I was chatting with Nigel the other day and we're talking about issues relating to the new ABYCE-13 lithium iron standard that's coming out soon. When the topic came up about pictures and how many pictures each of us had in our databases and how many of them were completely scary. One thing we were both amused at was that majority of my images come from used boats & the majority of his come from brand new boats! Cllearly I have seen these things far worse in the DIY/aftermarketbut it's very scary to hear this about brand new boats. Frustratingly, in this industry, anyone can hang out a shingle and claim to be a marine electrician or a DIY fails to do enough homework and boom we have an unsafe boat....
For years Nigel has wanted to develop online marine electrical education but as he freely admits his computer and video skills are primitive. He teamed up with Jan Athenstadt, (Jan is a computer PhD whizz, and Michael Berrmann, an expert on ISO standards, and together they have created a basic online marine electrical course – Boat Electrics 101 – at www.BoatHowTo.com.
Boat Electrics 101 is focused on DC systems, beginning with core electrical concepts, and working its way through conductor and terminal selection and installation, over-current protection, batteries, charging systems, alternative energy sources, energy systems design, circuit diagrams, and case studies. Included are a terrific conductor and over-current sizing tool, a DC systems planning tool, and a circuit design tool. The course is organized into 56 lessons and hours of video. The motto is: “if you do it, do it right!”
Right up front the BoatHowTo team state: “Some of this content will be difficult for novices and you will need a certain commitment to learning. Unfortunately, there is just no way around this and there are no shortcuts with boat electrical systems”. And, for amateur and wannabe electricians: “Warning: If the content becomes overwhelming, it is an indication that you should look for professional help. Don't try to muddle through on your own if you are not sure what you are doing”.
Michael has moved on. Nigel and Jan are now putting the finishing touches on an advanced marine electrics course which currently includes AC circuits, grounding, corrosion, lightning protection, generators, advanced alternator-based energy systems, an introduction to onboard networks and digital switching, lithium-ion batteries, electric and hybrid propulsion, and basic electrical troubleshooting with a multi-meter. At all times the focus is on standards compliance and the practicalities of ensuring trouble-free onboard electrical circuits.
There really is no better value out there.. I personally support Boat Howto.com and would urge our members, who wish to tackle marine wiring to join. It will save you money and headaches in the future! When Nigel & I chatted yesterday and he told me about the new content that would be added I decided more people should know about www.BoatHowTo.com.
For years Nigel has wanted to develop online marine electrical education but as he freely admits his computer and video skills are primitive. He teamed up with Jan Athenstadt, (Jan is a computer PhD whizz, and Michael Berrmann, an expert on ISO standards, and together they have created a basic online marine electrical course – Boat Electrics 101 – at www.BoatHowTo.com.
Boat Electrics 101 is focused on DC systems, beginning with core electrical concepts, and working its way through conductor and terminal selection and installation, over-current protection, batteries, charging systems, alternative energy sources, energy systems design, circuit diagrams, and case studies. Included are a terrific conductor and over-current sizing tool, a DC systems planning tool, and a circuit design tool. The course is organized into 56 lessons and hours of video. The motto is: “if you do it, do it right!”
Right up front the BoatHowTo team state: “Some of this content will be difficult for novices and you will need a certain commitment to learning. Unfortunately, there is just no way around this and there are no shortcuts with boat electrical systems”. And, for amateur and wannabe electricians: “Warning: If the content becomes overwhelming, it is an indication that you should look for professional help. Don't try to muddle through on your own if you are not sure what you are doing”.
Michael has moved on. Nigel and Jan are now putting the finishing touches on an advanced marine electrics course which currently includes AC circuits, grounding, corrosion, lightning protection, generators, advanced alternator-based energy systems, an introduction to onboard networks and digital switching, lithium-ion batteries, electric and hybrid propulsion, and basic electrical troubleshooting with a multi-meter. At all times the focus is on standards compliance and the practicalities of ensuring trouble-free onboard electrical circuits.
There really is no better value out there.. I personally support Boat Howto.com and would urge our members, who wish to tackle marine wiring to join. It will save you money and headaches in the future! When Nigel & I chatted yesterday and he told me about the new content that would be added I decided more people should know about www.BoatHowTo.com.
