddlebags when it is mounted is if you look though the grab rail you see this...



And lastly, here is a short video showing that the power is switched on with the key and then you can see my remove the bag and then reinstall it (hard to do one handed and looking through a phone screen).

[clogan]

I am impressed!

[Conniesaki]

Very trick!

What does the red stand do for you? Zero turns? Anything else?

[reh8388]

Very trick!

What does the red stand do for you? Zero turns? Anything else?

The red stand simply let's met move the bike around in the garage and tuck it against the wall if I need the work space. It is sold at Harbor Freight for something like $80. I got mine from a buddy who didn't use it anymore. It's a must have if you have a small garage like I do.

[Conniesaki]

The red stand simply let's met move the bike around in the garage and tuck it against the wall if I need the work space. It is sold at Harbor Freight for something like $80. I got mine from a buddy who didn't use it anymore. It's a must have if you have a small garage like I do.

Interesting, thanks.