A BACKUP TO VOLVO'S MDI PROBLEM. THE DOOMSDAY BOX! 2/27/22

The Doomsday box came about for two reasons. The first is because the MDI box on Volvo D Series are notoriously unreliable and the second reason, I'm pretty sure, is so Mads could have a box on the boat and call it the "Doomsday box" ;)

There is an MDI box on Volvo D Series engines (Mechanical Diesel Interface). The MDI box connects instruments from the cockpit to the engine. Also, it measures oil pressure and temperature, two things that are very important to know, as I've been told. It's a great little thing that allows us to monitor and know exactly what's going on with the engine. However, it's great when the MDI box is working and has not failed. As I mentioned above, the MDI box on the Volvo D series has a reputation for dying, which happened to us this summer before leaving Denmark. We were perplexed and did not know how the failure occurred. We suspected liquid damage, but the connectors were dry when Mads inspected it. Even though we were clueless about why it was not working, we still had to scramble to find a new box before we left. Luckily, we could still start the engine without the MDI box. However, that involved using a screwdriver to turn the engine on, which would not be easy in any sea state. Not ideal for the long run, and that also meant no oil pressure or temperature monitoring.

Getting a new box was difficult. MDI boxes are expensive, around $600.00, and because of supply chain issues due to the pandemic, MDI boxes were nearly impossible to find. Then, after many google searches, emails, and phone calls later, we finally found one in Sweden. We were grateful to have found one but did not want to be again in that situation. Thus, the creation of the Doomsday Box.

We can start the engine with our new spiffy box and monitor it if the MDI box dies. Plus, the Doomsday box makes Athena feel more like a spaceship. Win-win for everyone ;)

In this Video

Doomsday Box Supples:

Box Wiring Diagram:

https://www.canva.com/design/DAE5icHvY9Y/J3nIwTGd_CCfyMM56hPm3w/view?utm_content=DAE5icHvY9Y&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink

Double Relays: Part: 42-145

• Find it here: https://www.biltema.se/en-se/car---mc/car-electrical-system/relays/relay-2000017796

Adaptor Plate:

• Find it here: https://www.biltema.se/en-se/car---mc/car-electrical-system/gauges/oil-sensor-adapter-2000030749

Oil Pressure Switch:

• Find it here: https://www.asap-supplies.com/products/teddington-low-oil-pressure-warning-switch-1-8-npt-18psi-ted-dca-bg-124

Temperature Controller:

• Find it on US Amazon: https://amzn.to/3IvMxdm

• Find it on UK Amazon: https://amzn.to/3HqZrIb

Horn:

• Find it here: https://www.biltema.se/en-se/car---mc/car-electrical-system/signal-horns/vehicle-horn-12-v-2000020559

Engine Start Button:

• Find it on US Amazon: https://amzn.to/3IHkx6R

• Find it on UK Amazon: https://amzn.to/3C50JaY

Red Switch:

• Find it on US Amazon: https://amzn.to/3C0fr2L

• Find it on UK Amazon: https://amzn.to/3M52FVm

Light Switch:

• I just removed the red cover from the red switch above ;)

Black Box:

• Find it on US Amazon: https://amzn.to/3IHjYtL

• Find it on UK Amazon: https://amzn.to/3tazS9b

100 AMP Relay:

• Find it on US Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Hota4z

• Find it on UK Amazon: https://amzn.to/35hD9vr

Oil Pump:

• Find it here: https://www.saillifechannel.com/marco-up3-oil

Mads Tools:

Oscillating Multi-tool Tool

• Find it on UK Amazon: https://amzn.to/3v24pZx

Bosch Circular Hand Saw

• Find it on Uk Amazon: https://amzn.to/3DfY7G7

Bosch 150 Turbo Sander:

• Find it on US Amazon: https://amzn.to/3qqvGkz

• Find it on UK Amazon: https://amzn.to/3mfOYrq

Bosch Drill and Impact Driver:

• Find it on US Amazon: https://amzn.to/3DlDiZN

• Find it on UK Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Ehq8yi

Makita Jigsaw:

• Find it on US Amazon: https://amzn.to/3pwnUVG

• Find it on UK Amazon: https://amzn.to/3yk3N17

Bosch Router:

• Find it on US Amazon: https://amzn.to/33zzEiJ

Camera Gear:

Sony A7C:

• Find it on US Amazon: https://amzn.to/328Cxqh

• Find it on UK Amazon: https://amzn.to/3m9NAGF

Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Lens:

• Find it on US Amazon: https://amzn.to/33rHqLz

• Find it on UK Amazon: https://amzn.to/3yy4FiK

Go Pro Hero 9:

• Find it on US Amazon: https://amzn.to/3GLRiOx

• Find it on UK Amazon: https://amzn.to/3E2z35P

Sony Z-V1:

• Find it on US Amazon: https://amzn.to/3F6SSdm

• Find it on UK Amazon: https://amzn.to/3m40LZY

Sony GP-VPT2BT Handgrip for Sony Z-V1:

• Find it on US Amazon: https://amzn.to/3IOrkMl

• Find it on UK Amazon: https://amzn.to/3m4FmQ1

Wireless Microphones:

• Find it on US Amazon: https://amzn.to/3dU75OT

• Find it on UK Amazon: https://amzn.to/327lQv4

Manfrotto 290 Xtra Aluminum Tripod:

• Find it on US Amazon: https://amzn.to/3yvnTFu

• Find it on UK Amazon: https://amzn.to/3yvMoSV