FAQ Capi2

Installation
Comfort
Safety
Software
Standards
Others

Installation

For what I need a PBP
This you need for the main control of the system, from this panel you can switch the nodes.
For what I need the navigation light panel?
This is for an easy and quick overview on the navigation lights to see if any failure occurred.
For what I am using a fuse node?
A fuse node is a hardware node with a thermal fuse. It is used to ensure that at anytime when a node might break down direct power to the connected consumer is ensured. (back-up system is also required for CE norm) Also it can be used for consumers that always might be connected to the power, for example a 12 volt socket
For what I am using a SNX node?
You can use it as a remote switch to switch a light or pump, timer and as a sensor.
For what I need a condenser node?
You need one condenser node to flatten the drops and the peaks of the power.
For what I need a branche node?
The branche node is for connecting a slave panel, navigation light panel or the RS232.
For what I am using a power node?
This is needed for switching on and off the consumers; also the dim function, feedback and electronic fuse are built in functions.
Why do I need the Monitor RS232?
You need the monitor to communicate with the Capi2 buss and program the system. It is recommended to keep the monitor in the boat.
How many nodes can the Capi2 system handle?
Depending on the functions you can use 254 nodes on the system, when using the multiple function the total amount of nodes will be less.
What is the supply voltage Capi2 can handle?
Capi2 as it is now is designed for handling 12 and 24-volt systems.
How can I get the programming software?
When buying a system we supply you a password to install it from the Internet.
Are updates included?
Ones having installed the auto configuration software it automatically checks for updates.
Do your Nodes handle surge capacity? If so, how much?
PN3 = 70A
PN10 = 90A
PN16 = 130A
Can two Nodes be "paralleled" together for more amperage capacity?
Yes
What % of rating can we use on a continuous basis? In other words can we draw 16 amps from a 16 Amp and still have a bit of room before tripping the node?
We give a 10% rating on the nodes.
What is a fuse node and what is it used for?
A fuse node is a hardware node with a thermal fuse. It is used to ensure that at anytime when a node might break down direct power to the connected consumer is ensured. (back-up system is also required for CE norm) Also it can be used for consumers that always might be connected to the power, for example a 12-volt socket.
How is a fuse node connected? Directly to the battery so that it always has power even if the switch panel or cable bus goes bad?
No, it is connected directly to the power of the bus system; it will stay operational when the PBP breaks down. When the bus cable goes bad it might cause a problem.
Do the fuse nodes have a circuit breaker so you can reset it at the node instead of the panel?
Yes, correct
What is different about a fuse node form a regular node?
The fuse node is only hardware and not related to any kind of software. The fuse node is only hardware and controlled manually, a power node is software controlled.
Does the fuse nodes still be paralleled for additional amp capacity like the regular nodes?
Yes, that is correct
If the main 50-amp breaker is tripped, how is it reset?
The main fuse is a circuit breaker and has to be manually reset. Notice that with a length of 10-meter bus cables the main fuse can be 80A.
Is it for an amateur also easy to install the system and maintain it?
The advantage is in opposite to other systems very simple to understand.
No difficult installation regulations or complex setup procedures for programming.
Just place the cable strings where you want to have the connection points for the consumers.
Connect them to the nodes and program the system.
In case of a failure of a node to a critical consumer you can connect a fuse node to it. If the main intelligence (PBP) breaks down, we have the selection of the priority 1, this will activate all the nodes which are having priority 1. So you will always be sure of power on the boat in case of a emergency.
Does Capi2 supply the drop cable connectors and the cables to the nodes or must we supply them our selves? Are the needed connectors a standard design?
Capi2 does not supply the cables from the nodes to the loads. You need for the 3A/10A nodes 1.5 mm² and for the 16A node 2.5mm² cables. The connectors we advise to use are: Faston 0-0160314-2 AMP, Tyco Electronics
I have a consumer, which draw 25 and 20 Amp respectively. The maximum power node is 16A can we still control this consumer with Capi2?
Yes, you can use a PN3A node to control the relays. You can open or close the relays with the node, but not control the equipment. Also it is possible to use 2 PN16 nodes parallel connected to this consumer.
If the cabling bus exceeds 15 m and the conductor size increases, can the nodes accommodate the larger conductor size?
The nodes can accommodate that; the problem is the busload on the current. 15 meter is good for 50A, 10 meter for 80A
255 nodes are possible on the system. How does the 21 key control board work when the node numbers exceed 21?
You can add more nodes (max 8) under 1 button, and you can add slave panels to the PBP
We are using 48V power systems in our applications; does your system operate with 48V?
No at the moment we only can handle 12 and 24 volt
Are larger capacity Nodes available? It would seem impossible to completely wire a boat on the Capi2 system unless you had 20, 25, and 30 amp nodes. While, many 12 volt items fit under the limit of 16 amps, the key items on a vessel don't: macerator heads, bilge pumps, pump-out macerator pumps, etc. are larger.
As a maximum on the PN we have 16A. There is no problem to place two in parallel.

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Comfort

Is there any way of switching several loads from remote areas? (Cabin lights, head)?
Yes, with 1 or more SNX nodes
Is there a ability to monitor when a pump is operating on the boat (fuel transfer pump, water pump, bilge pump, etc.)
Feedback is shown if a pump is running with the illumination of the assigned button to this function.
Can a anchor winch (120A) be direct wired to a node assigned to a switch in the cockpit so I can operate the winch from there.
The anchor winch load is to 'heavy' so you can only activate relays for the winch.
If we connect it to the bus, can we operate it from the cockpit? Or do you think we should wire it separately from the bus?
You cannot actuate the winch directly from the bus because it is 120A. 16A is the maximum you can handle with a node. We recommend relays for this situation.
Do you have a sensor, which can close a circuit (as of a switch)
We have the SNX node, which can be used as a sensor. You can then get a feed back (green led if closed or red in case open) on the push button board.
Is it possible to install a switch between node and consumer?
Yes, you can connect a switch in series with a node and consumer.
Can your "dimmers" dim LED lights?
We can dim LED lights, which are voltage regulated, we are not able to dim the current regulated LED's
We are using LED cabin lights. This are current regulated LED's which cannot be dimmed, is switching now also not possible?
If they are not dimmable you can always switch them on and off with the node.
Is it easy to update an existing system later with more consumers or functions?
Yes, you always can update or add functions to a system afterwards.
Is it possible to connect some of the lights, for example, in series so that 1 node covers 2 lights?
Yes, you can program different lights at one node but you cannot cross the max. Amperage. The usage of feedback must be disabled because it does not work then.

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Safety

Several loads (e.g. navigation, plotter, bilge pumps) are connected to more then one node. What is the rationale behind this?
For one bilge pump you need 1 power node and a fuse node. BUT: to back-up the bilge you place another power node on the bus to provide power in case the node fails. (CE regulation)
Is a fuse node the same as a power node?
The fuse node is a hardware node and the power node is a software node. The fuse node you need to operate by hand. It is mainly for safety.
What happens to the system in event of a direct or indirect lightning strike?
In event of a direct or indirect lightning strike the system will go flat like all other (conventional) systems. The advantage of our system is that it is very easy in case this happens to make a direct connection to the power by a fuse node or placing a cable direct on ring cable. This is pure a solution to get in save waters.
Is it common or necessary to have more than one main fuse box?
No it is not needed; this is depending on the construction of the electrical system.

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Software

Are the physical ECB and its intelligence hidden underneath the black sealant in the cover? Is that where the Capi2 intelligence is hidden or is the intelligence in the control panel?
Intelligence is indeed underneath the black sealant in the cover. The electronics in the cover (the node) is in contact with the other brain of the system; the control panel. Here configuration finds place in a very simple way with the node.
What is the programming principle for these panels?
We deliver the software for programming Capi2. We can also program it custom made (push-button panel and the nodes). So you have a plug and play system. That's also a advantage of Capi2; very easy to install.

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Standards

Is the system approved by American Bureau Shipping Standards?
Yes, Capi2 is ABYC approved
Which certifications are on the Capi2 product?
94/25 EC
89/336/EEC
ISO 10133
EN 61 000-6-2 (2001)
EN 61 000-6-3 (2001)
IEC 60533
CE approved
ABYC
Do you have 15 M 80 AMP Cable? Is there a reason you would recommend 10 M 80 AMP cable?
According to the European Standards are we maximized to 80 Amp on a 10M cable we are here not allowed to take out 80 A on a longer cable. According to the European Standard do all appliances need to be on also toilets etc then we are allowed for a 10% voltage drop? In America is it different as of the ABYC rules this means that you might be allowed to use longer cable them 10 M and a fuse of 80A.

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Others

We have an 18ft boat; is this too small for a Capi2 system?
No. Capi2 is also perfect for small boats (fleet range in length from 17' to 25')
How do we get prices and delivery times?
Depending on the country you are from we can supply the details of our distributor for that country or if there is no distributor we can give you a quotation.
Who is responsible for installing it?
The system can be installed by the installers who already installing the conventional wiring into the boats. If wished for we can supply assistance for the first boats.
Could you send a schematic for a "typical" 60' yacht with multiple bilge pumps, 2 water pumps, 4 elect toilets as an example?
In case we receive all details for the boat you want to fit with Capi2, we always can make a proposal diagram of the Capi2 system on that boat.
Is Capi2 a two pole protected system?
We are looking into this and we will answer you when we have more details.
Is it possible to get a list of references?
Yes, we always can send you a list with references.

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