Fitting instructions
Where can i fit the panel?
Your new panel can be fitted on any suitable, solid surface.
Vertical, horizontal or angled mounting is fine, this will not affect its operation. Sunlight and UV radiation will affect panel elements over time. Retro range panels must be fitted into a cabin or wheelhouse.
VDO panels are suitable for open wheelhouse, weather deck or covered fly bridge.
KUS panels are suitable for fitting in exposed positions but not areas that will flood or be washed when the craft is exposed or underway.
If you use one of our Dragon Marine System Panel Covers, It will extend the life of your panel by many times. Simply covering it with a suitable UV resistant item when the craft is not in use. In a wheelhouse a simple cloth cover would be fine.
Vertical, horizontal or angled mounting is fine, this will not affect its operation. Sunlight and UV radiation will affect panel elements over time. Retro range panels must be fitted into a cabin or wheelhouse.
VDO panels are suitable for open wheelhouse, weather deck or covered fly bridge.
KUS panels are suitable for fitting in exposed positions but not areas that will flood or be washed when the craft is exposed or underway.
If you use one of our Dragon Marine System Panel Covers, It will extend the life of your panel by many times. Simply covering it with a suitable UV resistant item when the craft is not in use. In a wheelhouse a simple cloth cover would be fine.
How do i fiX my new panel
If you are choosing a standard panel, Our panels should line up with the existing holes.
If you are going for a custom panel, and need to Ensure your panel is correctly supported when you fit it. DO NOT cut a single hole that the whole panel will fit into. Cut slots that will allow the gauges and / or switches to pass through the surface.
* See ( EXAMPLE 1 ) For more
Ensure there is room at the rear of the panel for all the gauges and wiring. Most panels will require a minimum of 100 mm of space some will require more.
Fixing Down: Your panel will have been supplied with 3.5mm fixing holes. We can counter sink these if required to 1.5mm depth. DO NOT over tighten your fixings or you will crack the panel.
Should the number of fixing holes needs to be increased, we can cut more while producing the panel. If you are to do it yourself, take care to mark the point to be drilled with a sharp pointed object to prevent the drill slipping.
Fix to a flat even surface. Your panel will flex slightly but should not be fitted to a curved or uneven surface.
If you are going for a custom panel, and need to Ensure your panel is correctly supported when you fit it. DO NOT cut a single hole that the whole panel will fit into. Cut slots that will allow the gauges and / or switches to pass through the surface.
* See ( EXAMPLE 1 ) For more
Ensure there is room at the rear of the panel for all the gauges and wiring. Most panels will require a minimum of 100 mm of space some will require more.
Fixing Down: Your panel will have been supplied with 3.5mm fixing holes. We can counter sink these if required to 1.5mm depth. DO NOT over tighten your fixings or you will crack the panel.
Should the number of fixing holes needs to be increased, we can cut more while producing the panel. If you are to do it yourself, take care to mark the point to be drilled with a sharp pointed object to prevent the drill slipping.
Fix to a flat even surface. Your panel will flex slightly but should not be fitted to a curved or uneven surface.
Panel Properties AND ONGOING CARE
Water-Resistance: The panel fascia is water proof, UV Resistant and weather resistant.
If It has KUS or VDO gauges, These have a mechanical seal, The switches also have a mechanical seal.
To seal the Panel: lf the panel needs to be sealed to its surface, to ensure a water-tight seal, a DMS gasket (mechanical seal) or gasket sealant should be applied. The panel will not react to grease, silicones or rubbers. DO NOT use glues of any type to seal your panel down.
Ongoing care of your panel: Your panel has been designed for a long largely care free life. Panels mounted in a dry environment will only need wiping down with a damp soft cloth from time to time. If your panel becomes soiled normal household detergents will not affect it, only use them with a soft cloth. DO NOT USE ABRASIVE MATERIALS ON YOUR PANEL. Do not use sharp tools or abrasive cloths or materials on your panel. Do not place or drop heavy or hard objects on your panel.
If It has KUS or VDO gauges, These have a mechanical seal, The switches also have a mechanical seal.
To seal the Panel: lf the panel needs to be sealed to its surface, to ensure a water-tight seal, a DMS gasket (mechanical seal) or gasket sealant should be applied. The panel will not react to grease, silicones or rubbers. DO NOT use glues of any type to seal your panel down.
Ongoing care of your panel: Your panel has been designed for a long largely care free life. Panels mounted in a dry environment will only need wiping down with a damp soft cloth from time to time. If your panel becomes soiled normal household detergents will not affect it, only use them with a soft cloth. DO NOT USE ABRASIVE MATERIALS ON YOUR PANEL. Do not use sharp tools or abrasive cloths or materials on your panel. Do not place or drop heavy or hard objects on your panel.
*EXAMPLE 1In this example, we would cut three slots to allow the gauges, switches and key switch assembly to pass through the surface.
This mat require unplugging some of the connectors and re-sighting them from the rear. It is best to take photos of the wiring before you do this so that you know how to reconnect them. Ensure that there is room at the rear of the panel for all the gauges and wiring. Most panels will require a minimum of 100 mm of space some will require more. Fixing down. Your panel will have been supplied with 3mm fixing holes. You may counter sink these if required to 1.5mm depth. DO NOT over tighten your fixings or you will crack the panel. Should the number of fixing holes need to be increased take care to mark the point to be drilled with a sharp pointed object to prevent the drill slipping. Fix to a flat even surface. Your panel will flex slightly but should not be fitted to a curved or uneven surface. |