Messages

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General Discussion / New AIS Radio

« on: April 27, 2017, 09:58:32 am »

I've tried several times to connect my (Garmin) chart plotter to my VHF (icom).  The radio has DSC and I wanted the radio to know where it was (Long/Lat) all the time so the Coast Guard (and other vessels) would know where I was if I were ever in distress.  This spring, I tried for the last time - and gave up.  I put the radio on Craig's List and got half what i paid for it - it was only 3 years old. 

The replacement radio is a Standard Horizon GX-2200.  It has the GPS built in so there is no need for an input from the chart plotter.  It also has an AIS receiver.  I got it online  from the GPS Store for just over $300.  Several other makers have similar radios but prices are double what I paid and I like Standard Horizon hardware and instructions.  Installation was fairly easy and so was the setup.  I feel the controls are very intuitive.  In addition to the radio, I got a remote mic (my old radio would not accept one).  The mic is also very well designed and has all the AIS functions built it.  As a bonus, I connected the new radio up to my Garmin chart plotter and was amazed at all the AIS features that are available there (target displays, alarms, data, etc.). 

Like lots of electronics these days, this thing will do things you can't even imagine.  But, besides the obvious features, there are a few that I hope to try and use.  I'll try to remember to update this post after I've had a few months to play with my new toy.

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General Discussion / Re: ICW 2016

« on: September 19, 2016, 02:24:48 pm »

Ed and Joan
Here's wishing you safe travels, calm seas, and following winds.  I'm sure you ARE a bit anxious about your departure.  I'm sorry I won't be able to make the send off raft-up but I'm leaving for Kansas the day before (by car).  Thanks for the blog and the link.  I'll be following your travels.
Ron

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General Discussion / True Blue to Rappahannock 9-2016

« on: September 18, 2016, 04:41:28 pm »

Maybe it's because I'm now a member of the CBPSA but it seemed very odd that I came across so many other Pearsons on my recent trip to the Rappahannock.  Attached is my trip log and a link to poorly done video. 
Ron

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General Discussion / Re: Solar panel Upgrade

« on: July 24, 2016, 09:13:27 am »

The addition looks great Ed.  I'd like to talk to you about your wiring etc. sometime.
I have been using solar for several years.  I started off with a rigid 65w panel that I mount on the cabin top between the mast and the traveler.  About a year ago, I got two flexible 50 watt panels that I lay on top of my bimini.  I have one small PWM controller for my 65 watt panel and another PWM controller for the two 50s.  Depending on the type of cruising I'm doing, I will use only the 65 or may use all three.  It's kind of a temporary setup since I still have yet to hard wire anything.  But the good news is that I can run a portable refrigerator and almost never let my batteries get under 12.6v. 

5

General Discussion / Re: ICW 2016

« on: July 24, 2016, 08:52:22 am »

I have spent a lot of time weighing the different alternatives for keeping batteries charged.  I have concluded that doing what you did is probably makes the most sense.  But it is one I have not yet opted for because of the expense.  I do have a new (older model) wind generator that I have never installed.  And I have 3 solar panels that I love and use regularly.  My P31-2 has a 16hp Yanmar with a 55 amp alternator.  Although the alternator only puts out about half that at normal motoring speeds, I do usually run the engine for at least an hour on most days and it does seem to give the batteries a pretty healthy charge - so I'm living with what I have for now.  Please let us know how you make out (engine load, battery charging, etc.).

Regarding the fridge, one of the things I did on my previous boat was to cut a piece of rigid foam that I covered with some shelf paper and just sat it on top of the ice box lid area.  It was very easy to do and almost doubled the time ice would last in the ice box.  Of course, it had to be moved every time you got in the ice box but there are many hours in a day and night that you don't need access.