Current Position as of 2000UTC: 15.54N, 168.52W
Note from Mom:
Sorry for the delay in posting. Last night Zac was working through another solar panel issue via sat phone with electrician, Mike Smith from North Carolina. They determined that when Zac uses his Single Side Band radio, somehow RF from the radio is traveling to the soalr panel regulator and frying it! Hey Mike, if you're reading this, feel free to comment and correct me. I am actually a general class Ham operator but specialize only in talking on the radio not fixing or installing! Thank God for Gordon West!
For now, I will be posting Zac's blogs in the morning as he travels farther and into earlier time zones. Why am I only posting at 3:30 PDT? That is a long story but consists of having 7 kids, one home business and a kid sailing around the world alone! But this is not my blog so I will leave that to suffice!
Yesterday was the day that I finally felt back 'in the groove'. I am sleeping better and have been able to really power nap again. I rigged up a fishing line today. Mahana caught a 4-5 foot tuna today. Well they sort of caught one. When they got the fish close to the boat the line broke. Haven't been any more Booby birds so hopefully I won't end up catching one of those. The wind has been pretty consistant and I am making good time. It feels great to be getting to Majuro so quickly. I have been averaging between 5-6 knots most of the time. After checking email and working on my blog today, I noticed that my solar panels weren't charging as much as they should have been. I checked the fuses and the connections all round and they all seemed to be good. I checked the panels themselves and found that the Boobies must have been hanging out there. I climbed up the stainless steel mount and wiped them down with a rag which was fun in the wind and swells. They still weren't charging well so I called Mike Smith, one of the electricians that worked on Intrepid before I left. We went through the entire system with Mike calling the regulator manufacterer for help. We think that the RF from the SSB radio is causing the problem. This isn't a terrible problem because I can still charge my batteries from the wind generator (and there is a lot of wind) and in an emergencey I can charge with my engine. It does mean that I need to conserve power pretty seriously. I reset the radar to a more powersaving mode so hopefully that will help. The radar is one of my biggest power draws.
I slept in the cockpit last night becasue it is so warm. The moon is only about half full but is still really bright and the nights have been really clear.
There have been a lot of questions about pirates lately. I think you all are doing a good job answering all the questions. Basically, the areas of piracy are well documented. Even though my route looks like it is close to Indonesia, it isn't close enough to the problem areas. I have been reading about Papua New Guinea and there is a lot of crime there (on land) and malaria will be a problem until I clear the Panama Canal. I am hoping to have a host in PNG to help me with my travels and I will start taking my antimalarials once a week when I leave Majuro.
Sorry for the scare...will post again in the morning.
Cheers,
Zac
Piracy map:
http://www.icc-ccs.org/extra/display.php
Note from Mom:
Sorry for the delay in posting. Last night Zac was working through another solar panel issue via sat phone with electrician, Mike Smith from North Carolina. They determined that when Zac uses his Single Side Band radio, somehow RF from the radio is traveling to the soalr panel regulator and frying it! Hey Mike, if you're reading this, feel free to comment and correct me. I am actually a general class Ham operator but specialize only in talking on the radio not fixing or installing! Thank God for Gordon West!
For now, I will be posting Zac's blogs in the morning as he travels farther and into earlier time zones. Why am I only posting at 3:30 PDT? That is a long story but consists of having 7 kids, one home business and a kid sailing around the world alone! But this is not my blog so I will leave that to suffice!
Yesterday was the day that I finally felt back 'in the groove'. I am sleeping better and have been able to really power nap again. I rigged up a fishing line today. Mahana caught a 4-5 foot tuna today. Well they sort of caught one. When they got the fish close to the boat the line broke. Haven't been any more Booby birds so hopefully I won't end up catching one of those. The wind has been pretty consistant and I am making good time. It feels great to be getting to Majuro so quickly. I have been averaging between 5-6 knots most of the time. After checking email and working on my blog today, I noticed that my solar panels weren't charging as much as they should have been. I checked the fuses and the connections all round and they all seemed to be good. I checked the panels themselves and found that the Boobies must have been hanging out there. I climbed up the stainless steel mount and wiped them down with a rag which was fun in the wind and swells. They still weren't charging well so I called Mike Smith, one of the electricians that worked on Intrepid before I left. We went through the entire system with Mike calling the regulator manufacterer for help. We think that the RF from the SSB radio is causing the problem. This isn't a terrible problem because I can still charge my batteries from the wind generator (and there is a lot of wind) and in an emergencey I can charge with my engine. It does mean that I need to conserve power pretty seriously. I reset the radar to a more powersaving mode so hopefully that will help. The radar is one of my biggest power draws.
I slept in the cockpit last night becasue it is so warm. The moon is only about half full but is still really bright and the nights have been really clear.
There have been a lot of questions about pirates lately. I think you all are doing a good job answering all the questions. Basically, the areas of piracy are well documented. Even though my route looks like it is close to Indonesia, it isn't close enough to the problem areas. I have been reading about Papua New Guinea and there is a lot of crime there (on land) and malaria will be a problem until I clear the Panama Canal. I am hoping to have a host in PNG to help me with my travels and I will start taking my antimalarials once a week when I leave Majuro.
Sorry for the scare...will post again in the morning.
Cheers,
Zac
Piracy map:
http://www.icc-ccs.org/extra/display.php
posted by Zac at
2:44 PM
40 Comments:
WELLCOME BACK ZAC....
Hi Zac...
I knew there was no cause for alarm... you're too good at what you do!! :)
Glad to hear that you were able to get a line in... but you didn't say if you caught anything. (Guess the lack of info tells us you didn't. :( ) You'll get one soon!
Doing good out there in the waters, I am sure. Maybe while you are in Majuro you'll be able to take care of the RF interference with the solar panel regulator once and for all. Speaking of Majuro... I bet the postmaster is going to learn to hate the amount of mail he has to cart out to you! (My postcard will be among them.)
Looking forward, as always, to your next blog. Safe sails and speedy winds at your back.
Karl
Colorado Springs, CO
Thank you for posting to let us know that you are okay.
As always...glad to hear your doing well, and sailing fast.
I guess by this time and as experienced as you are now we don't have to keep telling you to eat, sleep, drink fluids, and keep eating that citrus.
While your parents obviously have confidence in you, those of us with kids around your age still get parent concern lump thinking about you out there.
But you know.....you're not alone.....hundreds of people check your progress daily, and are living this quest through you able seamanship....God speed, Zac
I am glad that everything is ok. Can that solar problem permanently be fixed at Zac's next stop? Organize 6 kids plus one on an ocean, plus running a business plus taking care of the daily things is quiet a job. :-) Just keep us posted whenever you can
Axel
Glad to hear everything is ok. Do you stay pretty focused on what you're doing each day or does your mind 'wander' a bit? Any epiphanies in all you alone time? What is the port you are looking forward to the most and why?
The comment word verification doesn't work for me most of the time (it is today!!) so my questions are saved up a bit...
Fair winds and following seas to you,
Karyn in Simi
Oh, geez! I didn't realize that piracy was that extensive. We always hear about the African Coast off Somalia. But these others are news to me.
Just be careful, Zac. There's nothing wrong with being cautious.
Scott
:)
Hi Zac,
Interesting problem with the solar panels ... somehow absorbing your RF transmission.
Just a thought ... if it is possible, you might try twisting the power wire with the ground wire, as it runs between your solar panel and your battery ... maybe 3 or 4 twists per foot should be enough, or whatever is convenient. This procedure might keep the two wires from acting as an RF antenna, if that is what is going on. Performing this operation would depend upon how practical it is to unhook the two wires, perform the twist procedure, and then reconnect them. ... Maybe this would be something to think about the next time you get into port.
Hope that you can keep us informed of the situation.
Dave
KB5FPF
Dallas, TX
Talking aboute the RF (Radio Frecuency) I Agree that exist the real posibility that the RF of the Radio frying the regulator. the most common causes is antena, is not calibratet in the frecuency that the operator modulate. Other reason coud be the antena are to , to close from de solar Pannel. The best way to determine if the antena is not properly calibrate is isusin a Roimeter/Watimeter. All the radioamater, Like Me Knows that.If you have the intention to arrive to some port ask for radioamateurs who use HF (High Frecuency equipmen) ask for a favor to check your antenas...and you will see.. and solve the problem
I hoppe this little experience bring light over this problen...
WELL CAME BACK AGAIN SAILORMAN..
Is nice to read again.
Glen (AR)
Glad you are making good ground,keeping up the speed on the hull will help stop the build up of the moss and barnacles.
Sail Fast Live Slow
Josh
Barbados W.I
I have a question!!! When you write your spot, what time are you using.. Windows time (from california)in the notbook? Or what Time? I ask that because I like to calculate the diference between your time and my time.
THanks.
Glen (AR)
Zac,
Are your plans to go near or stop off at Johnston Atoll?
Zac and Marianne,
Great to hear from each of you. Happy to hear all is well. Troubleshooting can be very time consuming needless to say.
Marianne,
Yeah, even though you have one less mouth to feed (Zac) on a daily basis it's clear to understand that you might be a bit overwhelmed, especially worrying about the one that doesn't come home each night LOL! How old are Zac's siblings and are they buoys or gulls! Do you have any help with the blog now that you have been moderator in addition to the others hats you wear?
Melanie (another Mom of ONLY two teenagers) in Torrance!
Was wondering what happen since you usually post early. When your mom said solar panels, I thought Boobie birds. Do you harness in, safty line? You say sleeping in the cockpit, love to do that myself.
Cheers
It is nice to know that you are doing well.
You are missed, but we understand.
The clear channel site actually showed that you were making progress, even if we weren't able to read your words on the blog.
What a remarkable support system you have, and what amazing knowledge you are acquiring.
Fair winds and safe travel.
Linda and Bill
Washington DC
Zac,
You are living the dream of allot of people! I follow your blog constantly here in NY. I just thought to comment after reading about you taking malaria pills.. I spent the past year traveling around the world (mainly crewing on boats within S.E. Asia) I am confident that you have done your research on what pill you are going to take, Malarone is the way to go (mostly available in the sates and UK).. All the others have horrible side effects. Also i have done quite a bit of tuna fishing in the Malacca Straights... They will bite at anything (including a piece of white Hanes teeshirt wrapped around a hook!) Just troll it along and forget it. Just for peace of mind.. Some Indonesian fishermen look like they are straight out of a pirate story book.. But they are the nicest people you will ever meet.
Keep your mind open and take in everything!
Captain,
Glad that to hear that you are making good time. I am sure that I am not the only one that missed you with my coffee this morning!
With your momentum, your wind generator should keep your batteries charged for a while. Conserve as much as possible. I am sure everyone will understand if you have to post a shorter daily entry or not one at all.
( Just keep us in the loop, Marianne. BTW.. do you have a Blog that you are willing to share with us?)
Sleep when you can and eat even if you don't feel like it.
Tammy
Glad to read from you again! Sorry to hear about the solar panel issues, but good to hear you are doing well.
Last night I began "Dove" and then had a funny dream. My husband and I, after giving them lessons and coaching, allowed our twin 3-year olds to drive a car by themselves to my grandmother's, about 30 minutes away by highway! I guess reading your blog daily and starting "Dove" got my brain really thinking about what it's like to let your child go off on their own adventure :-)
Again, very much enjoying your blog and keeping you in my prayers -- expect a postcard from Oklahoma from me! Take care...
Zac,
When I am single-handing, I set my radar on watch guard and put it in the sleep mode to wake up every ten minutes and make three or four sweeps. I set the range on twenty miles. Then if it sees a target, the alarm goes off. That saves an awful lot of energy as opposed to leaving it on all the time.
I sent you a piece of surgical tubing to use when fishing and a 150 lb test line, some stainless leader and my favorite lure. So, good luck fishing on your next leg.
May the wind be at your back and the sea gentle
Scott
I wonder how in the world you folks have thought all this out in advance- knowing the likelihood of piracy and what areas, the malarial threat and what to do about it. Your technical savvy amazes me as well.
Mom ought to be crowned mother of the decade not to mention Dad (dad's aren't often honored...tsk tsk)
All the clouds that are not over you, have settled over my house lately. Bless you all... what an extraordinary team.
-Old charlie
Marianne,
You and your husband may already have plenty of help, but I would be happy to examine your electrical systems also, to help overcome this problem. I live nearby and work right off of Hampshire Rd. I have been doing this sort of thing since I was younger than Zac, for more years than I care to admit (more than 35 years, sigh!). You should have my contact info from an earlier email.
Zac,
Once when I was about 14 years old, I was operating a SSB radio using an antenna that is probably very similar to the one you are using. When I keyed the microphone, I received a deep burn on my hand. When I unkeyed the mic, the microphone was cold, not hot. What had happened is that I received an RF burn, which usually occurs because of a mismatch between the radio and the antenna. It can also occur if there is a problem with your coax cables or connectors. You may have an automatic antenna tuner, or you may have to do this manually, but it is an important step to operating your radio. Don't overlook verifying that the radio is operating within its required limits.
Good luck!
Zac,
Just wanted to tell you that you have a couple of fans in Washington, DC. This city can certainly use a reality check every now and then and your blog allows me to maintain some sanity and remember that there is life outside this town.
My daughter is only three and not a great sailor yet, but I hope I can instill in her some of the sense of adventure that you've provided us on a daily basis.
Hang in there.
Yeah, sheesh, when you didn't post for 2 days, I got worried that a squall knocked you over! (I'm a mom, can't help it!)
Hey Zac,
I can't believe how far you have traveled. Its like night and day to the first leg. Its got to be exciting to you these days to be sailing like you were meant to do.
I'm truly amazed at your ability. You have a lot of sensitive equipment, and you seem to have no problem trouble shooting. Some people don't even know how to turn on a computer!
Thanks very much for clearing up the pirate issue. That was a question I asked you soon after you left MDR. I never would have thought there was a map, and am glad in some places you will have people watching over you.
I'm glad you are back in the groove, and praying for you always,
Best,
Peter
To a non-sailing family, sounds like a constant science experiment. We are very impressed with your knowledge and diligence. Once again, thank you for sharing your journey with us.
Minnesota Family
Guess it just shows how many of us are following your progress! Now we can all breathe a sigh of relief!
Did you know...?
Several comments have been made about distance measurement -- for example, what is a knot? what is a nautical mile?
Did you know that when Zac travels one degree from east to west (or west to east) near the equator, he will have traveled approximately 60 nautical miles? A degree is divided into 60 minutes of an arc, so one minute of arc is equal to one nautical mile (near the equator).
This is also true if he travels from north to south (or south to north) -- one degree is 60 nautical miles.
But if he is not near the equator, traveling one degree east to west (or west to east) is less than a nuatical mile, and gets smaller and smaller as you get nearer to one of the poles. Do you know why?
A nautical is always going to be 1,852 meters or about 1.15 statute miles.
Here's another one... Zac will cross the international dateline soon. What happens to his calendar when this occurs? (There's a interesting piece of trivia related to this regarding the Jules Verne novel "Around the World in 80 Days").
Have fun,
Jim
Zacs Mom should be nominated for Mother of the Year, can i do that?
great to have you back Zac, i can't believe how addicted i've become to your daily updates, it's mesmerizing
back to DEVCON 5
Rock On Zac
SO GLAD to know all is well. We all have Zac withdrawal without a daily blog! Didn't understand at all what the problem is with the panels - don't know what the RF or whatever is. While under sail what provides you power? If you turn on your engine does that impact your original goal in any way? Do you have an inverter? a generator? Are you still on track with your estimated time of arrival in Majuro? Hopefully you will have a little time to write a blog or two while there so we landlubbers can continue to live vicariously through you! Take care and may the winds keep your sails full.
Snapping lines when you're trying to get a fish onboard is avoidable using a gaff. A gaff just a wooden handle about 3-4' long with a big hook (like an ice hook) at the end of it. Gaff the fish when he next to boat and still in the water, then haul him and smack him with a bat. It will save you lines, leaders, and lures.
Hey Zac,
Good to hear that you are back in tha groove and gettin some rest finally.
the piracy is kinda what i thought it would be...not that you wouldnt give them a hot reception hahahaha :P.
Here's to good wind,
Will
Hey Zac!
Being affected by Zacomania, I was hardly able to sleep yesterday unable to read your post. Prayed to the almighty that all should go well for Zac.
Hubert
Hey Zac!
Good to hear everything if working well,I have a couple of nautical tidbits for you,being an old salt even at such a young age,you probably already know this.
To get an estimate of distance:
An object just on the horizon is about eight and a quarter miles away(curve of the earth won't let you see further)
How much daylight is left?
Extend your arm to the horizon,make a fist,in your mind's eye,stack one fist on top of another,between the horizon and the sun,each "fist" between the sun and the sea equals 45 minutes.
OR check your hand-held GPS,most have a sunrise/sunset time in their program.
Straight Wakes,
Mike S.
Zac,
I agree with Dave_1 above..
By making a few turns in a coil fashon should help with the stray RF. If you have any RF chokes (more or less a round madnet) you can wrap the wire though a few times this helps.. however perhaps a few extra backup replacement or two might be ideal. Make sure any RF transmission wires are away from any DC charging wires.. route them away or a differant path as if all bundled or wire tied together might be an issue. Hopefully a food grounding is in place.
Your doing great! been following you since you left port. Godspeed to you bother!
We'll try and listen for you on your SSB sched.. Never loose hope.. Such a great Dream come true.. Peace to you!
Thanks to Mom for the updates!
Chris
ARS KB6FYG
San Clemente CA
Hi Zac....like everyone else, I was just a bit concerned when you didn't make your usual post. So glad that all is well. Thanks, Marianne, forgetting us up to speed.
Regarding the pirate issue: I would think, that when near or close to a troubled area, that it might be wise NOT to post your position so that everyone knows your exact location! For a small boat, you have a lot of expensive equipment on board and would be ripe for the picking! Better safe than sorry!
Continued fair winds, to you Zac!
Nancy in Palm Springs, CA
Hi every one
Thank God, Zac is perfectly ok.
Boat people.
Hey, Zac. Sounds like you're doing well. Tell Mother Nature to send those squalls to Southern California. We REALLY need the rain!
:)
Scott
Oooops........that was meant for today's post (07/24).
Zac,
I don't want to add unnecessary chatter to your blog, but I'd like to point out that your anti-malarial meds are important... but many people fail to continue taking the meds as prescribed once they have passed out of the affected area.
I think you will discover, if you don't know already, that stopping your meds too soon will put you at risk. Generally, the meds should be taken for several weeks AFTER leaving the malarial area. It has to do with the way the parasite grows within your body.
C-18
ZAC,
Nancy in Palm Springs hit upon an excellent idea.....
Don't post your location when in pirate areas. And don't broadcast on long range radio.
For those of you who think pirates of today don't use computers, all you have to do is look to the common street thug around us. They cruise the internet all the time.... and .... thefts from people on Craigslist are becoming more common as sellers are becoming targets.
C-18
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home