Day: November 7, 2025

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California Underwater Mapping Vessel: STAR Digital Switching Delivers Professional Results at Half the Budget

Underwater reseach vessel fits star controllers integrated with victron digital switching
Underwater reseach vessel fits star controllers integrated with victron digital switching

An underwater mapping vessel in California refitted by Woopert Marine needed a new electrical system. The owner wanted professional digital switching integrated fully with the Victron Energy power system. But they didn’t want the high cost or complex installation that usually comes with it.

The answer? Two STAR-Power units and one STAR-Light controller. The system exceeded expectations. And it cost less than half the original budget.

STAR Controllers save hours of installation time

STAR controllers with Victron integration for 44ft research boat

The Challenge

Underwater mapping vessels work in tough conditions. They need reliable electronics. The vessel required:

  • Strong switching for high-power loads
  • Multiple pumps and navigation equipment
  • Precise lighting control
  • Clean, professional appearance at the helm
  • Fast installation to reduce downtime

Old-style marine switching would need many fuse panels. It would need complex wiring. It would take a lot of installation time.

Professional underwater mapping vessels
STAR-power digital switching to 150A with Wireless long range bluetooth control

The STAR Solution

No Fuses = Faster Installation

STAR Controllers have advanced fuseless protection built in. No fuse panels to mount. No fuse holders to wire. No spare fuses to carry.

The result? Much faster installation. Cleaner wiring. A more organized electrical system.

Perfect Power for Every Load

The two STAR-Power units gave them exactly what they needed:

  • 10A channels for lights and smaller loads
  • 30A channels for all the bigger equipment

Every load got the right size channel. No oversized wiring. No external relays needed.

 

STAR-Switch IP65 12 button CAN interchangeable icons

Wireless Switches Save Major Time

Four sets of wireless switches went in the back of the boat. Each set has 4 buttons for lighting control.

The old way: Run control wires from the helm to the back. Go through walls. Add waterproof connections. Hours of work. High material costs.

The STAR way: Mount wireless switches where you need them. Done.

The time savings was huge.

 

Custom Helm Switches Look Factory-Perfect

The helm uses STAR’s CAN switches with custom engraved buttons. The result looks like it came from the boat factory.

No generic labels. No temporary solutions. Just clean, professional switches.

Wireless Wall Switch for Star controllers

The complete digital switching system cost less than half the planned budget.

What they got:

  • ✅ Professional digital switching
  • ✅ No-fuse protection
  • ✅ Wireless control
  • ✅ Factory-quality look
  • ✅ Faster installation
  • ✅ Easy maintenance
  • ✅ Money left for other upgrades

The owner said it best: “Big savings for big smiles.”

 

Victron Energy integrated safiery star controllers for digital switching

Why This Installation Matters

This California install shows what makes STAR Controllers different:

Faster to Install – No fuses and wireless options cut installation time way down.

Right-Sized Channels – Mix 10A and 30A channels to fit every load perfectly.

Professional Look – Custom switches and clean design rival factory installations.

Better Price – Professional features without the premium cost.

Proven Reliable – Working great in a demanding commercial vessel.

What Was Installed

  • 2x STAR-Power – 16 channels total (10A and 30A options)
  • 1x STAR-Light – Extra lighting control
  • 4 sets of wireless switches – Back deck control (4 buttons each)
  • Custom engraved CAN switches – Helm control

Professional Marine Made Easy

This installation proves something important. You can get professional digital switching without compromise. You don’t have to choose between performance and budget.

The underwater mapping vessel now has an electrical system that’s simple to use. It’s easy to maintain. It was fast to install. That’s exactly what professional marine work needs.

Want STAR digital switching for your vessel?

Contact Safiery to learn how STAR Controllers can make your next installation easier and more affordable.

STAR Controllers – Smart Marine Electronics