The amount of software work is increasing on a modern cruising boat.

Checking in on the majority of islands in the Caribbean nowadays filling in arrivalform in Sailclear online is mandatory. Moreover using Starlink requires using the Starlink app when heading to sea to switch to ocean mode and PredictWind as well as the Iridium apps contains loads of functions that takes time to learn.

We now also spent time trying to program our Victron inverter from a laptop. Since our Nardi single phase 3Kw electric dive compressor is wired over our Victron 3000W multi inverter as well as our N.Lights 9,5Kva generator we wanted to program the inverter to also be able to handle the compressor on generator (it works on shore power but not on generator). It has to be done over Victron’s MK-3 module plugged into the inverter as well as over USB to the laptop. We managed to program the inverter according to instructions but the dive compressor is still not working on the generator. The major issue is the huge surge of start up current that has to be handled. We also have a soft starter for this to reduce the surge upon startup but so far it¡s still failing to start on generator. 

It seems to be time for a professional.