Ramblings
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False alarm leads to real problem (AIS, antennas)
In a previous post, I noted how the AIS sentences had caused me to think that the VSWR alarm was being triggered, but in fact they were inactive alarms. However, I decided to get a baseline SWR reading, and a fellow club member was able to meet me on board today to conduct some tests.…
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AIS alarm sentences redux
Back in 2020, I posted about the alarm sentences for the B600s AIS transceiver by Alltek Marine. While on the boat this weekend, I was monitoring the NMEA sentences while testing some new software, and I noticed that the sentences were still showing up, and the AMEC app on the tablet was also saying “Error”.…
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Brightwork
While tidying Blue Opal yesterday, I noticed that her clock and barometer were looking rather dull. A bit of Peek, an hour in the workshop, and a modicum of effort has lead to them looking a lot better. Thereโs a few bits of Peek left in the cracks, but I donโt have a spare toothbrush…
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Adding solar power to Blue Opal
I’ve been planning to add solar power to Blue Opal for a year or more now, and I’ve finally got around to doing it. A combination of a Phaesun Mare Flex 55W panel (archive), and a Votronic MPP 250 solar regulator (archive) are pretty much all I needed to order from SVB to make it…
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Replacing the calorifier tank
Blue Opal’s calorifier tank, until yesterday, was the one that was installed when she was built. A few months ago (actually, last year.. damn COVID time travel), it started producing brown water, and I figured that was a good reason to change it out – it’s not like I could get the interior of the…
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Summer anti-fouling and other yard works
I know that most people don’t get their boat hauled out and anti-fouled in May, but COVID has meant Blue Opal has had to sit in the water for quite a while with the consequence that the local marine flora and fauna had taken up residence. I took her up to Malahide Marina (and marine…