July 7, 2007 11:57
Things went well except I had a few problems I am still sorting out (it has taken ages because I have been too busy with other things).
The main problem I had was that the set up seemed to draw more current than I was expecting. I wired the mini and screen into a spare breaker circuit on the main panel and the wires behind the panel got hotter than I was comfortable with. I only spotted it because in the first instance I wired it together with a new stereo radio and they tripped out drawing my attention to current load problems. I separated the stereo from the mac mini + screen and kept watch on the wires and was not happy with how warm they got despite the fact that they did not trip the circuit breaker. Now there could be a simple explanation.... the boat and wiring are 20 years old and there may be too much resistance in the connectors through age/corrosion. Or... the mini + screen are drawing too much current. I have brought the mac mini back to base to clamp the supply and measure the load, I will let you know how it goes.
I was also a bit confused by how the Carnetix power suppy responded to switch inputs. I suspect that this is my fault arising from misunderstanding the role of "ignition" and "power" circuits. I need to test this in the peace and tranquility of base to get it right!.
On a more positive note the screen and swinging arm are fantastic! I bought a monitor arm well over rated for the load and it laughs at a rolling/heaving boat (http://www.wedgwood-group.com/b-tech_bt7...ll_arm.htm)
I can swing the screen over the chart table or back to the saloon depending on whether we want navigation or movies (or both!).
I am adding a "Y" join and bulkhead 3.5mm stereo jack socket in the cable joining the mac mini audio out port to the stereo so that crew can plug an IPOD in without needing to power up the mac, a useful and power saving feature.
I have not yet taken pictures because I brought the bulkhead mounting plate I made back for anodising and engraving, when it is finished (soon) I will post pictures.
The main problem I had was that the set up seemed to draw more current than I was expecting. I wired the mini and screen into a spare breaker circuit on the main panel and the wires behind the panel got hotter than I was comfortable with. I only spotted it because in the first instance I wired it together with a new stereo radio and they tripped out drawing my attention to current load problems. I separated the stereo from the mac mini + screen and kept watch on the wires and was not happy with how warm they got despite the fact that they did not trip the circuit breaker. Now there could be a simple explanation.... the boat and wiring are 20 years old and there may be too much resistance in the connectors through age/corrosion. Or... the mini + screen are drawing too much current. I have brought the mac mini back to base to clamp the supply and measure the load, I will let you know how it goes.
I was also a bit confused by how the Carnetix power suppy responded to switch inputs. I suspect that this is my fault arising from misunderstanding the role of "ignition" and "power" circuits. I need to test this in the peace and tranquility of base to get it right!.
On a more positive note the screen and swinging arm are fantastic! I bought a monitor arm well over rated for the load and it laughs at a rolling/heaving boat (http://www.wedgwood-group.com/b-tech_bt7...ll_arm.htm)
I can swing the screen over the chart table or back to the saloon depending on whether we want navigation or movies (or both!).
I am adding a "Y" join and bulkhead 3.5mm stereo jack socket in the cable joining the mac mini audio out port to the stereo so that crew can plug an IPOD in without needing to power up the mac, a useful and power saving feature.
I have not yet taken pictures because I brought the bulkhead mounting plate I made back for anodising and engraving, when it is finished (soon) I will post pictures.