WHy are my electronics flickering?

[dralex]

It's a transient problem I've had once before. Under motor, the instruments flciker fast and rhythmically, and also work unpredictably at low revs, There is a clicking noise on the VHF in time with the flickering. It is cured when the engine is turned off and the electronics are running on the batteries.

Is this dirty alternator contacts, duff alternator of a confused charger.

The boat has hardly been used at all for the last 3 months due to babies etc.

Thanks

Alex

 

[fireball]

Are you going to sell off the baby boats when they get older? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[dralex]

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

5 baby optimisits all trying to feed at them same time- nightmare.

They all hope to grow up into Hallberg Rasseys, I've told them if they don't behave they'll end up with ASBOs growing up as Bavarias.

 

[fireball]

As long as they're not Gallon Guzzlers!! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[StugeronSteve]

You really should set your expectations higher. With good parenting, I'm sure that they will all grow up to be lovely Najads.

As for your other little problem, it does sound like interference from the alternator.

 

[Evadne]

Possibly dirty contacts somwhere, possibly in the negative line(s). From your description of recent history, I'd start by cleaning up the battery connectors (memo to self.... do the same), then all the high current connections between alternator, battery and engine. If that fails, then start looking into the alternator and regulator themselves. Good luck, and can you put me down for a baby J-class when they are old enough to be weaned? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[dralex]

Thank you- a sensible answer.

 

[aluijten]

I've been stuggeling with the same problem on a Island Packet of a fellow countryman of yours.

There we found a whole lot of things wrong:
- The sense wire between the altenator and the charge controller was broken because of a fallen out (in wire) fuse. This obivousy cause a low charge level in the domestic batteries.
- The altenator (100 Amps) had a too small pulley, making it hard for the engine to rotate the altenator, and much slipping of the belt
- The earthing of the whole circuit relied on the engine mounts, and three mounts had already lost the bolts that connected them to the engine. A miracle your fellow countryman made it to Holland that way.

So have a carefull look at all the components and leads in the circuit, it can be something you expect least!

We also had a suspicion towards the diodes in the altenator, but they were tested OK

Good luck tracing the problem,

Arno

 

[PBooth]

Hi, it sounds like one of the phases ( there are 3) of the alternator is open circuit, possibly one of the diodes, or worn carbon brushes. I would check the easy sugestions already made, and if no joy, take the alternator to an auto electrician for test.

Peter