Engine Bilge Alarm Panel-gctid396786

[JimMc]

I finally finished the Engine & Bilge Alarm panel I started a couple of years ago.



I have Bilge level sensors in four area to determine abnormal water levels.

Also each engines Merc alarm system also comes to the alarm panel to indicate which engine is in alarm.

During an alarm situation the Alarm can be muted. Instead of the Audio Alarm the MUTED LED flashes and the engine or bilge in alarm continues to be indicated. This would be a good thing if I am on the VHF making a call so I can hear and be heard.

Once the alarm condition ends the mute automatically resets so that the audible alarm would stand ready.

Pressing Alarm Test sounds the alarm and lights all the LEDs. The LEDs are daylight visible.

I found a very distinct and loud alarm for the system. The individual Merc alarms were removed.

[Guest]

That is absolutely great! Every boat should be equipped this way from factory. I would be very interested in knowing what you did including a wiring diagram if possible. I've tried to do something similar with my boat (engine alarm and bilge) with relays but it didn't work out.

Gary.

[JimMc]

I think the alarm panel is important and regret it took so long to get it done.

We had a marina neighbor almost lose a beautifully restored old Chris Craft last week due to a failed hose. He did not realize he was flooding until it was almost too late.

I am sorry the drawing is not a bit cleaner. But all the components and wiring is shown.

I have cleaned up the original drawing.

[Guest]

Ok, it looks like you have a lot of diodes in there, some of which are circled some are not. Could be LED maybe? Also, the N Channel mosfet, is that a standard part or does it go by another name/spec? I'm sure you built this in a logical manner, did you use a circuit board to layout the resistors/LEDs and diodes? How about the 9v coil? If I go shopping for some of these parts online I just want to make sure I'm ordering the right stuff. Sorry for the thousand questions, but this is such a great idea.

Gary.

[JimMc]

The circled diodes with little hash marks are daylight visible LEDs as is the flashing LED.

All the relays are 12V. I did not need to go with the 9V as I thought. Sorry I need to get the drawing cleaned up. (Now cleaned up)

Yes the entire circuit was built on a PC board. Actually on two small boards I stacked, but it made it way harder and I would not do it that way again.

The N Channel MOSFET was a basic device I had in my stock. A Radio Shack item. I will try to remember the exact one.

I cleaned up the drawing and put up the newer one.

[JimMc]

My alarm consists of three major functions:

• Bilge Levels
• Engine alarms
• Self resetting mute

If you want only an alarm to indicate high bilge levels the circuitry could be much more simple.

[Guest]

Wondering about the MOSFET instead of a small transistor... how big of a siren did you put on there?

Looking great!

[Guest]

BTW... gotta replace that old trim rocker with a Bennett electronic indicator switch... will make it look a lot more modern

As The Dude would say, it'd really tie the room together.

[JimMc]

The MOSFET may be overkill but if I go with a different siren or alarm there would be no need to redesign the drive circuit.

I have had the Bennett indicators on the helm for years.