Re: TWL: Most wanted DC/AC features
Arild,
<< Arild Jensen wrote:
How about a really smart energy system which integrates the generation,
storage and control of all elecrtical energy and is intelligent enough to
not only ring an alarm if something untoward happens but has already taaken
remedial action to correct the situation. >>
Are you hinting at the next generation capabilities of Heart, Trace and
Statpower equipment??? <BG> Those capabilities would be nice as long as it
worked and was also affordable. Seems as if a prodigious computer programmer
and equipment installer could do that now. A self-healing system could make
us very dependent upon black art (computer programs). A malfunctioning
automatic self-healing system could be catastrophic.
I am leary of too much advanced integrated technology on my boat, especially
when it could impact safety. Possibly, that is just an excuse to stick with
old tried and true (and cheaper) systems, but I have also had my own
experience with extremely complex technological equipment that only the
military could dream up and afford. Some good, some bad, but the thought
always persists .... what if this system fails .... what is the probable
result? Would it/could it put something, someone or even me in danger? (I was
a test engineer.)
A BIG brand-new Hatteras was being delivered to its new owners and was
passing through the Florida Panhandle area. The electronic engine controls on
both engines malfunctioned and shut down the engines just as the boat was
passing Cape San Blas (probably the most dangerous spot in this area during
stormy weather, which it was then). There were no manual/redundant engine
controls, and the crew was at a loss as how to troubleshoot the problem
quickly, so they threw out the anchor and awaited a tow. There was some fear
that the boat would be destroyed on the shoals, but it was towed to safety. I
was told that the new owner flatly rejected the boat because of this
experience.
Even the Cummins 6BT5.9M engines on my boat have rudimentary electronic
control boxes on them, but the engines are totally independent of each other,
with no common controls/black boxes other than the Glendinning Engine
Synchronizer. Hmmmmm .... Well, I guess I DO like some integrated technology
on the Celestial ..... (VBG).
Wayne
M/V Celestial
Albin 43 Sundeck
Your story about the hat is the reason I won't have electronic engine controls or
steering on my new vessel. Until the system redundancy equals that used in
military and commercial aircraft controls I'm not having it.
Albin43Tr@aol.com wrote:
Arild,
<< Arild Jensen wrote:
How about a really smart energy system which integrates the generation,
The electronic engine controls on
both engines malfunctioned and shut down the engines just as the boat was
passing Cape San Blas
Wayne
M/V Celestial
Albin 43 Sundeck
A BIG brand-new Hatteras was being delivered to its new owners and was
passing through the Florida Panhandle area. The electronic engine controls
on
both engines malfunctioned and shut down the engines just as the boat was
passing Cape San Blas (probably the most dangerous spot in this area during
stormy weather, which it was then). There were no manual/redundant engine
controls, and the crew was at a loss as how to troubleshoot the problem
quickly, so they threw out the anchor and awaited a tow. There was some fear
that the boat would be destroyed on the shoals, but it was towed to
safety. I
was told that the new owner flatly rejected the boat because of this
experience.
Wayne
M/V Celestial
Albin 43 Sundeck
A year or so ago a big sport fish equiped with newest electronic control
totaled a number of other big boats. It seems that this boat had the
latest "fly by wire" gagets. The yard crew was told to cover the bridge
for the night, so they pushed all the controls foward to make it easier to
install the canves cover. Sometime that night the engines started at full
throttle and forward gear. The boat took off like a shot. wiped out three
more boats. They initially thought that someone was trying to steal the
boat, then they saw that the lines were still tied... KISS...jd
Joe DellaFera / Margaret Murray
36' Prairie DC "SAMAKI"
Pompano Beach, Fl.
Albin43Tr@aol.com writes:
I am leary of too much advanced integrated technology on my boat,
especially
when it could impact safety. Possibly, that is just an excuse to
stick with
old tried and true (and cheaper) systems
And then there are really reticents like me who are not comfortable
unless they have a handcrank to start their Diesel and actually do it
once in a while for the exercise.
Especially when I have "know-all techies" on board, I fake a starter
failure and make my guests handcrank the old SABB or FAIRYMANN. (Do
you know about the "cigarette" on a SABB?) Surprise all around when
it finally gets going - and it does every time, I see to it. Yes, I
have sails for back-up power, but sooner or later I'll become a
trawler and I like to pretend I am one quite frequently these days to
get used to my old age(I am 64).....
Happy New Year - George