Sailing Catalpa · video

What this video covers

The crew of Catalpa is upgrading their electrical system to an 800 amp-hour Dakota lithium battery bank supported by a Victron-based charging and distribution network.0:07 The installation plan includes four MPPT charge controllers for the solar array, a Victron MultiPlus II inverter-charger for house loads, and a dedicated 5,000-watt inverter for a future watermaker.2:57 A Victron Cerbo GX and GX Touch screen will serve as the central monitoring hub for the system.8:48 To manage the installation, the crew used KiCad circuit design software to map the layout and wire runs within the 41-inch by 41-inch engine room space.5:44 They are utilising custom-made battery cables and routing solar wiring through the davits and aft lazarette, protecting cable penetrations through the fibreglass hull with three-quarter-inch tubing.10:36 The system currently relies on a DC-to-DC charger, with plans to add a high-output Balmar alternator and Wakespeed regulator in the future.4:28 This transition from lead-acid batteries aims to support the vessel's high power demands for computers and onboard electronics.15:45

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