microprocessor-driven devices make the
process of finding the old problems faster, easier,
and more accurate than ever before. Once
you’ve eliminated problems associated with
cables and connectors, it’s all “in the box,” and
there is little or nothing that a boatowner or
marine electrician can do in a field situation to
correct such problems. Production of elec-
tronic equipment has “evolved” to the point
where servicing internal components is not
cost effective or even possible.
As an example, my microwave oven recently
stopped working. As an experienced electrician,
I figured it wouldn’t be a problem to fix it, and
dove in headfirst. After disassembling the oven,
I was sure I’d located the faulty component—
the integrated circuit board. I ordered a new
part from a local appliance dealer, and ten days
later, it arrived—at a cost of $200. I installed
it... and the microwave still didn’t work. My
next stop was a Best Buy, where I bought a new
microwave that did more than my old unit, and
cost $300. For only $100 more initially, I could
have saved myself several days of labor and
ordering and waiting for parts. Instead, I
shelled out $500 plus my labor and time.
Most of the equipment on today’s boats
falls into the same category as my microwave.
If the device is still covered under warranty,
great; the company will give you a new unit. If
not, it may be worth sending it to the factory
for a look, but that will depend on the overall
cost of the device.
On the upside, vendors are now able to
pack more intelligence and functionality into
equipment than was imaginable ten years ago.
And, according to several manufacturers I’ve
asked, the failure rate is very low—somewhere
between 1% and 5% of total units sold. To
me, the convenience and capability of the gear
we buy and use today is well worth the occa-
sional failure.onboard networks 199