Boat Forum / Electronics / August 2003

Need a source for non-metallic, waterproof NMEA-type enclosures for small
electronic devices;  enclosures will need to have ability to securely fasten
to metal / wood / fiberglas surfaces with full exposure to elements (sun,
seawater, etc.).  For example, one ideal (interior ...

   I require the software to update a Trimble NavTrac XL.
Version 2.14 or better. The older NavTrac required a hardware
update but the XL can be just updated with the software.
Trimble have nothing their site and their agent recomendation for

I have two ST40Wind units.  Neither indicates wind speed.  When I connect
the wind transducer I get a fixed wind angle that never changes but no wind
speed.  Without the transducer connections no data is displayed at all.
Checked cables for continuity...all OK.  Question is...do I ...

Is there a combination GPS + sounder to take a lat, long + depth and
record it? I am interested in making a 3D plot of a lake. Also is there
any software to create a 3D image of this?

I'm ready to do some battery maintenance and realize I should have available
several gallons of distilled water for my battery bank. I have been
monitoring them and so far, over the last year, the electrolyte levels have
not yet dropped to a level of concern. However, I am doing ...

My partner and I have a very tough problem that's confusing 2
experienced mechanics and both of us.  We have twin Cat diesels each
with a motorola alternator, and one of the alternators is brand new.
Here's the problem:  We fire up one or both diesels and notice that we

Thank you.

I have this very old, but in very good condition, SWR/Field Strength
meter with out the instruction sheet that I would like to know
something about. It is a Thorotest SWFS-2, measuring 2x2x5, with the
connectors on each end and the meter, adjustment switch ( FWD, REF )

I have a Maxum 2400 that has an unusual battery set up. I have 2 starting
batts on a 1-2-both-off switch, and then there are 2 deep cycle batts
connected to a power inverter in the cabin. I have learned that this is a
"poor mans gen set" set up. All batts were new last year, but ...

I have a Simrad ST20 AutoHelm hooked to a Garmin ETrex GPS and it
works quite well, but it requires me to manually reset the autotiller
at each waypoint change.  When a waypoint is reached the tiller
'disconnects' from the the GPS and, if I don't reconnect by pressing

Anyone have any advice on using an uninsulated stay? It is attached to wood
at each end. Thanks.
Dave

Have a Humminbird that has been letting me down for the last season that it
finally going to be replaced.  Have decided on getting a Garmin but can't
decide between the 160 or the 240.  Anybody out there with a boat that has
both or has used both got any tips?  Generally they look ...

The www.WAVEFINDER.ch is the first really efficient MOB retrieval
system available on the market for less than 2000 Euros.
This product has some new features making it really more efficient
than its competitors like SeaMarshall or VECTA2:

Is there any advantages in having a 4kw as opposed to 2kw antenna
apart from the additional range. Which for me is a unwanted feature.
Will the higher powered unit detect targets in close proximity (less
than a mile) that would possibly have not been detected by the lower

Disclaimer: I don't know a lot about the technical aspects of batteries, nor
do I claim to !
I have three group 27 batteries and a 3 stage charger that stays on 24/7.
I'm guessing the charger does pretty well at adjusting it's rate, as I find