Electrics for Boaters course - TVU, Reading

[albineer]

I attended Tony Brook’s course at TVU, Reading last weekend. I enjoyed it very much and thoroughly recommend it. There was a good mix of practical and class work. By the end of the course we had all taken a working engine and set up a duplicate instrument panel, got the engine working and charging two separate batteries. We worked in pairs. There were some deliberate demonstrations of smoke (under-rated wiring) and sparks (hot wiring a diesel) - all good fun. We covered testing and fault finding. I hadn’t realised the necessity of the charge warning light before. Finally we had to put the engines back to their original states and start them for one last time. Calculations were kept to the bare minimum. The course has given me the confidence to set about improving the electrics on our present boat and specifying the needs for our next one.

Some of the topics we covered were: wiring, setting up ciruits, testing, maintenance and battery requirements and care. Full details are in the comprehensive and useful set of notes which can be seen on Tony’s web site here http://www.tb-training.co.uk/. Select the link for Boat Electrical notes.

I thought the course excellent value for money and I’m looking forward to doing the diesel course in the spring, same guy same place but I’m not going on the motorbike. It’s many years since I was so wet, cold and miserable as I was yesterday coming home from Reading.

 

[tillergirl]

And the necessity for a charge warning light is? Genuine, not a flippant question

 

[albineer]

As I understand it alternators as fitted to small boats don't retain sufficient residual manetism to start charging, particulaly if they have been left standing for a while. Current to provide the initial magnetic field is fed via the charge warning light. As the alternator voltage builds up the current through the lamp drops and it finally goes out.
You may get round the problem if you rev your engine hard enough but TB say it needs a strong nerve. I think I'll carry a spare bulb instead.
HTH
N

 

[tillergirl]

Ah, that's interesting. Thanks

 

[Spuddy]

Thanks for the recommendation. Could be just what I need.
But checked site and can't fathom out any schedule of course dates or how to contact him - any hints or have I missed the obvious......again.

 

[VicS]

[ QUOTE ]
have I missed the obvious

[/ QUOTE ] Yes /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Take another look at the website it's all there, plus telephone numbers

 

[Twister_Ken]

Spuddy,

Right at the bottom of the page. What you won't find is any info on how to enrol, so you need to contact the guy who will tell you:

"Ring TVU "Customer Services" (note the quote marks!) on the number below. They will take a phone booking via plastic or organise payment by post & cheque (or even cash by hand).

Thanks

Tony Brooks
www.TB-Training.co.uk

Maintenance & Electrical training for ordinary boaters

TVU at Kings Road in Reading on
0800 371 434 or 0118 967 5301

www.TVU.ac.uk

All courses cost £150

20-21 October 12-13 January 8-9 March 7-8 June
28-29 June"

 

[VicS]

Look at " Public Maintenace & Electrical Courses" and "Contact TB Training" on the website.