A Forum run by Enthusiasts of MidNite Solar

Other MidNite Electronics => WBjr => Topic started by: Boompy on January 11, 2016, 10:28:47 AM

Title: Connecting Bus Bar to Midnite Shunt
Post by: Boompy on January 11, 2016, 10:28:47 AM
Hi there

Just wondering if it is possible to connect a strip of bus bar to the Midnite shunt. I should have ordered the MSHUNT Busbar but didn't - my bad, especially since its being delivered from the other side of the world.

In the meantime, is it feasible to connect a strip of bar to the shunt to accommodate smaller wiring gauges? Are there any spare tapped holes on the shunt for direct connection?

Thanks
Title: Re: Connecting Bus Bar to Midnite Shunt
Post by: Vic on January 11, 2016, 12:01:30 PM
Hi Boompy,

YES  for the MNSHUNT,  you can mount a busbar of your own,  using the two tapped holes on one end of the shunt.

Expect that the threads are tapped for 8-32 screws,  or perhaps for #10 screws.  I have not used the MNSHUNT,  and there appears to be no photo of the side of the shunt with these tapper holes,  and there appears to be no manual for the shunt,  either.

In the WBjr manual,  there are several 3-D images showing the tapped holes where attaching the WB to the shunt is shown.  Here is the Link to the manual,  if you have you do not have one:
http://www.midnitesolar.com/pdfs/Whizbang_manual.pdf

Vic
Title: Re: Connecting Bus Bar to Midnite Shunt
Post by: Westbranch on January 11, 2016, 12:19:05 PM
If you go to this page

http://www.midnitesolar.com/productPhoto.php?product_ID=124&productCatName=E-Panel%20-%20Outback&productCat_ID=1&sortOrder=4&act=p

and down load the Hi Res image you can see what a Epanel shunt with buss bar looks like mounted...hth
Title: Re: Connecting Bus Bar to Midnite Shunt
Post by: TomW on January 11, 2016, 12:20:18 PM
Curious which connections you want "smaller gage wires" on?

I assume not the sense cable as that is an unlikely need.

The shunt power connections should be easy to attach to with a hunk of bus bar or flat stock to the large bolts on the shunt with bolts / screws to attach your smaller cables.

Be aware that if you attach power leads to the sense connection you will skew your current readings due to the way a shunt works.

Hope that helps more than it confuses.

Tom
Title: Re: Connecting Bus Bar to Midnite Shunt
Post by: Boompy on January 15, 2016, 10:53:14 AM
Hey guys

Thanks for all your responses, you've been a wonderful help.

The shunt arrived today and I realise I've had a bit of a brain fart. I shouldn't need to attach any smaller gauge wires afterall (well spotted Tom).

Nevertheless, for future projects I do like the option of using a bus bar at the shunt rather than using a bunch of crimped ring connectors on the main shunt bolt. Thanks for the link / reference Westbranch and Vic. Cheers for the advice on the spare terminals at the end of the shunt.

Thanks heaps guys, I really appreciate your help!