The quad loom is the gift that keeps on giving....

Even if it avoids getting wet, won't the sand wear down everything as it vibrates? It looks very coarse and good for, you know, sanding. I'm sure it is packed somewhat tight, but I can't see it not moving at all.

Davin Desborough

Sounds like a typical cheap and not very cheerful shortcut by the Chinese manufactures. I was also thinking about the distinct lack of waterproofing again and realised that they are marketing this wiring loom for an ATV? Surely they must have had the foresight to realise that it will most likely be in dusty/muddy off-road environments. They could have genuinely made a decent wiring loom for a fraction more budget.

Jesse_Fish_45

It only gets wet twice a day. I've seen it at the seaside............

Paul Noble

I've reverse engineered the PCB and it's not impressive. They seem to have taken another design and minimised it, with one lost opportunity to replace a full bridge rectifier with a single diode.

Big Clive

When I worked in the magnet factory, the scrap magnets were made of several "pancakes" of strip coils encapsulated in a mix of epoxy and sand. And at Megger, the OTS transformers used a blend of silica flour and epoxy. All carefully filled and vacuumed. So I don't really see the problem as long as the sand is well dried and the inspection is thorough. It's not like you'd really want to wave a 10kV wand over the top, but it might be just fine.

Mike Page

Hi Clive, I am studying motorcycle mechanics at college, currently on level 3 and have started electronics and diagnostics. This wiring loom and that reg/rec is scary stuff. Reg/rec potted in sand, no waterproofing and that god awful twist and crimp with all those green wires. Still enjoyable to watch you take it apart though. Your "Reg" Regulates the voltage coming from the stator/rotor assembly, to prevent the battery from receiving too much voltage as that can damage it. I believe it uses circuitry including a zennor diode to do this. Your "Rec" Rectifies the voltage coming from the stator/rotor, this is required as the stator/rotor produces AC voltage which cannot be stored by the battery. It uses a series of diodes to allow the current to pass one way though and not return back. Producing DC voltage. The number of coils smooths the AC voltage produced/also helps provide a higher output for bigger bikes. This is where your "single" "double" "triple" phase comes from. I am still at college so take my understanding as it is, if anyone would like to correct me please feel free. :) There are some diagrams and information on the link below https://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/diode/diode_6.html

Jesse_Fish_45

That's a pretty low trick- some poor bugger might get stranded miles from anywhere because the unit has shorted out because the cheapskates sand got wet. Caveat Emptor seems to rear its ugly head regularly with some Chinesium Products!!

Mike Hughes

I've not seen sand like that before, but have seen sand used as a filler for the resins.

Anton

The potting compound is probably the most expensive item on the BOM for that unit :-) - hence the sand filler - but, taking the lesson from fuses, it does stop injury when the unit blows up!!

Mr B Shepherd

Why do companies do this. Gordon Bennet as they say. Thanks Clive

Jeremy Travis

I'll say what I first thought: Dude holy shit! Now the whole mess just strikes me as a massive waste. Would it even have worked if you had installed that kit in/on/all over some bike or quad? It's worse than sad, it's mournful. It's a mournful kit. I'm saddened plus extra sad. Dump all the sand into a small pot and grow a flower in it. Something good must come of this.

Michael Thompson

Hm. Gritty Exposé...ha?

OMG WTF‼️ I have never seen that before really sand put in a potted box then Potting Compound poured, on top Jesus. And as you say it’s going to get wet, when it’s wet it’s going to be conductive.... Goodbye module, along with mucking up someone’s day as they could break down on the bike. I’ve never done it before but cheaper option to just use non-conductive mastic from a mastic gun which should be cheaper won’t it? ... Keeping it waterproof and acting as a anti-vibration material.

That also came to mind. General purpose filler-sand for electronic products.

Big Clive

Wonder if it’s the same sand they put in 18650 batteries to bring them up to the correct weight?

Mike Wynne

That did come to mind.

Big Clive

It's not sand, it's narcotics.

Wim

Jeez - that is crap! Even for cheapo Chinese stuff.....

John Carr

Hold on a second! That is probably top grade Chinese sand!

Lostngone

WT Exact F? Wow...

Scott Miller

well you did say the loom was surprisingly cheap... 😅 maybe not as much of a surprise when they're potting components in sand.

Michael Buchan