What's next?

What's next?

I have a few NordyBits projects at the prototype stage. They're all based on things that I need for my own boat and assume that other owners might also have the same problems.

Black and grey water water tank monitor

Code named NordySh!ts, I'm developing a replacement for the Sealand/Dometic tank monitor. Based on a BEP Marine ultrasonic level sensor, the plan is to have a solution that screws into the top of the tank using the existing fitting, uses the existing wiring and also uses the existing display housing.

I've used the BEP ultrasonic sensors in an industrial drinking water treatment plant for the past six years and they've stood up well to the harsh environment. They're accurate to within 2mm and shouldn't be susceptible to fouling like the float switches.

The initial inspiration for the project came from an irritation with the glow of the display lights when I was in bed so I've used an LCD that can show how full the tanks are as a percentage rather than the current option of a light each for Empty, Not Quite Empty, Half Full and Oh Dear.

There is a clock built in to allow pump out to be scheduled each day if required.

I also have a matching design for the key switch pump out panel.




Engine room blowers

The new design of the Dayton squirrel cage blower doesn't fit in the existing bracket so I've ordered a small batch of stainless steel flange mount brackets. Laser cut from 3mm thick 316 stainless steel, the brackets will hold the fan by the flange as intended rather than clamping the motor body. The new Dayton design also has a different mounting for the input flange so I'm working on 3D printed inlet and outlet adapters. The existing flange adapter was made up with a bit of 3 inch pvc pipe stuffed into a piece of perspex and then covered in black goo to create a seal - too agricultural for me!

Oceanair blind clips

On both my N40 and N47, the clear plastic clips used to operate the Oceanair blinds have failed or are failing. Dometic now own Oceanair and don't supply replacement parts for older blinds. I've designed a replacement and just need to see how they cope long term before releasing the product.

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