lewmar and Maxwell anchor chain counter compatibility

[blazing928]

hi

Lewmar and Maxwell have the same ID number on the control unit face, AA560.

The Maxwell units are much cheaper, [here in OZ], than the Lewmar.

Does any one know if I can use a Maxwell chain counter with my Lewmar windlass [V1]?

thanks Nigel

[ranger58sb]

We have a Maxwell chain counter, and a Maxwell windlass. Our chain counter is AA150. There's a small magnet at the gypsy, and the AA150 counts rotations of the magnet.

Then there are adjustments at the display to account for different gypsy sizes, chain sizes, etc.

The counter doesn't do all that well on rope, but it's very accurate with chain.

Can't speak to whether a Maxwell counter might work on a Lewmar windlass, but I'd guess if the Lewmar counter works similarly -- counting magnet revolutions -- it might be viable..

-Chris


The

[wingless]

Why not just mark the rode?

When I was all-chain I used the (in)famous wingless' trinary red/white/blue color code so a visual inspection would permit knowing exactly how much rode was deployed.

[rslifkin]

I've got mine marked as well, both the chain and the line portion. My marks are designed to be fully readable without having to see the mark that came before it (they each stand alone). And I chose colors that stand out even in poor light. I thought about adding a counter, but realized that I would want to be on the bow anyway to see what's going on, so the counter wasn't worth the money.

On my rode, the orange marks count 25 foot increments, so 1, 2, or 3 orange marks for 25, 50, or 75 feet. The green marks count 100 foot increments. So 2 green, 1 orange is 225 feet. And there's a series of black stripes at the "stop here" point, as an indicator to stop the windlass a few feet before you pull the line tight against the tie off in the locker.

[blazing928]

Yes, I currently have marked up the chain.
I have used various things, plastic inserts, coloured cable ties, spinnaker tape, they all fall off eventually, prefer not to add to the plastic rubbish in the water. Small amount but it all counts.

Haven’t tried paint yet, but again that will fall off into water and anchor locker.

Hence why I feel a chain counter is the best solution.

Thanks for replies.

[a64pilot]

I tired paint, it stayed on one season, the sand wears it off. Best marker I have found so far is weave pieces of plastic ski rope in the chain, surprisingly it works well and doesn’t come out, but then I tied safety wire on both ends too, but don’t think it’s actually needed.

I know that doesn’t answer your counter question, my understanding is they all work by magnetic pick up, the question is do they have the same thread where the magnet screws in? I’ve come close to purchasing a counter myself but the price keeps putting me off.
I think they have the same thread, I’d call your windlass manufacturer and ask, tell them why, unlikely but maybe they will match price, can’t hurt to ask.

Oh, and if you didn’t Drill the hole for the sensor in your deck when you mounted your windlass, then your removing it to drill the hole and of course reinstalling it. If you drilled the hole, then I think all you have to do is screw the magnet sensor in.
My Maxwell sensor screws in from underneath anyway.

I have found all you need is every 50 ft marks, every 25 is more than you need in my opinion.

[jabaraco]

The Lewmar and Maxwell both use the same AA560 and just put their name on it. Both units are manufacture by Auto Anchor in NZ. You might also find out how much the Auto Anchor branded version is as well, since your're just across the way in Australia...

Auto Anchor – Make Auto Anchor Your Advantage

[blazing928]

Thank you for the info. Cheers.

Ps I was actually hatched in NZ, early leaver...1969!