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by'eck

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by'eck last won the day on November 24 2015

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About by'eck

  • Birthday 03/06/1949

Contact Methods

  • Skype
    richardhula
  • Website URL
    http://eckythumper.blogspot.com/

Profile Information

  • Gender
    Male
  • Location
    East Harling
  • Interests
    Boat electrics & electronics
    Vintage vehicles and engines
  • Occupation
    Retired
  • Boat Name
    Ecky Thump
  • Boat Location
    Fazeley Mill

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  1. I always have a big Maglite torch close to hand as backup, so I can reach for it in the dark. Due to a dirty switch contact I once lost my tunnel lamp 50 yds into Braunston tunnel, not the straightest. The torch got me through with the minimum of scrapes.
  2. Hi Richard how are you keeping ? Not heard of you for a long time 

    regards gary 

  3. eid, that looks like an early Sterling regulator. These didn't have automatic sensing of battery bank size. Instead they had a user adjustable timer via tiny dip switches inside to control how long it was in the higher voltage absorb charge mode. If it's already set to the max, which from distant memory is two hours, then there is nothing more to be done, unless you buy latest version. Otherwise set timer to max. Note the timer switches are a separate set from those depicted on casing which set battery type. Worth checking they are set appropriately though.
  4. The Sterling regulator is likely a smart one. Just like similar smart chargers it has multiple modes. One will be float with charge voltage dropping to just over a volt less than full when it decides batteries are near fully charged. The exact voltage will depend on settings as they cater for a range of battery types. The reason it may jump back to full (absorb charge) mode is because of a sudden load on batteries whilst cruising has caused a dip in battery voltage. Situation normal in other words. If you have two alternators charging the same battery bank it's even possible one the alternators, depending on internal regulator, to drop out altogether as indicated by charge light when batteries approach full charge. This is also an acceptable situation.
  5. Little consideration seems to be given to the latest Euro 6 approved diesel-engined cars . Our own 2015 Mini attracts just £30 a year VED, others zero in line with all electric cars. If the government holds them in such high regard aren't we on track to meet the pollution goals, especially as the next even tighter Euro 7 standards are being prepared. See below the massive advances made since 1992 when Euro 1 was introduced.
  6. by'eck

    JP/JK pulley

    14 inch pulley gives max output (240 amps) from my two alternators @ 650 engine rpm. Tested and proven using 3kW kettle as load via 3500 watt inverter whilst monitoring just a few amps drain from batteries and confirmed via clamp on ammeter. "A" groove pulley used with twin belts to larger alternator.
  7. From just outside Burnley to the outskirts of Leeds is the continuously pretty part although there is stunning scenery between some of the western towns. The locks whilst having heavy gates are generally well maintained and I wouldn't say excessively deep compared with the south. Heading east after Gargrave, the most northerly point, there are many swing bridges to operate, mostly manual which can slow you a little although a few are electrically operated. Some can be challenging solo but perfectly feasible. As suggested, Skipton is the jewel in the crown. Not rushing excessively I've cruised single handed from the bottom of the Wigan flight to Skipton in six days. With two or more, hiring in the middle and avoiding the Wigan flight you should be able to cover most the the remaining canal there and back in two weeks.
  8. Agree, it has always been a sluggish stretch for me, particularly through the heavily wooded military danger area north of Hopwas. Strangely though I found a recent journey from Fradley not an issue, maintaining reasonable speed for my 34 inch draught boat. I even considered the possibility it had already been dredged. There are certainly areas with greater need of dredging although probably with lesser traffic.
  9. which was my point, although a double edged sword I guess
  10. and won't have for many years to come if ever, not in bespoke narrowboats at least which virtually all are to some degree.
  11. Sorry, yes I was referring to the fact that in order to reach the Rochdale, I had to first travel the Calder and Hebble, and both the locks mentioned were on that of course.
  12. Took a 60ft nb up the Rochdale east to west a couple of years ago (don't do it the other way with marginal length boat). There was not an inch to spare despite all fenders removed, but I managed it and single handed! Anything less should be easy. Problem locks are top one at Salterhebble flight and Shepley bridge although that's on the Calder and Hebble.
  13. Frouds bridge marina just after Aldemaston between Reading and Newbury. Good safe place to leave boat if you need to as well.
  14. To utilise the flexibility of all electric propulsion, batteries are required. Despite being around for over 150 years with constant efforts to improve on lead/acid battery technology, there is still nothing available that provides the sort of storage capacity needed for vehicle/boat propulsion at a reasonable price, weight and longevity. There is much hype about dramatic improvements in recent times, but if so why have we still not seen an all electric vehicle (or boat ) with similar range and performance that we have come to expect from conventional propulsion. The only current viable option is a half way house with hybrid drives therefore. Solar power requires an impractical number of pv panels in most cases and still requires battery backup. I await with interest to see what the future holds but if there was a solution on the horizon offering a dramatic increase in battery storage capacity, why haven't we heard about it?
  15. by'eck

    3L3

    L2 bore and stroke 4 1/4 "x 6", L3 5 1/2" x 7 3/4" So L3 substantially bigger. 3L3 nearly twice the weight at 1.5 tons!
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