Endeavour

There are significant differences between networks. http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/ifi/lic...verage_maps.pdf

Jabsco do both a two way (shutoff) here http://www.cleghorn.co.uk/item.asp?ls=&amp...A74&id=2735 or a 3 way (diverter) here http://www.cleghorn.co.uk/item.asp?ls=&amp...A74&id=2745 mind you they are not cheap!

Sureflow recommend making connections to the pump using flexible hose, however my boat builder had used HEP 2O. Having changed the instalation and now using flexible pipe, it is very much quieter.

I'm sure that Tony Redshaw could provide the necessary components. http://www.vintagediesels.co.uk/products.html

Hi Pete Just re-reading this interesting thread. Have you finally decided on a configuration? If so, is it too early to say how successfully it works?

Hi Chris I agree with Ray. Callisto at 71' 6" can turn between locks 37 and 38 provided the pound is full. It certainly is at the moment! Anyway you should have no problem turning there. As for the Aylesbury arm, go and see for yourself, don't be put off by what you have told. I have never experienced such problems and you will be warmly welcomed in the Basin.

Hi Warlock What size is your calorifier? How many Kw is the immersion heater rated at? Do you allow enough time for the immersion heater to heat the water to 60-65 degrees C? Is the immersion thermostat set correctly? My relatively small horizontal calorifier (approx 20 litres) provides enough hot water for several showers.

Just to say that if you are thinking of buying a Northern Lights generator, then this may be a good time as the £/$ exchange rate means that these American generators are rather less expensive than they were a year ago (I have just payed less than I was quoted last April) and the keel cooking option is now free of charge. Northern lights generators also did very well in the Victron generator test recently, coming top in the sound levels test.

Try ARS Anglian Diesels Ltd who are always very helpful - 01508 520555. They could design and supply the full system.

Probably not the cheapest solution? http://www.russellnewbery.co.uk/instruments.html

Thanks everyone for the replies: DaveR, in that case it sounds like I'm worrying about a problem that isn't a problem at all Peter F - A beautifully ingenious solution

Each tank is approx 7' long x 6' (full width of interior of narrowboat) x 1' deep, divided by baffles into sections approx 1 foot wide. It may be that the free surface effect will not be that significant, however if someone can come up with a simple automatic way of draining one before the other (without resorting to sensors and motorised valves as that is getting too complicated for long term reliability), then I would be interested to hear from them. I guess I am really asking does anyone know of a clever change over valve that when air rather than water is drawn through one port, it it can switch to a second port? Many thanks

I have the space to install two large water tanks. If a tank is completely full or completely empty there is no 'free surface effect' of the liquid (try googling if you are unfamiliar with the term). so for reasons of stability (the boats rather than mine!) it would be preferable to completely empty one tank, before starting to drain the other. I am looking for as simple a solution as possible to switch between the tanks, preferably a solution that will switch over automatically. Any ideas or thoughts would be much appreciated.

Can you describe how the system achieved the switch between the two exhaust outlets? I too have pondered something similar, but haven't found the right components yet.

I payed £93.24 including all parts, return postage and VAT in May 2004 at that was with Mikuni in Southampton. I thought that the blower motor had burned ot (at least thats is what the flashing code suggested), however Mikuni said it just neaded cleaning out. Since then, when it occasionally comes up with the same fault code, a few taps of the motor case (to dislodge any carbon) and it starts fine! http://www.mikuniheating.com/index.php?p=p...ge_id=Servicing

Many chandleries will be able to sell you the whole brass pump out fitting, but they are far from cheap! I don't ever recall seeing spare "caps", although I doubt that you are the first to loose your's in such circumstances. If all else fails you could try Leesan? but then again, they will probably want even more money!!! Let us know if you do find one.

The EU finally gave up on trying to get us to drop our pints, pounds and miles yesterday. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6988521.stm Small consolation, I know, but at least we'll be able to buy a gallon of white diesel if this goes through!

I think that it is time I put my money where your mouth is!

It is still not clear how the red diesel situation will be resolved. See link below for the govenments current thinking. http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalW...CE_PROD1_027786 I agree with Gary. The cost of adding a second tank at this stage is minimal and that way you are covered, what ever is finally decided.

Garry, I hadn't heard of the quattro before you mentioned it. There doesn't seem to be very much info available at the moment only the datasheet on the Victron website http://www.victronenergy.cn/upload/documen...20000-D-aEN.pdf Given that a 5kVA is OTT for a narrowboat (or at least for any battery bank, I have ever come across on a narrowboat), presumably its main benefit is that it takes care of switching between two different AC sources without needing an external relay. The 200A battery charger would be useful too if you had a very large domestic battery bank. Do you know what sort of price Victron will be asking for the 12/5000/200 Quattro when it goes on sale?

On the face of it these two products seem to do much the same thing? http://www.victronenergy.com/upload/docume...eryCombiner.pdf http://www.smartgauge.co.uk/sbdesc.html Does anyone have any experience of either of them. Does one offer worthwhile advantages over the other? Any recommendations? I ask as I am planning on fitting one (or the other). All suggestions gratefully received.

Gary I too will be interested to see what people come up with as I am planning the electrical system for my new 70ft full time residential boat, My current plans seem to be similar to one of your options Northern Lights generator 230V 5kw 1500rpm Leece Neville alternator 12V 160A Energy Solutions 'system in a box' Victron multiplus 12V 3000VA(2500W) 120A charger Victron isolation transformer Batteries TBD Batteries to be paralleled during charging either with Victron Cyrix or one of Gibbo's Smartbank units - which is best? Washer/dryer Fridge and Freezer - I am thinking A+ rated 230V rather than 12V Boat is gas free using Heritage diesel range cooker or induction hob for cooking.