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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Nicro Solar Vent - repaired

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Ape-X
Admiral

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USA
662 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/31/2012 : 08:53:49

Bringing this back up to the top:
I was able to get mine working again, checking the fan revealed it was installed too far on the spindle and rubbing against the housing. That prevented free rotation. I also used some WD40 on the spindle, allowing it to drip into the motor housing which helped and quieted operation. The only piece left is to replace the NiCad battery. Here is what I found from McMaster.

NOTE: The fan WILL WORK without a battery installed when facing direct sunlight. If not, you may have further issues.

Rechargeable nickel cadmium (NiCad) can be recharged up to 500 times. For maximum life, completely drain these batteries before recharging.

Rechargeable nickel metal hydride (NiMH) can be recharged up to 200 times. Recharging these batteries without completely draining them does not affect storage capacity.

The NiCad is 1800mAh, the NiMH 3000, but my justification is that the batttery is likely completely discharged through the night, offering a longer life. I ordered (2pk) so will offer a second up for sale if there is interest.

s/v No Worries, O'Day 28
PO Moe'Uhane - C25 SR/FK #1746

Edited by - Ape-X on 07/31/2012 08:55:09

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3476 Posts

Response Posted - 07/31/2012 : 12:09:59

I think you are better off using NiCad batteries.. My understanding is that the Nimh batteries do not like to be fully discharged.

Anyhoo.. NiCads are the OEM battery and I'd bet they put a lot of thought into it.

Edited by - on

Ape-X
Admiral

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USA
662 Posts

Response Posted - 07/31/2012 : 14:20:44

just re-read my own post and realized it wasn't clear my solution: I ordered the NiCAD.

Of good note though: The fan will operate normally without a battery in circuit, or you can put a C or even a AA battery in place temporary to check operation without sunlight.

Edited by - Ape-X on 07/31/2012 14:22:39

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9080 Posts

Response Posted - 08/01/2012 : 08:46:12

My Nicro gave out completely after 5 years X 365 days... A new NiCad did nothing, and WD-40 did nothing. I installed a new Nicro, which looked more complicated than it ended up being--Nicro changed the exterior "base plate", but the interior plate turned out to be the same (I left the old one in) and the new base plate used three of the six screw holes from the older one. The hardest part was prying up the old exterior plate and getting all of the sealer off the deck. The whole job was half an hour--I was imagining longer.

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Ape-X
Admiral

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USA
662 Posts

Response Posted - 08/01/2012 : 11:56:49

IF you still have the inner, ours was missing when we bought the boat: Just a fan and a crappy hacksawed opening...

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szymek
Navigator

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Canada
209 Posts

Response Posted - 08/01/2012 : 13:04:26

My questions is related but sort of off topic.

I've been thinking of installing the Nicro Solar Vent to improve air circulation. Where do you guys have it installed. I was thinking on forward hatch but it's on a bit of curve.

Let me know (or show pic) of your install. Thanks!

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Ape-X
Admiral

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USA
662 Posts

Response Posted - 08/01/2012 : 14:05:01

Ours is on the front hatch. The hole is 3.5" diameter, and the flange is approx 1/2-3/4" only, so not much curvature. When cleaning, it appears the PO filed the non-skid smooth in that area to either take away curvature of provide a smooth surface to mount to. I just rebedded with Butyl tape under the flange.

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3463 Posts

Response Posted - 08/01/2012 : 15:17:48

Edited by - OLarryR on 08/01/2012 15:18:37

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9080 Posts

Response Posted - 08/01/2012 : 18:53:04

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Ape-X
 IF you still have the inner, ours was missing...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">Ooooo... Apparently I tossed it with the old vent--I'm trying to stop keeping stuff I'll never use.

Sorry!

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.