Tech Net S

Issue: Unable to stay connected to Sail Mail.
Suggestions:
Try using low power.
Use ferrites.
Download the newest Win7 version.
Switch to a higher quality cable such as Belkin, etc.
Stiffer cables are better shielded.
Use line isolators which are PVC pipes with ferrites.

Query: General information needed about performance and durability of laminates.
Comments:
Some use Dacron for the main, laminate for jib.
May have shorter longevity than Dacron, but better performance. Laminate should be rolled rather than folded.
Laminate costs 10-15% more than dacron.

Heads Up: Check the stitching on sails once in awhile. (Shamal)

THINGS THAT WORK
Use aluminum straps with nuts and bolts to replace nylon straps as a temporary fix. (C_Language)

Pre-make holes with a 1/16' drill bit when sewing multiple thicknesses. (Salty Paws)

(also canvas work, rigging)

Serious legal stuff here.
Read the Wikipedia articles:
Admiralty Law and Marine Salvage
.
.

Issue: Would like to get weather from Sirius or XM Radio directly to my computer without expensive receiver purchase.

Comment:
It's easily wired via cable to PC or laptop. However, a dedicated receiver is a necessary purchase.

Query: Is it available in the Bahamas?
Comment:
Yes. It works great during the day, but falls off at night.

Issue: Sirius works good in the U.S. but is failing in the Bahamas.
Comments:
Use a metal pie plate or small metal pan as a ground plane. (Fiscal Stray)
Try aluminum, then steel and see if there's a difference. (C_Language)

Scones can be made with just few ingredients. They're treats you can make even when provisions are low.  Here's the recipe. (Salty Paws)

(more galley tips)

Query: What's the best way to polish them?
Suggestions by Salty Paws:
Use 400 grit sandpaper.
Use wet or dry sandpaper with baby oil.
Cut your own 200 grit sanding disk for your dremel.
The meat portion of hamburger beans are soft (black ring). Use care.
Finish with varnish or even better, use tung oil.

Did you know you can make your own?  And yours is going to rival what you can find in health food stores because you're in control of the entire process.  It's simple.
Instructions.

The Maine Sea Salt Company uses this same technique, but on a much larger scale.

Article explains why we should be using sea salt.

recommended
Book:  Salt: A World History by Mark Kurlansky (Time Enough Too)

(also DIY, galley tips)

Advice from Salty Paws:
Use short-whip eye splice.
Polyester (Dacron) line is a good choice and lasts for many years.
Nylon is not a good choice.
A splice proved stronger than the bowline on the other end of the line, which broke under extreme pressure.

More about seizing, knots, ropes, and lines here.  (Authentic old-timer)

(also mooring)

Eliminate Sharps
Use a lighter on the sharp ends of wire ties to smooth them. It prevents cuts. (Dragon Seeker)
Nail trimmers may be helpful, as they have beveled edges. (Dyad)
Slip small tubing over nails and bolts that stick out. (Dyad)
A dab of silicone will also work. (Destiny)
Glue pieces of cork on sharp points.

HOSE CLAMPS
For the sharp ends of a hose clamp tail, use a Clamp Jacket. These are slipped onto the tail end to eliminate injury and tidy it up. Inexpensive. (Dyad)
Heat-shrink tubing also works. (C_Language)
.

Storing the cable.
Use three pieces of 2' long 3/16" line to tie cable with constrictor knots. Tie double reef slipknot together. (Salty Paws)
.

A silicone colander for the galley won't rust and is easy to store. It's also easy to wash and works beautifully. It's collapsible to 1 3/4 inches with a 9" diameter.  Also great for steaming veggies. Oxo brand. (Destiny)

We have a silicone loaf pan.  It works just fine.  The only drawback with silicone is it can't be used under a broiler.  (Dyad)

(more galley tips)

Query: Will SilPruf work to seal fixed ports?
Comment:
Yes. This product needs to cure overnight and is compatible with stainless. It remains soft and pliable.
.

Issue: Having problems with SSB output.
Comment:
Check connection to backstay and look for saltwater intrusion.  That should help the problem instantly.

Issue: When I push the tune button, the volume drops to half.  This happens every time on all frequencies.
Comments:
It may be a bad relay contact.
Unplug and replug the control cable; see if that makes a difference.
Try to turn the tuner off then put it in pass-through mode.
Make sure the ground connection and antenna connections are clean.

Issue: I'm not able to get jvcomm32 weather faxes when connected to SSB.
Suggestions:
Test your sound card.  It may not be functioning.
Check connections to see if they are connected to the sound card.
Open the control panel menu and look for microphone input gain.
Check online for a newer software version.
Make sure you're getting output from the radio.
Skype can inadvertently change your settings.  If using Skype, right click on it to turn it off.

Issue: SGC 2000.  One control head is not working.  The company has stopped manufacturing the SGC 2000.  They still provide service, but the rates are outrageously high.
Comments:
Search the internet for repair sources.
HFRadio.com, out of San Leandro, CA is reputable.
Check your fuses.

Issue: We're on our fifth SGC tuner in twelve years.
The last one was repaired at a cost of $400.
Suggestion:
Use an LDG tuner with remote.  We obtained ours from eBay six years ago for around $35. [July 2010] (Salty Paws)

Query: Is it possible to plug aux output from SSB into AM radio to hear through it's speakers?
Comment:
Yes, it's easy to do with an output jack on the SSB, input jack on the AM radio. Use shielded cable and adapters.

Issue: On certain frequencies, my Simrad auto pilot will turn sharp to port.
Comments:
There may be a short in the GTO cable.
The wires on an auto pilot have different lengths. Some frequencies resonate perfectly with them.
Probably the wire between course computer and compass .
Could also be the rudder reference wire.
Relocate these wires.

Query: When transmitting, all LED lights on the electric panel stop. Should I be concerned?
Comments:
No, that's normal for high power transmission.

Issue: SSB won't tune at 10 or 20 meters; ham frequencies.
Comments:
Check the output of the tuner with a light bulb replacing the antenna.
Others on 15 meters use a 40' long wire, or a 17' whip.
Suspicious of coax from tuner to antenna. Most folks don't use them.
If it won't work at high frequencies, it may be helpful to shorten the antenna.
If grounding the coax to antenna mount, ground the mount too.

Query: What is the typical lifespan of outside GTO cable?
Comment:
About six years.

Query: What is clipping?
Comments:
It's a harsh snapping noise when syllables drop away.
Caused if radio is too strong,
or mid gain is too high,
or holding the mic too close,
or batteries are low.
SSB Tune and Auto Tune article by Rick (C_Language) addresses the clipping problem.

(also microphones)

FREQUENCIES
Query: Which frequencies work best for shorter ranges?
Suggestion:
Use 4 megs for communicating a few hundred miles.

Query: Which frequencies work best in mid morning for long distance communication?
Suggestion:
Use higher frequencies during the day as the atmosphere absorbs lower frequencies. 8 megs usually works well.

HF Simplex Channels List (by U.S. Coast Guard)

GROUNDING
Query: When installing a ground, is more better?  Any other advice?
Comments:
Generally, more is better.
Tie the radio ground into the battery, negative ground. This may prevent catastrophe in the event of a lightning strike.
Use star or tree grounding and don't inadvertently build a loop.
Try to use a single-point ground connection (engine block or keel bolt).
It doesn't have to be in contact with the water, use a big surface area.
Try to increase the projected surface of your ground plane.
If your engine block is isolated, do not connect to the radio ground.

Query: What's the best material for making a ground?
Comments:
Use copper foil. It's much, much better than using nothing.
Use copper roof flashing. You'll need tin-snips and gloves, and you'll have something that will last longer. (Chanteclair)
A flat shape is better than braided for handling frequencies.

Issue: The ground plate is covered in barnacles.
Suggestions:
Scrape them off and use no anti-fouling.
Nylon scrapers work well, won't gouge.
1" wide putty knife will also work.

Use five multiple insulated 14 gauge duplex wires instead of a copper strap. It's has an advantage over copper because of the insulation. Use this as grounding from the tuner to the dynaplate; about a 6' run. (Cat Tales)
Comments:
If you can flatten the bundle, it will perform even better than a round bundle. (C_Language)
I went opposite way. I used a big heavy battery cable, about a 12' run. It works fine. (Shining Star)

Kiss SSB Grounding System is self-contained and recommended by Icom.
(Barefootin)    (also KISS for SSB)

MFJ Enterprises carries a product, the Artificial Ground, that turns wire into a ground plane. (Dyad)

Insulated lifelines may be used for ground planes. (Shamal)
Uninsulated lifelines are hazardous for this use. (Destiny)

INTERFERENCE
When searching for interference noise, turn off the instruments by using the breaker panel. Simply turning off some devices just puts them into a sleep mode which still draws a bit of power. (C_Language)

Issue: One-second periodic noise caused by GPS.
Comment:
It's probably a problem between the GPS and the computer.  Unplug the wire to diagnose.  Either re-route the wire or use ferrites.

Query: What is a ferrite?
The Wise Geek explains it simply.  If you want more complicated material, here's a rather technical pdf: Understanding How Ferrites Can Prevent and Eliminate RF Interference

Issue: Raymarine auto pilot causes clicking radio interference.
Comments:
It maybe time for ferrite addition.
May be a problem with solenoids.
If it's a constant sound, it's probably the pump.
It may be caused by arcing of the motor brushes.
Use one single ferrite enclosing both (positive and ground) wires.
Use capacitors between two motor power leads to reduce clicking.
Ferrites have a 50% chance of working. If they don't work, add capacitors. Use up to 1 micro farad, 50 volts. The ceramic style capacitor is best.

Query: What size inductors should be used to isolate fridge noise?
Comments:
Use 16 micro henry.
On a Danfoss compressor, solder a capacitor from the heat sink to the terminal of chassis to eliminate noise from fridge. (C_Language)

Issue: OGM LED anchor light causes interference on the SSB. When the anchor light is on, the interference starts. SSB is fine with the anchor light off.
Suggestions:
Talk with the manufacturer.
Try to run the anchor light on a separate battery to test.
Check for unintentional grounding.
Check for loose connections.
Add ferrite cores to wires near the breaker panel.
Use a different power source for the light, to bypass the circuit breaker.
Check ground wire in contact with the mast. It should be isolated.
Wire the SSB directly to the battery.

For LED anchor lights that don't interfere with radios see Sailors Solutions.com (C_Language)

FYI: Air X wind generator caused interference on SSB. If you have excessive interference, check your wind generator. (Salty Paws)

Inverters can also cause AC hum on SSB. If so, turn inverter off.

Make sure your antenna leads are short and straight to reduce interference. (Salty Paws)

Don't solder your RG8 braid. Just use the clamp that comes with it. (C_Language)

THINGS THAT WORK
Anderson Powerpole Connectors for DC power.  Can also be found through ham radio suppliers or on E bay. (C_Language)

Clear Speech with DSP filter, an SSB add on from West Mountain Radio. It removes static, and is easy to install. Plugs into audio out system. (Shining Star)

RESOURCES
Ferrites can be purchased from Digikey, Jameco, or Palomar.

Simple and Effective Grounding

Please reference SSCA Forum for a great discussion of dipoles, radials, counterpoise and grounds.

(also antennas, Icom, KISS, pactor3 modem)

Dilute dish soap, body wash, and shampoo in order to rinse it off easier in RO or rainwater. (Salty Paws)

Clean stainless steel range tops and similar surfaces with Liquid Lava Soap. It does a great job and leaves no streaks or residue. (Morning Glory).

Query: I lost MS Office in a computer glitch. Is there a reasonable substitute for this program out there?
Suggestion:
Try Open Office.  It's good. It's free.
[several thumbs up followed this suggestion]

THINGS THAT WORK
BurnAware. It's a few program download that lets you burn CDs that will play on other machines. An alternative to temperamental Vista. (Dyad)

(also computers)

Issue: The flexible solar panel for the dinghy battery is rated for 17 volts but only gives 100 milliamps.
Comments:
They do die after ten years or so.
Harbor Freight carries them at reasonable rates.
Flex panels have shorter lifespans than hard panels.

Query: Do solar panels create RF interference?
Comment:
Not generally.

Query: Do panels degrade over time and what to look for?
Comments:
Yes. The new ones are rated, the older ones were not.
Look for corrosion or water intrusion under the glass.
Disconnect and look for open circuit voltage.

Query: Which MPPT controller works best?
Comments:
Solar Boost by Blue Sky is recommended. It goes into auto equalize mode.
The Morning Star Pro-Star 30 controller is reliable.
Flex Charge brand has been working reliably.
Check bzproducts for solar panel controls.

Query: Which is better, 205 watt Sun Solar 200 or Kyocera 130 watt panels?
Comments:
Bigger panels are good with MPPT.
Consider physical size for mounting.
Kyocera has nice plastic weatherproof housing.
Kyocera has flying lead, but not much strain lead.

Query: Which is better to use, junction boxes or cables?
Comments:
A junction box is better.
Our panels with junction boxes have been problem-free for 13 years.
check bzproducts for controllers.
Sunsaver controls are recommended.

Query: What is the reduction capacity of older panels?
Comments:
Solar panels are guaranteed for 20 years.
Our 15 year old panels are still keeping up with our brand new panels. (Salty Paws)

Query: How to maximize the output of solar panels?
Suggestion:
Use an MPPT (Maximum Power Point Transfer) controller, which gives 25% more efficient charging. It's cheaper than buying a new solar panel.

Use 24 volt panels because they're cheaper, however, they may be more sensitive to shading.  You may use smaller wiring on 24 volt system.

The weather proofing housing on Kyocera 130s look good. Work good.
Keep panels mounted at 5% degree to reduce dirt and prevent rain pooling.
Keep clean. Any dirt reduces output.
The ability to tilt them is a big advantage. (Kismet)

MPPT control boosts energy efficiency.

PWM control; solar panel runs at battery voltage.

RESOURCES
MPPT Instructions by Rick (C_Language):
Here is the schematic for the MPPT. Also attached is the program for the microprocessor and a photo.
In the photo, the MPPT is the bottom circuit board, the top one is the boost regulator that enables the old Air X wind generator to have some output at low wind.

Find MPPT controllers at discountpv.com (Discount Solar)

RECOMMENDED
Bzproducts for MPPT controllers.

SunElectronics solar cells, etc. are in stock. This Miami, FL company focuses on land based applications, but some of it is quite boat useful. (Shamal)
SunElectronics is in walking distance of Sea Isle Marina, just north of the Venetian Causeway. The marina has a convenient hourly rate. This made pick-up of panels a breeze. (Dyad)

Add a few tablespoons of baking soda to the water. It makes the water a lot nicer to use.
(Salty Paws)
.

Replace tips with 12 gauge solid copper wire. They can be shaped with pliers. (C_Language)
Pound the wire flat to create a hot cutting knife. (Salty Paws)
Comment:
Technique may not work the other way around; creating a solder tip for a hot knife tool. It will probably get too hot due to no temperature control.

Thumbs Down: Black & Decker hand held rechargeable spotlight. Bright light fades within a few minutes and won't hold a charge.
(Salty Paws)
.

Issue: Drilling and tapping solid stainless steel pipe.
Comments:
Stainless is hard on drill bits, go slow, use lubricant.
Make the hole a tiny bit larger than needed to prevent the screw from galling.
Make a pilot hole first, then enlarge to prevent breakage.
Clean the hole with alcohol or acetone.
Use Anti-Seize or Tef-Gel to make future removal easy.
Or you may choose to epoxy the fastener into an oversize hole.
Use Marine Tex or other waterproof epoxy in the screw hole, then all you need is a good heat source to remove it later.

Issue: The starter was saltwater contaminated. It was overhauled, but it may still have salt in the wiring.
Comments:
You can check it yourself. Take it apart and clean it. Any problems will be self evident.
It's a straight-forward piece of equipment.

Issue: Starter motor runs on after engine starts. Bendix and solenoid are okay.
Comments:
Check the circuit, there may be a second solenoid.
Sticking start button may be the problem.
Wire the starter into alarm system with transistor. (C_Language)
Update: Solved. Problem solved by replacing the relay. (Dyad)

FYI: Solenoids can be fixed with a hammer.  They become magnetized and the atoms can be rearranged with a whack. (Salty Paws)

Query: Hydraulic helm pump is starting to slow-leak. I have a Wagner hydraulic steering pump repair kit onboard. Any advice as to replace or repair?
Comments:
It's a complicated fix. Take the job to a pro.
You can bleed the unit yourself.
Nassau and Spanish wells provide service if in the Bahamas.
The smaller the unit, the more complicated the job.
1/4 cup of break fluid into the hydraulic fluid may swell the seal as a temporary emergency fix.
[Counter] The break fluid may deteriorate incompatible seal material.
If leak is at the end of the end cap seal, you can replace the end caps.
Use engine oil if out of hydraulic fluid as an emergency fix.

RECOMMENDED
Our new Hydrovane self steerer works remarkably well, and is an independent rudder system with no lines to the wheel. It has tremendous power to steer us on all points of sail. (Wings via e-mail mid Atlantic)

Lock N Lock Containers have O-ring seals. (Southern Cross)
Comment:
These are great for carrying your camera to shore; similar to a Pelican Case. (Salty Paws)

Bahamian ice cream containers are just right for small things.  They have sturdy, tight-fitting lids. (Trumpeter)

Collapsible containers are easy to store.  Tupperware Flat Out is especially good. (Blackfoot)

Bulk containers of Crystal Lite serves as good storage for filters and small parts. (Airborne)
The small tubs from Crystal Lite are good for holding small parts and for worms when fishing. (St Jude)

Issue:  I used a plastic strainer in a thru hull.  It is showing distress cracks.  I need something hardier.
Comment:
Every part in the bilge area should hold up under a full 200 lbs in body weight.  Look for a strainer that will pass this test.

Query: I would like to find an outside mounted plastic strainer for a small thru hull. Is there such a thing, and how to attach it?
Suggestions:
Plastic ones are available and work very well.
Buck Algonquin bronze works well.
A PVC fitting as an end cap drain may work.
Use a basket from a domestic sink strainer.
Use 5200 and very small screws to mount your strainer.
Mount flat-head screws to the hull, head down, then use nuts to attach.

Repair
Repair a cracked plastic strainer with Captain Tolley's Creeping Crack Cure.  Apply every 20 minutes until it stops seeping in.  It will fully cure within 24 hours. (Salty Paws)

(also thru hulls)