Recent content by RobertLeatch

Some types of alternators have an ignition wire (to "excite" the alternator) that you might be able to use for your purpose.

I think the process to reset the MPPT is to first disconnect the solar in cables (I have a breaker switch) and then the cables to the battery. Reverse order to enable (battery cables then solar).

Not an expert, but I'd assume that your underlying problem is that the MPPT controller is "stuck" in float mode. There may be some useful report info on the History tab (eg was it doing normal bulk/abs/float and then changed to float only at some point). Regarding the battery voltage displayed...

Not automated but I use the Trojan watering system on my T105s and find it very effective. Simple snap connection to the hoses running between the caps with inbuilt float valves. Takes less than 5 mins a month to check/top up 2 banks of 6 batteries...

The back of that alternator looks a lot like my Leece Neville 90 amp in which case it's likely a 1 wire (self exciting) version. No seperate energize circut just a + from battery and a - to ground. In some models the ground is to case and some to engine (check continuity between the case and...

If you dont already have them, I was advised by some experienced Tas cruisers that fendor boards were very useful on many docks there. Coming from Qld/NSW we're more used to floating (pontoon) docks but in Vic/Tas fixed (pole) docks are more the norm.

Not sure if still current, but according to this https://mast.tas.gov.au/safe-navigation/cruising-tasmania/ You can get fuel at Lady Barron (Flinders Island). I'd be ringing in advance and making sure it's ok before turning up.

We recently purchased a 300ltr fuel bladder (https://fmestore.com.au/product/diesel-petrol-or-chemical-bladder-flexible-fuel-bladder-300l-fb300sp/) for a similar trip (leaving from Melbourne via Wilson's Prom) to give us a bit more range. Figure we'll leave Melbourne with it full (stored on...

As an aside but perhaps relevant to the high WOT running, the 'acceptable' oil usage on my cat 3208s is always specified as oil usage per gallons of fuel consumed (not engine running hours). For the 3208s, 1 quart per 50 gallons of fuel burnt is considered Ok. In my case (1500 rmp / 8 nm/h /...

Probably depends on the product but Awlgrip is a common marine non-skid. Have attached their colour chart. Possibly Desert Sand which is quite a popular choice.

If you have the panel specs then the Victron mppt calculator can be a useful guide. https://www.victronenergy.com/mppt-calculator

No. My GX device is about 10 meters from the MFD and stopped when I didnt have a cable that long. I also ended up turning off the NMEA data broadcast because it just caused to much data clutter on the network. I have the GX, 2 multiplus inverters, 3 mppt controllers and 2 smart shunts that...

I'm assuming you did the enable both*MQTT on*LAN*(SSL)*and*MQTT on*LAN*(Plaintext) settings on the GX device?

I did look at this at one stage but ended up just using the VRM Online portal instead (displayed on a iPad). For your approach, note that you do need to use an actual Garmin network cable (not a normal ethernet cable) for the connection. No idea why but documented online here...

After many years and $$$'s spent trying to resolve air leaks in my fuel lines/filters (that would lead to engine RPM issues under way), I eventually ended up installing some 12v Facit solid state pumps as you propose. Have never had a fuel problem since. It probably just resolves the symptom...