EGON DC-Hub

[p38arover]

I came across the mention of this in a YT video about the 12v set-up in an L322. The UK YouTuber noted much of his 12v stuff came from Australia, being EGON (whom I'd never heard of) and Redarc.

What did catch my eye was the EGON DC-Hub. Had I known of it before I built (and rebuilt twice) my 12v system for my L322, I would have considered this even at its high price. I might add LEDs to indicate fuse failure like the EGON. I wish I'd done that - it's easy to do.

What is against it is the ultra-annoying Andrew St. Pierre White who was involved in its design. :)

EGON | DC-Hub (https://egon.com.au/products/egon-dc-hub-power-distribution-hub-2-1-for-dual-battery-systems-integrated-fuse-box)

EGON | DC-Hub and DC-Hub Dual Installation Guide (https://egon.com.au/pages/egon-dc-hub-installation)

193592

193591

I probably could make my own version of it but getting copper-clad PCB with heavy enough copper to handle the current might be an issue. I'd like to see a pic of the back side of the unit.

It's certainly worth considering for your next build. Having said that, it might be worth reading some comments here: EGON DC Hub | Patrol 4x4 - Nissan Patrol Forum (https://www.patrol4x4.com/threads/egon-dc-hub.413333/)

[prelude]

Let's start with the elephant in the room... ASPW, the guy was annoying the first time I ever saw a video of his way back when (at least 10 years ago when he was not a full time youtuber yet). But, I corrected myself that not everyone is the same, don't be judgmental and got really fond of some of his travel work. I also like to watch some of his builds, although being from europe I can guarantee that that roof he helped develop was already made since the mid 90's over here but hey. What really has become annoying is that he is way to aggressive in his sales pitch and with that I do not mean his (co) products like the egon hub but his patreon begging and now he switched to youtube membership stuff.

Over to the DC hub, its creators are supposed to put weight behind the product. ASPW with his many years of experience (mostly in Africa which IS different to oz. but still) and Heiner with his sparky knowledge. The thing is though that I have found many members on this forum kinda dislike the guy and if that holds any relation to reality, I am not sure it helps sales :)

The HUB itself I think is a decent design that certainly has merits, just like their other product the water hub (which came first I believe). In fact, I based my own water system partially on a few inside pictures of their product :D but I digress. My main concern with this product is that whilst it makes an installation so much easier on paper, you need to do it "right" and that still means that a number of people will still not be helped with the product. As a commenter on the forum you linked noted: this makes perfect sense for a small business that does nothing else than installing campers / vans / whatnot. The price in that regard is fully justified since the sparky saves a couple of hours doing it all manually. Apart from that, it is an expensive bit of kit IMHO.

Funny enough, most people think that the PCB is the most expensive part, and although it is probably not cheap, it is probably by far the cheapest of the heap. The components, especially the screw terminals are way more expensive and since they do not produce them you need to pay someone to place and reflow solder the entire thing. I doubt that if I were to look into it I could get the price of all the parts below $150

The LED fuse trick is really simple of course, it would be very easy for anyone to do something similar to their existing fuse block. It's just handy it is integrated :)

Lastly, yes, a lot of stuff comes from either oz or sa. For my money though, RedArc is a bit too expensive. Especially since we have nearly all that stuff over here as well from "local" brands that don't cost nearly as much. Nothing against RedArc since I believe it to be a top product, but it ain't cheap!

So, were I to do another or more builds, I would certainly consider the hub, for my current build, no.

Cheers,
-P

[DiscoDB]

So if I understand correctly it is a $700 fuse block.

[loanrangie]

So if I understand correctly it is a $700 fuse block.

Pretty much, i definitely dont see any value in it.

Ron if you design a PCB you could send it away to one of those PCB production companies - China PCB Prototype & Fabrication Manufacturer - PCB Prototype the Easy Way (https://www.pcbway.com/) , OurPCB Australia - A Premium Australian PCB Manufaturer (https://ourpcb.com.au/)

[p38arover]

Yes, our radio club has had quite a few PCBs made in China but not, I believe in Oz. I might pass that name on.

As Prelude says, the components would still add up to quite a bit of value - if one can find them.