Found a satellite TV signal on the nearly empty Dunhamstead permenant moorings. We having tried for fuel at Dunhamstead and failed, we eventually filled up at Hanbury before cruising on. After winding at the second lock we moored above Astwood bottom lock and after lunch walked to Hanbury Hall. Whilst there Brian phoned to ask where we were moored. He and Janet arrived at the boat having walked from the second lock minutes after we had got back. A pleasant afternoon tea catching up on family and boating news.
Left there to cruise to Droitwich. A slow cruise as a boat coming up the staircase lock had foundthe bottom lock empty and the upper chamber completely drained. Arriving just after midday we walked into the town and had a pleasant lunch at an Italian restaurant J had previously checked out on Trip Advisor. Shopping at Waitrose and a lazy afternoon.
Intending to switch off the fridge overnight, not to save power but because of the noise, I accidentally switched on the deep freeze. As a result the batteries were at 57% when we set out the next day. I had not intended to switch on the Advanced Regulator as we would be back on shore power that evening. However, given the lowish battery capacity it offered an opportunity to test out the regulator ...
Start 57% 13.7v
1 hr 67% 14.05v
2 hrs 82% 14.5v
3 hrs 94% 14.65v
3.5 hrs 98% 14.7v .... success!
Need now to follow a battery maintenance routine, something I have never need before.
Back in Worcester by 1430, after a fast accompanied passage through the Diglis basin locks, and home for tea.
Sunday, 25 August 2013
Wednesday, 21 August 2013
Droitwich Ring
With a forecast of good weather we've decided on a short break cruising the Droitwich Ring ... currently moored and it's raining!
Worcester Birmingham Canal is very quiet, met only 4 boats and one has passed us since we moored. The canal is not in a good state, water is low and in the five. Mile pound reeds are encroaching into the navigation. All locks have been set in out favour. Paddles vary, most are reasonable except for the top paddles on Offerton Bottom Lock are the hardest I've experienced for a long time. The top lock paddles were the easiest today!
Tried for fuel at Lowesmoor Wharf but the phone was not answered so did not bother manoeuvring into their basin.
Initially no need to use the Stirling Advanced Regulator as batteries were charged from the mains. However, stopped for lunch and watched the TV news by which time capacity dropped to 91% so connected the regulator and after a short half hour cruise capacity was back to 100% ... success! But still have to find an appropriate power point to power the regulator only when the engine is running.
Moored for the night just before Dunhampton Bridge.
Worcester Birmingham Canal is very quiet, met only 4 boats and one has passed us since we moored. The canal is not in a good state, water is low and in the five. Mile pound reeds are encroaching into the navigation. All locks have been set in out favour. Paddles vary, most are reasonable except for the top paddles on Offerton Bottom Lock are the hardest I've experienced for a long time. The top lock paddles were the easiest today!
Tried for fuel at Lowesmoor Wharf but the phone was not answered so did not bother manoeuvring into their basin.
Initially no need to use the Stirling Advanced Regulator as batteries were charged from the mains. However, stopped for lunch and watched the TV news by which time capacity dropped to 91% so connected the regulator and after a short half hour cruise capacity was back to 100% ... success! But still have to find an appropriate power point to power the regulator only when the engine is running.
Moored for the night just before Dunhampton Bridge.
Tuesday, 13 August 2013
The Stirling Advanced Digital Regulator
Although fitted I had not been able to get the advanced digital regulator to work for our Oxford and Sharpness cruises so today decided to investigate further by changing the 55 amp alternator for the 70 amp alternator. The former is has a field wire I fitted whilst the latter has one fitted professionally. Before starting though I would check the 12v supply to the unit using my 'universal' testing 'wire with bulb and clips' ... I had previously tested using a 12v meter ... result no power! Connected the unit directly to 12v supply and it worked. Did not fit the 70 amp alternator ... went for lunch out instead.
I don't think I'm a complete idiot. I'm convinced I had 12v on the meter and when first fitted the battery type LED on the unit was flickering. I have now to investigate whether the terminal on the ignition switch does not give 12v or whether there is a fault between the terminal and where I connected to the advanced regulator. Also want to be able to switch off the advanced regulator when a planned long cruise or a reasonable battery state make its use unnecessary, so some further work required. Until then we can cruise with the regulator operating and find out how effective it is at speeding up recharging the batteries.
I don't think I'm a complete idiot. I'm convinced I had 12v on the meter and when first fitted the battery type LED on the unit was flickering. I have now to investigate whether the terminal on the ignition switch does not give 12v or whether there is a fault between the terminal and where I connected to the advanced regulator. Also want to be able to switch off the advanced regulator when a planned long cruise or a reasonable battery state make its use unnecessary, so some further work required. Until then we can cruise with the regulator operating and find out how effective it is at speeding up recharging the batteries.
Gifford Circus, Frampton upon Severn
Cruised to Gloucester stopping overnight at Upton upon Severn to meet daughter and granddaughter Sunday evening. They stayed with us overnight and we cruised to Frampton Monday morning.
Weather was forecast to be very wet but no rain while cruising. The unofficial moorings after the first Frampton bridge and now not available to cruised on and moored near second bridge. This meant a longer walk to the Green where the Circus was set up. Enjoyed a drink in the sun before lunch.
Heavens opened whilst having lunch but cleared up to restart 20 minutes before we needed to set out for the circus. Then stopped just as we prepared to leave. Longer walk then I expected but rain held off until we were in the tent.
Weather was forecast to be very wet but no rain while cruising. The unofficial moorings after the first Frampton bridge and now not available to cruised on and moored near second bridge. This meant a longer walk to the Green where the Circus was set up. Enjoyed a drink in the sun before lunch.
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| Splatt Bridge, Sharpness Canal |
Excellent performance but a child is needed to justify enjoying it! Good meal at the Bell before D and Grand D departed.
Decided to cruise on to Sharpness ... it has not improved since our last and only visit so years ago. Then back to Gloucester which was surprisingly quiet, just 5 boats on moorings overnight. Next day to Worcester ... 9 hours on the river ... too long.
Kingswood Junction - Oxford - Worcester
Have to admit that posting comments while cruising I have not done too well! Cruise to Oxford was marred by meeting a CRT volunteer on Hatton Flight who had detained a hire boat half way up the flight on the grounds of a water shortage. The boat was kept waiting about an hour to wait for a following boat ... untrue and officious. When the pair came out of the lock they were tied together. Crossing in a short pound meant that J in Ada was pushed to the side ... a new meaning to 'barging'! Before that, in third lock, engine stopped because of fuel starvation. Took about 30 mins to change the fuel filter but the boat we were travelling with went on without us so worked the flight alone.
Oxford was quite with plenty of moorings available opposite Oxford Boats. The city was crowded as it was the time for prospective students to look around the colleges ... an real flock of 'seagulls'. However, met up with friend, best man, and exchanged news over an excellent lunch at Conte, steak and chips done French style.
Cruise back, stopped a couple of nights at The Pig Place on the Oxford Canal. 240v connection but no water. Apparently they use a bore hole and there's none to spare but excellent bacon and sausages. Stopped below Hatton for an early start, no there boats to share the work and no sign of the CRT volunteers.
Returned via Stratford on Avon so met up with J's cousin Robert and enjoyed a very pleasant evening with them. Similarly at Tewkesbury, another cousin and another very pleasant evening. And so back to Worcester.
Started the cruise with cold damp weather and ended with a record breaking heat wave ... British weather.
Oxford was quite with plenty of moorings available opposite Oxford Boats. The city was crowded as it was the time for prospective students to look around the colleges ... an real flock of 'seagulls'. However, met up with friend, best man, and exchanged news over an excellent lunch at Conte, steak and chips done French style.
Cruise back, stopped a couple of nights at The Pig Place on the Oxford Canal. 240v connection but no water. Apparently they use a bore hole and there's none to spare but excellent bacon and sausages. Stopped below Hatton for an early start, no there boats to share the work and no sign of the CRT volunteers.
Returned via Stratford on Avon so met up with J's cousin Robert and enjoyed a very pleasant evening with them. Similarly at Tewkesbury, another cousin and another very pleasant evening. And so back to Worcester.
Started the cruise with cold damp weather and ended with a record breaking heat wave ... British weather.
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