Brandon here from Queensland. I’ve recently gone down the path of sourcing a PX3 electric roller shutter/plane sail whatchamacallit and installing it on my 2016 PX2 XLS.
Through this process I’ve basically got it working with very easy electronics and I’m wondering whether anyone would benefit from a “rough around the edges” tutorial and how I overcame a few problems.
Through trial and error i discovered that while the shutter motor is moving, the current draw is less than 1amp. When it hits its limit at either end, the stalled motor draws upward of 15A. For this reason I though I’d use a 10A resettable breaker in lieu of a fuse, so when the shutter hits its limit, the current spike would trip the breaker and prevent damage to the motor or electrics.
Upon building my harness for testing I chose to use a Milwaukee M12 3AH battery with crimp spades for a quick and dirty 12v supply. Turns out this is the perfect solution. As the shutter hits its limit (opened or closed), the over-current protection which is built into the M12 battery circuitry kicks in and cuts current to the motor. This happens so quickly that the breaker doesn’t have time to trip. The battery circuit then quickly resets.
Given the storage capacity of power tool batteries these days and the fact they are basically readily available from your local store makes it an easy solution to avoid hardwiring the shutter and risking potential BCM issues, potential voiding of warranty for “interfering” with the electrics. In actual fact an easy cordless system completely separate from vehicle wiring so Ford can EAD
I’ve even thought of designing a small switch box with m12 Mount which can be mounted inside the tray, and then a single pair of wires to the shutter plug to control the motor. Would there be interest in a plug n play ‘kit’
I know that if the electrics side was a bit more straight forward and Ford wow to have to make all their accessories effectively proprietary, then more people may opt for a second hand (effectively brand new in my own case) OEM FORD shutter and plane sail instead of an aftermarket solution.
Interested to hear any feedback
Brandon.
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