J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum The Boat, Sails and Equipment DC Electrical Panel Replacement

I received an email from William Montes at Paneltronics with some good information. He indicated that the Model 2206 panel (11" wide x 8.25" tall with hinge) could be fitted with a digital multimeter so both voltage and current could be monitored using a single meter. Based on my review, this is just about exactly what we need with maximum flexibility to "customize" with an assortment of standard available breaker cuurents and over 3000 standard labels.

Paneltronics can supply this for under $600 each for a quantity of three, or under $660 with ability to monitor Bat 1, Bat 2 or Bus voltage. The under $600 price is for Bat 1 & Bat 2 voltage monitoring only.

Question for J/30 owners - who is interested in potentially purchasing a J/30 customized panel for under $600 or $660 per voltage monitoring option above? Send me an email, or reply here.

I created a list of comments / questions that he confirmed. William's comments are annotated in (blue)

1. The multimeter will handle both current and voltage. (This is correct.)
2. The current is monitored by installing a shunt on the negative side near the battery. I assume the proper shunt is supplied with the meter. (This is correct, Meter will be installed with appropriate shunt.)
3. The connection between the shunt and battery is made via a twisted pair to eliminate noise. (This is correct.)
4. The current displays in 0.1 Amp increments for -99.9 to +500 amp range. (This is correct.)
5. The multimeter has a menu that allows selection between current and voltage. For voltage, the selection of battery 1 or 2 is via the rocker switch, and must be wired back to the battery positive terminals. (This is correct and we could wire our current switch to accommodate this feature.)
Question - is it possible to make the rocker switch 3 position - Battery 1, DC Panel Bus, Battery 2 (label as Bat 1, DC Bus, Bat 2)? That would provide maximum flexibility with the Bat Bus connected on the load side of the 50amp breaker at the panel. (This request will require a modification but is feasible. The modification will consist of a different switch (3 position) and special wiring, there will be an added cost to this request. This solution will run you under $660.00 (Note price does not include J/30 logo which is still TBD))
6. There is a sleep mode on the meter for low power consumption that may be set manually, or a time out. This is very nice! (This is correct.)
7. We could develop the "standard" J/30 breaker sizes and labels, that people could update with their specific desires. Assuming people select standard available breaker sizes and labels you already have, is there any charge for that customizing? (As long as the labels requested are part of our standard label library (3,000 labels+) and the breaker amperages are within our capabilities there should be no cost for this type customization.)
8. I will make a cardboard mockup and simulate the hinge position to see how this fits on my boat. I will take pictures and post on the J/30 Forum. (Would like to know your feedback. Hinge Left or Right also an option if easier.)

Generic Model 2206 Panel shown below