I'm a huge fan of iterative design for things like this. I see this as your instrument panel AND your wiring closet. I would definitely move the AC out of this cabinet to make it safer to work in and to remove a source of electrical noise. Clearly your instrumentation, navigation and PC systems will continue to evolve over the months and years to come - probably more than any other part of the boat. I really like that you've made the hinged DC panel on the left, and the drop-down monitor panel in the center easy to remove and replace. I'd urge you to expand on the idea of making this cabinet/instrument panel more adaptable. If you made all of the visible panels easily replaceable it would allow you to create nice new custom panels when you periodically move or replace instruments of displays. And you wont have to compromising your professional, ship-shape aesthetic we all admire! It's also much easier to take your time mounting stuff onto a detachable panel than having to crawl inside a cabinet. That's reason #16 for getting the AC stuff out of there. One idea would be to changed your frame design so the inside corner post was pretty substantial with two plumb edges for hinging the adjacent panels on. You could then replace the right section (that now has the AC panel cutouts) with an easily attachable blank much like you've already done with the other two panels. You're becoming a great mentor and educator. Keep it up! Tom
As somebody who does absolutely no DIY whatsoever I can't believe I've just watched 3 of your videos in a row....compelling viewing! And you make it look so easy!
You did a very nice job matching the meeting of the AC &DC panels and as a woodworker, it is very difficult to attain a perfect fit. Here's where a small strip of quarter round hardwood moulding could be placed to hide any gaps that may occur. I continue watching with pleasure the progress you are making on Athena. Well done!
Good morning, I hope that you're feeling better. Somehow, it's slightly comforting to know that not only my family is suffereing from a cold/flu that just won't go away. Thanks to my girlfriend, she got me turned on to your channel, and I've been watching for a few weeks now. I thoroughly enjoy your videos and your presentation style, and I've learned a lot just by watching you and your project. For your port, aft cabin/nav station, I'm going to vote as well, but I'll put WHY I voted the way I did here. I like you idea of separating the AC and the DC panels. It does separate out the wiring for ease of access, but I also like having the different systems separated. To me, it can eliminate looking at the wrong panel in an adrenaline charged moment and possibly flipping an incorrect switch. The space that is freed up to the left of the monitor can be used for a secondary multi-function display. That way, in my mind, you could have OpenCPN up on the monitor and be able to cross check the data between OpenCPN, your smartphone/tablet, and the multi-display. I do have a question... what are you going to use to cover the currently exposed bulkhead and overhead? This shows how new to boating I am, because I have no idea of what would be used to cover the exposed fiberglass and overhead deck framing. Thank you for posting your videos. Both my girlfriend and I love watching them.
Another very interesting video, thank you! Time for you and your pooch to cuddle up and get some sleep, all your hard work is catching up with you! Hope you feel better soon Mads. Stay warm and dry! Greetings from Florida once again!
What a wonderful channel, explaining everything with so much patience, even a guy like me without any English skills can understand "the majority" ;) THANK YOU VERY MUCH !
Great job on boat refit, mods, and video editing . My vote was to move the AC for 2 reasons, 1 keep the AC more separated from DC for safety and simplicity of installation and maintenance and 2 to provide premium space at navigation station for navionics.
Love the electronics information. Wish I was someone who could understand the subject so well and be so creative. Still, make sure you take with you a book on celestial navigation, appropriate time and stellar tables, and a sexton. Never leave home without them. ;)
Great video Mads. The boat is looking really smart. Two observations: if you move the AC panels to the right it may take up space in that hanging locker and if it's a wet hanging locker it may subject the rear of the panels to extra humidity and salt: At around 19:05 you are sitting at the chart table and over your left shoulder is the corner of the DC panel cabinet. That corner looks like it may be a little harsh to bang into if the boat is moving around as you sit at the table or as you are backing out of the berth/stowage in that cabin. Hope you recover from the man flu quickly.
excellent progress, I like the idea of moving the ac panels to the right and freeing that area up for new ideas maybe an auto pilot repeater and a video monitor for your forward facing cameras so you can sail from the comfort of being down below on those cold nights...LOL
"I don't think it will hold up a full grown elephant, but maybe a small one." That was pretty cute 💖 Another great video and meticulous as always. Keep up the good work!
I'm behind so maybe you've done it, but I would STRONGLY encourage putting a cable or chain stop on the fold down section. All you need is to have that latch let go in heavy seas (I have seen those catches let go) and that panel flip down...and SNAP. OR you could be opening that panel and have it slip on you and BAM again. I've slipped many times on my fold down panel holders, and that cable and/or chain has saved my bacon!
Thanks for taking the time of sharing your electronic solutions. I am in the process of organizing my navstation, I go for PC only and this IKommunicate is for a sure greatt option.
Again thanks for sharing. I enjoy the craftsmanship and attention to detail in the work you put into Athena, but I would also like to add that you obviously continue that work ethic into your videography and editing. Awesome work all around.
new to the channel. I really love how nothing seems to frustrate you. I would love to get into sailing... sadly, here in Western North Carolina, there are very few lakes and the coast is too far away. Keep up the good work, GREAT channel!
Great Video, I like the methodical way you plan out each step, you raise some great points. Setting everything up to be redundant on the network is smart, just make sure you have more than one central hub so if the router, switch or WIFI die you don't lose all your data. Get well soon.
I really like when you talk about products you will be using. thanks again Mads for another great video. hope to feel better :) you are the Perfect person to do product reviews!!! we trust you
I need to have a look and feel at all those coats of varnish. I will go to my boat at Værftet next weekend to start preparing the season, and will stop by. I maybe also have to get started on varnishing parts of my pantry -maybe.
After spending all day yesterday on my sailboat refit, it is good to see I'm not the only one! keep up the good work. I think you should keep the AC power where it is so all the breakers are together.
regarding instrument location - keep them where they are, much more visible when taking a quick glance when under sail, you don't want to be looking around that corner all the time. Make her that perfect ocean cruiser! Use that other space for your pens, pencils and other miscellaneous badass nautical charting tools! Great Vids!
Love your channel Mads ! You may wish to look into using a grain filler before applying your finish coats on your next project. Water based as well as oil based grain fillers are available and each type has advantages as well as disadvantages. Prepping an open-grained hardwood such as oak or mahogany with a filler will provide a smooth surface for your varnish.coats. ...Cheers...
Hi Mads, I'm really excited about your onboard electronics and was delighted to hear that you are planning to write your own app :D I look forward to watching more videos about the various projects! Cheers, -- ChrisP - Massive Geek
I just voted to move the panels before I saw how the D.C. panel door will open. I think you will have more opening room for the door with that AC panels than say an SSB. Love your vids as always!
I think moving the AC panels is a great idea! Maybe in the orginal spot you could place some more electronics? Like an NMEA 2000 screen? Or maybe some power monitoring for the DC System? Possibly even split it up so half the space is a shelf and the other half forms part of the locker that you could mount something to?
I would always suggest to place displays (that you use regularly) a the most convenient place. If you place the ac panels on your right side you can place the multi functional NMEA panel in front of you. Much easier to browse thru data, especially if they have buttons. Off course maybe there are other devices you have planned in your setup
Move the panels. Having a space to place a forward looking device/screen gives you better options long term. The power panels can be viewed and accessed easily from the new position. And as guy who has been running telecom and power cables for years, connivence and access are key. Good Luck.
just benge watched all your videos from the begining of Athena. wonderful name for a vessel. and your work is fantastic. currently trying to gather info on starting a channel. mainly because I want to have on video, quality time with my daughters as we rebuild and refurbish our Laguna 22. much like in one of your videos, I want to pass on my 11 years of sailing experience to my kiddos, so they will have knowledge and of course, buy our boats when we retire lol. am a bit curious as to a good way to get started on a channel. it's rare to see someone so enthusiastic about buying older boats and refitting them as you are. was begining to think I was the only one. fair wind and following seas, four_sisters. p.s. great approach to the blistering,pox problem. done the right way.
Hi Mads, interesting anemometer, quite convincing idea to use an ultrasonic sensor without any moving parts on a sailboat. Will follow with interest your installtion of the device on the mast top together with the anchor light, antennas, lighting protection asf.
I would suggest that you move the AC distribution panel to the right for two reasons. First, you will have segregated the potentially dangerous AC from the DC circuitry. DC circuits are more frequently accessed than AC in my experience. Secondly, you will reduce the weight imposed on the vertically hinged door. I think you might be underestimating the weight of the connected DC panel, and its impact on the piano hinge and those "tiny" screws. Perhaps you can add additional some support to the hinge. Also, maybe add a retention strap to prevent the door from swinging too far open?
I have a bunch of the same devices as what you've chosen. Love my Blue Sea and I went with the 741XS plotter that has Bluetooth and wireless built in(new for $700 on ebay). I also picked a tank monitor for my water tanks. I've not installed or configured it yet so I'm very interested in seeing how that works. Also, I liked the AC panels where you had them. I just like easy access and to be able see all of my stuff at a glance.
Place the panels as planned. Here you can see the switches from the doorway so that you spare turning the neck around the storage unit when a quick check is needed.
I'd lean toward leaving the panels on the left as it keeps all the switches together for looks and sometimes having space on a blank wall helps with preventing the space from seeming crowded. On the other hand. if you can mount radios or other items that you'd be using often on the main panel in front of you, the move could pay off.
Boat porn par excellence. The level of techno geekery is both exciting and spiffing. You will know that VG 2016 finished on Saturday with the arrival of the 18th chap to complete - Sebastian Destremeau. I mention this because quite a few competitors had difficulties with their wind instruments - a critical input to A/P when single handed racing, so very interesting that you have adopted one with no moving parts. Of course the critical bit is how well and robustly it is fixed to the mast and how well the cable is run and restrained by 'beefy' strain relief - worth designing with care. Great vid Madz.👍
Mads, I believe you may have found a source for income in "Cruiser Connectivity" consulting; when you untie the lines.I will definitely be taking notes and wanting a consult when I am refitting.Whatever your fee, it will be well worth it!!
Sand the chart table top with wet sandpaper in a rubber sanding block, such as one from 3 M, to acheve the flattening effect you are after. Those sponge pads are inducing waviness, and a wood block is an improvised solution that can't achieve the same results. I will fly over from Seattle to inspect your work upon completion.
So, I had considered that wind sensor, less moving parts is always a good idea. However, It also appears to be a lot less wind-friendly, meaning if I put it at the top of my mast, I'm just adding a lot of windage to the top of the mast (lever arm) and potentially altering the heel of the boat in weather.
hi there! a couple more electronics questions: 1. are you going to have solar or wind or other generators? 2. are you planning on putting a camera on the mast to get cool underway sunset shots? 3. are you going to install any sort of sonar transponders in the hull? how about having a ROV onboard? 4. will you install any sort of thrusters? thanks for the fun videos from Ridgefield, WA USA!
Consider iSailor as an alternative to the Navionics app. I have iSailor, Navionics and Bluechart on my tablet, and I think iSailor wins in terms of overall flexibility and for the price of the charts. I like the way iSailor's routing works, and it plays well with OpenCPN due to its better import and export options, and because it's possible to use different parameters (speed, track width, etc.) for each leg of the route.
I enjoy watching each week's progress. Your doing a great job! Regarding the moisture in the hull, have you considered putting some Desiccant packets throughout the dead space inside? This stuff wicks moisture. I've seen it used on buildings after water damage to speed the drying process. It's readily available on the Internet and safe for your application.
Thanks :) That would be a fun experiment! Although I seem to remember someone mentioning the liquid that drips from those packets should not be allowed to come into contact with GRP. That might have been an old wives tale ;)
Silica gel is quite inert. We use it a lot in the lab and it can be purchased in bulk if you want to make up your own bags. It's also reusable by cooking in the oven for a while.
Sail Life silica gel is in crystal form, and there shouldn't be any liquid dripping from it. You can even bake it in the oven to drive off the water and "recharge" it again. Great stuff.
It's hard to be sure from the video but it looked like the computer monitor door would not have room to open if you add the AC panel on the starboard side. Hope you get better soon. Thanks for the video.
You may already be tracking on this idea but if not, you may want to consider putting some sort of stopper near your screen mount to prevent that new hinged panel from hitting your nice monitor when everything is fully installed and you're out in the weather.
Since you're going the SignalK way anyway, I will again recommend you look into OpenPlotter as I suggested in the video of the Latte Panda. The entire back-end of OpenPlotter is based on an integrated SignalK server and from what I read in the forums it has good integration with iKommunicate. The system also generates SignalK sentences you can send to devices directly via the RaspPi - e.g. using OpenCPN to plan a route and use it directly to send the waypoints to your autopilot in SignalK format to iKommunicate and from that to NMEA2000). For the app, again, I suggest you take a look at NodeRed. It uses a visual programming paradigm over python and it also comes with a highly functional graphic dashboard plugin that you access as a webpage. I have combined the two (Openplotter+NodeRed) to get gauges, graphs, buttons, switches and sliders to both monitor but also control things remotely. Since it is a web-based dashboard it will be accessible in any device with a browser without any need for cross-development without actually writing any html/js code yourself ;) - Someone has also integrated the SteelSeries gauges (the ones used in one of the demo examples at signalk.org) to be used via NodeRed tech.scargill.net/steelseries-and-node-red/ which I find great for sailing purposes.
Very good work on the boat and the videos, sailor and tech geek myself and I am interested in the software you are writing for the monitoring system. Please make it opens source, I think many people are interested in this!
Mads if you move the top panel to the right of the main monitor, what will the functionality be like when under sail trying to switch on your navigation lights, the position it is now looks ideal from 500 miles away in the UK but how does it feel sat behind the chart table or just leaning into the cabin to switch on the steaming light. Before you plumb for a position that makes the wiring easier have a few "light switch on" rehearsals to see how it feels. I'm sure you will make the right decision for you either way, another great video by the way. Simon
Could you wrap the lower half of your hull (I'm thinking painters tarps and duct tape) and throw in a bunch of desiccants to speed up drying? I want to see some in-water vlogs on Athena!
For that hinged panel, you might want to use a latch that supports the weight or use a corner block on the inside lower-left of the hinged panel and let that support the weight. Otherwise the hinge will eventually loosen up and start to sag. Also my vote would be to move the circuit breakers to the new location. They seem like a perfect fit and it'll free up space for items (like gauges, readouts ect.) that you use on a regular basis or at lest more often. Sort of like prioritizing this space according to how often you might use a specific item. With the most used item getting front-and-center status (probably your main display) and the rest being placed in descending order as you move away from the main display. I mean you may as well take advantage of a clean slate eh?
It is god practice to seperate your AC & DC. Having your DC supply on the port side and AC on the starboard saves 'crossed wires'. If you look at even (good) cheap USB power adaptors the pcb's have large gaps between the mains potential and the low voltage sides. Often they have slots (spark gaps) cut from the the pcb to prevent danger. Yes, the seperation in your case maybe a metre or two, but the seperate systems are likely remain just that.
Your sensor system need to be able to sound audible alarms for things like low oil pressure, high coolant temp, low alternator voltage, water in bilge (above a certain level), etc.
While the gizmos (nmea network) are cool as the saying goes when the shit hits the fan it is a good idea to have a manual backup. When sailing the manual backup is essential otherwise you risk going blind. The risk with so much electronics which is connected one only has to have small fault and it all becomes useless. We have sailed for 20 years and although we are enthusiastic about electronic aides we are mindful of the need to go manual. It has happened.
Electronics have also come a very long way over the years - they're very reliable. None of the electrics here affect his boats ability to sail so a few paper charts and a handheld gps would tie him over to the next port of call.
Ben Gordon you comment suggests you have very limited serious sailing experience. Electronics can fail for many reasons (getting hit by lightning for one) and consequently paper charts are an essential back up. Many so called modern power plants are computer controlled, which is something that is to be avoided like the plague.
Get well soon Mads!.. So you're going to write your own software to display all this Tech info from the Sensors. I am sure it will be Pretty as well as functional and easy to use.... and perhaps also be made available for a modest fee or contribution... already there seems to be some demand.hopefully it will add to the fairly small pool of apps for this purpose and provide enough income to pay for the 'toys' you've bought. Hope it goes well!.
Thanks :) I'm sure I'll feel better tomorrow. My plan is to get started working on the app in the fall - once I've got everything hooked up :) It'll most likely be an open-source project :)
By the way, when you start to look into building an app for yoru NMEA data, I would suggest using Xamarin, if you are a C# developer. Would we awesome if you did it as an Open-source project on Github, I might be able to help out :)
Good idea ;-)) I'm still confused between Xamarin vs .NET Core. Xamarin is used for the front end for android and ios devices, Right? Can this be combined with .NET Core which works only for Windows, mac , Linux.?? I suppose you have 1 single code base but have still to compile it at least 3 times. (ios, android, .NET core for the rest?)
Xamarin is based on Mono and it has been here long time before .NET Core. I guess that if Xamarin was done today, it might run on .NET Core. What I do know is that Xamarin is the C# developers ticket to becoming an app-developer superhero. It feels so great to be able to build apps for Windows, iOS and Android in the language you know, C#. Even though Xamarin does a great job, I'm not saying it's easy to do, as you typically do the UI or parts of it for each platform. Depends on if you use the "native Xamarin" or Xamarin.Forms. Xamarin.Forms is useful if you have a "simple" app. I for instance, build www.dognrapport.dk (danish police report app) in my spare time all by my self, one man, and I don't know Java or Objecttive-C, and still have a iOS and Android app :)
Yep, seems like there is a good lib here to consume the NMEA data - github.com/dotMorten/NmeaParser. What's your Github username Mads?I'm here on Github github.com/laumania.
I noticed that the monitor will be in a fix position with no adjustment. did you try the "ergonometrics" of working long hour in that position. Your channel is very inspiring, thank you for sharing.
Wow you really do like your gadgets inspector 😜...... you certainly aren't a KISS fan are you, and I'm not talking about the rock band either.. Another great vid... Make sure you get Athena sorted before you get yourself a lady friend coz there ain't gonna be enough time in the day or at the weekends for her, unless you can get her to sand, paint, varnish or do the techy stuff.. Cheers matey from across Kattegat Warren s/y Legend
I don't know if you did that ac panel move but my worry would be that you have more possibility to come into contact with that ac panel via the locker. AC is the stuff that will kill you. I'd keep it away from any unintentional contact. Even if you are aware, people unfamiliar may poke at it to see what it is if they open that locker up... my 2 cents as they say.
As a diesel mechanic I was familiar with a engine monitoring system made by Kysor if any of the engine parameters got out of range it shut down the engine. Having a gateway to monitor the engine is great but I wonder will you have the ability to program in an engine shut down in a similar situation? Might be something to look into for some extra peace of mind.
Yeah, be careful with mounting things near your desktop display. Having things near the display in your field of vision is going to become annoying even if you don't think so now. You can always move them later if you find something more important to place where they're sitting now. Keep it clean looking! :) How about supplying power to your boat? Seems like you will use loads of electronics. Have you thought about how much and where you will put all the solar and other generators on the boat? :) Because I suppose that you won't be laying on a dock with shore power all the time? ;) I'm really wondering how you will fix the interior walls? You seem to be mounting quite a lot already with the lockers over the chart table. You are making us very curious!! :) Great video, the 20≈30min format is perfect! :)
I only discovered your channel recently and looking back at these old videos makes me wonder why you started playing with electronics that you wouldn’t need until you actually go sailing. Electronic gadgets change so quickly, 5 years is a lifetime. It would have seemed more logical to leave that until the very end when you actually needed to navigate, take soundings, measure wind speed etc.
Thank you for another great video!! Have you looked at the Navigatrix OS (lubuntu) it is pretty amazing.... you might want to think about it...its free too
If you move the AC, you could put instruments in their original position and allow you to watch tv instead of using the big tv as a chart plotter/instruments.
Hi Madds, are you going to put any type of gadget/display on the side of the port cabinet that would be facing you when you are sitting at the navy station?
I'd move the panels. I'd look to optimise the space in front in favour of things you'll use a lot, like VHF, MF/HF radios, instrument repeaters, etc. I suspect you'll rarely change that AC switch or panel so it doesn't need such a prominent position. Also, that way, you keep the AC circuits well away from everything else, both from a safety and interference perspective. I notice that monitor runs off 19V@1.3A (via a power supply). It would be great if you could power that directly, with a DC/DC converter instead of needing the inverter running (or shore power). I'm curious if the L shape in the DC switch board location helps to make the switches more visible from the main cabin? That would be a definite plus, IMHO.
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
I'm a huge fan of iterative design for things like this. I see this as your instrument panel AND your wiring closet. I would definitely move the AC out of this cabinet to make it safer to work in and to remove a source of electrical noise. Clearly your instrumentation, navigation and PC systems will continue to evolve over the months and years to come - probably more than any other part of the boat.
I really like that you've made the hinged DC panel on the left, and the drop-down monitor panel in the center easy to remove and replace. I'd urge you to expand on the idea of making this cabinet/instrument panel more adaptable. If you made all of the visible panels easily replaceable it would allow you to create nice new custom panels when you periodically move or replace instruments of displays. And you wont have to compromising your professional, ship-shape aesthetic we all admire! It's also much easier to take your time mounting stuff onto a detachable panel than having to crawl inside a cabinet. That's reason #16 for getting the AC stuff out of there.
One idea would be to changed your frame design so the inside corner post was pretty substantial with two plumb edges for hinging the adjacent panels on. You could then replace the right section (that now has the AC panel cutouts) with an easily attachable blank much like you've already done with the other two panels.
You're becoming a great mentor and educator. Keep it up!
Tom
As somebody who does absolutely no DIY whatsoever I can't believe I've just watched 3 of your videos in a row....compelling viewing! And you make it look so easy!
Today i can officially confirm that I am indeed addicted to these videos, I'm not sure if i should be crying in joy or in despair....
You did a very nice job matching the meeting of the AC &DC panels and as a woodworker, it is very difficult to attain a perfect fit. Here's where a small strip of quarter round hardwood moulding could be placed to hide any gaps that may occur. I continue watching with pleasure the progress you are making on Athena. Well done!
Good morning, I hope that you're feeling better. Somehow, it's slightly comforting to know that not only my family is suffereing from a cold/flu that just won't go away. Thanks to my girlfriend, she got me turned on to your channel, and I've been watching for a few weeks now. I thoroughly enjoy your videos and your presentation style, and I've learned a lot just by watching you and your project.
For your port, aft cabin/nav station, I'm going to vote as well, but I'll put WHY I voted the way I did here. I like you idea of separating the AC and the DC panels. It does separate out the wiring for ease of access, but I also like having the different systems separated. To me, it can eliminate looking at the wrong panel in an adrenaline charged moment and possibly flipping an incorrect switch. The space that is freed up to the left of the monitor can be used for a secondary multi-function display. That way, in my mind, you could have OpenCPN up on the monitor and be able to cross check the data between OpenCPN, your smartphone/tablet, and the multi-display.
I do have a question... what are you going to use to cover the currently exposed bulkhead and overhead? This shows how new to boating I am, because I have no idea of what would be used to cover the exposed fiberglass and overhead deck framing.
Thank you for posting your videos. Both my girlfriend and I love watching them.
I love the contrast of the white walls and varnished timber, looks very traditional with a modern twist
Thanks! :)
Mads
Just out of curiosity, do you plan to fit a small generator for all the electronics you are fitting or a large house battery bank?
Another very interesting video, thank you! Time for you and your pooch to cuddle up and get some sleep, all your hard work is catching up with you! Hope you feel better soon Mads. Stay warm and dry! Greetings from Florida once again!
Thanks :) I'm glad you enjoyed the video :) I'm sure I'll feel better tomorrow :)
What a wonderful channel, explaining everything with so much patience,
even a guy like me without any English skills can understand "the majority" ;)
THANK YOU VERY MUCH !
Great job on boat refit, mods, and video editing . My vote was to move the AC for 2 reasons, 1 keep the AC more separated from DC for safety and simplicity of installation and maintenance and 2 to provide premium space at navigation station for navionics.
Love the electronics information. Wish I was someone who could understand the subject so well and be so creative. Still, make sure you take with you a book on celestial navigation, appropriate time and stellar tables, and a sexton. Never leave home without them. ;)
Great video Mads. The boat is looking really smart. Two observations: if you move the AC panels to the right it may take up space in that hanging locker and if it's a wet hanging locker it may subject the rear of the panels to extra humidity and salt: At around 19:05 you are sitting at the chart table and over your left shoulder is the corner of the DC panel cabinet. That corner looks like it may be a little harsh to bang into if the boat is moving around as you sit at the table or as you are backing out of the berth/stowage in that cabin. Hope you recover from the man flu quickly.
Athena's looking great! Feel better.
Thanks :)
excellent progress, I like the idea of moving the ac panels to the right and freeing that area up for new ideas maybe an auto pilot repeater and a video monitor for your forward facing cameras so you can sail from the comfort of being down below on those cold nights...LOL
"I don't think it will hold up a full grown elephant, but maybe a small one." That was pretty cute 💖 Another great video and meticulous as always. Keep up the good work!
Thank you so much :)
I'm behind so maybe you've done it, but I would STRONGLY encourage putting a cable or chain stop on the fold down section. All you need is to have that latch let go in heavy seas (I have seen those catches let go) and that panel flip down...and SNAP. OR you could be opening that panel and have it slip on you and BAM again. I've slipped many times on my fold down panel holders, and that cable and/or chain has saved my bacon!
Thanks for taking the time of sharing your electronic solutions. I am in the process of organizing my navstation, I go for PC only and this IKommunicate is for a sure greatt option.
Thanks! iKommunicate and the SignalK protocol shows a lot of promise for sure :)
I hear Lithium battery bank in your future to run all that. That nav station is looking great, can't wait to see it all installed👍.
great episode Mads, hope your feeling better soon. Cheers from PEI Canada, Bryan.
Again thanks for sharing. I enjoy the craftsmanship and attention to detail in the work you put into Athena, but I would also like to add that you obviously continue that work ethic into your videography and editing. Awesome work all around.
Thank you so much :) You're very kind! :)
new to the channel. I really love how nothing seems to frustrate you. I would love to get into sailing... sadly, here in Western North Carolina, there are very few lakes and the coast is too far away. Keep up the good work, GREAT channel!
very cool. can't wait to see the detailed video's of your displays all up and running. as always "you the Man!"
Great Video, I like the methodical way you plan out each step, you raise some great points. Setting everything up to be redundant on the network is smart, just make sure you have more than one central hub so if the router, switch or WIFI die you don't lose all your data. Get well soon.
Attention to detail, as ever is fantastic. Love your videos and hope your man flu goes quickly. Thanks
Thank you :)
I really like when you talk about products you will be using. thanks again Mads for another great video. hope to feel better :) you are the Perfect person to do product reviews!!! we trust you
I need to have a look and feel at all those coats of varnish. I will go to my boat at Værftet next weekend to start preparing the season, and will stop by. I maybe also have to get started on varnishing parts of my pantry -maybe.
After spending all day yesterday on my sailboat refit, it is good to see I'm not the only one! keep up the good work. I think you should keep the AC power where it is so all the breakers are together.
regarding instrument location - keep them where they are, much more visible when taking a quick glance when under sail, you don't want to be looking around that corner all the time. Make her that perfect ocean cruiser! Use that other space for your pens, pencils and other miscellaneous badass nautical charting tools! Great Vids!
The cabinet is looking fantastic Mads. I look forward to Watching your vids on Monday morning. Thanks for sharing.
Also, don't get too caught up in having redundancy for everything that's not critical for your boat to sail.
WOW! The chart table and elecrical panals look great! Well done sir.
Thanks Tony! :D
Blessed are all piano hinges.
Love your channel Mads ! You may wish to look into using a grain filler before applying your finish coats on your next project. Water based as well as oil based grain fillers are available and each type has advantages as well as disadvantages. Prepping an open-grained hardwood such as oak or mahogany with a filler will provide a smooth surface for your varnish.coats. ...Cheers...
Hi Mads, I'm really excited about your onboard electronics and was delighted to hear that you are planning to write your own app :D
I look forward to watching more videos about the various projects!
Cheers,
--
ChrisP - Massive Geek
I just voted to move the panels before I saw how the D.C. panel door will open. I think you will have more opening room for the door with that AC panels than say an SSB. Love your vids as always!
I think moving the AC panels is a great idea! Maybe in the orginal spot you could place some more electronics? Like an NMEA 2000 screen? Or maybe some power monitoring for the DC System? Possibly even split it up so half the space is a shelf and the other half forms part of the locker that you could mount something to?
The satin finish on the chart table looks amazing! Your attention to detail is really inspiring!
Hope u are feeling better. I love the videos. They are truly inspiring.
I would always suggest to place displays (that you use regularly) a the most convenient place. If you place the ac panels on your right side you can place the multi functional NMEA panel in front of you. Much easier to browse thru data, especially if they have buttons. Off course maybe there are other devices you have planned in your setup
Move the panels. Having a space to place a forward looking device/screen gives you better options long term. The power panels can be viewed and accessed easily from the new position. And as guy who has been running telecom and power cables for years, connivence and access are key. Good Luck.
just benge watched all your videos from the begining of Athena. wonderful name for a vessel. and your work is fantastic. currently trying to gather info on starting a channel. mainly because I want to have on video, quality time with my daughters as we rebuild and refurbish our Laguna 22. much like in one of your videos, I want to pass on my 11 years of sailing experience to my kiddos, so they will have knowledge and of course, buy our boats when we retire lol. am a bit curious as to a good way to get started on a channel. it's rare to see someone so enthusiastic about buying older boats and refitting them as you are. was begining to think I was the only one. fair wind and following seas,
four_sisters.
p.s. great approach to the blistering,pox problem. done the right way.
Hi Mads, interesting anemometer, quite convincing idea to use an ultrasonic sensor without any moving parts on a sailboat. Will follow with interest your installtion of the device on the mast top together with the anchor light, antennas, lighting protection asf.
That electronics area is looking sharp, hope the party is on in NYC!!!
Thanks :) Hope to see you in NYC :)
Sail Life sadly no, too much work to do here.......
I would suggest that you move the AC distribution panel to the right for two reasons. First, you will have segregated the potentially dangerous AC from the DC circuitry. DC circuits are more frequently accessed than AC in my experience. Secondly, you will reduce the weight imposed on the vertically hinged door. I think you might be underestimating the weight of the connected DC panel, and its impact on the piano hinge and those "tiny" screws. Perhaps you can add additional some support to the hinge. Also, maybe add a retention strap to prevent the door from swinging too far open?
That hinged solution looks ... well, pretty dang spiffy!
Get healthy soon and keep 'em coming... All the best!
Me week is complete now! Thanks Mads, it's amazing you take the time to do these videos! :)
Thanks Mads! :)
And good luck with the man-flu by the way....this time of year sucks in Denmark...we are all ill on/off for 2 months :P
Feel better, Mads.
Btw, Athena is looking pretty spiffy inside with all the new paint !
I have a bunch of the same devices as what you've chosen. Love my Blue Sea and I went with the 741XS plotter that has Bluetooth and wireless built in(new for $700 on ebay). I also picked a tank monitor for my water tanks. I've not installed or configured it yet so I'm very interested in seeing how that works. Also, I liked the AC panels where you had them. I just like easy access and to be able see all of my stuff at a glance.
So, just to let you know. I saw a Mads vid in my YT feed and my honest reaction was " "Oh, yay!" Now to watch it!
That's awesome :) I'm glad you're enjoying the videos that much :)
Mad you have converted me! ..I too now prefer the satin finish (after seeing them side by side)
Place the panels as planned. Here you can see the switches from the doorway so that you spare turning the neck around the storage unit when a quick check is needed.
I'd lean toward leaving the panels on the left as it keeps all the switches together for looks and sometimes having space on a blank wall helps with preventing the space from seeming crowded.
On the other hand. if you can mount radios or other items that you'd be using often on the main panel in front of you, the move could pay off.
Boat porn par excellence. The level of techno geekery is both exciting and spiffing. You will know that VG 2016 finished on Saturday with the arrival of the 18th chap to complete - Sebastian Destremeau. I mention this because quite a few competitors had difficulties with their wind instruments - a critical input to A/P when single handed racing, so very interesting that you have adopted one with no moving parts. Of course the critical bit is how well and robustly it is fixed to the mast and how well the cable is run and restrained by 'beefy' strain relief - worth designing with care. Great vid Madz.👍
great, you have helped me make some major instrument decisions on my boat Thanks
What in Tar-nation. The over-all video quality from this legend has been amazing lately! Keep up the good work! :D
Just checked your profil, if the video is already online! Lucky me!
Mads, I believe you may have found a source for income in "Cruiser Connectivity" consulting; when you untie the lines.I will definitely be taking notes and wanting a consult when I am refitting.Whatever your fee, it will be well worth it!!
Sand the chart table top with wet sandpaper in a rubber sanding block, such as one from 3 M, to acheve the flattening effect you are after. Those sponge pads are inducing waviness, and a wood block is an improvised solution that can't achieve the same results. I will fly over from Seattle to inspect your work upon completion.
I love anything that says 3M on it! Challenge excepted ;)
Brilliant videos. excellent content and right amount of detail. keep up the good work. Thank you
The piano hinges are a borrow from Dylan Winters mk 1 edition of his portable kitchen -a classic.
gET WELL SOON Mads !!
So, I had considered that wind sensor, less moving parts is always a good idea. However, It also appears to be a lot less wind-friendly, meaning if I put it at the top of my mast, I'm just adding a lot of windage to the top of the mast (lever arm) and potentially altering the heel of the boat in weather.
hi there! a couple more electronics questions: 1. are you going to have solar or wind or other generators? 2. are you planning on putting a camera on the mast to get cool underway sunset shots? 3. are you going to install any sort of sonar transponders in the hull? how about having a ROV onboard? 4. will you install any sort of thrusters? thanks for the fun videos from Ridgefield, WA USA!
Consider iSailor as an alternative to the Navionics app. I have iSailor, Navionics and Bluechart on my tablet, and I think iSailor wins in terms of overall flexibility and for the price of the charts. I like the way iSailor's routing works, and it plays well with OpenCPN due to its better import and export options, and because it's possible to use different parameters (speed, track width, etc.) for each leg of the route.
I enjoy watching each week's progress. Your doing a great job! Regarding the moisture in the hull, have you considered putting some Desiccant packets throughout the dead space inside? This stuff wicks moisture. I've seen it used on buildings after water damage to speed the drying process. It's readily available on the Internet and safe for your application.
Thanks :) That would be a fun experiment! Although I seem to remember someone mentioning the liquid that drips from those packets should not be allowed to come into contact with GRP. That might have been an old wives tale ;)
Silica gel is quite inert. We use it a lot in the lab and it can be purchased in bulk if you want to make up your own bags. It's also reusable by cooking in the oven for a while.
Sail Life silica gel is in crystal form, and there shouldn't be any liquid dripping from it. You can even bake it in the oven to drive off the water and "recharge" it again. Great stuff.
videos are top notch! keep up the good work! cheers from winnipeg manitoba canada!
Thank you so much! :)
great video thank you again for all the time you put into it.
Thank you for staying tuned :)
It's hard to be sure from the video but it looked like the computer monitor door would not have room to open if you add the AC panel on the starboard side. Hope you get better soon. Thanks for the video.
There is plenty of room, but now that you mention it, I've noticed you can't see that on the video. Thanks - I'm sure I'll feel better tomorrow :)
You may already be tracking on this idea but if not, you may want to consider putting some sort of stopper near your screen mount to prevent that new hinged panel from hitting your nice monitor when everything is fully installed and you're out in the weather.
hobbes1188 small cable inside stopping over opening. Then outside still uncluttered ch wilf
Since you're going the SignalK way anyway, I will again recommend you look into OpenPlotter as I suggested in the video of the Latte Panda. The entire back-end of OpenPlotter is based on an integrated SignalK server and from what I read in the forums it has good integration with iKommunicate. The system also generates SignalK sentences you can send to devices directly via the RaspPi - e.g. using OpenCPN to plan a route and use it directly to send the waypoints to your autopilot in SignalK format to iKommunicate and from that to NMEA2000).
For the app, again, I suggest you take a look at NodeRed. It uses a visual programming paradigm over python and it also comes with a highly functional graphic dashboard plugin that you access as a webpage. I have combined the two (Openplotter+NodeRed) to get gauges, graphs, buttons, switches and sliders to both monitor but also control things remotely. Since it is a web-based dashboard it will be accessible in any device with a browser without any need for cross-development without actually writing any html/js code yourself ;) - Someone has also integrated the SteelSeries gauges (the ones used in one of the demo examples at signalk.org) to be used via NodeRed tech.scargill.net/steelseries-and-node-red/ which I find great for sailing purposes.
Nice videos as always! seeing your gathering more and more equipment ill hope you think about the thief situation.
/ Hälsningar Kim
Mads, Port Said is a place in Egypt, I was taught that in the Navy, with a stick! The aft port cabin or port aft cabin is enough.
Vi ses. Wilf
Very good work on the boat and the videos, sailor and tech geek myself and I am interested in the software you are writing for the monitoring system. Please make it opens source, I think many people are interested in this!
Awesome! More video's about electronics like this please ;)
Another good one, Mads.
i would also put a stop chain on those chart table upper lockers
Best show of the week :-)
Thank you! :D
Mads if you move the top panel to the right of the main monitor, what will the functionality be like when under sail trying to switch on your navigation lights, the position it is now looks ideal from 500 miles away in the UK but how does it feel sat behind the chart table or just leaning into the cabin to switch on the steaming light. Before you plumb for a position that makes the wiring easier have a few "light switch on" rehearsals to see how it feels. I'm sure you will make the right decision for you either way, another great video by the way. Simon
Could you wrap the lower half of your hull (I'm thinking painters tarps and duct tape) and throw in a bunch of desiccants to speed up drying? I want to see some in-water vlogs on Athena!
I think the AC panel should next to the DC so you can se both panels when you just look in.
For that hinged panel, you might want to use a latch that supports the weight or use a corner block on the inside lower-left of the hinged panel and let that support the weight. Otherwise the hinge will eventually loosen up and start to sag. Also my vote would be to move the circuit breakers to the new location. They seem like a perfect fit and it'll free up space for items (like gauges, readouts ect.) that you use on a regular basis or at lest more often. Sort of like prioritizing this space according to how often you might use a specific item. With the most used item getting front-and-center status (probably your main display) and the rest being placed in descending order as you move away from the main display. I mean you may as well take advantage of a clean slate eh?
It is god practice to seperate your AC & DC. Having your DC supply on the port side and AC on the starboard saves 'crossed wires'.
If you look at even (good) cheap USB power adaptors the pcb's have large gaps between the mains potential and the low voltage sides. Often they have slots (spark gaps) cut from the the pcb to prevent danger.
Yes, the seperation in your case maybe a metre or two, but the seperate systems are likely remain just that.
Your sensor system need to be able to sound audible alarms for things like low oil pressure, high coolant temp, low alternator voltage, water in bilge (above a certain level), etc.
This is getting really interesting!
Thanks :)
While the gizmos (nmea network) are cool as the saying goes when the shit hits the fan it is a good idea to have a manual backup. When sailing the manual backup is essential otherwise you risk going blind.
The risk with so much electronics which is connected one only has to have small fault and it all becomes useless.
We have sailed for 20 years and although we are enthusiastic about electronic aides we are mindful of the need to go manual. It has happened.
Solid advice for sure :)
Electronics have also come a very long way over the years - they're very reliable. None of the electrics here affect his boats ability to sail so a few paper charts and a handheld gps would tie him over to the next port of call.
Ben Gordon you comment suggests you have very limited serious sailing
experience. Electronics can fail for many reasons (getting hit by
lightning for one) and consequently paper charts are an essential back
up.
Many so called modern power plants are computer controlled, which is something that is to be avoided like the plague.
Get well soon Mads!.. So you're going to write your own software to display all this Tech info from the Sensors. I am sure it will be Pretty as well as functional and easy to use.... and perhaps also be made available for a modest fee or contribution... already there seems to be some demand.hopefully it will add to the fairly small pool of apps for this purpose and provide enough income to pay for the 'toys' you've bought. Hope it goes well!.
Thanks :) I'm sure I'll feel better tomorrow. My plan is to get started working on the app in the fall - once I've got everything hooked up :) It'll most likely be an open-source project :)
By the way, when you start to look into building an app for yoru NMEA data, I would suggest using Xamarin, if you are a C# developer.
Would we awesome if you did it as an Open-source project on Github, I might be able to help out :)
Good idea ;-)) I'm still confused between Xamarin vs .NET Core. Xamarin is used for the front end for android and ios devices, Right? Can this be combined with .NET Core which works only for Windows, mac , Linux.?? I suppose you have 1 single code base but have still to compile it at least 3 times. (ios, android, .NET core for the rest?)
That would be a great opportunity to play around with Xamarin :) Awesome idea! I think it would be a lot of fun to do it as an open-source project :)
Xamarin is based on Mono and it has been here long time before .NET Core. I guess that if Xamarin was done today, it might run on .NET Core.
What I do know is that Xamarin is the C# developers ticket to becoming an app-developer superhero.
It feels so great to be able to build apps for Windows, iOS and Android in the language you know, C#. Even though Xamarin does a great job, I'm not saying it's easy to do, as you typically do the UI or parts of it for each platform. Depends on if you use the "native Xamarin" or Xamarin.Forms. Xamarin.Forms is useful if you have a "simple" app.
I for instance, build www.dognrapport.dk (danish police report app) in my spare time all by my self, one man, and I don't know Java or Objecttive-C, and still have a iOS and Android app :)
Yep, seems like there is a good lib here to consume the NMEA data - github.com/dotMorten/NmeaParser. What's your Github username Mads?I'm here on Github github.com/laumania.
I've worked a great deal with C#. If I can find the time, I'd be interested in the open source Xamarin project :)
Thanks again Mars. Great info!
Hey man, great video (as always). keep up the good work. : )
Thank you :)
I noticed that the monitor will be in a fix position with no adjustment. did you try the "ergonometrics" of working long hour in that position.
Your channel is very inspiring, thank you for sharing.
Wow you really do like your gadgets inspector 😜...... you certainly aren't a KISS fan are you, and I'm not talking about the rock band either..
Another great vid... Make sure you get Athena sorted before you get yourself a lady friend coz there ain't gonna be enough time in the day or at the weekends for her, unless you can get her to sand, paint, varnish or do the techy stuff..
Cheers matey from across Kattegat
Warren
s/y Legend
You really think Mads could possibly fall for a woman that didn't absolutely love sanding???
Come on now...
I don't know if you did that ac panel move but my worry would be that you have more possibility to come into contact with that ac panel via the locker. AC is the stuff that will kill you. I'd keep it away from any unintentional contact. Even if you are aware, people unfamiliar may poke at it to see what it is if they open that locker up... my 2 cents as they say.
As a diesel mechanic I was familiar with a engine monitoring system made by Kysor if any of the engine parameters got out of range it shut down the engine. Having a gateway to monitor the engine is great but I wonder will you have the ability to program in an engine shut down in a similar situation? Might be something to look into for some extra peace of mind.
Yeah, be careful with mounting things near your desktop display. Having things near the display in your field of vision is going to become annoying even if you don't think so now. You can always move them later if you find something more important to place where they're sitting now. Keep it clean looking! :)
How about supplying power to your boat? Seems like you will use loads of electronics. Have you thought about how much and where you will put all the solar and other generators on the boat? :) Because I suppose that you won't be laying on a dock with shore power all the time? ;)
I'm really wondering how you will fix the interior walls? You seem to be mounting quite a lot already with the lockers over the chart table. You are making us very curious!! :)
Great video, the 20≈30min format is perfect! :)
I only discovered your channel recently and looking back at these old videos makes me wonder why you started playing with electronics that you wouldn’t need until you actually go sailing. Electronic gadgets change so quickly, 5 years is a lifetime. It would have seemed more logical to leave that until the very end when you actually needed to navigate, take soundings, measure wind speed etc.
He thought that he'd be putting Athena back in the water that year or next at the time.
@@SakuraNyan Having watched a few more videos, your explanation appears to be correct.
Thank you for another great video!! Have you looked at the Navigatrix OS (lubuntu) it is pretty amazing.... you might want to think about it...its free too
I assume you're also going for an normal windex and not only the digital NMEA wind gauge? :) Nice vid, once again. Thanks! :)
You are correct :)
If you move the AC, you could put instruments in their original position and allow you to watch tv instead of using the big tv as a chart plotter/instruments.
Hi Madds, are you going to put any type of gadget/display on the side of the port cabinet that would be facing you when you are sitting at the navy station?
I was thinking about installing a small NMEA display there :) Something like the DSM150 :)
I'd move the panels. I'd look to optimise the space in front in favour of things you'll use a lot, like VHF, MF/HF radios, instrument repeaters, etc. I suspect you'll rarely change that AC switch or panel so it doesn't need such a prominent position. Also, that way, you keep the AC circuits well away from everything else, both from a safety and interference perspective. I notice that monitor runs off 19V@1.3A (via a power supply). It would be great if you could power that directly, with a DC/DC converter instead of needing the inverter running (or shore power). I'm curious if the L shape in the DC switch board location helps to make the switches more visible from the main cabin? That would be a definite plus, IMHO.