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I am replying on behalf of Jan.
The current control is an MV2 which is missing its knob and the mechanism is pretty much worn out. It operates the throttle by the lever and the gearchange by lifting the collar. Obviously a replacement MV2 would be easiest but it is now obsolete which is a problem.
The MV3 which replaces it is expensive and would not be a direct replacement. It was suggested that there are better and cheaper alternatives available.
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Apart from the batteries the equipment is all the same as before we changed them. We replaced them because the batteries were not holding charge which was confirmed by the boatyard when we replaced them.
Before we had issues the batteries would last for a couple of days without recharging with our usual usage.
I thought that the inverter breaking down was unlikely and possibly the boatyard clutching at straws to avoid replacing the batteries.
As soon as I can I will try to follow the checklist Keeping-Up has kindly sent me. My previous attempt was frustrated by my inability to decide whether a switch was on or off when open. A tap is on when open but I now realise a switch is off when open.
I will persevere.
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There are a few things that can cause the voltage to the invertor to be low.
1. Dirty battery terminals causing voltage drop.
2. Long runs of 12V wires which are too thin, so voltage drops.
3. The fridge could be drawing a lot of current.
4. The boat alternator may not be supplying current to the batts when you are cruising.
Thanks for the suggestions.
I cleaned all the terminals prior to visiting the boatyard.
The inverter was fitted by a professional using arc welder cable.
The fridge is the original 12v fridge and doesn't seem to be running excessively.
The batteries seem to charge which the boatyard confirmed when they replaced the isolation switch.
If you only cruise weekends and can recharge batts during the week, then more batts is an option, else just get 1 big solar panel, and your "invertor voltage" will be sitting in the high 12's all day......( I have 4 and havent run my boat engine for batt recharging for 3weeks. I used to run it 3hrs a day, morn and evening)
The batteries are on a smart charger all the time when we are not cruising.
Do you have any battery monitoring beyond a volt meter? You need to measure where the amps are going to figure this one out. A DC clamp meter is your friend in the absence of anything else. Boats nearby may have one if you don't but very useful for the toolbox. Turn everything off except the master switch, take a reading from the out side of the switch and leave it there. Then start turning things on, start running through your DC stuff first, if all of that looks ok, turn it all off and then do the AC side.
Post up what you get and it might be possible to figure out a fix for you.
I will try to get some figures when I get the boat back (being painted at the moment)
Sorry, been away since my post about the high power DC runs. I think most of what needs to be said has been covered by others here.
I would just emphasize the need for THICK cables from the battery to the inverter. The shorter the better. By the way, what size is your inverter?
It might be worth you investing in a DC clamp meter, they're not expensive and will tell you where any power is being used, and how much. If you do go for one make sure that it will measure DC current, that's important.
Bob
I have a clamp meter because I was advised it would be useful but I am not yet sure how to use it!
The trouble is the boat is 1 1/2 hours away so I can't just pop round after work.
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We were having power problems on Carrie Lou last April so in May we bought 3 new 110 amp hour sealed batteries since the ones on board were getting old. After a couple of cruises the new batteries were running down sooner than we expected. In between cruises they are trickle charged. We went back to the supplier on xmas eve but they didn't have anyone to check them.
We then went back at Easter when they drop tested them and said they were fine.
We then went back a couple of weeks ago and they replaced the isolation switch and said it was probably the inverter breaking down.
I haven't replaced the inverter. Today the batteries were fully charged when we left the marina. We cruised for 4 hours and watched tv for 4 hours before the batteries were below the voltage required by the inverter.
This voltage was also below that needed for the fridge.
I am an electrical ignoramus!
What should I do now?
Today
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Queen of the Chesterfield? I think not, she has only ever had the opportunity to chug a couple of fairly short stretches. I have done even less than that but between us we know the people who do know.
NB Python which is operated by The Chesterfield Canal Trust overwinters at Shire Oaks also has a draft of 3'3" so the crew bring her that far up the Chesterfield and back again each spring and autumn.
I would say there are places where the botton is very near the top along there but I suspect if you are used to handling a boat with a 3'3" draft then you will be used to there being the odd place when any canal feels a little more like a roller coaster than a navigation. The usual rules apply, stay as close the centre of the navigation as you can and you will be just fine.
It is well worth the trip as it is a very beautiful stretch of canal and you will enjoy it. I expect you have already been to The Chesterfield Canal Trust Website which will give you lots of information about the history of the canal and interesting places to take in along he way.
If you need any other information just ask because we probably know someone who does know the answer even if we don't
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Personally I think The 15th October was about as memorable as it gets and I also tend to think that Stourbridge weekend was pretty darn special
Me too xxx
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The most important requirement of any candidate is to represent the canals for all the current and future users.
The current (artificial) pigeon holeing of canal lovers is designed to divide and rule. In the new political reality we all need to protect and fight for what we feel are the essential elements of our history an way of life.
There are many major political choices to be made over the next decade warring groups of canal users will make it easy to abandon the waterways again. We need people in the Trust who believe in waterways for all.
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I'm planning to be there too but it depends on my new wife. It sounds like fun and it is near the mooring!
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We had the pleasure of spending several days this year cruising with you and Cath.
It was a great pleasure to spend time with people who genuinly care about the canal system we all love.
I am sure when you are elected you will represent with aplomb the needs of all ordinary boat owners
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For my part I think having an interest in steam engines, Alfa Romeos, narrowboats, real ales and stoner rock music doesn't really leave much common ground with the average girl. But then I suppose I'm not looking for an average girl, that would be setting ones sights rather low, perhaps? I dunno.
My interests include steam engines, classic and performance cars, narrowboats, real ales, rock music and motorcycles and found plenty of common ground with someone I met at a banter.
..... but then I guess Rose is not an average girl
.....hands off she is already mine!
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We have to do packing type stuff tonight to move it North on Sunday. See you all tomorrow - can't wait
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It seems she and Postcode have history together! (that is also NB Tawny Owl and not Mrs Tawny Owl )
We have to dig among the old photos for some evidence later - ahhhhhhhhhhhhh it sounds like we are going to have fun!
Here is the evidence:
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I'm not really sure but since I don't usually have caffeine at all it certainly woke me up
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Oh how exciting - how many sleeps is it now?
I am doing really well with the home move - I am just working on evicting Dave into the shed to make room for my clutter and all will be great
In fact I will be very pleased to start my new job on Tuesday so I get a rest!
I am going to tally up the numbers now to let Lorraine at Misty's know how many cream teas to cater for so if any of the "extra peeps" who have said they are coming or anyone who is planning to turn up but has not yet said so want to order a cream tea then please let me know by Saturday.
I would love it it if any of you who are musicians can bring along things to make a nice noise with - in the absense of Kelvin to listen to it could be the next best thing and I am sure they won't object to a jam session if we ask nicely
I have not had a chance to set a quiz for the occasion but I am pondering on whether we could set a challenge - see how many things we can fit into Rose's delightful little duck egg blue Gucci clutch bag for a world record attempt!
Dunno how she expects me to fit in the shed - she has filled it with a non working lawnmower
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Dominic,
Why not donate it to Dan and then he can pay for the site hosting fee for this year?
Jill
A great idea
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My advancing years meant that I posted the following question in the wrong(ish) thread:
If changing your job and moving in with someone is a mid-life thing does that mean Jan will be with me for the next 50 years - I hope so!
I guess I will be even less computer literate in 50 years however Jan will be as Essex as ever and no-one will notice any difference
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If changing your job and moving in with someone is a mid-life thing does that mean Jan will be with me for the next 50 years - I hope so!
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All I did was put the loo roll on the holder I have replaced on the wall several times. I didn't conciously put it one way or the other
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I'm back! It was a great trip down memory lane with a pint of Adnams and a good mixed grill. It was all part of a wonderful weekend on the boat with my able and lovely crew.
I am sure that my batchelor pad is about to experience some changes for the better.
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We have them on Aquagem, Portapotti, Carrie Lou They have been great for the past 4 years and no problems. They are convenient because you can take them right out to clean them and when it is really hot in the summer.
Glad replacements are available at a reasonable cost.
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We are undertaking a major voyage to Market Drayton! Ok its not far but it has scary locks - Jan hasn't experienced Tyrley
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Well said Larence. I am sure that although the people who jumped in to say what sterling citizens they are were not your target it is true that many subscribers to this forum appear to have their own agenda when it comes to paying their dues to the society that supports them. Their loud, biased and often unpleasant comments must have the effect of putting off comments from many people who have and prefer a more 'conventional' lifestyle and do not wish to be on the receiving end of the more robust comments which threads on the way that different people use the waterways always attract . Perhaps the original post should be read more carefully and if the criticism does not apply then what is the point of describing your own blameless existence. Regards, HughC.
The society that supports many of the people on this forum is the society that they have paid into for many decades.
All the people I have met on this forum are either retired or want to be to follow their passion of canals.
One of the most attractive things about the canals is that you can meet all sorts of people at locks and if you have an open mind you can chat with people with varying views. This forum is open to all and thankfully we all have the same voice.
That voice is free to express our opinions regardless of creed, religion, colour, politics and indeed species. Even Eflunts are allowed.
All you need to join this club is an interest in canals. Long may it remain so.
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Maybe a 'per person' tax would be a more sensible option to increase revenues
We could call it a poll tax. What a great idea it would be so popular.
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I am hoping to attend too.
Jan is planning something that day too which had me rushing round the countryside near the mooring measuring mileages and noting down roadsigns
The Virtual BCN Challenge 2020
in General Boating
Posted
It also took our minds away from the fact that the plans I had for Jan's significant birthday were all cancelled. We didn't have time to dwell on it for 6 days or so which is just as well since we couldn't get half the ingredients we needed for a birthday meal (to happen tomorrow now).
I am glad the challenge was so well received and possibly more spontaneous for the lack of lengthy and detailed planning.
Dave