I cannot imagine why the spikes should cause a problem unless the
voltage outside the range that the regulator can manage. I have built
loads of stuff for the boat using microcontollers and not seen any real
problems. Bigger capacitors and a choke are always a good idea.

I am not sure why there are two micro controller based components
though. Why not just use one and get it to do everything? The MAX232
could still be used to send the pulse signals to prevent noise issues
and the up/down voltages I assume are 12V anyway and should be pretty
solid is configured as a current loop type signal. I am not saying that
two uPs is a bad idea but I just don't see what it buys you. I guess you
could have multiple display units but this does not seem to be
mentioned. However, only one could send commands as RS232 is not a bus.
Another thought would be to transmit the deployed length as a NMEA
string which could be displayed on a repeater (even one used for
something else like speed or depth)

Only other comment is that I have seen (somewhere) magnetic sensors
available that claim to be able to detect the teeth on a cog moving
past. If these could be tracked down it would be a simpler mod to the
windlass.

Glenn Ashmore wrote:

"Doug Dotson" dougdotson@NOSPAMcablespeedNOSPAMcom wrote in message
...

Even if the code does not work well, fixing it so it does can't be all

that

difficult. Making sure the hardware is able to tell the truth is a bigger
challenge.


Software seems pretty solid. I have run it on a simulator board changing
the sensor pulse width and screwing around with the various inputs. Kinda
hard to to emulate the surges and spikes you get on a boat power system
though.