How I Nearly Blew Up $6k Worth of New Lithium Batteries & the $40 Part that Saved Us (Ep.138)

  Рет қаралды 20,097

Calico Skies Sailing

Calico Skies Sailing

Күн бұрын

Пікірлер: 167
@SNEVIC
@SNEVIC 2 жыл бұрын
A guy that truly uses his mistakes to alert other people not to do the same instead of hide his fault is not dumb, but a great person. I admire you, Billy boy.
@colinboniface194
@colinboniface194 2 жыл бұрын
Bill, don't be so hard on yourself. I've been living on boats for 20 years, solar, batteries, wind generators etc. Your brilliance in installing the fuses saved the day. That's a win in my book...
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Colin.
@ronelroux9782
@ronelroux9782 2 жыл бұрын
Everybody makes mistakes from time to time. Good thing you had the fuses. Bill is trying so hard to keep the adventure going. Good job Bil🤙
@markhottman2652
@markhottman2652 2 жыл бұрын
20:20 Bill We the viewers are Rooting for you and the Battery 🔋 project. Not EVERYTHING goes RIGHT the first time with “electrical”. A cheer, for THAT fuse !
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Guess this is very true!! Yes so thankful :)
@olemanjim1415
@olemanjim1415 2 жыл бұрын
Bill, you are one of the smartest persons I know. In my recent trip down the ICW, there were times when markers or course corrections were not clear and conversations took place between the crew. We need to make the correct decision. It was at these times that we brought up the fact that you navigated the ICW solo. You didn't have the luxury of talking things over with someone else, you made all those decisions, you did it. You're a good Captain and a good man, I'd crew for you in a heartbeat. Well, if Grace tosses in one of her wonderful meals, that is : ) I learn from watching you and I'm happy you put this out there. It's good for the soul. Be well my friend.
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for your heartfelt feedback Jim. It’s good to know you’ve got my back! Good on you for your ICW trip. There was a first time for me as well :)
@jimfernish5143
@jimfernish5143 2 жыл бұрын
I have Battleborn batteries in my RV. I made the mistake of not securing all of the wires during the install process. I had a direct short between the positive & negative posts with a small 18-awg wire on one battery. The BMS within the battery shutdown the voltage to the posts. Called Battleborn for help, hoping that I didn't ruin the battery. They had me jump the battery with another 12-volt source to wake up the battery. This solved the issue and battery worked perfectly. I learned that if the batter BMS shuts down the battery, you have to wake it up. Sometime later while the RV was in storage the shore power was shutoff. The inverter continued to run until it depleted the batteries (all 6 batteries) and the BMS shutdown all the batteries. I restored the shore power to the inverter but the batteries would not charge the battery bank. After thinking about the situation, I remembered about having to wake up the Battleborns. Ended up connecting the start battery to the Battleborn bank and they woke up and inverter starting charging the bank. The moral to my store is we learn for dumb mistakes. I appreciate you sharing your mistake, as it will help others not to make the same mistake. We all have learned something by you having the courage to share.
@stephhart7893
@stephhart7893 Жыл бұрын
Right now aint the time for my overdue long discussion of my extreme fascination and respect for the both of you... have been a marine professional/ liveaboard/cruiser/freelance repair guy/commercial fisherman for decades, in a variety of locations -- been right next to you thru all the planned work and the surprises, but this biz with the starter batt. and yr show of honesty n humility had me drop to my knees almost in tears. Bill, most of us have been right there, same moves, same calendar. Good on ya, ya both.
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing Жыл бұрын
Aww thank you!
@MichaelBuck
@MichaelBuck 2 жыл бұрын
Electrical stuff alwasy seems to confuse me a bit, plus it doesnt help I am colorblind. It was really smart to have the fuses on there, that saved you from further problems. I dont know if I would have done any better. I think the lesson learned is to alwasy properly mark the battery terminals clearly, take your time, and double and triple check before turning on any switches. Yes, it could have been a major disaster and 6K worth of batteries down the drain, or worse a battery compartment fire in your boat. But fortunately you had your backups in place and in the long run no damage, no foul as they say. Thank you for being honest and real as most people dont see the value in a showing others their mistakes. In reality this will stick in my mind as I am sure it will for others, so in that respect you probably SAVED alot of headaches for alot of people! Well done!
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks! We hope so! We debated whether to show but if we can save someone the hassle than thats amazing! Next time I will certainly being going more slowly and triple checking everything!
@swrxs
@swrxs 2 жыл бұрын
Coming from an Automotive Mechanic, rushing is when simple mistakes happen to the best of us. I borrowed a saying from USMC. "Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast.". This is also something I try to instill in all the new techs I come across. No worries brother! Fair winds & following seas.
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
I like that saying!!!
@skohaya
@skohaya 2 жыл бұрын
Glad you two are safe. The cushions look great! I wish someone could design the mechanically accessible boat where panels are removable to access all equipment. Blessings. Create a boat birthday and have an Amazon list where people could buy presents for your boat.
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Suzanne! I’m dreaming of that day as well lol. That is a fantastic idea!!!
@scyz2807
@scyz2807 2 жыл бұрын
Shocking absolutely shocking! I re-fuse to accept what happened here! I say it's curtains for you. Yes curtains! ; - ) Enjoyed the episode. We all learn from our mistakes. Well, most of us do. lol
@brucerhodes8197
@brucerhodes8197 2 жыл бұрын
I'm like everyone else, mistakes happen, we've all made them.... the difference is many people wouldn't share their mistakes, the fact that you'd rather own it and make sure it doesn't happen to someone else, shows us what kind of person you are and that's way more important than making a mistake that only proves your human...
@charlesgonzalez3237
@charlesgonzalez3237 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you bill team calico skies.
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the words of encouragement! Def felt pretty dumb after this mistake 😂
@harborhobo
@harborhobo 2 жыл бұрын
Don’t beat yourself up too bad, Bill. You’re not the only one to do something similar to that and I’d be the first to admit that I have. Thank goodness for fuses.
@bmag1964
@bmag1964 2 жыл бұрын
If you have some red paint or nail polish put a dab on the posi side of the battery so in case you have to mess with the wiring in bad or dark conditions, its a lot easier to know which side of the battery you got. Keep up the good work!
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
That’s smart
@freetochooseornot
@freetochooseornot Жыл бұрын
Brother you are not the first nor will you be the last. It happens all the time. You guys do a great job on your boat. Awesome channel
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing Жыл бұрын
😂😂😂 glad I’m not the only one! Lol
@kevbjork1
@kevbjork1 2 жыл бұрын
Never seen one of those terminal fuses. Thanks for sharing.
@granthenry5806
@granthenry5806 2 жыл бұрын
Beautiful video once again. Dont feel bad Bill, stuff happens. Enjoy the new batteries.
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Grant appreciate that. We are 👍🏻
@EAOK88
@EAOK88 2 жыл бұрын
Bill, don't worry about it, we've all done it at some point. You were smart enough to put the fuse block on and do a correct design for the installation, and thats why we take precautions like that. Go easy on yourself and just think about being able to run Aircon on that sweet sweet lithium.
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Ha the ac! Very true. Thank u
@silverfoxes65
@silverfoxes65 2 жыл бұрын
Been there done that. Makes one feel humble and thankful that nothing worse came of it. You will remember this event forever.
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
This is very true. We’ll never make this mistake again!!
@michaelvanwinkle7919
@michaelvanwinkle7919 2 жыл бұрын
Grace, I really like the way you illustrated your trip plan,
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you!! We thought maybe it'd be helpful to provide the big picture 😃
@marisaconner628
@marisaconner628 2 жыл бұрын
It was fun to see this after watching the live stream! Your interior cushions are amazing and that custom mattress will be life changing I’m sure!
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Super nice upgrade! Our cushions we’re original and super aged after 7 years of full time living aboard 😃
@richardbecker5614
@richardbecker5614 2 жыл бұрын
Mom used to say, "Haste, makes waste". Yep, I've done stupid stuff before when I'm tired or rushed. Shit happens. Have a safe trip.
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Very true! Thanks Richard!!!
@karenrussell9672
@karenrussell9672 2 жыл бұрын
I love your honesty. I also love the pace of your videos, interesting how when you were tight for time your safety fuse saved the day.
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Karen! Super happy you’re enjoying them :)
@matthewmwalker
@matthewmwalker 2 жыл бұрын
Awesome. Everyone makes mistakes, even seemingly big ones - just happy it wasn't bad and that you're under way again!
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Yep still getting over it…dumb mistake but gotta move on and keep on trucking!
@AbNomal621
@AbNomal621 2 жыл бұрын
Having worked with electricity a LOT, I would say absolutely put those fuses on. And always double perhaps triple check. Great job on having the protection.
@miketcq8
@miketcq8 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing, we all learn from these videos. Glad the "small" fast blow fuse caught the problem and saved the day. I enjoy your channel and the creativity and skills you share with us.
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for your feedback Michael :) happy you’re enjoying the journey!
@JCrook1028
@JCrook1028 2 жыл бұрын
Damnit, Bill is Human. You've totally let me down! Hehehehehe. Love you guys.
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
😂😂😂
@markbuskens6070
@markbuskens6070 2 жыл бұрын
Bill I admire the things you do,it’s an easy mistake 🥴be happy for no fire or damage to the other electrical parts.Thanks for being real and honest.love watching your adventurous life style 👍👍😉
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Mark :)
@pattiauburn9109
@pattiauburn9109 2 жыл бұрын
Great video - I appreciate the transparency. I'm going to be converting my RV to solar, and I like to think I am learning from your mistakes. I watch a woodworker regularly on KZbin and he showed a video today where he got lazy in his safety procedures and almost cut off 2 fingers. At least you don't have a gigantic bandage on your hand! Looking forward to your trek up the west coast!
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Wow that’s very true Patti!! Glad u liked it :) good luck with the solar!!
@wizardgmb
@wizardgmb 2 жыл бұрын
Big batteries always always make for big fireworks when something goes wrong. I once visited a very overcrowded radio hut to do some testing and repairs. The hut contained two dozen 2 volt batteries about the size of a dorm fridge for backup power; because of the overcrowding, equipment was mounted to the wall above the batteries, a very rare breech of safety protocols. I had been advised to take along a large sheet of cardboard to place over the batteries before working on the equipment and to cover all tools with exposed metal, especially screwdrivers, with tape. I forgot to pickup cardboard and tape because I was running late so when I dropped my screwdriver the shaft became one very large fuseable link! 🎆 After my vision returned, my shorts were changed and the batteries were determined to have survived my foolishness, I called it a day and headed to a very nice restaurant for drinks, food and more drinks! Just a few doors down from the restaurant in Hollywood was a very famous hardware store so I popped in there first to purchase a replacement screwdriver, a roll of tape and beg for a cardboard box... Keep up the great videos and above all STAY SAFE! ⛵❤️😁
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Ha wow!! That must have been a spark! I often worry about working with metal tools over the exposed terminals! Could see if welding a wrench onto the terminals 😂. Glad you were safe from that incident. We did have some fall out from our mistake. The alternator eventually failed as did the wind gen charge controller. Guess we had some uphappy diodes 😂
@wizardgmb
@wizardgmb 2 жыл бұрын
@@CalicoSkiesSailing Those diodes gave their all in service to Calico Skies, ensuring current only flowed in the correct direction!
@barbricottone3056
@barbricottone3056 2 жыл бұрын
You guys are great...keep your spirits up...safe travels😉
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks much Barb!
@over-there
@over-there 2 жыл бұрын
Happy it worked out, thanks for showing us, we will also store that in memory, it will save others, have a good sail, oh and the install looks good, I like the use of space at the watermaker, and 1100 watts solar thumbs up
@jamescarid3448
@jamescarid3448 2 жыл бұрын
Very informative, only five Li installed? How did you dispose of the old Li batteries, is there a fee etc.? Cheers.
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
We couldn’t find a spot for the 6th as we had to add a starter but it nice to have a spare onboard in case of lightening or something. We gave the batteries to some local Panamanians. We were walking then to the marina office for disposal and we got stopped and a couple cab drivers took them. I told them the capacity was reduced but wanted them regardless 🙃
@petebart147
@petebart147 2 жыл бұрын
Thank God for that fuse I have been on the wrong side of an exploding battery I can't imagine if all of them popped easy way to burn down a boat so happy you had protection be safe can't wait till you catch up to Delos you guys make great content together
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks much Pete!!
@davidl8523
@davidl8523 Жыл бұрын
Often we learn more from mistakes than successes. Use a fuse and double/triple-check polarity! That's my takeaway from this. Thanks for sharing; sharing is caring :)
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing Жыл бұрын
Very true!
@allmomomosthomebus3895
@allmomomosthomebus3895 2 жыл бұрын
Having installed a big 16 cell lithium battery bank (16s 48v nominal at 280 ah) on our bus conversion I can say don't feel bad. It's easy to make mistakes, especially when you're not fully rested or in a hurry. That is indeed why lots of fuses and breakers are key in electrical systems. Those Battle born batteries are indeed incredibly expensive. That is why I used prismatic cells. I was able to build a bank of about 15,000 Watt hours for about $2000.
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
wasnt my finest hour that for sure! LOL
@allmomomosthomebus3895
@allmomomosthomebus3895 2 жыл бұрын
@@CalicoSkiesSailing you're being way too hard on yourself Bill.
@HopeOfJoe
@HopeOfJoe 2 жыл бұрын
Awesome episode guys........again. Happy for your Lithium upgrade. Smart‼️ The soft start is also a good idea. Also smart‼️ Now time to resume having fun.✨ 🌊 💨 ⛵️ 🏝 👙 🌞 ✨
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks much Richard!!
@Joshua-dw8wu
@Joshua-dw8wu 2 жыл бұрын
Real is interesting. So is being honest. Thank you.
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Happy this one resonated with u & thanks for watching:)
@jonalirez6710
@jonalirez6710 2 жыл бұрын
Prior Air Force Electrician (and plenty of hobby experience too! ;-)) and I can say I would have 110% done the exact same thing. Great work on the fuse and it served its purpose. Appreciate you sharing and hopefully you save someone else (maybe me!). Totally going to go check my boats battery banks as I reinstalled this spring but have yet to flip the switch. We plan to be on the water this weekend. Great timing!
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Glad to hear I'm not the only one who could make this mistake!! 😂 Not my brightest moment but at least fuse protection was in place!
@jonalirez6710
@jonalirez6710 2 жыл бұрын
@@CalicoSkiesSailing completely agree!
@marklapierre5629
@marklapierre5629 2 жыл бұрын
Yes, it could have been a lot worse if not for some forethought installing those fuses. You did good Bill.
@sailingarista
@sailingarista 2 жыл бұрын
Love you both and thanks for sharing. Not ready yet for the Li but know they will fit thankfully! #lovemySabre
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Ohh they fit and it’s amazing! Lol.
@Carsten-Berlin-Wi
@Carsten-Berlin-Wi 2 жыл бұрын
Well done, try and error on the one hand and being honest on the other!
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Hopefully someone can learn from my mistake!
@barbaralane9825
@barbaralane9825 2 жыл бұрын
Audio is fine. No problem.
@AtlanticPicture
@AtlanticPicture 2 жыл бұрын
All's well that ends well. Also, that was a well spent 40 bucks 👌😅
@Furree_68
@Furree_68 2 жыл бұрын
I'm glad that all went well with the batteries. You can't say this enough but check and check again when dealing with electricity. It's devistating to make misstakes with it.
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
This is true!
@martincrick2158
@martincrick2158 2 жыл бұрын
Interested that you’ve opted to use battery to battery charger FROM engine battery TO house. On my boat, the installation engineer advised doing it the other way. This means my Balmer high output alternator is both configured for Lithium, and integrated to the BMS. So when running the engine, the charge goes at as high a current as the BMS regulates directly into the Li house batteries. When the house batteries are full, the BMS turns the alternator off. (It’s a bit bizarre to see the tachometer go to zero while the engine is running, but I’ve got used to it). The DC to DC charger keeps the engine start battery topped up, and gets it recharged at a rate it is happy with after the engine start. Doing it the other way around, as you have, makes teh lead acid engine start batter a bottle neck to charging the house batteries. May not matter too much if solar is your primary charging, but if you go north again you may regret it!
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
That’s how I wanted to install it as well! Plus the dc to dc is limited to 30 amps. Right now we are running off our spare internally regulated alternator so I’m using the dc to dc to protect the alternator from the low resistance of the lithium and lack of temp compensation. I’ll have to revisit the installation when we a new alternator onboard
@btrent9244
@btrent9244 2 жыл бұрын
Great video. Important info for everyone. Thank you for sharing 👍🇺🇸...
@seanrice1222
@seanrice1222 2 жыл бұрын
Bill, I still think you’re a pretty smart cookie. ✌️
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Just gotta learn my shapes better! + is different than - 😂😛🙃
@jenrdemldeml8328
@jenrdemldeml8328 2 жыл бұрын
New cushions make the boat feel new. Great video I think you’ll love the lithium. I’m an electrician by trade and they are definitely a game changer. Great video. Costa Rica is awesome. I hope that you enjoy.
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
They’ve made a huge difference already! We love the batteries. Give us all the power!!! Lol. Costa Rica was simply amazing. Editing those videos now and it’s a dream :)
@jamesbrewer6789
@jamesbrewer6789 2 жыл бұрын
Wondering if your fall season will be set in the pacific north west, or perhaps further north... I'm eager to keep watching and find out!
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Before we started cruising I would have been dreaming about doing that but with KZbin and life it’s a much slowerrrr experience than I ever imagined! I think realistically we’ll be in the sea of Cortez :) but maybe next season if we don’t cross the pacific! It looks like an incredible area to explore 🥰
@loniallorenz2009
@loniallorenz2009 2 жыл бұрын
As an electrical engineering student at the University of Cincinnati in the 60's, Al and his buddies connected a load board incorrectly and cause a 10,000 ampere short through the main rotating machines lab on campus at Swift Hall to bring down the engineering quadrant electrical supply in an instant. Thankfully no one was hurt in this 1967 mis adventure. Loni & Al The wires under load did repel one another and jumped violently apart.....
@loniallorenz2009
@loniallorenz2009 2 жыл бұрын
Al decided computer science was safer and went off to have and over 50 year successful career in that new discipline. Loni....
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Oh wow that is crazy! Made us laugh over here 😂 All’s we’ll that ends well ?!
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Too funny. I guess a good choice lol
@mikeoreilly5065
@mikeoreilly5065 2 жыл бұрын
Great that you had a fuse there. Have a look at the damaged fuse as I suspect based on the spark, that although it worked, it may not be rated for such a short circuit current. Lithium batteries can provide many thousands of amps during a short. The best fuse for this application is Class T. This would contain the spark and limit damage to surrounding items. Most importantly though, you had a fuse!
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
So thankful for that fuse!!!
@timmitchell8784
@timmitchell8784 2 жыл бұрын
It happens to the best of us. I work in hvac and have for 50 years. A few months ago I was installing a new high end system. The electrician on the job just had to hook up L1 and L2 to power. Well he hooked up power to the terminals “1 and 2” on the control side not the ones clearly marked L1 and L2. When it was powered up by the electrician it blew several thousand dollars of the equipment. If a pro can make that mistake. At least you were on top of it enough to protect the systems. No reason to feel bad.
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Jeez that’s wild! Makes me feel better ha!
@rickkwitkoski1976
@rickkwitkoski1976 2 жыл бұрын
So real. Thank you.
@SGudur
@SGudur 2 жыл бұрын
Hey Bill and Grace.. Thank you for being honest on what to watch when someone installs a new battery.. I did the same mistake... I was installing a small batery for my 20mins backup for my router and got a nice one back!! Hahaha... Nice to see you guys crossing the Panama canal... Eager to see what's your next plan... Are you and Delos have any plans to cross the ocean to reach Europe / to arctic circle? All the best for your awesome journey.. Loads of love from India..
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Hi there - thank u for your feedback:) sounds like we are not alone lol. We are going to slow down and enjoy Mexico for awhile and make some upgrades to Calico Skies so we are budgeting a nice amount of time for that :) then we will cross the Pacific! We actually sailed to Europe from the Caribbean in 2018! Our very first videos are from the transat back :)
@dreupen
@dreupen 2 жыл бұрын
I should add, that with at least 6 Battleborn LiFePO4s. one should not need an A/C start capacitor. If you do, then you have other problems. Your inverter would likely be the limiting factor. A start capacitor would probably be necessary for traditional lead acid batteries, but not for lithium(unless ones inverter is borderline) . I can run my Flagship Marine 16,500 BTU A/C off of my 560AH LiFePO4 12V bank for about 5-1/2 continuous hours. It draws 100A from the 12V bank which is near the same amps as what my microwave uses. While my battery cells are also 1C rated (i.e. 560A max load), I have a 200A BMS, but only a 2kW inverter and therefor should not run the A/C and micro at the same time ( 2kW/ 13.2V = 2000 V*A/13.2 V = 152A). BTW, we all do stupid things, but it takes smart person to admit it. We learn from our mistakes, and sharing the mistake can help others. For that we all thank you!
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
That was my thought process as well! With so many in parallel I didn’t think starting would be an issue, I don’t really know the answer but figured wire to what the warranty says ha. We were able to start the air con without a capacitor on the inverter but it often threw off all sort of error messages on the inverters end….like voltage ripple etc. with the soft start it is super easy now. Our air con is is nearly 6kw to start but only runs like 1.2kw
@johnchilds4156
@johnchilds4156 2 жыл бұрын
Bill and Grace, love your videos even the problems. When you have a chance, I would change out your battery switch to a Blue Seas On/Off dual circuit with combine "Series 5511E" to protect your alternator". Keep your alternator connected to the starter battery (non Lithium). Just a suggestion.
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
I’ll have to check that out! They battery switch is original so would be smart to swap that out at some point! Right out we have our alternator to starter then the dc to dc to keep the lithium bank charged. Our “smart” alternator had some issues so we are running off a spare.
@johnchilds4156
@johnchilds4156 2 жыл бұрын
@@CalicoSkiesSailing You are doing it right. You might remember which type of battery goes to a bank but....... The big issue is the alternator needs to be on a battery that doesn't cut off and blow the diodes like lithium would do.
@formhubfar
@formhubfar 2 жыл бұрын
Re rushing the battery install there is an old saying, work in haste repent at leisure.., glad it all worked out.
@markw3018
@markw3018 2 жыл бұрын
No harm , no foul. Keep plugging away. I once was flying upside down in my jet, and forgot to take off my 3rd Medal of Honor, it almost caused me to crash.
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Woah now that sounds like a story!!!
@klmams14
@klmams14 2 жыл бұрын
Loved the music in this episode. Bill, do you have a list of cordless power tools you have on board Calico Skies?
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks!! Let see...we have the following cordless tools: Drill Impact Driver Angle Grinder Plug in power tools we have jig saw, sawzall, heat gun, Dremel multimaster & rotary, solder iron
@klmams14
@klmams14 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@FantomsNephew
@FantomsNephew 2 жыл бұрын
precautious! 👍
@R.E.HILL_
@R.E.HILL_ 2 жыл бұрын
Nice one.. What happened to the delos lithiums you got, how did they get buggered?
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
We donated them to some local Panamanians. They were operating at a diminished capacity and we are not 100% sure why. Some factors we’ve considered are 1) They were an older generation with old BMS technology and heavily used so the starting point in terms of their health is not known for sure 2) We didn’t have a soft start or a starter battery while we using them both of which would have voided our warranty and caused the performance problem.
@larrymiller4
@larrymiller4 2 жыл бұрын
It is always best to have self-acknowledgement and admit that we are fallible, flawed human beings with an innately imperfect nature. This is how we learn, and we become better people because of it. It's better than always defending oneself and trying to cover up our faults and mistakes. Others will respect us more if we just humble ourselves and not try to preserve our own honor and pride. And others can benefit, as you say, from hearing about our mistakes.
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Very true Greg
@lowellmccormick6991
@lowellmccormick6991 2 жыл бұрын
Bad experiences are good learning tools. Why were the previous lithium batteries replaced?
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
This is true! The ones Brian gave us were operating at a diminished capacity and we are not 100% sure why. Some factors that could be considered are 1) They were an older generation with old BMS technology and heavily used so the starting point in terms of their health is not known for sure 2) We didn’t have a soft start or a starter battery while we using them both of which would have voided our warranty and could have caused the performance problem.
@scubaseas1
@scubaseas1 2 жыл бұрын
It's only a problem if you loose the smoke out of the wire. Fun fact on top post/auto start batteries the positive is always the bigger post. Good on the MTBFs. If you find you can't balance or fully charge the LiFePo4s make all the + and - feed wires the same length which is easily done if terminated on buss bars. Reverse polarity can fry diodes. Like toast pretty much everything with a circuit board. ABYC TE-13 is a good read.....
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Good tip on the buss bars, I’m considering that when we get a location where I can more easily get parts. We did loose our alternator about a month after this incident…went down below and say negative amps while motoring. Checked the alternator and it was red hot, but a diode was damaged from the reverse polarity. So the two casualties are a wind gen for controller and alternator 😵‍💫
@scubaseas1
@scubaseas1 2 жыл бұрын
@@CalicoSkiesSailing good thing you have solar. If you're going to charge your house bank off the engine you really need a K frame alternator or at least a dual fan like the new Balmar XT series. I was talking to Rod from Marine how to/Compass and he suggested running the XT170 at 100 amps to keep the temps down . Obviously you should also have a temp sensor on the alternator and a smart regulator.
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
For sure! We have 1100w of solar plus a Honda 2200 when needed. I installed our spare alternator that’s only 55amps and internally regulated so it’s charging the lead acid and we are using a dc to dc in order to top off the lithium. Our balmar 80am I had tunded down to 55 so it wouldn’t overheat ps think the reverse polarity fried the alternator
@scubaseas1
@scubaseas1 2 жыл бұрын
@@CalicoSkiesSailing Even at 55A the early AT and HT Balmars would start to get hot on a lithium bank. Anything above about 205*F will drastically reduce the life of the alternator. Victron had a good video of frying an alternator in less than 10 to 15 minutes when charging a LFP battery. My old boat I ran a 4" blower with the pickup right at the alternator. It helped but small frame, single fan alternators are simply not designed for high heat operation. A K frame alternator is designed for heavy service like ambulances, busses, etc. Problem is they are huge compared to what you have. LiFePo4 can charge so guickly that it'll cook an alternator in no time, even a detuned one which is why a properly mounted temp sensor and a regulator that can use the temp sensor data are so important if it's going to last. And having an alternator that can handle the longer/higher loads involved with a LFP bank. DC to DC charger through the start battery is one solution but won't charge the house bank very quickly. Smart way to do it though if you don't have the right alternator.
@scubaseas1
@scubaseas1 2 жыл бұрын
@@CalicoSkiesSailing you're probably right on the reverse polarity popping the diodes. Especially the isolation diode. I pushed a wrench for a living for over 50 years and have seen a lot of bad things happen when you hook the jumper cables up the wrong way....
@rwbishop
@rwbishop 2 жыл бұрын
Good thing you had them fused! Curious, do stock spares?
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
We do keep spares onboard, we’ve been know right pop a fuse or two in our day 😂😜
@albion1016
@albion1016 2 жыл бұрын
You're still the wiz kid, you saved yourself
@karlfair
@karlfair 2 жыл бұрын
It's an easy mistake to make. I learned by burning up a VHF. On batteries that are not well marked, I use paint or a red marker on the positive side, before installation. Good thing you had a fuse.
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
That’s a great idea, remove the possibility of this issue happening again!
@DowneastThunderCreations
@DowneastThunderCreations 2 жыл бұрын
👍👍👍
@svkoukla9842
@svkoukla9842 Жыл бұрын
Why did you switch from Dragonfly to Battleborn?
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing Жыл бұрын
The dragon flys were early beta batteries, we were having some issues holding charge so we upgraded to the newer batteries and BMS
@ae7v
@ae7v 2 жыл бұрын
Shit happens and yes schedules suck. No one was hurt and you won't do it again. Let's go sailing. Cheers!
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Like your attitude Todd!
@RA-gk5zg
@RA-gk5zg 2 жыл бұрын
What fuse? Do you have a link to Amazon?
@bry29bry
@bry29bry 2 жыл бұрын
Blue Sea MRBF Terminal Fuse I'm going through a starter battery installation on my boat currently and I am using these as well. High quality and easy to use. Edited to fix the name of the fuse
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Yep exactly like Bryan said!
@svBluePearl
@svBluePearl 2 жыл бұрын
We need new upholstery as well , as you are so satisfied can you share David’s info ?
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Yea he did a great job and very quickly. +507 6659-5789
@garibaldi929
@garibaldi929 2 жыл бұрын
I’m hoping there was no leaks 😮
@dreupen
@dreupen 2 жыл бұрын
While Battleborn's (BBs) are lithium batteries, lithium batteries are not BBs. I say this because of the "general lithium battery" statements which you say that may only apply to BBs. First off, it not clear why you are replacing the older dragonfly(aka Battleborns) batteries? Next, LiFePO4 batteries can make better start batteries than lead acid (FLA) batteries. A single 100AH BB has a 1C rating, that is they it is rated for 100A continuous current. Since an diesel starter can draw about 60A - 120A, this can be above the BB 100A spec, and so the BB recommendation. Note that the BBs can draw 200A for short periods. That said, one should have no issues starting with a BB. BUT you have how many in 12V parallel? With 6 BBs, each would provide 10A-20A at most. So it is clear that you should have no issue starting with BBs. That said, there is a good reason to use a FLA and it is for Alternator charging. When charging, the battery's BMS can and will disconnect the battery from charging for several reasons: i.e. over charge and temperature protections(both low and high Temp). Alternator diodes don't like sudden load disconnects and this should be avoided. The easiest way is use a FLA start battery and connect the alternator directly to it (NOT the battery switch!). And then to charge the LiFePO4s, use a battery combiner, DC-DC charger, or a switch with battery disconnect protection(i.e. TVS diode). The problem with DC-DC chargers are low charging capacities (i.e. 30A). Victron solution is to parallel DC-DC chargers so that 30A + 30A gives 60A. DC-DC chargers are a poor choice for most marine systems where the alternators are rated at about 100A. I use a smart controlled BlueSeas ACR to charge my 560AH LiFePO4 bank with my 120A alternator.
@thomaswbennett4857
@thomaswbennett4857 2 жыл бұрын
I make it a point NOT to tust the cap colors. I do a polarity check, and then mark the positive post. (Hint, red nail polish works fine,)
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
That’s what I’ll be doing going forward! Thanks for the tip
@TraneFrancks
@TraneFrancks 2 жыл бұрын
"WTF was that?" -- A gift from the Feral Aussies, brother. You just never know when they'll strike. [Edit to add: Boat yoga is an inevitability in my future. I should probably lose some weight before said inevitability.]
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
😂😂😂😂😂
@SaYeager
@SaYeager 2 жыл бұрын
It happens
@riversbrink8764
@riversbrink8764 2 жыл бұрын
I thought Delos gave you their bank of lithium batteries. They didn’t last?
@richardelder256
@richardelder256 2 жыл бұрын
When a modern sailboat needs $ 6,000 worth of Li grenades on board just to keep up with all of its electrical wishes it says a lot about how the adventure of sailing has degenerated since the days of Moitessier.
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Yep totally different ball game these days! You can certainly go without the fanciness but since we have been living onboard for 7 years straight some creature comforts have creep in HA
@dennishively5994
@dennishively5994 2 жыл бұрын
We are only human,
@vinnyconneiiy7864
@vinnyconneiiy7864 2 жыл бұрын
👍🎣🌊⛵💯
@billygrahamyachtsinc753
@billygrahamyachtsinc753 2 жыл бұрын
Bill, this Bill commenting. Shit happens man, slow down and relax. I am 75 yrs of age, and I want to sea at age 14. I live aboard a 49 ft Colvin junk rigged steel schooner. The best lessons in life are mistakes, and I have made many, and I remember them all.
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Wow that a lot of years at sea!! I won't soon forget to triple check polarity! LOL
@jimh.5286
@jimh.5286 2 жыл бұрын
Don't tell anybody, but I've done things a lot dumber than that. But I usually get the job done - completely blowing up, melting and frying expensive things.
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Haha thats def us for sure! All’s well that ends well 😉
@timothytrespas
@timothytrespas Жыл бұрын
Your mistake happens. You didn’t destroy anything. And I bet you will double check every time now. And you have convinced me to buy a fuse and circuit breaker for my new battery install. Sadly I can only afford lead acid batteries at the moment on our boat. Enjoy!
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing Жыл бұрын
Nice! We had AGMs for years that served us very well
@Gpcas9
@Gpcas9 2 жыл бұрын
Oh I love these moments, same happened to me on several car builds over the years. I had builds where I asked myself "What were you thinking" when I worked on the car into the late hours. When you´re on these things for a long day you tend to get fatigued. You make mistakes and you don´t see them even if you try to check the circuit afterwards. What you do instead is only recapturing everything you have done (even wrong) for the last hours since everything is still fresh in your mind (and you thought was alright in the first place ;-) ) Best thing is to have someone else have a look at it and make some sense out of it, or wait a day and look at it with an other mindset. And as always , measure twice , don´t burn your car(boat ) even once ;-)
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Very true!! There’s so many things I could have done that would prevented this issue, but as the say hindsight is 20/20!
@robertsupon1504
@robertsupon1504 2 жыл бұрын
No sound
@ratbert1
@ratbert1 2 жыл бұрын
So you made a mistake, everyone does, the genius was fitting a fuse to ensure the impact of the mistake was minimised. I would congratulate yourself rather than beat yourself up.
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
Good way to look at it.
@robertsupon1504
@robertsupon1504 2 жыл бұрын
Fix the sound and send again
@CalicoSkiesSailing
@CalicoSkiesSailing 2 жыл бұрын
hmm thats strange!! We have sound on our end, maybe youtube is still processing something?? We had a few friends check and they also have sound, does it work with this link? kzbin.info/www/bejne/larSlGBsh62Hd5I
Heavy Weather Prep ... & Other Missions (Calico Skies Sailing, Ep 246)
19:11
Calico Skies Sailing
Рет қаралды 8 М.
Sigma Kid Mistake #funny #sigma
00:17
CRAZY GREAPA
Рет қаралды 23 МЛН
Farmer narrowly escapes tiger attack
00:20
CTV News
Рет қаралды 14 МЛН
Players push long pins through a cardboard box attempting to pop the balloon!
00:31
Modifying the Capstan (with a Swiss machinist)
27:41
Sampson Boat Co
Рет қаралды 220 М.
This is exactly how much MONEY I make as SAILING Youtuber
25:51
Alluring Arctic Sailing
Рет қаралды 206 М.
Grim Turn in Detained Superyacht Owner of MY Phi | SY News Ep413
13:50
The Yacht Report
Рет қаралды 54 М.
Enhancing Access To Our Winches  (MJ Sailing - Ep 332)
18:29
MJ Sailing
Рет қаралды 27 М.
Battling a Gale on Our Passage Across the BERING SEA
26:13
Alluring Arctic Sailing
Рет қаралды 367 М.
Sigma Kid Mistake #funny #sigma
00:17
CRAZY GREAPA
Рет қаралды 23 МЛН