Wind Transducer for Autohelm ST 50+

[nolagal]

The D168 transducer for my Autohelm ST50+ wind froze up and the vane is bent. Raymarine says it's obsolete. I can get a used D168, condition uncertain, or replace it with a new R28170 transducer. However, it will display about 30% faster because the cups spin faster than the old cups. I'm thinking of slowing down the cups by drilling holes in them and comparing displayed speed with my neighbour at the marina. Any thoughts on this?

[roverhi]

A friend had an Autohelm ST50 windpoint that was having issue with the windpoint fin cracking. I lent him my Raymarine ST60Plus masthead unit to check it out. He said it worked fine with the ST50. Assume the masthead unit fit into the ST50 mount. He managed to glue up a reinforcement for the windpoint so stuck with the ST50 masthead unit.

[senormechanico]

Originally Posted by roverhi

A friend had an Autohelm ST50 windpoint that was having issue with the windpoint fin cracking. I lent him my Raymarine ST60Plus masthead unit to check it out. He said it worked fine with the ST50. Assume the masthead unit fit into the ST50 mount. He managed to glue up a reinforcement for the windpoint so stuck with the ST50 masthead unit.

Years ago, my wind point fin cracked.
I fixed it with 5200 which lasted several years.
I fixed it again last summer while on vacation, but it only lasted until I got home.
I replaced the fin and cups with originals purchased on eBay.
The first problem ever encountered was no wind registering until nearly ten knots, then it was still turning slowly.
A spider had wound a web around the shaft !!

[nolagal]

Thanks for your replies. My question was whether any one thought I could slow down the spinning cups by drilling holes in them.

[senormechanico]

I suppose you could, but it would take a lot of trips up the mast to get it calibrated.

[Pblais]

If you don't mind bad readings it would easily work. Calibration is the real problem. I went with a Tack Tick wireless (now owned by RayMarine) on the past and present boat. Fixing an ST50 is a moment in time. The bearings go bad in any case. I would not fix an ST50. Mylar tell tales on the shrouds would be better.

[winterbuoy]

I have a used one for sale. It is marked Z135. Came off our boat as we replaced it with the Raymarine 60 series.

[Tenedos]

Replying on a 5 year thread, but may be better than starting a new one as I have the very same issue. I will start another if this doesn't work.

My transducer died for my old Raymarine ST50, it is marked Z135. The closest I can find is E22078. Is it compatible? Even if the connectors fit, I might be ok.

Any suggestions as to what I can do?

Thanks much in advance.