Upgrading our Sprinter Campervan with new Auxbeam Control Panel

[@GregVirgoe]

If you wish to purchase one of these Auxbeam Switch Panels please click on this link www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=auxbeam+switch+panel&_sacat=0&LH_PrefLoc=2&_dmd=2&rt=nc&LH_ItemCondition=3&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&siteid=3&campid=5338027957&toolid=11800&mkevt=1

[@passenger3]

Just want to give you some love Greg as someone who's about to start out building his own van from start to finish and say "Thank You" This channels a cut above the rest and I can only imagine you are appreciated 🙏 by many. Top Man / Great Channel. 👍

[@GregVirgoe]

Your the first person to ever comment on a video that has not yet been made public 😂 I’m guessing you were watching the playlist and found it that way so thank you for your continued support. Very much appreciated. 👍🏼

[@abettermankind9761]

Great video Greg thank you. I've just finished installing one of these in my rv too and this is a great bit of kit (as you guys from the UK would say). Instead of connecting the small cable with the 5amp fuse directly to the Auxbeam positive in (initially designed to be connected to the vehicles ignition switch), I ran it through a small switch first which acts like the ignition switch. This way when I'm leaving the van for a few days or so it cuts power to everything including the Auxbeam lights and is an extra safety against small power drains etc.

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you for that answer that makes perfect sense. I will add a switch to mine so it does the same. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@jezlanejl]

I love your videos Greg, when watching i always get the impression you're knowledgeable, honest and upfront, someone you could rely on in a drama. Keep up the good work mate and I'll keep on learning....

[@GregVirgoe]

I’m pleased you have said that because I always want to give the best honest advise to help others. Thank you for watching 👍🏼😊

[@abikerstale806]

And Greg is back in the room - fantastic video my friend. 👍🎉🎉

[@GregVirgoe]

Yep back from our summer holidays so expect more videos from now on 🤩

[@patrickgrahn2238]

Very informative as usual. A tip is to use glasscleaner when to get those cables trough. It evaporates so no problems about that later.

[@GregVirgoe]

It’s always easier with a little lube 😂👍🏼

[@ARepublicIfYouCanKeepIt]

@@GregVirgoe ROTFL!

[@Pugwash.]

I like the look of this. The physical switches and software are much better than other solutions.

[@GregVirgoe]

It’s great upgrade to traditional blade fuse holders and much more functions than standard switch panel. Glad you like it 👍🏼😊

[@stephensampayo]

Hi Greg, great video as always and excellent technical content. We met you at the Vanlife show in Stratford-upon-Avon and really enjoyed your content there too. Really appreciate everything you do for this community.

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you Stephen. It’s really nice to be appreciated and that means a lot to me. 👍🏼😊

[@Scrambler85]

Always one of the best channels for concise information on products and installations. Definitely a thumbs up 👍

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you very much for your support 😊

[@yellow13bikebreakers52]

Yellow 13 Motorcycle Breaker's Give a big thumbs up to you..👍 Great reference for me during our part time build. 😁

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@Flossy_tops]

I find all your videos very interesting, and as always Greg you explain things in a very informative and clear way. Thanks for sharing 👍🍻

[@GregVirgoe]

That’s really lovely to know. Thank you for such a nice comment 🤩

[@davinaparry7120]

Love listening to you explain things, Greg. So clear and informative as always 👌

[@kwikflikzyakadventures3795]

Hi Greg, thanks to Anne In A Van’s channel she lead me to yours, looking forward to learning from Your channel, cheers from Aussie mate.

[@GregVirgoe]

Thanks for popping over. I’m sure you’ll find lots of useful information here 👍🏼😊

[@peterwooldridge7285]

Another smashing video....super comprehensive with no questions left unanswered. Cheers buddy

[@GregVirgoe]

I’m pleased you liked it. Thank you 🙏🏼😊

[@thejspotvlog]

this kit has a lot of things included great video greg

[@GregVirgoe]

It is very comprehensive you don’t need anything else to get it working 😊

[@henrykdomanski8802]

Witaj PERFEKCJA PERFEKCJA nic dodać .Obejrzałem całą plejlistę ,teraz mogę budować vana .Jeszcz raz słowa uznania za wszystko co pokazałeś i powiedziałeś .Pozdrawiam.

[@stum8374]

Welcome back Greg,good to see ur alive,I thought something happened to u and lou.

[@GregVirgoe]

We are both very good thank you. Have been enjoying time at the summer festivals with friends. Now back out in Europe so expect more videos each week now Thank you for following us 👍🏼😊

[@stum8374]

@@GregVirgoe u explain everything perfectly wether ur building the merc or building trinkets,any word on another van because there're so expensive ? Enjoy ur further travels.r u looking for land in Europe because half the people I follow have,cj & m,theo & b,Ash & marrie !!!! Hope to see u both in person 1 day 💗 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿.

[@GregVirgoe]

@@stum8374 not at the moment although it is something we have discussed. Currently still a lot of places to visit and see so being tied to one place does not fit with that just now. Hoping to visit some of those guys on this trip. Then new van build when we get back.

[@chrisneville7310]

Nice one Greg looks a decent bit of kit and they have an option for 24v 👍

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes they do I should have mentioned that. Thank you 😊

[@garyhollywell2112]

Great to see a new Vlog Gregg look forward to future one, many thanks

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you for returning after our break away. Really appreciate it

[@mikefilder4885]

Very informative and professional video Greg. Great job. Looks a useful bit of kit.

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you Mike, yes a step up from a standard switch panel 👍🏼

[@Regi869]

Good to hear from you. Great advice as usual 👍👍

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you Greg 😊 great name too 😂

[@clearprop]

Looks like a great little bit of kit, Greg - very flexible and customisable, too. Hope to catch you again soon at some vanlife event or other! It's a bit of a trek for the next Chillout without a long weekend.

[@thomasmarliere2505]

Hi Greg, thanks for the advices and the links 👍

[@GregVirgoe]

No problem 😉 glad you found them to be useful.

[@re33ce]

Nice Work As Always Greg ♥️ Good Bit Of Kit 👀

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you Michael 👍🏼😊

[@tomthumb3085]

Another great video, thanks Greg.

[@GregVirgoe]

Glad you liked it 👍🏼😊

[@anthonypaterson7066]

Excellent instructions. will surely be o great interest to many,

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you Anthony 👍🏼😊

[@BrianLeach-ny8eg]

Hi Greg Great video fantastic upgrade.

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you 🙏🏼 glad you liked it 🤩

[@peterb2272]

If you are putting in longer power cables, you should consider uprating your cable from 10mm to say 16mm. This is because you don't just have to consider the power rating but also the volts drop along the cable. Up-rating the cable will reduce the volts drop.

[@GregVirgoe]

As I said in the video with only small loads my amp draw is much less than 60Amps so the volt drop on the longer 10mm cables is still much less than 3%. If you were attaching a larger load you would have to up those cables. You are right to mention it as it could be a factor to consider. Also there is simultaneous demand to consider too. When would everything be on at once anyway. Never, maybe two or three devices so the loads even less than what I have connected. 😎👍🏼

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

good vid on the udate on your van greg keep up the good vid thanks lee

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you for always supporting us Lee 👍🏼🤩

[@Rockythevw]

Love the VW Tshirt

[@WhipperdeetsAdventures]

Wow thanks Greg this vlog is amazing ❤ wow this it’s brilliant device 💙💙

[@GregVirgoe]

It was nice to meet you and say hello at Stratford too. Your whippet’s are so well behaved. Thank you for watching 👍🏼😊

[@WhipperdeetsAdventures]

@@GregVirgoe thank you 🙏 was nice meeting you both in person 💙

[@johnthacker8315]

Well explained another great video

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you John 👍🏼😊

[@thevtubproject8243]

Noooo- just finished my electrical set up and now I want this haha! (Too much effort to rewire though!)

[@GregVirgoe]

Not really. This will sit exactly in place of an existing blade fuse holder. Simple swap out. 👍🏼🤩

[@thevtubproject8243]

@@GregVirgoe Thanks Greg!

[@stuartdunkerton2490]

Thx Greg another very informative video

[@GregVirgoe]

You are most welcome 🙏🏼

[@philwilliams23]

Interesting video...Cheers Greg 👍

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you for watching 👍🏼😊

[@mickwhitney922]

Nice one Greg 👍

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you Mick 👍🏼😊

[@mickwhitney922]

@@GregVirgoe missing you two 😢

[@stco2426]

Neat product, but a bit more complicated (and expensive) than 'just switches and relays'. Thanks for the review as I think I will need to replace my switching system. Also handy to learn about 12 V Planet. Will look at the, too. Cheers!

[@GregVirgoe]

I think you would struggle to make aboard from individual relays and switches to give you the same functions for less money.

[@stco2426]

@@GregVirgoe I fully agree with you, plus there’s the app, which is properly handy; just hope it’s well written and secure. Great to have options such on/off, pulse or momentary and thanks for showing your installation. That’s great! Few more questions… Are the relays user-swappable (did you take the cover off to see), or don’t you expect these to be any problem? Good that you also get a 60A breaker. Is that DP? How much parasitic draw (eg the Bluetooth) is there without any circuitry being live? Is that why you installed the isolator? The bracketry also looks solid. Thanks for providing the eBay link and I’ve also seen their direct sale site, which shows prices in $. Unsure about postage, but the $ price seems quite a bit lower and it’s now really easy to make foreign currency purchases these days without incurring charges. Makes good sense to wire the controller off the unit’s supply so that it is also isolated rather than drawing a supply from somewhere else. One day changing the app icon will also change the sticker!

[@GregVirgoe]

@@stco2426 the circuit board is covered with black silicone so none of the components can be replaced by the user. The breaker is just for the positive it’s not a DP one. The small power feed to the board should be switched as I found out this turns the board off to prevent any parasitic draw when not in use. That power supply would normally come from vehicle ignition source. Thank you for watching and hope it’s useful to you if you decide to buy one 👍🏼🤩

[@maverick51]

Great video Greg

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@unimog404]

that would be nice in my Unimog camper :D

[@GregVirgoe]

I like unimog they are so cool 😎

[@unimog404]

@@GregVirgoe I just started to build the camper interior! :)

[@MultiOutdoorman]

An app improvement would be to include timers ? Like the tapo power adaptors can which enables smart control at home ...

[@lurohiga6734]

Hi Greg, firstly thank you for sharing the video. Very interesting and useful device. We will install it in our van by far. Curiosity, would you know if it works without the controller?? Only using the phone app. Once again, thank you for your time and dedication. Have a nice day!!

[@GregVirgoe]

I wouldn’t think so but you could do as we have and hide the switch panel away out of sight. 👍🏼😊

[@backbeatpat]

Top class.

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@JeanYvesHudon]

Thanks for sharing. In previous video, you explain your control panel which include the 12V fuse box. Is this one different? Do you have more than 1 fuse box? Is the only reason to upgrade the remote control capability?

[@chrismaw9609]

Looks like a great product and well presented as always 👍. Have you checked the current draw of unit when the relays are energised, would be interesting especially when off grid, thanks, Chris

[@spammebabe]

That's exactly what I'm thinking i guess this are not latching relays and require constant power to keep them on.

[@payneja]

Another great video Greg! Thank you for taking the time to review this product. Do you know if it could be used with a goal zero yeti 1000 instead of a house battery? Thanks for all your help.

[@GregVirgoe]

It’s not a very practical way of doing it as the zero 1000 is already a one shop solution. The largest 12v output on the zero is 10amps so that would’ve the most you could connect to the switch panel via the cigarette outlet. You could switch a few small lights etc.

[@richardatkins6259]

Great video. Which model you choose as advertised are and all look the same: AR800, RA80, GB80 GA80! Thanks and keep up the good work!

[@GregVirgoe]

There are 6 way or 8 way and with or without the mobile app control. Just read the description you will find the one you want. 👍🏼😊

[@renigero]

-886.-cool video .. i need it in the future.. when i build my van. thanks

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you 🙏🏼 are you still looking to buy a van to convert 😊

[@renigero]

@@GregVirgoe yes when im ready with our house.. than the nex project.

[@aclarke9479]

But can you turn the back lighting off on the main control? Also been interested to know what the passive draw is from the unit when everything is off? Good video as always 👍🏻

[@GregVirgoe]

I will find out and answer shortly 👍🏼

[@GregVirgoe]

the small red power supply that is protected by the 5 amp blade fuse needs to be switched. That will turn the panel off when not in use and turn the lights off and stop any power drain. Hope that helps you 😊 I will measure the drain once I can get to my meter 😊

[@BeardedDwarf]

Hi ho, Niçe explanation but I'm sure I'll have questions when I come to do mine😂

[@keithsullivan7992]

gret infromative video as I am planning to install the same switch panel. My question is can I hook up a dimmer to this for the puck lights or perhaps 2 dimmer switches to i have a dimmer near the bed in the van maybe one up front ..? thanks again

[@TonyNDawn]

I would expect you could add a dimmer toggle switch within the line for the light

[@johnsmith-fu6hu]

👋 mr Craig …

[@mariakhalidofficiala5863]

Nice video 👍

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@neilbrown3344]

Great video Greg (as usual) quick question! I am just about to start first fix electrical in my sprinter, I will install this great item! For my fridge & truma boiler & maxx fan will I still use a blade fuse holder?

[@HAGGIS19757]

Hi i have just brought a Mercedes 7.5tonn old school delivery van in white they use too drop off electrical equipment in it its a 1992 its got full service history with it its also diesel. I have seen all your video's and i think that everything you show will give me the right place to start. I might have to do some welding in some small parts but the ven is in qwite good condition for its age it has 67194 miles did check with the dvla or now vosa the truck was kept inside a large garage and all is tru and totals up with the d.v.l.a. At some point i might need some advice wii it be ok to send a small email to you thank you simon.

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes of course, that sounds like an interesting vehicle. I will help with advise where I can 😊

[@HAGGIS19757]

@@GregVirgoe thank you for your reply many thanks simon.

[@emwagner]

When you made the cable with the inline fuse, can you show how it was actually made?

[@placestosea]

Thanks for posting. do you think they supplied the piggy back connector to pick up supply off the distribution board itself? or is there a reason why you didn't use one of the spare (5A) fused supplies ( at the bottom of the board) to supply itself? save installing a seperate fuse holder?

[@GregVirgoe]

The fuse holder they provide is designed to come off an ignition live from the vehicle. I have since found out that if you switch the power to that red cable it turns the entire board off. It’s originally designed to switch aux lights on a vehicle. You couldn’t feed it from an output of the board because you’d never be able to turn it on.

[@placestosea]

@@GregVirgoe thanks, was forgetting that it had internal relay, not just busbars

[@Travelvan999]

Hi Greg what model is this, there seems to be a few on the auxbeam website. How long did it take to arrive

[@GregVirgoe]

Mine is the 8 Gang version. There is a link in the description and pinned to the top this comment section.

[@jackneville5957]

Are you able to use mobile phone voice assistants like Siri on Apple to control the switches? Also, do you know if you can have multiple switch panels for each fuse box? Massive thank you for all of your content, I am yet to find anyone as good!

[@dreamingoftheoutdoors7757]

So to clarify... this replaces the older switch bald fuse box...and this new one is then connected directly to the battery via the supplied cables / 60a breaker? It's just a matter to moving the wires from your old blade fuse to the new one?

[@GregVirgoe]

Absolutely spot on! It can literally replace a blade fuse holder very easily.

[@dreamingoftheoutdoors7757]

@@GregVirgoe Perfect mate,r eally good find and great video.

[@waynecameron7476]

hi greg long term watcher of your videos they have been an absolute god send in helping me do my own conversion. I have an unrelated question to this video which I'm hoping to can advise on I very currently got a leisure battery which only means of charging is solar. so far its been perfect however I want to upgrade it with a split charge relay that way the solar is only really a back up then when engine not running. seen various setups and prices on this which is a bit confusing so wondering what system you would suggest. also if I wanted to add a 2nd leisure battery would the connections be the same ie. positive on 1 bat negative on the 2nd ? hoping you can advise. thank you wayne

[@GregVirgoe]

I would always advise fitting a battery to battery charger instead of a split charge relay. The relay is just a switch and it doesn’t know the condition of your battery or meter the charge accordingly. Where’s a charger will do that and ultimately look after your batteries much better for longer life. Yes, connect red to one battery and black to the other battery if you have two in parallel 👍🏼😊

[@T.J4644]

Did you still use convertor you bought for tv to change to 12v with this new fuse panel

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes, because the tv converter changes the 12v to 19v DC and it’s still working perfectly 👍🏼😃

[@stueybuk]

If you could add the app to Google Home I would be all over this !

[@ollydogtravels9465]

greg cant actually see the solid state relays on the board just fuses racks and connection block/also have you fitted or anyone elase fitted PIR for out side secuirty lighting any hlp would be usefull as dont want cheap ebay/amazon stuff

[@GregVirgoe]

The PCB is covered in a black silicone to waterproof it if fitted in the engine compartment.

[@shawxshark]

another great video Greg. Are you able to swap the fuses to suit the rate of the electrical items in the van?

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes you can as long as the fuse rating is below the individual contact rating and the total doesn’t exceed the total for the device 👍🏼😃

[@shawxshark]

@@GregVirgoe thanks for that Greg, I'm going to give it a go 😉

[@brettferguson6954]

You mentioned that there might be a way to turn off the lighting for the actual switch box. Is this true? I have the normal 8 gang switch box and would love to turn off the switch box and run it off my leisure/house battery. If not, do you know the actual power draw of the switch box?

[@GregVirgoe]

I will come back to you on that question. Please bear with me 👍🏼

[@brettferguson6954]

Thanks

[@GregVirgoe]

@@brettferguson6954 the small red power supply that is protected by the 5 amp blade fuse needs to be switched. That will turn the panel off when not in use and turn the lights off and stop any power drain. Hope that helps you 😊

[@leehedger5056]

Hi Greg, do you know if you can link Alexa to this unit so you can use voice control? Thankyou

[@GregVirgoe]

No just control by it’s own app.

[@suepaulbrown9512]

Presume they don't have an icon for Beer cooler box? Is that the Fish box icon🤔

[@GregVirgoe]

They do have an icon for beer. The fish box is for the TV as they didn’t have one for that. We always call it the Haunted Fish Tank anyway 😂

[@suepaulbrown9512]

@@GregVirgoe 😂

[@ianlyons5737]

Can’t seem to find the model with Bluetooth anywhere Greg?

[@markvincent6906]

Might be a daft question, but is this for new conversions? Can’t see any benefit to my existing system, and don’t need to control anything from my phone. Tidy for a new conversion though.

[@-COBRA]

the app could be better, icons are too small. Developer should separate it to 2 screens. One screen with big icons, second with colour changer. Swiping left right to change the screens.

[@GregVirgoe]

If you turn your phone to landscape the keypad fills the screen and the colour wheel disappears. So they do get much bigger. I have an old smaller phone

[@wheelsnotwalls397]

Hey Greg, Interested in this item. Can this panel be linked to digital assistant like alexa or google? Thanks :)

[@GregVirgoe]

Not that I’m aware off only Bluetooth to their own app.

[@chrisneville7310]

Hi Greg, did you manage to get the clamp meter out and test the idle wattage. Cheers

[@chrisneville7310]

I'm guessing it's pretty crap seen as a couple of ppl have asked this question? 👍

[@nagualdesign]

The only thing I want to know is, how much power does it consume?

[@GregVirgoe]

I will put a clamp meter on it in standby mode and come back to you on that 😊👍🏼

[@nagualdesign]

@@GregVirgoe Cheers, Greg.

[@chrisneville7310]

That would be greatly appreciated. That's what's stalling me from a purchase. 👍

[@TonyNDawn]

Hi Greg, great video, also looks like a great produce. Did you ever get round to testing the power consumption?

[@nbc902]

what is the bluetooth range

[@GregVirgoe]

I don’t think it is far just outside the van. We had problems connecting to the device via Bluetooth so never use that feature. 🤔