The Marine Electrical and Electronics Bible: Expert Guide for Sailors | Installation, Maintenance & Troubleshooting

The Marine Electrical and Electronics Bible: A Practical Handbook for Cruising Sailors by John C. Payne is a comprehensive guide designed to assist sailors in selecting, installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting the myriad electrical and electronic systems found on modern vessels. This fourth edition, published on December 1, 2023, has been thoroughly revised and updated to reflect the latest advancements in marine technology. ​

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Coverage: The book delves into all aspects of marine electrical and electronic systems, making it an invaluable resource for both novice and experienced sailors.​

• Practical Guidance: Emphasizing hands-on advice over theoretical concepts, the author provides clear instructions on system selection, installation procedures, maintenance routines, and effective troubleshooting techniques.​

• Extensive Illustrations: With over 200 charts, wiring diagrams, tables, and graphs, readers are equipped with visual aids to better understand complex systems and procedures.​

• Renewable Energy Systems: The book addresses the integration of renewable energy sources, such as wind, water, and solar power, into marine electrical systems, reflecting the growing trend towards sustainable energy solutions in the boating community.​

• Up-to-Date Electronics Information: It covers the latest developments in marine electronics, including Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), and radar technologies, ensuring sailors are informed about current tools and safety protocols.​

• Communication Systems: A unique aspect of this edition is its comprehensive listing of radio frequencies and weather broadcast times for major sailing regions worldwide. It also explores various satellite communication systems and recommends useful boating applications for smartphones.​

• Troubleshooting and Maintenance: The final chapters offer extensive troubleshooting advice, maintenance practices, and a detailed worldwide list of service companies, providing readers with practical solutions and support contacts.​

Author Background:

John C. Payne brings a wealth of experience to this publication. As a professional marine electrical engineer and surveyor, his career spans over four decades in commercial shipping, the offshore oil industry, and yachting. His unique combination of technical expertise and practical sailing experience makes him a trusted authority in the field. ​

Critical Acclaim:

The Marine Electrical and Electronics Bible has been lauded by various marine publications:​

• Sail Magazine highlights its practicality, stating that it "will help you achieve... reliability with detailed information on selecting, installing, maintaining and troubleshooting all the electrical and electronic systems on your boat."​

• Yachting Monthly describes it as an "essential reference manual for both the uninitiated and the expert," noting that every aspect of a yacht’s electrical system is covered clearly.​

• Sailing Inland & Offshore deems it a "concise, useful and thoroughly practical guide," emphasizing its status as a "must have on board" book.​

With its thorough coverage and practical approach, the Marine Electrical and Electronics Bible serves as an indispensable resource for sailors aiming to enhance their knowledge and ensure the reliability of their vessel's electrical and electronic systems. More information...

PICAN-M - NMEA 0183 & NMEA 2000 HAT For Raspberry Pi With SMPS

The PiCAN-M (M = Marine) is a Raspberry Pi HAT designed for seamless integration with OpenPlotter and Signal K, enabling advanced marine data processing and automation. It features NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 connectivity, allowing boats to collect, share, and analyze crucial navigation and sensor data in real time.

The NMEA 0183 (RS422) port is accessible via a 5-way screw terminal, while the NMEA 2000 port uses a Micro-C connector, ensuring compatibility with standard marine networking equipment.

Additionally, the board is equipped with a 3A SMPS (Switch Mode Power Supply), which powers both the Raspberry Pi and the PiCAN-M HAT directly from an onboard 12V DC power source. This robust power design makes it ideal for marine applications, providing stable and efficient performance for continuous operation on vessels.

With support for OpenPlotter and Signal K, the PiCAN-M serves as a versatile, open-source marine data hub, perfect for boat owners, researchers, and automation enthusiasts seeking real-time monitoring and control of their maritime systems.

More Information...