Just got ABYC instructor Ed Sherman's new book on Advanced Marine Electronics "Advanced Marine Electrics and Electronics Troubleshooting", it's a Marine Electricians guide to new techniques (Like TDR), new tools and methods for the Marine Electrician. It's an adjunct to the powerboaters guide.
http://store.abycinc.org...OKS&Product_Count=0 BTW: TDR Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) is based in conductor reflection timing (on a return pulse) which used in testing wiring.
Minor Wants: More. I'd have liked a Oscilloscope section and more engine electronics (J1939) stuff. Pictures are profuse and clear. I started reading the ASE Advanced Performance and would have liked more of the engine electronics integration knowledge brought here. (Picoscope type stuff). Selection criteria for quality electronics (e.g. explain NITS or candela and contrast levels for visibility, explain pulse width modulation and motor control as the terms are used, explain the NMEA 2000 technical architecture) would be nice. The author states that it is an additional book for the ABYC electrician and electronics installer, but some basics ob electronics would help. 200 pages
BTW: Pulse Width modulation (PWM) is means of controlling a (DC) motor's speed by providing longer or shorter pulses (from a onboard systems microprocessor). More "On" time means faster speed. (Think flicking a fan switch on and off.)
This book is a must get, yet I am only left wanting more. A 2nd edition would be have to get. I loved the ground loop explanation and the need for isolation on network systems on boats.
BTW: When electronics have more than one point of grounding, EMI (electronic noise is propagated through the system. Massive problem with cheap ethernet (which is why opto isolation is recommended). A ground loop is bad thing, in your network and in your home stereo (hum).
Like any book under a million pages on the subject, there is a lot more you want. His advice focuses on hand held Microprocessor test tools. This is excellent guidance for average marine electronics tech, although I am not likely to give up my old Tek 11801C TDR or my SD-24 sampling head.
Recommended Read
Unzinced ships sink at slips. yep