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Old 04-10-2011, 15:12   #16
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Re: unreliable wind instruments

We just bought a set of these, but don't have them installed yet. My understanding is that placement of the computer/receiver is critical to the communication from the masthead.
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Old 04-10-2011, 15:25   #17
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Re: unreliable wind instruments

We find a piece of wool or a flag tied to the shroud works quite reliably. The customer support is abysmal, but the initial purchase price seems reasonable.

We try to only source wool from Chilean, Argentinian and kiwi sheep because the of the larger ozone hole in these countries. South Island sheep are better because they are geographically closer to the south pole, the ozone layer is even thinner and the kiwis have good quality control (triple whammy there!). Aussie and S African wool has given disappointing results (not far enough south?) and the Latin American wool can be great but varies quite a bit when it comes time for use as a wind instrument. We wouldn`t touch that northern hemisphere stuff for obvious reasons.

Good luck!
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Old 04-10-2011, 15:29   #18
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Re: Unreliable Wind Instruments

How about a letter to the company, requesting a refund?
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Old 04-10-2011, 15:36   #19
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Re: unreliable wind instruments

The top of my unstayed Nonsuch mast can whip around quite a bit. So my Data Marine unit seemed to always fail all too often. So I gave up on the on having instramentation on top of the mast. I just have a wind vane and trust my feel for the wind now a days. Really don't miss it now and certainly don't miss watching the money leaving my wallet to get it repaired.
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Old 04-10-2011, 19:59   #20
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Re: Unreliable Wind Instruments

I have had little trouble with my "Rolling Stone " instruments. Little bits of tape from a defunct Rolling Stones cassette, tied to the shrouds.

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Old 04-10-2011, 20:05   #21
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Re: Unreliable Wind Instruments

Exile on Main Street or Tattoo You? It matters if you use good Stones tape vs bad. Aw geez, now the debate will go on forever...

Mark
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Old 04-10-2011, 20:13   #22
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Re: Unreliable Wind Instruments

Mark,
It was 'High Tide and Green Grass'.

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Old 05-10-2011, 04:46   #23
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Re: Unreliable Wind Instruments

Thanks Courageous Cat.
I have checked all of this and I think I just bought a "dud" right out of the box. Its too bad that I can't get them to work. I now have holes in my boat that most likely will not match something different. I custom made "dash" plates and everything. Really just a BIG DISAPPOINTMENT.
I have sent two e-mails to the company direct e-mail. Not a single response.
That unfortunately speaks volumes....I work in the techincal service industry and that is a death knell when it comes to a customer feeling good about the non-working very expensive product they just bought.
I should have bought a system from West Marine with a Plus Plan. My problems would be solved with one phone call. They have always stood behind their own and other manufacturers products. At least for me. I hope I can just get my money back
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Old 05-10-2011, 06:40   #24
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Talk to Flossy in Dunedin, 867 5309.
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Old 12-10-2011, 16:15   #25
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Re: Unreliable Wind Instruments

We have B&G Network instruments and a B&G 496 Masthead Unit.

Our experience with B&G wind units has been awefull.

I have just purchased our 2nd MHU in 5 years. The previous one lasted under 3 years!

IMO B&G gear is way over priced (US$600+ for the MHU without cable is ridiculuous) for poor quality.

If I could swap to something else I would - but watch out because you get locked in to one instrument system and to change means replacing all your components.
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Old 09-01-2012, 10:12   #26
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Re: Unreliable Wind Instruments

Just an update on our Nexus install.

Everything works GREAT. I will note one more time that with the wireless at the masthead (WAY up on our boat), the orientation of the receiver/computer is VERY critical. By rotating it and reading the output on the display, we were able to go from a signal strength of 15-18 to 27-29! 15 is kind of minimal, and 30 is best. Try all different orientations. The manual says one thing, but we found that pointing it directly up the mast worked best.
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