Need wiring diagram and a cad system
 

Looking for a site that has battery wiring for a twin engine, 3 battery, 3 bank charger thatis designed for a cruiser that uses a house panel feed, inverter, windlass and whatnots.
And also, what do you guys use to draw up wiring diagrams that is simple to use so that I can post my idea for opinions?
Thanks

Can't help with the wiring diagram site, but on the CAD, I like AutoCAD LT, it is relatively inexpensive and can be learned without training (however I am a train driver so that may make a difference). I've used Unigraphics but it was 3D and a real pain to learn, plus unless you are designing refineries or rapid prototype modeling, no need for 3D. there are cheaper CAD packages but I've never tried them.

Here is a site with most electrical hookup diagrams / options. There is a diagram for 3 batteries, two alternators, using an isolator (diagram #F).

http://www.boatfix.com/how/Ele2.html

I've used Visio for simple wiring diagrams.

Sounds like Visio is the right tool for what you"re trying to do.

Sounds stupid but if all you are doing is drawing wire diagrams for concept and not having them sent out to quote you can use Power Point. Its much easier to use that any CAD software. I use ProE and AutoCAD on a daily basis but for wiring diagrams for my own use I use Power Point.

Unless you are sending out for quotes, and / or need it to scale, I find that pencil and ruler on quadrule paper works best. (I am also a train driver)

:) Yes, just for my own use. Wanted something a little more professional that I could post and run by you guys for ideas. A liitle more than a picture of my etch-o-sketch renderings.

Thanks for the links and suggestions.

I like etch-a-sketch.

I do find myself using AutoCad for most everything, but that's cause I'm using it every day.

my thoughts for the Best setup for a 3 batt 2 alternator system w house load is:

3 bank charger wired directly to each battery (no disconnect switches)

2 alternator/3 battery isolator (or two 1 alt/3 batt isolators which can sometimes be cheaper and work equally well) also wired directly to the batteries (no disconnect switches).

Batt 1, Batt 2 to a switch (Off/1/2/All) with motor 1 and ALL HOUSE LOADS connected to load side of switch.

Batt 3 to a switch (Off/On) and motor 2 connected to load side of switch.

THEN, a crossover switch (on/off) bridging the load side of switch 1/2 to batt 3.

When the charger is plugged into shorepower, all batteries are getting proper charging attention, regardless of switch positions (although technically the best situation is for all switches to be "off).

Whenever either or both motors are running, all batteries are getting proper charging attention.

The crossover switch remains OFF at all times unless batt 1/2 do not have enough juice to start motor 1, then turn the 1/2 switch off, turn the crossover switch ON, start motor 1 and motor 2, and you're smilin and ridin. (Leave the crossover switch on, and the 1/2 switch off until the alternator has had a chance to bring up the charge)

Thanks