Power
Before installing a BlackPaw Control System, there are some tasks that need to be completed to ensure a smooth and successful installation.
Power Voltages
Supplying power within a modern campervan is no longer a simple 12V fusebox. Leisure batteries are typically now 12V, 24V or 48V with AGM or Lithium options available. In addition many items need a steady regulated supply. Your fusebox can vary but 2 or 3 volts depending on its state of charge or if it is currently being charged. Here are some of the typical power supplies used in a modern campervan.
| Supply | Description | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 5V USBC Regulated | Stable 5V supply from a USB power hub | Presence sensors, small ESP based devices |
| 12V UnRegulated | Direct from the 12V fusebox, voltage can vary | BlackPaw Relays, USB Hubs, Fridge, Heating, Industrial Routers |
| 12V Regulated | From a Converter with 12V output, output is stable | BlackPaw Cores NUC based, MaxxFans, some LEDStrips |
| 24V UnRegulated | Direct from the 24V fusebox, voltage can vary | BlackPaw Relays, USB Hubs, , Industrial Routers |
| 24V Regulated | From a Converter with 24V output, output is stable | LEDStrip controllers |
| 48V UnRegulated | Direct from the 48V fusebox, voltage can vary | Industrial Routers |
| 48V Regulated | From a Converter with 48V output, output is stable | BlackPaw Cores NUC based, MaxxFans, some LEDStrips |
| Power Over Ethernet | PoE Capable switch providing power over ethernet cable | Lots of devices and sensors |
Regulated Power
Many devices require stable/regulated power. Sometimes even if not stipulated, a stable power voltage will prolong the life of electrical equipment. We prefer to use the Victron Energy line of DC to DC converters which not only can convert but also provide a stable supply. There are many cheaper options available, but these typically lack any form of surge protection and other safety features. These converters can be used to modify the exact output voltage, this can be useful for laptops that may require 19V or 21V for power.
We do offer many of the common power converters in our BlackPaw Shop, but they are freely available from many vendors.
Power Over Ethernet (PoE)
Devices that require an ethernet connected sometimes support Power Over Ethernet (PoE). This can be useful because it means no separate power cable is required, power can be supplied with the data over the same shared ethernet cable. Even lower cost switches at £40 can support PoE. More expensive switches which are manageable also offer the ability to turn each ports power on/off. Effectively a switch can therefore be a relay, this allows devices such as cameras to be power controlled from within
too allow cameras to be controlled
Power Distribution
Our BlackPaw Control System require several of the power supplies listed above. The number will depend on the Core chosen and the number and type of devices and sensors in the system. Use this table to ensure you have all the necessary power supplies in place for the devices:
| BlackPaw Device | Required Power Supply |
|---|---|
| Core Pi | Core Pi is powered by a 5V USBC socket |
| Core NUC Plus | Our NUC based cores require a regulated supply |
| Core NUC Vision | Our NUC based cores require a regulated supply |
| Waveshare USB Hub | The Waveshure hubs are industrial and operates on a 9-30V supply, so they do not require regulated power and can run direct from a 12V or 24V fusebox. |
| Waveshare Relay | The Waveshure relays are industrial and operates on a 9-30V supply, so they do not require regulated power and can run direct from a 12V or 24V fusebox. |
| Van Level 6 | This van level variant must be powered by 5V USBC |
| Van Level 6 Pro | This van level variant is powered via Ethernet. It does not have a separate power connection and relies on PoE for power. A switch with PoE capability is required for this device. |
| Van Level 10 Pro | This van level variant is powered via Ethernet. It does not have a separate power connection and relies on PoE for power. A switch with PoE capability is required for this device. |
| Tank Level | This van level variant must be powered by 5V USBC |
| Tank Level Pro | This tank level variant is powered via Ethernet. It does not have a separate power connection and relies on PoE for power. A switch with PoE capability is required for this device. |
Other power supplies may be required, the above list is not an exhaustive device list.