T&T: Advice on Equalizing & Tackometer?

[Faure, Marin]

>Since we're installing new Trojan 125 gulf cart batts, we'd like to be
able to equalize them.

Make sure your new batteries are able to be equalized.  I believe the
only battery type that can be equalized are traditional lead-acid, or
flooded-cell batteries with vented caps.  Sealed, gel-cell, etc.
batteries should not be equalized.

>We will be purchasing a new VHF radio. We'd like advice as to a couple
that are simple. We don't need to use it to talk a mile or so away.

Simplicity of operation and signal strength are not related.  Most if
not all non-handheld VHF marine radios have two transmission signal
strengths-- 1 watt (typical) and 25 watts.  So you'll get this
transmission capability no matter which fixed base radio you select.  We
have had great success with VHF radios from Icom and Standard Horizon.
Look at their websites and determine which of their VHF radios have the
features and simplicity of operation you require.  Generally the lower
priced models have the fewest features, which some people could
interpret as being the simplest to operate.  But even the most
expensive, feature-loaded radios are very easy to operate in terms of
their basic channel selection, receiving and transmitting functions.
The complexity tends to be in their scanning options, added capabilities
like loud hailing and intercom, remote or wireless remote microphones,
and so on.

Keep in mind that marine radios are like TVs and DVD players---  there
aren't that many outfits that actually make them from scratch.  Many of
the brands are actually radios manufactured by someone else to certain
specifications, sometimes lower specs than the manufacturer's own
branded radios.  Furuno, for example, (who for the most part does make
their own stuff) markets a VHF marine radio that's actually an Icom 502
with a different faceplate on it in Furuno gray.  So my recommendation
would be to choose something from the Icom or Standard Horizon lines.


______________________________
C. Marin Faure
GB36-403 "La Perouse"
Bellingham, Washington