Boat Forum / Electronics / April 2005

I am planning to make a device that gives a signal (beep) when my
voltage drops at a level that i cant start my boat engine. I have to
know aproximaly what voltage is the minium to start.
I have an 4.3l V6 mercruiser inboard. What will be a save voltage to

I have a log which is connected to the gyro by RS232 line (around 3
metres long). I want to take a tapping out of this line and give a
parallel feed to the computer 12 metres away. Can I do that?
Which is the cheapest wire for such a distance?

From what I gather a microwave oven operates much more efficiently (less
power, faster cooking) running on pure sine wave. I  understand there are
also some other types devices that either require or benefit from pure sine
wave power. In view of the premium price of pure sine wave ...

What's the best way to use my cell phone(Verizon V-120) to connect to the
Internet. I have an older lap top without a USB connection. I've seen ads on
Future Dial for a Cell phone to serial port cable. Will this work??? What do
I need for Software??

Goldstar precision GS 924 c
Lucky Goldstar
I use this radar for last six years
there is foult in one of the connectors

Is there an easy soloution to stop the interfrence that florescent lamps the
12volt ones from tandy/dick smith cause to radio reception.
thanks
David

I have just fitted a rudder sensor to a Raymarine ST4000 wheel pilot.
It hasn't made the slightest difference. I don't think the control unit
has 'seen' the new sensor.  Is there a test procedure before I have to
bend myself double for an hour trying to remove it and send it back ...

I have an ICOM 145 VHF radio. It receives fine but doesn't tranmit. Of
course, it was working fine last year (but isn't that what we all say).
When I key the mike it will break static on another radio but that's it.
Could it be the lead from the antenna or is the mike more likely ...

I have a 14' Zodiac-style inflatable boat with no console or other
provision for instruments, and I want to mount a console-style VHF radio
somewhere on it.      The plywood floor and transom are the only solid
items available for mounting things.

I am trying to get True Wind from my ST40 Wind instrument.
I am using a Raymarine E85001 SeaTalk/NMEA converter box to take the
NMEA 0183 output from my Garmin GPSMAP175 GPS and send it to the ST40 Wind.
Connecting a PC to the RS232 terminals of the E85001 shows that both

Recent e-bay M800 purchase without fiberoptic cable to connec
transceiver to remote controller.  ICOM does not support this cable.
Any leads as to a source?  Are specifications available fo
construction?  Can this fiberoptic cable be converted to hard wires?

Wellcraft, 28 with twin inboard, 230 Mercruisers.  The port engine will
not start unless one pounds on the starter with the ignition on.  I have
been told that this is due to  a stuck solenoid or that I need a new or
rebuilt starter..  Is this accurate information?

I have a 24v electrical set up on my boat, but need a 12v supply for my VHF
(amongst other things). Is there any reason why I can't just run a 12v
supply from just one of a pair of batteries, or do I need to use a 24v/12v
converter. I release this will draw charge from just one ...

Did a search for my question, but didn't find anything, so if I missed
this, I apologize.
Getting ready to sail a new boat from San Francisco to Newport, OR in
May, and we'd like to let the home folks know every couple of days that

As a Mac convert, and keen sailor, I've been working on a new community
site dedicated to marine computing, with a Mac OS X slant.
Over the next few months I'll be adding a lot more information about
compatible hardware and software, as well as guides to various