tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3709008761714639851.post1539367872441321312..comments2023-11-05T01:20:07.349-07:00Comments on Erick's Wanderlust Blog: What to do with some old equipment?Erickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16388956002547599421noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3709008761714639851.post-88233842922959630322010-12-21T07:54:37.715-08:002010-12-21T07:54:37.715-08:00Hi Erick -
1. I'd ditch the engine-driven re...Hi Erick -<br /><br />1. I'd ditch the engine-driven refrigeration. Those systems leak Freon like an old car air conditioner, because that's essentially what they are. Refrigeration is going to be your biggest energy load onboard - this is a very good place to do an upgrade. And I agree with your analysis and conclusion on the DC system. Our system on <i>Eolian</i> is DC too. If the existing Freon plumbing and holding plates are in good shape, I see no reason that they should not be retained. As for the old stuff - put it up on craigslist. Who knows?<br /><br />2. I am not familiar with the Alpha 4404, but you will definitely want to have an electric autopilot as well as a windvane. The old electro-mechanical systems have one thing going for them: they are electrically stout. Which system do you think would be more likely to survive an electrical surge (regulator problem? lightening strike??)? In general, they are also typically <i>fixable</i> as opposed to <i>replaceable</i>. I think I'd spend some time troubleshooting the Alpha.<br /><br />bobRobert Salnickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17236481906016930762noreply@blogger.com