1980s VDO Wind Indicator System -Replacement Masthead Unit

[Aussie Monty]

Greetings All,

I seek advice regarding the replacement of my existing VDO wind indicator system (Part No. 402 711) on my Adams 45. This system was installed in the mid 80s and instrumentation along with cabling is still in very good condition. Indeed beautiful analogue gauges etc. I ave trawled the Internet for replacement parts - masthead unit -with no luck.

Can anyone advise of replacement unit that will work OK with existing instrumentation?....it would be a shame to ditch good working instruments when thy are still serviceable!

Regards

Monty

[Aussie Monty]

...here is a photo...top 3 instruments...(just saw post about uploading photos!)

Monty

[Wanderlust]

Hi Aussie Monty

I may have just what you want. My boat came with a VDO system which had been removed due to being on the hard for an extended period. The gauges look identical to yours. I was planning to refit it, so had the wind sensor reconditioned with new bearings and realigned and tuned to match the gauges.

There was some delay and I finished up buying a Navman system and installing that instead - not such a good move in hindsight.

If you have the VDO speedo, I also have a sailing trim gauge I am not using. This is used to test and fine tune sail adjustments. You reset it at current speed and it measures +/- 1 knot in large 0.1 knot graduations - very easy to see speed changes much smaller than that. I also have a full size diesel tacho new in the box. These all come with installation instructions/user documentation.

I recently got my system out and photographed it with the intention of listing on eBay. I would prefer to sell at least the wind set as a package, but it would be worth having a chat. I will send you a mail with my contact details. I live just north of Sydney on the NSW Central Coast.

[vbrown7]

Hello Wanderlust, I am also looking for a mid 1980 VDO MASTHEAD
TRANSDUCER. If you still have it I would be interested in buying.
Thanks
vbrown7

[bill good]

Ausie Monty, I replaced my 1980s VDO with new VDO from O/S. It did require a bit of rework with plugs & sockets but it all worked. I've got the diagrams if needed. Also the bits that was thought to be U/S turned out repairable. The reason I stayed with the VDO was the fact after 20 yrs the new units were vertually the same & I would bet none of the current newer type would still be around in 20yrs!!

Regards Bill

[vbrown7]

Hi Bill, did you also replace the analog gages?
Is it possible to use the 1985 analog gages with a new masthead unit??
thanks
val brown

[bill good]

They were the same but the plugs & sockets were changed. I was told that I needed the wind angle indicator to drive the larger analog wind speed indicator as a slave but I doubt that now. The boat had large water speed & wind speed & no angle indicator (rotating mast) I needed a "special" tool to get into the mast head unit as I opted to leave the cable in the mast as it was. I changed over the loom & connector from the old mast head unit to the new one. I can see no reason to replace the old gages if they are ok. Mine had crazing & just looked old. Now I don't have the water speed.

Regards

[vbrown7]

My gages are ok, just need the mast head unit if compatable. Any websites or info would be appreciated. I hate to remove and replace 6 analog gages if it is possible to still use them.
thanks
val brown

[bill good]

val brown check for a PM

Bill

[Wanderlust]

Just an update to say that my set has been sold.

[John Barker]

Hello All,

I too have a 1980s VDO wind system. Same separate wind speed and direction instruments, but the PCB in the masthead unit died after water ingress. It looks OK but SGESCO (VDO repairers) said it was stuffed. So, I'm looking for some advice or some spares.

Is there a preloved masthead unit out there? Or the PCBout of a broken one?

I'd like a circuit for the PCB but no luck. I've thought of reverse engineering it if I had to. Or anyway having a crack at repairing it.

I could replace it with a Raymarine ST60 system I suppose but the recabling would be a bit of a nightmare - Giedi is a 46 ft Spray.

Any thoughts? (or parts)?

Thanks,

John Barker

[Wanderlust]

You could try Olympic Instruments in Burleigh Heads. Their Sydney branch (since closed?) reconditioned my masthead unit. At the time I questioned whether parts would be available down the track and he said he could always repair any VDO.

[Cachalot]

Hi. I have similar instruments, wind speed, wind direction and close haul. I will appreciate a copy of the manauls and wiring diagrams if still available. Regards AW

[Aussie Monty]

Originally Posted by Cachalot

Hi. I have similar instruments, wind speed, wind direction and close haul. I will appreciate a copy of the manauls and wiring diagrams if still available. Regards AW

I have original VDO factory diagrams...will scan and upload.

Monty

[Cachalot]

Thanks I'll appreciate it if you would scan the documents and upload them. Please give me the link or location where I can find the manuals

Best regards
AW