"Short Circuit" Newsletter with what’s New in the Marine Electrical & Electronics World

DO YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING? WHAT IS NEW IN THE MARINE WORLD?

The "Short Circuit" newsletter is the marine electrical world's best source for information and where I keep you all informed on what’s new, what’s not, what’s good, and what’s not so good. Maritime electrical and electronics systems are much the same, whether it is on racing or cruising yachts, sailing or power boats, monohull or multihulls, trawlers and trawler yachts. It’s just a matter of how many pieces of gear you fit. Whether you day sail, cruise offshore or sail deep ocean on the great voyage, marine safety is always the priority.

DO YOU HAVE ONE OF MY BOOKS ON BOARD?

In both The Marine Electrical and Electronics Bible and the Motorboat Electrical and Electronics Manual, I have distilled things down to essential knowledge and information only. Regular feedback, advice and input from many readers has helped each edition to evolve as a practical reference work. I have deliberately kept theory to a minimum, after all you’re trying to fix and maintain something, not study for a degree! If you have a question on Marine Electrics or Marine Electronics why not submit a technical query to me, and I will answer it and post the results on FAQ.

WHAT IS NEW IN THE MARINE WORLD

CELLULAR PHONE ALERT

WARNING!

Using or even leaving a live cell phone near autopilots, GPS, instruments, fluxgate compass’s or computers etc can cause major inaccuracies and interference. I have tried to tell people of the dangers for a long time. Now there are steadily increasing reports of serious incidents on vessels caused by this. Even at home you can hear the effect on a TV even when it’s switched off. If you wonder why your autopilot puts you through a turn when talking or the phone rings, then check out the phone.

NEW WHALE PUMPS WEBSITE

Whale Water Systems, the manufacturer of marine pumps, Quick Connect plumbing and faucets for marine freshwater, bilgewater and wastewater systems, has launched a new web site at www.whalepumps.com. The all new web site is designed to provide user-friendly technical information. Site features include enhanced product support for boat builders and boat owners. COMMENT: I prefer using Whale products myself

NEW BOAT MICROWAVES

Dometic Corporation has launched a new line of boat microwave ovens. The product line includes microwave/convection combination units and microwave-only units. These have been marinized for reliable performance in a marine environment, and all built-in units are constructed with extra insulation and ventilation systems to ensure safe operation without heat build-up. Over-the-range microwave models include the extra-large DOTRM15 and the compact 1.3 cu.ft. DOTR12C for smaller spaces. The DOTRM15 offers 1.5 cu.ft. of interior space, 1,000 Watts of power, nine Auto-Touch cycles, a stoppable glass turntable and removable metal rack. The 1.3 cu.ft. DOTR12C has 950 Watts of power and 11 Auto-Touch cycles. All have a wide range of advanced user features, such as time-saving Auto-Touch cycles, programmable settings and selectable power levels. They are designed to run on 120 Volt 60 Hz

EUROPEAN WEATHER SERVICE

The European Space Agency (ESA) is to fund the development of a project to develop MIDAS (Marine Information and Data Access Service), which is a weather service for yachtsmen. The project will develop a commercial weather service that will provide yachtsmen with a single source of integrated weather forecast and other marine information. This will be accessible from internet or a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) on board the boat. The service will also allow access to near-real time weather reports from ships and land stations, data from Earth observation satellites (cloud cover, sea temperature, wind speed and direction), and tide/current data. The service will be offered through a standard web browser or through a special MIDAS client for use on-board from Marine Computing.

ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL

Marine Power Europe is introducing electronic throttle control technology called the SmartCraft Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS) system as an option with Mercury and Mariner OptiMax 225 outboards. Using the same fly-by-wire technology used in aircraft and luxury vehicles SmartCraft DTS eliminates binding cables and mechanical linkages that slow down traditional throttle shifting. This results in fast and smooth acceleration command responses and will respond to commands in just one-third of a second. This also eliminates cable kinking and re-adjustment

SIMRAD METS PRODUCT LAUNCH

Simrad have launched a new data sharing and control network called SimNet, which offers easy installation and a "plug and play" interface between plotters, radar, autopilots, VHF radios and instruments. SimNet is based on the NMEA 2000 protocol. Simrad have also launched the 34 Series, which comprises a GPS ChartPlotter, ChartSounder, ChartRadar and MultiRadar, using high-quality seven-inch screens. A range of new autopilots are out that include the AP25 Series and entry-level AP16. The AP25 has three display unit options, including a handheld unit, and both can be interfaced using the SimNet system.

NEW MARINE ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS EQUIPMENT

Comar launched the SLR-200. This is a low-cost AIS receiver designed to allow reception of AIS (Automatic Identification System) information from vessels over 300 tons. The information is updated every three seconds to six minutes. Digital Yacht released the DAT 100 which is a small adaptor that connects to any PC and allows access to email through the GSM telephone system. The CF100 is a small and compact 2.4GHz processor PC with a DC power system for either 12V or 24V systems. (Comment: This is interesting and an area where I have problems with slow access times) Scanstrut launched a new SC110 light and SC111 GPS bar for mounting navigation lights above the radar to allow maximum visibility and performance. It also released a new radome security system as a measure against the theft of radar and satellite antennas. Comment: This is a good idea!) Silva introduced the NX2 Multi XL mast display, 85E chrome compass, new Hi-Spec DSC VHF, and a new 24-channel GPS antenna. Xantrex introduced a new battery charger to Europe that independently controls each output channel. It also incorporates a new battery monitor.

VHF NEWS FOR UK USERS

The Radiocommunications Agency is transferring all of its regulatory duties and functions to the Office of Communications (Ofcom) which is effective from the end of December. All licences for VHF users will now be issued by Ofcom from 1st January 2004. Direct all complaints, general and licence fee enquiries or spectrum issues to Ofcom from that time. Contact Details are Telephome: 020 7981 3000, or the website www.ofcom.org.uk

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IBEX INNOVATION AWARDS

In the Electrical and Electronics areas the following won awards. The ESC Products' Dock Tester won the Boatyard and Marina Equipment category. This unit tests the integrity of marina electrical circuits by simply plugging into an outlet and manipulating a few switches. The Solid Switch from Material Sciences Corporation won the Electrical Systems category. The switch is claimed to be waterproof, reliable, and corrosion-proof. This uses field-effect (FET) technology to sense when your finger is near it. Having been involved with various earlier systems this looks promising The Micro HPS Marine Refrigeration system from Glacier Bay won the Mechanical Systems category. It provides cooling for refrigerator, freezers and air- conditioning in one unit, and has a new rolling piston compressor design. I am a big Glacier Bay fan and this is excellent gear.

NMEA MARINE ELECTRONICS AWARDS

The National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) awards go to Furuno and KVH. Furuno won 9 awards with the NavNet Network best Integrated Navigation System category; the Navnet 1800/1900 radar won the Radar-Recreational category. The FCV582 won the Best Recreational Fish Finder category and the RD30 won the Vessel Instrumentation category. In the GPS/DGPS/WAAS receiver category the GP 37 was the winner (I have a Furuno GPS myself). KVH Industries KVH TracVision 4 was voted the Best Satellite Television System and the KVH Tracphone 252 was named Best Satellite Communications Product

MARINE INDUSTRY TRAINING

The British Marine Federation (BMF) has stated that recruitment and an ongoing 'skills shortage' still remain key issues for the UK marine industry in the UK. The Marine Electrical School is helping lose this gap offering skills training to transfer or enter the industry.

GPS GALILEO NEWS

The alternative to GPS, and the European Space Agency's satellite navigation system, is now going ahead with first contracts now let. As a direct rival to the American military-based GPS (Global Position Satellite) system, Galileo, is a civilian system and is due in operation by 2008. Galileo has a constellation of 30 satellites, with 27 operating and three in reserve located in three circular orbits some 23,000 km above the earth and at a position angle of 56 degrees to the equator.

NAVIGATION LIGHTING SWITCHING

At last a quality single switch has come out from the Number 1 navigation light manufacturer Aquasignal. The Nav-switch can output to the navigation lights, the work lights, and the instrument lights. Rotate to the Anchor symbol position for anchor light, to bottom Propeller symbol for correct engine running lights, then to Sail symbol for tricolor. The foredeck work spotlight can also be connected in to any of these.

NEW SHAKESPEARE RADIO EQUIPMENT

As anyone who has my books knows, I delve into cable losses and effects on performance in radio aerial systems. Leading aerial and radio equipment maker Shakespeare has now come out with their Lo-Max extra low loss co-axial cables. This cable was originally designed for dual band cellular phone antennae and has characteristics similar to the more familiar RG8/AU and RG 213 cables but smaller in size and more flexible. This will be ideal for those running cable up masts and wanting to keep weights down. So for any 50 ohm cable requirements it will be worth looking at. To go with this also look at using the low loss gold plated connectors which have higher conductivity and are more corrosion resistant, these come in both PL259 and PL-258 types.

BLUE SEA SYSTEMS CIRCUIT BREAKER RECALL

Blue Sea have issued a voluntary recall for T-1 breakers sold in the period August 2001 and May 2003. There is a potential safety defect that may create a fire hazard if the circuit breaker handle is held in the 'on' position after the unit has tripped and the circuit breaker contacts weld together. What this means is that if the contacts weld together and if the short circuit is not isolated or disconnected considerable heat will subsequently be generated that may damage the attached equipment or adjacent wiring and create a risk of fire. Blue Sea state that no actual fires have occurred but it is responding to the potential for an accident. In comment I must state that Blue Sea are a very reputable company with good quality products and this action is a creditable one for which they should be applauded. Prior to replacement of the circuit breaker Blue Sea states that the T-1 circuit breakers should not be reset until the fault that tripped the breaker has been identified and rectified. It is also recommended that the T-1 breakers not be used as switches. Go to the Blue Sea Systems website for all recall replacement details.

GLACIER BAY REFRIGERATION

Glacier Bay have introduced the innovative Microtm HPS marine refrigeration system. This uses a unique compressor technology developed by Glacier Bay and manufactured by Tecumseh Corporation's Masterflux division. Glacier Bay state that the advantages are a 7x more heat removal capacity that any other hermetically sealed DC systems. Virtually unlimited number of zones can be powered from one system. Arctic Airtm Compatible which gives a 6,500 Btu/Hr of DC air conditioning for up to 23 hours per day. It is also very compact, with a pallet size of only 12" x 13" x 9" high. I have always considered Glacier Bay frig systems the best in the world, and have put in several systems, this is a great step forward, and already on my list of systems to upgrade to on my own boat.

IN-FISHERMAN TV SERIES – LOWRANCE

Lowrance has announced that from 2004, it is to become the official and exclusive marine electronics sponsor for the "In-Fisherman" television series. Lowrance GPS and sonar products will get feature coverage on series seen on the Outdoor Channel. My thanks also to Lowrance for assistance with my new book The Fishermans Electrical Manual.

FORWARD LOOKING SONAR

EchoPilot manufactures the only real time Forward Looking Sonar for recreational boats. Real time means no delay in building up the image, what is on screen is what is in front of the boat. They are also developing something cruising folk have been asking me about for years, a Collision Avoidance Sonar System, with a 1.2 kilometre range sonar to detect containers and whales. These are now out.

BOAT ELECTRICAL FIRES

A new study has been released by BoatU.S. Marine Insurance, showing the leading causes of fires aboard vessels are AC & DC wiring problems, engine and transmission overheating, and fuel leaks. The study analyzed hundreds of fire claim files over two years and focused on fires originating aboard vessels (marina fires excluded). The results are published within July 2003 issue of the BoatU.S. publication, Seaworthy is the US only damage avoidance magazine for boat owners and the marine insurance industry. AC & DC wiring/appliances accounted for 55% of fires. The report categorized the electrical sources into subcategories of DC shorts/wiring (30%), DC engine regulator (12%), shore power (4%) and other causes. The #2 cause was engine/transmission overheating with 24% of the claims. Fuel leaks are the #3 cause with 8% of claims. BoatU.S. – Boat Owners Association of The United States – is the leading advocate for recreational boaters and provides 540,000 members with a large number of consumer services; it has the largest fleet of more than 400 towing assistance vessels; discounts on fuel, slips, and repairs at over 700 marinas; boat financing and insurance. To obtain a subscription to BoatU.S. agazine, the most widely read boating publication in the U.S. For membership information visit http://www.BoatUS.com or call 800-395-2628.

RADAR MOUNTINGS

As I have mentioned in my books the problems with trim on radar horizons. Scanstrut has just released an accessory for the Power Tower to maximise radar performance for flybridge and sports power boats. The average trim angle on most motor and powerboats when they are in a bow up attitude and on the plane is four degrees. This leaves the radar scanning the sky and has a big impact with reduced radar visibility. Scanstrut uses a four degree wedge installed under all PowerTower models. This corrects the trim angle, maximises performance and the radar scans the horizon not the heavens. Simple but effective!

NO WIRING REQUIRED

Electronics maker Tacktick have launched a wireless marine electronics system called Micronet. Instruments include speed, depth, compass heading, wind speed and direction network with fitted transducers, the wind transmitter and GPS using radio waves. The units are powered and charged by solar energy, and can operate up to 200 hours, even when backlit. They can also be supplied from the boat power system. The advantages? weight-savings with no mast wires, also reduced wiring down below. This si my choice for planned new boat.

GPS INTERFERENCE FROM TV ANTENNA

BoatUS have reported that TV systems with amplified antennas (those named are Radio Shack, Shakespeare, and TDP, may be causing interference to GPS receivers. This causes incorrect data and position readings. Comment: The remedy is don’t have both switched on together, and make sure the aerials are mounted as far apart as possible

SMART BOATS

Mercury Marine say it will license its SmartCraft protocol to manufacturers of navigation electronics, gauge systems and other electronic vessel systems that want to produce SmartCraft networked products compatible with Mercury and Cummins. Mercury has added SmartCraft to most of it’s electronically fuel injected outboard engines, Mercury MerCruiser MPI inboards and sterndrive engines, and Cummins MerCruiser diesel engines. The instrument maker Faria has already become a customer, and boat builders like Sea Ray are designing SmartCraft-compatible gauges for their boats' helm stations.

CARBON MONOXIDE FREE GENERATORS

Westerbeke has launched a new series of gas-fueled generators that virtually eliminate carbon monoxide emissions. The line includes 9 generators, based on the 2, 3 and 4 - cylinder engines, ranging from 3 to 25 kW. Westerbeke says that the smallest model outputs enough power for a boat's small air conditioner and microwave, and the largest unit will power a boat with multiple air-conditioners, electric kitchen/galley and washer/dryer. The new generators, which include fuel injection and several patent - pending components, eliminate 99 percent of the carbon monoxide