Re: Stus-List Chart plotter problem

[Jim Watts via CnC-List]

Google that for the best rating. I was hosed by one shop, treated like a
king by another. The good shop was cheaper, but I wouldn't count on it.

Jim Watts
Paradigm Shift
C 35 Mk III
Victoria, BC

On 1 November 2016 at 19:24, Chuck S via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com>
wrote:

> Usually, there is a shop that specializes in alternator and starter
> repairs for cars somewhere nearby.  Google that for the best price.
>
>
> Chuck
> Resolute
> 1990 C 34R
> Broad Creek, Magothy River, Md
>
> On November 1, 2016 at 2:26 PM David Knecht via CnC-List <
> cnc-list@cnc-list.com> wrote:
>
> I took the alternator out of the boat last weekend so I could get it
> tested.  Any suggestions on where to take it?  Would a good auto repair
> shop be able to do this, or do I need someone more specialized.  Dave
>
> Aries
> 1990 C 34+
> New London, CT
>
>
> On Oct 3, 2016, at 12:07 PM, Jerome Tauber via CnC-List <
> cnc-list@cnc-list.com> wrote:
>
> If it's rf noise generated by the alternator it may be coming in through
> your GPS antenna as well as data or power lines.  If it is rf noise
> you should be able to hear it with a small AM radio held nearby (tune to
> around 1400 KHz).   I still think your voltage regulator is suspect. When
> the battery reaches its maximum charge of approximately 14.2 volts, the
> regulator will then limit the alternator's output. The battery acts as a
> buffer so that may be what's causing the problem to sometimes not show with
> the engine on..   If the engine has been off for a while the
> battery voltage may fall in the 12's and it may take a while for it to
> overcharge into the 14's where your chart plotter may start to act
> erratically again.   When you turn off the engine it may take a few minutes
> for the voltage to drop back into a safe level.   You said you are
> measuring in the 14 volt range with the engine on.  If it is above 14.2
> that would be suspect. Jerry  J7J
>
>
> -Original Message-
> From: Della Barba, Joe via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com>
> To: 'cnc-list@cnc-list.com' <cnc-list@cnc-list.com>
> Cc: Della Barba, Joe <joe.della.ba...@ssa.gov>
> Sent: Mon, Oct 3, 2016 11:08 am
> Subject: Re: Stus-List Chart plotter problem
>
> You could try something like this:
> http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEWMAR-PC-25-Noise-Filter-
> Power-Conditioner-25-amps-/231859240381?hash=item35fbe33dbd:g:
> Zn0AAOSwPc9W0ftz=mtr
>
> Oscilloscope (scope) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscilloscope FYI
> If you know any ham radio operators, they probably know where to find one
> to borrow.
>
> Your plotter also could just be nuts ;)
> Joe
> Coquina
>
>
> From: CnC-List [mailto:cnc-list-boun...@cnc-list.com] On Behalf Of David
> Knecht via CnC-List
> Sent: Monday, October 03, 2016 09:56
> To: CnC CnC discussion list
> Cc: David Knecht
> Subject: Re: Stus-List Chart plotter problem
>
> Hi Joe and thanks for your input.  Some answers below.
>
> Aries
> 1990 C 34+
> New London, CT
>
> 
>
>
> On Oct 3, 2016, at 9:11 AM, Della Barba, Joe via CnC-List <
> cnc-list@cnc-list.com> wrote:
>
> Some things to try:
> 1.   Run the plotter off its own battery. Little 6 ah AGM batteries
> are cheap enough if you don’t have a spare battery sitting around.
> Given the intermittent nature of the problem, this would be challenging to
> do long enough to be definitive.  I am also not sure it will identify the
> source of the problem since it appears to be the power (see below).
>
> 2.   Put a scope on the DC bus to see what, if any, AC/noise is on the
> line. Include an engine start with this.
> I don’t have a scope and have not used one.  What kind of device would you
> do this with?
>
> 3.   Disconnect the NMEA interconnection and see what happens.
> As I said, when this happened last week, the NMEA input was disconnected
> from the chart plotter, so this seems to be coming from the power
> connection.  What is frustrating is that yesterday, I started the engine
> twice, once before and once after the race, and the chart plotter behaved
> perfectly and never beeped once.  Nothing was obviously different??
>
>
>
> 4.   Check the NMEA connection for configuration. Does the plotter
> send and receive data or just send? No need to have the NMEA input line
> connected if there is no data headed that way.
> 5.   Put a laptop on the NMEA connection or run the diagnostic window
> on the plotter, if it has one, and read the raw NMEA stream to see if it is
> getting some odd data or any data at all if it should not be.
> 6.   Put ferrites on all incoming wiring.
> 7.   Check for ground loops and NMEA isolation*
> *
> This on

Re: Stus-List Chart plotter problem

[Chuck S via CnC-List]

Usually, there is a shop that specializes in alternator and starter repairs for 
cars somewhere nearby.  Google that for the best price.


Chuck
Resolute
1990 C 34R
Broad Creek, Magothy River, Md

> On November 1, 2016 at 2:26 PM David Knecht via CnC-List 
> <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> wrote:
> 
> I took the alternator out of the boat last weekend so I could get it 
> tested.  Any suggestions on where to take it?  Would a good auto repair shop 
> be able to do this, or do I need someone more specialized.  Dave
> 
> Aries
> 1990 C 34+
> New London, CT
> 
> 
> 
> > > On Oct 3, 2016, at 12:07 PM, Jerome Tauber via CnC-List 
> <cnc-list@cnc-list.com mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com > wrote:
> > 
> > If it's rf noise generated by the alternator it may be coming in 
> > through your GPS antenna as well as data or power lines.  If it is rf noise 
> > you should be able to hear it with a small AM radio held nearby (tune to 
> > around 1400 KHz).   I still think your voltage regulator is suspect. When 
> > the battery reaches its maximum charge of approximately 14.2 volts, the 
> > regulator will then limit the alternator's output. The battery acts as a 
> > buffer so that may be what's causing the problem to sometimes not show with 
> > the engine on..   If the engine has been off for a while the battery 
> > voltage may fall in the 12's and it may take a while for it to overcharge 
> > into the 14's where your chart plotter may start to act erratically again.  
> >  When you turn off the engine it may take a few minutes for the voltage to 
> > drop back into a safe level.   You said you are measuring in the 14 volt 
> > range with the engine on.  If it is above 14.2 that would be suspect. Jerry 
> >  J7J
> > 
> > 
> > -Original Message-
> > From: Della Barba, Joe via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com 
> > mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com >
> >     To: 'cnc-list@cnc-list.com' <cnc-list@cnc-list.com>
> > Cc: Della Barba, Joe <joe.della.ba...@ssa.gov>
> > Sent: Mon, Oct 3, 2016 11:08 am
> > Subject: Re: Stus-List Chart plotter problem
> > 
> > You could try something like this:
> > 
> > http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEWMAR-PC-25-Noise-Filter-Power-Conditioner-25-amps-/231859240381?hash=item35fbe33dbd:g:Zn0AAOSwPc9W0ftz=mtr
> >  
> > Oscilloscope (scope) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscilloscope FYI
> > If you know any ham radio operators, they probably know where to 
> > find one to borrow.
> >  
> > Your plotter also could just be nuts ;)
> > Joe
> >     Coquina
> >  
> >  
> > From: CnC-List [mailto:cnc-list-boun...@cnc-list.com] On Behalf Of 
> > David Knecht via CnC-List
> > Sent: Monday, October 03, 2016 09:56
> > To: CnC CnC discussion list
> > Cc: David Knecht
> > Subject: Re: Stus-List Chart plotter problem
> >  
> > Hi Joe and thanks for your input.  Some answers below.
> >  
> > Aries
> > 1990 C 34+
> > New London, CT
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > On Oct 3, 2016, at 9:11 AM, Della Barba, Joe via CnC-List 
> > <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> wrote:
> > 
> > Some things to try:
> > 1.   Run the plotter off its own battery. Little 6 ah AGM 
> > batteries are cheap enough if you don’t have a spare battery sitting around.
> > Given the intermittent nature of the problem, this would be 
> > challenging to do long enough to be definitive.  I am also not sure it will 
> > identify the source of the problem since it appears to be the power (see 
> > below).
> > 
> > 2.   Put a scope on the DC bus to see what, if any, AC/noise is 
> > on the line. Include an engine start with this.
> > I don’t have a scope and have not used one.  What kind of device 
> > would you do this with?
> > 
> > 3.   Disconnect the NMEA interconnection and see what happens.
> > As I said, when this happened last week, the NMEA input was 
> > disconnected from the chart plotter, so this seems to be coming from the 
> > power connection.  What is frustrating is that yesterday, I started the 
> > engine twice, once before and once after the race, and the chart plotter 
> > behaved perfectly and never beeped once.  Nothing was obviously 
> > different??
> >  
> >  
&

Re: Stus-List Chart plotter problem

[David Knecht via CnC-List]

I took the alternator out of the boat last weekend so I could get it tested.  
Any suggestions on where to take it?  Would a good auto repair shop be able to 
do this, or do I need someone more specialized.  Dave

Aries
1990 C 34+
New London, CT


> On Oct 3, 2016, at 12:07 PM, Jerome Tauber via CnC-List 
> <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> wrote:
> 
> If it's rf noise generated by the alternator it may be coming in through your 
> GPS antenna as well as data or power lines.  If it is rf noise you should be 
> able to hear it with a small AM radio held nearby (tune to around 1400 KHz).  
>  I still think your voltage regulator is suspect. When the battery reaches 
> its maximum charge of approximately 14.2 volts, the regulator will then limit 
> the alternator's output. The battery acts as a buffer so that may be what's 
> causing the problem to sometimes not show with the engine on..   If the 
> engine has been off for a while the battery voltage may fall in the 12's and 
> it may take a while for it to overcharge into the 14's where your chart 
> plotter may start to act erratically again.   When you turn off the engine it 
> may take a few minutes for the voltage to drop back into a safe level.   You 
> said you are measuring in the 14 volt range with the engine on.  If it is 
> above 14.2 that would be suspect. Jerry  J7J
> 
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: Della Barba, Joe via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com>
> To: 'cnc-list@cnc-list.com' <cnc-list@cnc-list.com>
> Cc: Della Barba, Joe <joe.della.ba...@ssa.gov>
> Sent: Mon, Oct 3, 2016 11:08 am
> Subject: Re: Stus-List Chart plotter problem
> 
> You could try something like this:
> http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEWMAR-PC-25-Noise-Filter-Power-Conditioner-25-amps-/231859240381?hash=item35fbe33dbd:g:Zn0AAOSwPc9W0ftz=mtr
>  
> Oscilloscope (scope) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscilloscope FYI
> If you know any ham radio operators, they probably know where to find one to 
> borrow.
>  
> Your plotter also could just be nuts ;)
> Joe
> Coquina
>  
>  
> From: CnC-List [mailto:cnc-list-boun...@cnc-list.com] On Behalf Of David 
> Knecht via CnC-List
> Sent: Monday, October 03, 2016 09:56
> To: CnC CnC discussion list
> Cc: David Knecht
> Subject: Re: Stus-List Chart plotter problem
>  
> Hi Joe and thanks for your input.  Some answers below.
>  
> Aries
> 1990 C 34+
> New London, CT
> 
> 
> 
> 
> On Oct 3, 2016, at 9:11 AM, Della Barba, Joe via CnC-List 
> <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> wrote:
> 
> Some things to try:
> 1.   Run the plotter off its own battery. Little 6 ah AGM batteries are 
> cheap enough if you don’t have a spare battery sitting around.
> Given the intermittent nature of the problem, this would be challenging to do 
> long enough to be definitive.  I am also not sure it will identify the source 
> of the problem since it appears to be the power (see below).
> 
> 2.   Put a scope on the DC bus to see what, if any, AC/noise is on the 
> line. Include an engine start with this.
> I don’t have a scope and have not used one.  What kind of device would you do 
> this with?
> 
> 3.   Disconnect the NMEA interconnection and see what happens.
> As I said, when this happened last week, the NMEA input was disconnected from 
> the chart plotter, so this seems to be coming from the power connection.  
> What is frustrating is that yesterday, I started the engine twice, once 
> before and once after the race, and the chart plotter behaved perfectly and 
> never beeped once.  Nothing was obviously different??
>  
>  
>  
> 4.   Check the NMEA connection for configuration. Does the plotter send 
> and receive data or just send? No need to have the NMEA input line connected 
> if there is no data headed that way. 
> 5.   Put a laptop on the NMEA connection or run the diagnostic window on 
> the plotter, if it has one, and read the raw NMEA stream to see if it is 
> getting some odd data or any data at all if it should not be.
> 6.   Put ferrites on all incoming wiring.
> 7.   Check for ground loops and NMEA isolation*
> *
> This one is a bit tricky. First off, make sure the power supply and ground 
> connections are at exactly the same place as your other electronics. Ground 
> loops are bit complicated to explain and hard to find, but the short version 
> is this step will eliminate some of them. Second is check with the 
> manufacturer to see if your plotter NMEA connections are true marine standard 
> opto-isolated. It is very possible to use direct wiring to NMEA data and not 
> isolate it, my laptop/plotter does just that, but optical isolation prevents 
> various stray voltage and ground issues from messing up the data.  Equi

Re: Stus-List Chart plotter problem

[Jerome Tauber via CnC-List]

If it's rf noise generated by the alternator it may be coming in through your 
GPS antenna as well as data or power lines.  If it is rf noise you should be 
able to hear it with a small AM radio held nearby (tune to around 1400 KHz).   
I still think your voltage regulator is suspect. When the battery reaches its 
maximum charge of approximately 14.2 volts, the regulator will then limit the 
alternator's output. The battery acts as a buffer so that may be what's causing 
the problem to sometimes not show with the engine on..   If the engine has been 
off for a while the battery voltage may fall in the 12's and it may take a 
while for it to overcharge into the 14's where your chart plotter may start to 
act erratically again.   When you turn off the engine it may take a few minutes 
for the voltage to drop back into a safe level.   You said you are measuring in 
the 14 volt range with the engine on.  If it is above 14.2 that would be 
suspect. Jerry  J7J
 

 

-Original Message-
From: Della Barba, Joe via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com>
To: 'cnc-list@cnc-list.com' <cnc-list@cnc-list.com>
Cc: Della Barba, Joe <joe.della.ba...@ssa.gov>
Sent: Mon, Oct 3, 2016 11:08 am
Subject: Re: Stus-List Chart plotter problem



You could try something like this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEWMAR-PC-25-Noise-Filter-Power-Conditioner-25-amps-/231859240381?hash=item35fbe33dbd:g:Zn0AAOSwPc9W0ftz=mtr
 
Oscilloscope (scope)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscilloscope FYI
If you know any ham radio operators, they probably know where to find one to 
borrow.
 
Your plotter also could just be nuts ;)
Joe
Coquina
 
 

From: CnC-List [mailto:cnc-list-boun...@cnc-list.com]On Behalf Of David Knecht 
via CnC-List
Sent: Monday, October 03, 2016 09:56
To: CnC CnC discussion list
Cc: David Knecht
Subject: Re: Stus-List Chart plotter problem

 
Hi Joe and thanks for your input.  Some answers below.

 

Aries
1990 C 34+
New London, CT






On Oct 3, 2016, at 9:11 AM, Della Barba, Joe via CnC-List 
<cnc-list@cnc-list.com> wrote:

Some things to try:
1.   Run the plotter off its own battery. Little 6 ah AGM batteries are 
cheap enough if you don’t have a spare battery sitting around.
Given the intermittent nature of the problem, this would be challenging to do 
long enough to be definitive.  I am also not sure it will identify the source 
of the problem since it appears to be the power (see below).


2.   Put a scope on the DC bus to see what, if any, AC/noise is on the 
line. Include an engine start with this.
I don’t have a scope and have not used one.  What kind of device would you do 
this with?


3.   Disconnect the NMEA interconnection and see what happens.
As I said, when this happened last week, the NMEA input was disconnected from 
the chart plotter, so this seems to be coming from the power connection.  What 
is frustrating is that yesterday, I started the engine twice, once before and 
once after the race, and the chart plotter behaved perfectly and never beeped 
once.  Nothing was obviously different??

 

 

 


4.   Check the NMEA connection for configuration. Does the plotter send and 
receive data or just send? No need to have the NMEA input line connected if 
there is no data headed that way. 
5.   Put a laptop on the NMEA connection or run the diagnostic window on 
the plotter, if it has one, and read the raw NMEA stream to see if it is 
getting some odd data or any data at all if it should not be.
6.   Put ferrites on all incoming wiring.
7.   Check for ground loops and NMEA isolation*
*
This one is a bit tricky. First off, make sure the power supply and ground 
connections are at exactly the same place as your other electronics. Ground 
loops are bit complicated to explain and hard to find, but the short version is 
this step will eliminate some of them. Second is check with the manufacturer to 
see if your plotter NMEA connections are true marine standard opto-isolated. It 
is very possible to use direct wiring to NMEA data and not isolate it, my 
laptop/plotter does just that, but optical isolation prevents various stray 
voltage and ground issues from messing up the data.  Equipment is fairly 
resilient now, but back in the day an engine start could generate noise that 
would totally screw up electronics. Even now I will start an airplane with all 
radios and nav equipment off and then turn it on. I once was delivering an 
airplane that had a screwy alternator I had to switch off to use the radios and 
nav gear and then switch back on when the battery got low.
BTW – my boat is wired so the engine start battery is usually separate at 
engine start and has no effect at all on the electronics. They don’t combine 
until charging voltage is present for a few minutes. Is yours like that?
Joe
Coquina
C 35 MK I
 

 


___

This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you like 
what we do, please h

Re: Stus-List Chart plotter problem

[Della Barba, Joe via CnC-List]

You could try something like this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEWMAR-PC-25-Noise-Filter-Power-Conditioner-25-amps-/231859240381?hash=item35fbe33dbd:g:Zn0AAOSwPc9W0ftz=mtr

Oscilloscope (scope) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscilloscope FYI
If you know any ham radio operators, they probably know where to find one to 
borrow.

Your plotter also could just be nuts ;)
Joe
Coquina


From: CnC-List [mailto:cnc-list-boun...@cnc-list.com] On Behalf Of David Knecht 
via CnC-List
Sent: Monday, October 03, 2016 09:56
To: CnC CnC discussion list
Cc: David Knecht
Subject: Re: Stus-List Chart plotter problem

Hi Joe and thanks for your input.  Some answers below.

Aries
1990 C 34+
New London, CT

[cid:image001.png@01D21D66.55BB65A0]


On Oct 3, 2016, at 9:11 AM, Della Barba, Joe via CnC-List 
<cnc-list@cnc-list.com<mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com>> wrote:

Some things to try:
1.   Run the plotter off its own battery. Little 6 ah AGM batteries are 
cheap enough if you don’t have a spare battery sitting around.
Given the intermittent nature of the problem, this would be challenging to do 
long enough to be definitive.  I am also not sure it will identify the source 
of the problem since it appears to be the power (see below).

2.   Put a scope on the DC bus to see what, if any, AC/noise is on the 
line. Include an engine start with this.
I don’t have a scope and have not used one.  What kind of device would you do 
this with?

3.   Disconnect the NMEA interconnection and see what happens.
As I said, when this happened last week, the NMEA input was disconnected from 
the chart plotter, so this seems to be coming from the power connection.  What 
is frustrating is that yesterday, I started the engine twice, once before and 
once after the race, and the chart plotter behaved perfectly and never beeped 
once.  Nothing was obviously different??



4.   Check the NMEA connection for configuration. Does the plotter send and 
receive data or just send? No need to have the NMEA input line connected if 
there is no data headed that way.
5.   Put a laptop on the NMEA connection or run the diagnostic window on 
the plotter, if it has one, and read the raw NMEA stream to see if it is 
getting some odd data or any data at all if it should not be.
6.   Put ferrites on all incoming wiring.
7.   Check for ground loops and NMEA isolation*
*
This one is a bit tricky. First off, make sure the power supply and ground 
connections are at exactly the same place as your other electronics. Ground 
loops are bit complicated to explain and hard to find, but the short version is 
this step will eliminate some of them. Second is check with the manufacturer to 
see if your plotter NMEA connections are true marine standard opto-isolated. It 
is very possible to use direct wiring to NMEA data and not isolate it, my 
laptop/plotter does just that, but optical isolation prevents various stray 
voltage and ground issues from messing up the data.  Equipment is fairly 
resilient now, but back in the day an engine start could generate noise that 
would totally screw up electronics. Even now I will start an airplane with all 
radios and nav equipment off and then turn it on. I once was delivering an 
airplane that had a screwy alternator I had to switch off to use the radios and 
nav gear and then switch back on when the battery got low.
BTW – my boat is wired so the engine start battery is usually separate at 
engine start and has no effect at all on the electronics. They don’t combine 
until charging voltage is present for a few minutes. Is yours like that?
Joe
Coquina
C 35 MK I


___

This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you like 
what we do, please help us pay for our costs by donating. All Contributions are 
greatly appreciated!

Re: Stus-List Chart plotter problem

[David Knecht via CnC-List]

Hi Joe and thanks for your input.  Some answers below.

Aries
1990 C 34+
New London, CT


> On Oct 3, 2016, at 9:11 AM, Della Barba, Joe via CnC-List 
>  wrote:
> 
> Some things to try:
> 1.   Run the plotter off its own battery. Little 6 ah AGM batteries are 
> cheap enough if you don’t have a spare battery sitting around.
Given the intermittent nature of the problem, this would be challenging to do 
long enough to be definitive.  I am also not sure it will identify the source 
of the problem since it appears to be the power (see below).
> 2.   Put a scope on the DC bus to see what, if any, AC/noise is on the 
> line. Include an engine start with this.
I don’t have a scope and have not used one.  What kind of device would you do 
this with?
> 3.   Disconnect the NMEA interconnection and see what happens.
As I said, when this happened last week, the NMEA input was disconnected from 
the chart plotter, so this seems to be coming from the power connection.  What 
is frustrating is that yesterday, I started the engine twice, once before and 
once after the race, and the chart plotter behaved perfectly and never beeped 
once.  Nothing was obviously different??



> 4.   Check the NMEA connection for configuration. Does the plotter send 
> and receive data or just send? No need to have the NMEA input line connected 
> if there is no data headed that way. 
> 5.   Put a laptop on the NMEA connection or run the diagnostic window on 
> the plotter, if it has one, and read the raw NMEA stream to see if it is 
> getting some odd data or any data at all if it should not be.
> 6.   Put ferrites on all incoming wiring.
> 7.   Check for ground loops and NMEA isolation*
> *
> This one is a bit tricky. First off, make sure the power supply and ground 
> connections are at exactly the same place as your other electronics. Ground 
> loops are bit complicated to explain and hard to find, but the short version 
> is this step will eliminate some of them. Second is check with the 
> manufacturer to see if your plotter NMEA connections are true marine standard 
> opto-isolated. It is very possible to use direct wiring to NMEA data and not 
> isolate it, my laptop/plotter does just that, but optical isolation prevents 
> various stray voltage and ground issues from messing up the data.  Equipment 
> is fairly resilient now, but back in the day an engine start could generate 
> noise that would totally screw up electronics. Even now I will start an 
> airplane with all radios and nav equipment off and then turn it on. I once 
> was delivering an airplane that had a screwy alternator I had to switch off 
> to use the radios and nav gear and then switch back on when the battery got 
> low.
> BTW – my boat is wired so the engine start battery is usually separate at 
> engine start and has no effect at all on the electronics. They don’t combine 
> until charging voltage is present for a few minutes. Is yours like that?
> Joe
> Coquina
> C 35 MK I
>  

___

This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you like 
what we do, please help us pay for our costs by donating. All Contributions are 
greatly appreciated!

Re: Stus-List Chart plotter problem

[Della Barba, Joe via CnC-List]

Some things to try:

1.   Run the plotter off its own battery. Little 6 ah AGM batteries are 
cheap enough if you don’t have a spare battery sitting around.

2.   Put a scope on the DC bus to see what, if any, AC/noise is on the 
line. Include an engine start with this.

3.   Disconnect the NMEA interconnection and see what happens.

4.   Check the NMEA connection for configuration. Does the plotter send and 
receive data or just send? No need to have the NMEA input line connected if 
there is no data headed that way.

5.   Put a laptop on the NMEA connection or run the diagnostic window on 
the plotter, if it has one, and read the raw NMEA stream to see if it is 
getting some odd data or any data at all if it should not be.

6.   Put ferrites on all incoming wiring.

7.   Check for ground loops and NMEA isolation*
*

This one is a bit tricky. First off, make sure the power supply and ground 
connections are at exactly the same place as your other electronics. Ground 
loops are bit complicated to explain and hard to find, but the short version is 
this step will eliminate some of them. Second is check with the manufacturer to 
see if your plotter NMEA connections are true marine standard opto-isolated. It 
is very possible to use direct wiring to NMEA data and not isolate it, my 
laptop/plotter does just that, but optical isolation prevents various stray 
voltage and ground issues from messing up the data.  Equipment is fairly 
resilient now, but back in the day an engine start could generate noise that 
would totally screw up electronics. Even now I will start an airplane with all 
radios and nav equipment off and then turn it on. I once was delivering an 
airplane that had a screwy alternator I had to switch off to use the radios and 
nav gear and then switch back on when the battery got low.

BTW – my boat is wired so the engine start battery is usually separate at 
engine start and has no effect at all on the electronics. They don’t combine 
until charging voltage is present for a few minutes. Is yours like that?

Joe

Coquina

C 35 MK I



From: CnC-List [mailto:cnc-list-boun...@cnc-list.com] On Behalf Of David Knecht 
via CnC-List
Sent: Saturday, October 01, 2016 15:14
To: CnC CnC discussion list
Cc: David Knecht
Subject: Re: Stus-List Chart plotter problem

Let me clarify a few things that might help diagnose the problem.  Previously, 
I tested the voltage at the chart plotter.  I have a solar panel that feeds the 
batteries when off the boat.  At the beginning of all these tests, the 
batteries are fully charged from the panel.  So with the batteries charged 
(12.7 v), measuring at the chart plotter power cable, I got 12.2 volts with 
battery 1 only, 12.3 volts battery 2 only and 12.3 with both on.  When I 
started the engine, I got 13.1 volts.  Note that the was chart plotter 
unplugged so I did not confirm that it would have started acting up when 
plugged in (the behavior is inconsistent).
 I am guessing that the voltage drop is expected and 12 volts is well within 
the spec of the B
I am presuming this eliminates the under-voltage possibility.
I previously have tested the voltage at the batteries from the alternator but 
did not write it down because it seemed OK (about 14 volts).
I also did the AC voltage test by measuring AC at the battery terminals with 
the engine running and that was less than the 50mv that was supposed to 
indicate bad diodes.

Is it still possible it is a voltage regulator problem and how would I test?

To Gary’s message:I still think you have a noise/grounding problem.  If 
noise gets into one of the inputs, say the NMEA, there is usually a buffer to 
handle excessive inputs.  If that buffer gets overloaded, the chart plotter 
might act goofy until the buffer gets emptied.  I would make sure you have a 
single point grounding system that all goes back to one ground point.  Make 
sure all connections are tight.

The NMEA was unplugged when it went crazy, so it is not getting in that way.  I 
guess it is still possible to have noise from the DC input?

Thanks- Dave


Aries
1990 C 34+
New London, CT

[cid:image001.png@01D21D55.1F86CF80]

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Re: Stus-List Chart plotter problem

[David Knecht via CnC-List]

Let me clarify a few things that might help diagnose the problem.  Previously, 
I tested the voltage at the chart plotter.  I have a solar panel that feeds the 
batteries when off the boat.  At the beginning of all these tests, the 
batteries are fully charged from the panel.  So with the batteries charged 
(12.7 v), measuring at the chart plotter power cable, I got 12.2 volts with 
battery 1 only, 12.3 volts battery 2 only and 12.3 with both on.  When I 
started the engine, I got 13.1 volts.  Note that the was chart plotter 
unplugged so I did not confirm that it would have started acting up when 
plugged in (the behavior is inconsistent). 
 I am guessing that the voltage drop is expected and 12 volts is well within 
the spec of the B  
I am presuming this eliminates the under-voltage possibility.   
I previously have tested the voltage at the batteries from the alternator but 
did not write it down because it seemed OK (about 14 volts).  
I also did the AC voltage test by measuring AC at the battery terminals with 
the engine running and that was less than the 50mv that was supposed to 
indicate bad diodes.   

Is it still possible it is a voltage regulator problem and how would I test?

To Gary’s message:I still think you have a noise/grounding problem.  If 
noise gets into one of the inputs, say the NMEA, there is usually a buffer to 
handle excessive inputs.  If that buffer gets overloaded, the chart plotter 
might act goofy until the buffer gets emptied.  I would make sure you have a 
single point grounding system that all goes back to one ground point.  Make 
sure all connections are tight.

The NMEA was unplugged when it went crazy, so it is not getting in that way.  I 
guess it is still possible to have noise from the DC input?

Thanks- Dave


Aries
1990 C 34+
New London, CT



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Re: Stus-List Chart plotter problem

[G Collins via CnC-List]

Hi David

Overvoltage?  Maybe the voltage regulator is bad.  The engine running will have 
the electrical system at > 13v, and the batteries will temporarily hold that 
for a while.  Could you hot-wire it so as to power the zeus exclusively from a 
separate battery?

Graham Collins
Secret Plans
C 35-III #11

On 2016-09-30 9:21 AM, David Knecht via CnC-List wrote:
I have posted about this problem before, but still have not solved it.  I have 
been struggling with a electrical system problem since I upgraded my 
electronics two years ago.  I installed a Seatalk network, Raymarine EV-100 
autopilot and B Zeus T8 chart plotter.  The problem is that periodically, the 
Zeus behaves like it has a mind of its own. The unit will begin beeping while 
the touchscreen acts like someone is activating menus and commands randomly.  
All kinds of problem ensue from that let alone that you can’t use the controls 
while it is happening.  It happens intermittently, sometimes with engine on and 
sometimes off and I have not been able to identify the source.  One of the 
things I have noticed is that it happens more often (but not exclusively) when 
the engine is running. Last weekend, I had an incident of this that might help 
someone understand it. I unplugged the Seatalk cable to the chart plotter to 
see if it had anything to do with the network (it doesn’t).  I had the chart 
plotter on for about 45 minutes while I did other things and all was fine.  
Then I started the engine and the Zeus immediately began beeping and randomly 
activating menus.  This continued for the time I had the engine running (about 
15 minutes).   So that would seem to point toward something people have 
suggested before- noise in the electrical system from the alternator.  Here is 
what I don’t understand- I shut the engine off and the problem persisted with 
decreasing frequency for another 10 minutes or so and eventually stopped and it 
worked fine thereafter.  If this were an alternator problem, is there some way 
it could persist for so long after the engine was shut down.Dave

Aries
1990 C 34+
New London, CT

[cid:4073BE72-4704-4EA7-8EBA-B73B833F502B]




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Re: Stus-List Chart plotter problem

[Steve Thomas via CnC-List]

There is yet another possibility. I have been thinking of getting a nominal 12 
volt vehicle system to stabilized 13.8 volt switching regulator. I have a 
compressor type 12 volt portable cooler that will not start unless the engine 
is running. This link is to the products I have been considering, but I have 
not pulled the trigger yet. Efficiency is around 90% 

http://www.powerstream.com/dc2.htm

Steve Thomas
C MKIII
Port Stanley, ON



 Gary Russell via CnC-List  wrote: 
Loosening the alternator belt is a good idea, but don't do it for long as
on most engines it also runs the coolant pumps.

Gary

~~~_/)~~


On Fri, Sep 30, 2016 at 9:25 AM, Michael Brown via CnC-List <
cnc-list@cnc-list.com> wrote:

> Thinking out of the box here.
>
> The way the alternator is wired in and the state of charge of your battery
> may be adding to the randomness of the problem.
> If the output of the alternator is a heavy gauge short run directly to the
> battery or the positive stud on the starter then the
> battery will damping out a lot of the alternator's noise - voltage spikes
> - variable output.
>
> That may not be the way your boat is wired. Another common wiring was to
> use a smaller gauge wire ( 14 ? ) that runs back
> to an instrument panel, through an ammeter, then forward again to a
> terminal block ( or starter stud ). That is fine for the
> intended purpose of charging the battery but not as good for damping out
> alternator noise. The ammeter may have a wire
> wound shunt that could act as a wonderful noise antenna. If the battery is
> discharged then you will get a good current running
> which might increase the energy in the wiring. If the battery is fully
> charged from being on a shore power charger than it may
> not be accepting much current and not dampening much.
>
> I have no idea how difficult this is but you could test by loosening the
> alternator belt and starting the engine. Try it a couple of
> times, then a couple of times with the belt tight.
>
> Michael Brown
> Windburn
> C 30-1


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Re: Stus-List Chart plotter problem

[Gary Russell via CnC-List]

Loosening the alternator belt is a good idea, but don't do it for long as
on most engines it also runs the coolant pumps.

Gary

~~~_/)~~


On Fri, Sep 30, 2016 at 9:25 AM, Michael Brown via CnC-List <
cnc-list@cnc-list.com> wrote:

> Thinking out of the box here.
>
> The way the alternator is wired in and the state of charge of your battery
> may be adding to the randomness of the problem.
> If the output of the alternator is a heavy gauge short run directly to the
> battery or the positive stud on the starter then the
> battery will damping out a lot of the alternator's noise - voltage spikes
> - variable output.
>
> That may not be the way your boat is wired. Another common wiring was to
> use a smaller gauge wire ( 14 ? ) that runs back
> to an instrument panel, through an ammeter, then forward again to a
> terminal block ( or starter stud ). That is fine for the
> intended purpose of charging the battery but not as good for damping out
> alternator noise. The ammeter may have a wire
> wound shunt that could act as a wonderful noise antenna. If the battery is
> discharged then you will get a good current running
> which might increase the energy in the wiring. If the battery is fully
> charged from being on a shore power charger than it may
> not be accepting much current and not dampening much.
>
> I have no idea how difficult this is but you could test by loosening the
> alternator belt and starting the engine. Try it a couple of
> times, then a couple of times with the belt tight.
>
> Michael Brown
> Windburn
> C 30-1
>
> Date: Fri, 30 Sep 2016 08:21:34 -0400
> From: David Knecht 
>
> I have posted about this problem before, but still have not solved it.  I
> have been struggling with a electrical system problem since I upgraded my
> electronics two years ago.  I installed a Seatalk network, Raymarine EV-100
> autopilot and B Zeus T8 chart plotter.  The problem is that periodically,
> the Zeus behaves like it has a mind of its own. The unit will begin beeping
> while the touchscreen acts like someone is activating menus and commands
> randomly.  All kinds of problem ensue from that let alone that you can?t
> use the controls while it is happening.  It happens intermittently,
> sometimes with engine on and sometimes off and I have not been able to
> identify the source.  One of the things I have noticed is that it happens
> more often (but not exclusively) when the engine is running. Last weekend,
> I had an incident of this that might help someone understand it. I
> unplugged the Seatalk cable to the chart plotter to see if it had anything
> to do with the network (it doesn?t).  I had the
> chart plotter on for about 45 minutes while I did other things and all was
> fine.  Then I started the engine and the Zeus immediately began beeping and
> randomly activating menus.  This continued for the time I had the engine
> running (about 15 minutes).   So that would seem to point toward something
> people have suggested before- noise in the electrical system from the
> alternator.  Here is what I don?t understand- I shut the engine off and the
> problem persisted with decreasing frequency for another 10 minutes or so
> and eventually stopped and it worked fine thereafter.  If this were an
> alternator problem, is there some way it could persist for so long after
> the engine was shut down.Dave
>
> Aries
> 1990 C 34+
> New London, CT
>
>
> ___
>
> This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you
> like what we do, please help us pay for our costs by donating. All
> Contributions are greatly appreciated!
>
>
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what we do, please help us pay for our costs by donating. All Contributions are 
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Re: Stus-List Chart plotter problem

[Jerome Tauber via CnC-List]

>From Boating:

Of all the electronic devices most power boaters will typically have at their 
helm stations, the fish finder is probably the most sensitive to voltage 
fluctuations in the onboard electrical system. This can cut in either 
direction, meaning that both excessively high or low voltage can make the 
display on a fish finder go crazy. This will show up on the display screen as a 
bunch of fuzzy globs or a series of diagonal lines or a mix of both shooting 
across the display.
So, what are the causes here? Well, if you are at anchor or drift-fishing 
without the engines running, you are running on straight battery power. If the 
batteries discharge to a voltage point below the unit’s minimum threshold, this 
will probably show up as the fuzz or squiggly diagonal lines on screen. If this 
happens with the engines running, it can mean either a faulty voltage regulator 
in the charging system causing the overvoltage condition or possibly a failed 
charging system causing voltage to drop. Either way, attention to the 
battery/charging system is going to be needed. The three-step voltage test 
mentioned earlier can be used to confirm a low-voltage situation. As for 
excessively high voltage, consider 2.5 volts or more above the no-run voltage 
described earlier excessive. This indicates that you need a new voltage 
regulator.


 

 

 

-Original Message-
From: Jerome Tauber via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com>
To: cnc-list <cnc-list@cnc-list.com>
Cc: Jerome Tauber <jrtau...@aol.com>
Sent: Fri, Sep 30, 2016 8:44 am
Subject: Re: Stus-List Chart plotter problem



Sounds like the voltage regulator is defective.  A VOLTAGE REGULATOR regulates 
the charging voltage that the alternator produces, keeping it between 13.5 and 
14.5 volts to protect the electrical. Your alternator voltage is too high 
overcharging battery.  When you turn off engine it is taking a few minutes for 
voltage to drop to normal level.   If you turn off engine at end of trip and no 
drain on battery voltage may be too high when you restart.   I would guess that 
this is what is happening.  

Sent from my iPhone

On Sep 30, 2016, at 8:21 AM, David Knecht via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> 
wrote:



I have posted about this problem before, but still have not solved it.  I have 
been struggling with a electrical system problem since I upgraded my 
electronics two years ago.  I installed a Seatalk network, Raymarine EV-100 
autopilot and B Zeus T8 chart plotter.  The problem is that periodically, the 
Zeus behaves like it has a mind of its own. The unit will begin beeping while 
the touchscreen acts like someone is activating menus and commands randomly.  
All kinds of problem ensue from that let alone that you can’t use the controls 
while it is happening.  It happens intermittently, sometimes with engine on and 
sometimes off and I have not been able to identify the source.  One of the 
things I have noticed is that it happens more often (but not exclusively) when 
the engine is running. Last weekend, I had an incident of this that might help 
someone understand it. I unplugged the Seatalk cable to the chart plotter to 
see if it had anything to do with the network (it doesn’t).  I had the chart 
plotter on for about 45 minutes while I did other things and all was fine.  
Then I started the engine and the Zeus immediately began beeping and randomly 
activating menus.  This continued for the time I had the engine running (about 
15 minutes).   So that would seem to point toward something people have 
suggested before- noise in the electrical system from the alternator.  Here is 
what I don’t understand- I shut the engine off and the problem persisted with 
decreasing frequency for another 10 minutes or so and eventually stopped and it 
worked fine thereafter.  If this were an alternator problem, is there some way 
it could persist for so long after the engine was shut down.Dave



Aries
1990 C 34+
New London, CT






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Re: Stus-List Chart plotter problem

[Rodney Meryweather via CnC-List]

David
  This sounds like one of two issues but most likely an electrical sign 
wave issue, with possible EMI interference also. 
   I have seen this before. Either shield your power cable (takes care of 
EMI) or and I recommend this, put a power conditioner in front of all of your 
electronics. 
  It does not sound like you are to a point of a brown out yet(kills 
electronic components) but a conditioner will give them a stable signal. 

Rod Meryweather 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Sep 30, 2016, at 08:21, David Knecht  wrote:
> 
> I have posted about this problem before, but still have not solved it.  I 
> have been struggling with a electrical system problem since I upgraded my 
> electronics two years ago.  I installed a Seatalk network, Raymarine EV-100 
> autopilot and B Zeus T8 chart plotter.  The problem is that periodically, 
> the Zeus behaves like it has a mind of its own. The unit will begin beeping 
> while the touchscreen acts like someone is activating menus and commands 
> randomly.  All kinds of problem ensue from that let alone that you can’t use 
> the controls while it is happening.  It happens intermittently, sometimes 
> with engine on and sometimes off and I have not been able to identify the 
> source.  One of the things I have noticed is that it happens more often (but 
> not exclusively) when the engine is running. Last weekend, I had an incident 
> of this that might help someone understand it. I unplugged the Seatalk cable 
> to the chart plotter to see if it had anything to do with the network (it 
> doesn’t).  I had the chart plotter on for about 45 minutes while I did other 
> things and all was fine.  Then I started the engine and the Zeus immediately 
> began beeping and randomly activating menus.  This continued for the time I 
> had the engine running (about 15 minutes).   So that would seem to point 
> toward something people have suggested before- noise in the electrical system 
> from the alternator.  Here is what I don’t understand- I shut the engine off 
> and the problem persisted with decreasing frequency for another 10 minutes or 
> so and eventually stopped and it worked fine thereafter.  If this were an 
> alternator problem, is there some way it could persist for so long after the 
> engine was shut down.Dave
> 
> Aries
> 1990 C 34+
> New London, CT
> 
> 
> 
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Re: Stus-List Chart plotter problem

[Michael Brown via CnC-List]

Thinking out of the box here.

The way the alternator is wired in and the state of charge of your battery may 
be adding to the randomness of the problem.
If the output of the alternator is a heavy gauge short run directly to the 
battery or the positive stud on the starter then the
battery will damping out a lot of the alternator's noise - voltage spikes - 
variable output.

That may not be the way your boat is wired. Another common wiring was to use a 
smaller gauge wire ( 14 ? ) that runs back
to an instrument panel, through an ammeter, then forward again to a terminal 
block ( or starter stud ). That is fine for the
intended purpose of charging the battery but not as good for damping out 
alternator noise. The ammeter may have a wire
wound shunt that could act as a wonderful noise antenna. If the battery is 
discharged then you will get a good current running
which might increase the energy in the wiring. If the battery is fully charged 
from being on a shore power charger than it may
not be accepting much current and not dampening much.

I have no idea how difficult this is but you could test by loosening the 
alternator belt and starting the engine. Try it a couple of
times, then a couple of times with the belt tight.

Michael Brown
Windburn
C 30-1


Date: Fri, 30 Sep 2016 08:21:34 -0400 
From: David Knecht  

I have posted about this problem before, but still have not solved it.  I have 
been struggling with a electrical system problem since I upgraded my 
electronics two years ago.  I installed a Seatalk network, Raymarine EV-100 
autopilot and B Zeus T8 chart plotter.  The problem is that periodically, the 
Zeus behaves like it has a mind of its own. The unit will begin beeping while 
the touchscreen acts like someone is activating menus and commands randomly.  
All kinds of problem ensue from that let alone that you can?t use the controls 
while it is happening.  It happens intermittently, sometimes with engine on and 
sometimes off and I have not been able to identify the source.  One of the 
things I have noticed is that it happens more often (but not exclusively) when 
the engine is running. Last weekend, I had an incident of this that might help 
someone understand it. I unplugged the Seatalk cable to the chart plotter to 
see if it had anything to do with the network (it doesn?t).  I had the
 chart plotter on for about 45 minutes while I did other things and all was 
fine.  Then I started the engine and the Zeus immediately began beeping and 
randomly activating menus.  This continued for the time I had the engine 
running (about 15 minutes).   So that would seem to point toward something 
people have suggested before- noise in the electrical system from the 
alternator.  Here is what I don?t understand- I shut the engine off and the 
problem persisted with decreasing frequency for another 10 minutes or so and 
eventually stopped and it worked fine thereafter.  If this were an alternator 
problem, is there some way it could persist for so long after the engine was 
shut down.    Dave 
 
Aries 
1990 C 34+ 
New London, CT 
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Re: Stus-List Chart plotter problem

[Gary Russell via CnC-List]

Hi Dave,
 I still think you have a noise/grounding problem.  If noise gets into
one of the inputs, say the NMEA, there is usually a buffer to handle
excessive inputs.  If that buffer gets overloaded, the chart plotter might
act goofy until the buffer gets emptied.  I would make sure you have a
single point grounding system that all goes back to one ground point.  Make
sure all connections are tight.

Gary
S/V Kaylarah
C 37+
East Greenwich, RI, USA

~~~_/)~~


On Fri, Sep 30, 2016 at 8:21 AM, David Knecht via CnC-List <
cnc-list@cnc-list.com> wrote:

> I have posted about this problem before, but still have not solved it.  I
> have been struggling with a electrical system problem since I upgraded my
> electronics two years ago.  I installed a Seatalk network, Raymarine EV-100
> autopilot and B Zeus T8 chart plotter.  The problem is that periodically,
> the Zeus behaves like it has a mind of its own. The unit will begin beeping
> while the touchscreen acts like someone is activating menus and commands
> randomly.  All kinds of problem ensue from that let alone that you can’t
> use the controls while it is happening.  It happens intermittently,
> sometimes with engine on and sometimes off and I have not been able to
> identify the source.  One of the things I have noticed is that it happens
> more often (but not exclusively) when the engine is running. Last weekend,
> I had an incident of this that might help someone understand it. I
> unplugged the Seatalk cable to the chart plotter to see if it had anything
> to do with the network (it doesn’t).  I had the chart plotter on for about
> 45 minutes while I did other things and all was fine.  Then I started the
> engine and the Zeus immediately began beeping and randomly activating
> menus.  This continued for the time I had the engine running (about 15
> minutes).   So that would seem to point toward something people have
> suggested before- noise in the electrical system from the alternator.  Here
> is what I don’t understand- I shut the engine off and the problem persisted
> with decreasing frequency for another 10 minutes or so and eventually
> stopped and it worked fine thereafter.  If this were an alternator problem,
> is there some way it could persist for so long after the engine was shut
> down.Dave
>
> Aries
> 1990 C 34+
> New London, CT
>
>
>
> ___
>
> This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you
> like what we do, please help us pay for our costs by donating. All
> Contributions are greatly appreciated!
>
>
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what we do, please help us pay for our costs by donating. All Contributions are 
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Re: Stus-List Chart plotter problem

[Jerome Tauber via CnC-List]

Sounds like the voltage regulator is defective.  A VOLTAGE REGULATOR regulates 
the charging voltage that the alternator produces, keeping it between 13.5 and 
14.5 volts to protect the electrical. Your alternator voltage is too high 
overcharging battery.  When you turn off engine it is taking a few minutes for 
voltage to drop to normal level.   If you turn off engine at end of trip and no 
drain on battery voltage may be too high when you restart.   I would guess that 
this is what is happening.  

Sent from my iPhone

> On Sep 30, 2016, at 8:21 AM, David Knecht via CnC-List 
>  wrote:
> 
> I have posted about this problem before, but still have not solved it.  I 
> have been struggling with a electrical system problem since I upgraded my 
> electronics two years ago.  I installed a Seatalk network, Raymarine EV-100 
> autopilot and B Zeus T8 chart plotter.  The problem is that periodically, 
> the Zeus behaves like it has a mind of its own. The unit will begin beeping 
> while the touchscreen acts like someone is activating menus and commands 
> randomly.  All kinds of problem ensue from that let alone that you can’t use 
> the controls while it is happening.  It happens intermittently, sometimes 
> with engine on and sometimes off and I have not been able to identify the 
> source.  One of the things I have noticed is that it happens more often (but 
> not exclusively) when the engine is running. Last weekend, I had an incident 
> of this that might help someone understand it. I unplugged the Seatalk cable 
> to the chart plotter to see if it had anything to do with the network (it 
> doesn’t).  I had the chart plotter on for about 45 minutes while I did other 
> things and all was fine.  Then I started the engine and the Zeus immediately 
> began beeping and randomly activating menus.  This continued for the time I 
> had the engine running (about 15 minutes).   So that would seem to point 
> toward something people have suggested before- noise in the electrical system 
> from the alternator.  Here is what I don’t understand- I shut the engine off 
> and the problem persisted with decreasing frequency for another 10 minutes or 
> so and eventually stopped and it worked fine thereafter.  If this were an 
> alternator problem, is there some way it could persist for so long after the 
> engine was shut down.Dave
> 
> Aries
> 1990 C 34+
> New London, CT
> 
> 
> 
> ___
> 
> This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you like 
> what we do, please help us pay for our costs by donating. All Contributions 
> are greatly appreciated!
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what we do, please help us pay for our costs by donating. All Contributions are 
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Re: Stus-List Chart plotter problem

[Della Barba, Joe via CnC-List]

Sure – the noise could load up a buffer with various commands that take some 
time to execute.
Have you tried any filters or scoping the alternator output?
My old Toyota Avalon had an issue with the alternator where it was charging 
poorly and putting enough noise out to make the ABS and traction control 
randomly trip offline.
Joe
Coquina

From: CnC-List [mailto:cnc-list-boun...@cnc-list.com] On Behalf Of David Knecht 
via CnC-List
Sent: Friday, September 30, 2016 8:22 AM
To: CnC CnC discussion list
Cc: David Knecht
Subject: Stus-List Chart plotter problem

I have posted about this problem before, but still have not solved it.  I have 
been struggling with a electrical system problem since I upgraded my 
electronics two years ago.  I installed a Seatalk network, Raymarine EV-100 
autopilot and B Zeus T8 chart plotter.  The problem is that periodically, the 
Zeus behaves like it has a mind of its own. The unit will begin beeping while 
the touchscreen acts like someone is activating menus and commands randomly.  
All kinds of problem ensue from that let alone that you can’t use the controls 
while it is happening.  It happens intermittently, sometimes with engine on and 
sometimes off and I have not been able to identify the source.  One of the 
things I have noticed is that it happens more often (but not exclusively) when 
the engine is running. Last weekend, I had an incident of this that might help 
someone understand it. I unplugged the Seatalk cable to the chart plotter to 
see if it had anything to do with the network (it doesn’t).  I had the chart 
plotter on for about 45 minutes while I did other things and all was fine.  
Then I started the engine and the Zeus immediately began beeping and randomly 
activating menus.  This continued for the time I had the engine running (about 
15 minutes).   So that would seem to point toward something people have 
suggested before- noise in the electrical system from the alternator.  Here is 
what I don’t understand- I shut the engine off and the problem persisted with 
decreasing frequency for another 10 minutes or so and eventually stopped and it 
worked fine thereafter.  If this were an alternator problem, is there some way 
it could persist for so long after the engine was shut down.Dave

Aries
1990 C 34+
New London, CT

[cid:image001.png@01D21AF4.D77B4C50]

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Stus-List Chart plotter problem

[David Knecht via CnC-List]

I have posted about this problem before, but still have not solved it.  I have 
been struggling with a electrical system problem since I upgraded my 
electronics two years ago.  I installed a Seatalk network, Raymarine EV-100 
autopilot and B Zeus T8 chart plotter.  The problem is that periodically, the 
Zeus behaves like it has a mind of its own. The unit will begin beeping while 
the touchscreen acts like someone is activating menus and commands randomly.  
All kinds of problem ensue from that let alone that you can’t use the controls 
while it is happening.  It happens intermittently, sometimes with engine on and 
sometimes off and I have not been able to identify the source.  One of the 
things I have noticed is that it happens more often (but not exclusively) when 
the engine is running. Last weekend, I had an incident of this that might help 
someone understand it. I unplugged the Seatalk cable to the chart plotter to 
see if it had anything to do with the network (it doesn’t).  I had the chart 
plotter on for about 45 minutes while I did other things and all was fine.  
Then I started the engine and the Zeus immediately began beeping and randomly 
activating menus.  This continued for the time I had the engine running (about 
15 minutes).   So that would seem to point toward something people have 
suggested before- noise in the electrical system from the alternator.  Here is 
what I don’t understand- I shut the engine off and the problem persisted with 
decreasing frequency for another 10 minutes or so and eventually stopped and it 
worked fine thereafter.  If this were an alternator problem, is there some way 
it could persist for so long after the engine was shut down.Dave

Aries
1990 C 34+
New London, CT



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what we do, please help us pay for our costs by donating. All Contributions are 
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