Well I have quite a list of things I plan on completing this year, which include: LiFePO4 install (almost done!), ELCI and galvanic isolator installation, replace anchor roller with one that works / holds my anchor, new boat computer, Siren MTC install, Actisense EMU-1, heater duct extension to the v-berth, fancy LED lights in the v-berth similar to the main cabin, new foam in berths, fix diesel filter leak, troubleshoot anchor light issue, install ultrasonic sensor in waste tank, install display in master cabin, plus the usual maintenance (engine oil, impeller, etc.).

It sounds like a lot, and it likely is, but I love every second of it! 

Also, I may have a disease or affliction, which I am also OK with, but my significant other may not be  😀 

We are heading home after two years and over 15.000 nm. I have quite a list - mostly in the electical department. My plan is to build a DC-generator, Better solarpanels and a new windturbine. The boat have to get ready for the next trip in four years. The other project I'm working on is a hydrogen fuelcell. See if I can build a system that extract hydrogen from seawater by solarpanels when batteries are fully stored. The store the hydrogen for use by night in a fuelcell. 

I help mounting a system on a 120feet catamaran only runned by electric motors. The system was just a little too big for my 37 feet vessel... 😉 

First up: Figure out a way to discretely power a cable modem and router in the dock box. I’m doubting the marina wants me drilling holes in it .

Next: fault isolation on the wind instruments. Is it the vane or the display that’s dead? Can I salvage the NMEA data out of it and just pipe it to the Zeus?

I’m ready to get project season started if we could just get the rain to let up. 

Quick ideas:

1. If the modem and router are 12v (many are) maybe you could get away with a Lithium-Ion battery pack (or two for quick switching out). I'm particularly fond of the Weego models, now even improved, and I've used the one in this entry to power bright LED work lights for substantial periods:

https://panbo.com/testing-lithium-ion-engine-jumpers-plus-from-weego-and-cyntur/

2. A flow of NMEA 0183 data can be seen as small voltage pulses on a multimeter

Posted by: Steve Mitchell

install ultrasonic sensor in waste tank

Steve, what do you plan to use for your waste tank ultrasonic sensor?

I didn't even think to look at the voltage - but you're right! I've got a spare deep cycle battery i can drop in to the dock box and then run PoE off it for the ubiquiti gear. Just throw a simple cut off switch in line to make it last.

Summer projects:

- Swap VHF antennas. A VHF that I use a lot is connected to a 3' antenna, and a VHF that I seldom use is connected to a 8' antenna. I hope the swap will improve the range of the first VHF.

- Figure out why the AIS as shown on Furuno MFDs shows my own boat. This began  when I installed a Si-Tex AIS transponder. I also have a second receive only AIS. The Tech who installed it assured me that the receive only AIS was no longer connected to the network, but I wonder.....

-My old cell phone booster is kaput, So I am anxiously waiting for Ben to report on his test of the SureCall Fusion2go

- I will be buying a new SPOT. My Delorme will not pair with anything, so I am forced to use the very awkward and time consuming interface to send messages. I suspect that there is something wrong with the bluetooth circuit, but Garmin Tech support have been no help in solving the problem. 

-I need a better anchor drag alarm. I loved Drag Queen which went to Garmin when they purchased ActiveCaptain. I made the mistake of upgrading my iPad to system 10, which means that Drag Queen no longer works. I spoke to a Garmin rep at the Miami Boat Show, but he was not aware of any plans to upgrade this app. So I am inviting opinions as to which is the best anchor drag app.

- And finally, I need to wire a bunch more censors to my Siren boat monitor. The Siren works great, but now it only monitors house batt voltage, shore power connection, and boat location. Connecting bilge pumps, high water alarm, temperature probes, etc, etc is easy. I just have to get around to doing it.

Posted by: Ludovic Francois

Posted by: Steve Mitchell

install ultrasonic sensor in waste tank

Steve, what do you plan to use for your waste tank ultrasonic sensor?

I'll be using the tried and true Maretron TLM that I covered back in 2014 here  https://sailbits.com/better-tank-monitoring/

I have one already on Grace in the water tank and it works perfectly.