Broken Battery?

I managed to fix my battery charger by attaching new crocodile clips, wrapping the ends with insulating tape, and I installed new fuses.

Got the DART to Dún Laoghaire, and charged the battery in my boat.

Battery on boat

My voltmeter is not accurate enough to give a precise voltage reading, but I charged the battery for two hours today.

This is the first time that I had the battery out of its holder, so I checked the labels.

The description is:

UNIPART SAMSON Heavy Duty Battery

Heavy Duty Type 678 12 Volts

Keep Upright

Check Polarity Before Fitting

Leisure 75

Recharge after use.”

I know that it is 12 volts and 75 amps, and it is a marine battery. But what else can I find out?

The closest description that I could find on the Web is the “Leisure Unipart Samson Battery 678″:

Battery with integrated carry handle, Magic Eye feature and Kamina lid vent.

208mm (l) x 175mm (h) x 255mm (h)
Weight: 16.2Kg

Reserve capacity:100 minutes
Cold start: 480 amp

But is this the same battery?

Leisure Unipart Samson Battery 678

Battery Charger

This Absaar 5 Amp 12 Volt charger came with my boat. Used for charging the boat’s battery. The battery clips have rusted away. Hard to find new ones.

Oireachtas – Flash Webcasting

A new broadband Flash Webcasting service is now available on the Houses of the Oireachtas Web site.

This is in addition to the Oireachtas Live Windows Media Player, MPEG2 and MPEG4 services already available.

VHF Radio Operators’ Certificate

Cobra Marine MR F75 EU+ VHF Radio

A Cobra Marine MR F75 EU VHF Radio was fitted to the yacht that we purchased.

According to the user manual the radio includes the following features:

• 1 or 25 watt power (for near or distant calling).
• Instant access to channel 16 for emergency situations.
• Waterproof – Meets JIS7 standards; Submersible for 30 minutes in one meter deep water.
• Tri-Watch Monitors three (3) channels at once — Channel 16, and two (2) user selected channels.
• Digital Selective Calling (Class D DSC) allows sending a distress message at the touch of a button as well as specific station to station calls.

In order to use a VHF radio in Ireland you must have an operator’s license or a Certificate of Competency from the Department of Transport. This can take various forms:

• The most basic is “The Restricted Certificate in Radiotelephony (VHF only),” which is achieved by passing Module 1 of the SRC (Short Range Certificate) exam. This certificate entitles you to use a standard voice only ( not DSC, see below) VHF. This is what many boats are currently fitted with.
• Should your boat have a digital calling radio (DSC) and be capable of using the safety equipment under the new GMDSS, then you will be required to complete both Module 1 and Module 2 of the SRC, thereby acquiring the full Radio Operators Short Range Certificate.

While ComReg is is usually in charge of radio licencing, ships radio licensing is the responsibility of the Department of Transport. There is a list of course providers on the Department of Transport Web site.

Testing goggles

Flotation Goggles

Tired of losing sun glasses, I bought these red sailing goggles from Viking Marine n Dún Laoghaire.

Three lenses with UV protection are supplied:

• Glare-free dark lens,
• Yellow lens for light enhancement,
• Clear lens for changeable conditions

Venting is built in, to prevent misting, and they even float!

Tried them out on Friday, and I found them excellent.

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Friday 22 August 2008

DART from Pearse to Dún Laoghaire, platform 3. Smoothie with wheat grass, in the station. I noticed that despite two announcements, passengers seemed reluctant to go to platform 3, so the train headed north virtually empty.

Pearse Station has now lost two platforms, but there is more room for the remaining two platforms, and the subway to the proposed underground station would seem to be ready. The station entrance is much roomier now that the shop is gone, and the ticket checking machines are now on the platforms.

Sailed around Dún Laoghaire from 18.00. The VHF radio seemed to be switching itself off. Turned the engine on to charge the battery – in case that was the problem. Tried to catch mackerel – no luck.

Lots of tacking, not all intentional. Met another boat far out, “Not sure what sails these are” he said. Managed to overtake him, although he had a faster boat.

Heard the Coastguard talkig to the lifeboat about a “casualty”, which turned out to be a broken down boat which they were towing back to the harbour. Later I heard the lifeboat talking to the Marina. “There but for the grace of God…”

Returned to the Marina 21.00, as the light was fading. Slow, careful but satisfactory approach to the dock, in calm conditions.

Caught the DART to Connolly, last diesel to Drumcondra, last 16 home.

More motor oil

My Seat Leon 1.4 needs oil. I also look after a Ford Ka 1.3 and a Peugot 206 1.4.

The guy in Consort Motor Parts (Malahide Road) said that 10W40 would do all cars, although the Ka could also use 5W30.

My Leon manual recommend VW standard 503.00.

The Peugeot manual has a nice diagram, which indicates that “10W” will work as cold as -20°C and “40″ will  work with temperatures as high 45°C.

I bought 5l of 10W40 Liqui Moli (VW 500.00 and VM 505.00) @ €19.00.

I will try this oil in the Ka, Leon and 206.

Spotlight for my boat

Safe Guard Spotlight 1,000,000 candle power

I purchased this rechargeable spotlight from a Maxol service station.

It comes with AC and DC (car cigarette lighter) chargers. An inexpensive spotlight for the boat.

10W40 Motor Oil

I checked the motor oil in my car. The dipstick showed that it was low.

Called over to Consort Motor Factors where they recommended Havoline 10W-40, a semi-synthetic, multigrade engine oil.

It seems that the “10W” oil is tested at -25°C. The “40″ refers to the viscosity.

Want to know more about engine oil? See the engine oil bible.

I have not been able to find a recommended oil on the Web for the 1.4 engine in my 2002 Seat Leon, so far. Probably like the Volkswagen engines, I suppose?

Havoline Extra 10W40

Fuel Injector Cleaner

Fuel prices are going up and up.

What can I do to reduce costs, and help the environment?

Yes, I take public transport and walk when practicable.

An my car? I have removed any unnecessary weight from the boot. Checked the tyre pressure, topped up the oil, watch the fuel efficiency display, driving sensibly. I can get 35 – 40 miles per gallon in the city, outside peak times.

I bought a 1.4 l 75 bhp engine, which gives better miles per gallon than the more powerful versions. Also, there was less tax on smaller engines in 2002 when I bought my  Seat Leon.

Just added a bottle of STP fuel injector cleaner to the petrol tank in my car. “Helps restore power on acceleration” it says on the bottle.

Engine sounds better now. Must arrange a service soon.

STP Fuel Injector Cleaner

RCD

Just bought an smj electrical RCD adaptor @ €14.99 from Dixons in Jervis Center, Dublin.

Residual Current Device

An RCD is an electrical device that detects current imbalances, cutting off power quickly enough to minimise the harm caused by an electrical shock. RCDs are particularly useful for with class II devices with double insulation devices such as lawnmowers and power tools, which are often made of plastic.

A fault in a class I device with metal structures will cause current to flow to earth and trip an over current device (fuse or circuit breaker).

Having managed to cut a power lead on a garden strimmer, I think that I’ll use an RCD in future.