B&G 'Network Wind' Problem

[Hud3]

My B&G Network Wind instrument has quit working. The problem began as an intermittant failure where the wind indicator at the helm would quit responding, and the True Windspeed indicator would read out as the boatspeed through the water. I sent the masthead unit back to B&G for bench testing, and they claimed it was working fine.

The unit then worked for a while and finally quit for good, with the same symptoms. I did some trouble-shooting by testing the voltages of the various leads coming down the mast. All was within spec. So I ordered a new display head.

When installed, the display head reads "FO". It reads the system voltage OK, but gives nothing as far as windspeeds or direction. Only "FO".

Two questions:

Does anyone know what the heck "FO" means?

Does anyone have a contact at B&G who will answer emails? I've tried to contact them at the Florida office, but get no response.

Thanks!

[JB]

I had the same problem on Dulcinea a couple of years ago, with almost exactly the same symptoms. The B+G guy in Chaguaramas said the masthead unit was shot, so I ordered a new one, (not cheap - I can't remember what it was, but a couple of hundred I think), replaced it and things work fine.
I've found that if you want responsive service from B+G, it is best to call them in the UK. Try Sarah Pidgely at +44 (0) 1590 689699
Good luck!

[Vasco]

I know what FO means but your code might be different. Have you tried B&G Deland
I tried them and at least they answered my emails. Good luck. They are great instruments but the service is something else.

[colemj]

Hud,
I have had excellent response from emailing support@bandg.com. Guy named Robert Langford-Wood was great with help and answers.

Is the display reading "FO" or "OF"? I don't know what "FO" is, but "OF" stands for "Offset" and it is thinking its windsensor is misaligned and wants you to tell it the amount it is offset from true center.

Or it is telling you to F-Off. Damn British subtlety...

I also had the problem you are experiencing with the same symptoms. Mine also worked on and off for a while. Mostly on, then 50:50, then mostly off. Finally, all off. The faulty part was the circuit board in the masthead wind unit. They are expensive, but the best price I found was at Myles Electronics Myles Marine Electronics, Inc. - An Authorized Service Dealer for Brookes & Gatehouse

Mark

[Hud3]

Originally Posted by colemj

Or it is telling you to F-Off. Damn British subtlety...

I thought that would be "BO" (Bugger Off), being a proper British instrument.

Thanks for the suggestions, guys. I'll try the contacts and hope for the best. Frankly, it's been out of whack for so long, I've gotten comfortable sailing the boat without the windspeed and direction indicators by just looking at the sails, listening, and feeling the boat react. More in touch with the elements that way, but when I have others onboard at the wheel, they need the instruments.

[fairbank56]

FO means Function Off. This is exactly what you get when you turn the display on with the masthead unit disconnected. You either have a problem with the masthead unit or the wiring/plugs.

Eric

[Hud3]

Thanks, Eric! Maybe the whole system has crapped out, because it didn't give me the "FO" until I installed the new display head.

I got a response from B&G this morning, after emailing the address that Vasco provided. They suggested swapping the masthead unit for one that is know to work properly.


For future reference for all you B&G owners, here's the contact information:

Jake Marantz
B&G Service
2800 Marina Mile Blvd, Suite 113
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
954 229 0208
jake@wheelhouse.net

Vasco's link went to this gentleman, who referred it to Jake Marantz.

Robert Langford-Wood
B&G Product Expert
Premier Way, Abbey Park,
Romsey, SO51 9DH, UK
Tel: +44 1794 518448
Direct: +44 1794 510019
Mobile: +44 7795 658578
Fax: +44 1794 518077
b&gsupport@navico.com

[AnchorageGuy]

Hud, You may also have a cable issue. But the masthead could also be bad. If you can get access to cable and plan to pull the masthead anyway try connecting the masthead directly to the display with a short piece of cable and see if it works. If not then it is the sender but if it works your problem is in the cable or connections between the head and the sensor.

[Hud3]

Good idea. Thanks, Chuck!

[ssullivan]

Anybody know what BU means on the B&G unit? I was getting a "BU" code, then the LCD display would slowly fade out.

Dried the dessicant and changed the battery, but the same behavior still happens.

Like Hud, I got used to sailing with no wind speed, no over water speed and no wind direction. Just like the old days in my first boat. I ended up tearing out the head/brain of the unit when I started putting in my wood stove installation where the nav station was. It's just sitting now... abandoned as junk.

[Hud3]

Here's a publication from the B&G website that includes wiring details and test procedures for their wind instruments: http://www.bandg.com/upload/B&G/Docu...AQs/faq037.pdf

[ssullivan]

Good post, Hud.

Unfortunately, mine is the B&G "Hornet", complete with yellow racing stripes to make it go faster!

It's circa 1985 or so. I suppose it probably *is* junk now.

[Ruffian]

Had a similar prob with my Hurcules 390 unit where the master display unit read 'off' on all functions, it turned out to be the computor unit at fault and had it repaired with www.tinleyelectronics.com they have an e-mail help line,
Good luck

[fareweather]

Along these lines, we had our masthead unit broken off last spring by either high wind or really big waves (not sure which). Anyway, we have to replace it. Does anyone know if we can just replace the unit, or if we have to replace the whole system including the display unit at the helm?

[markpj23]

You can replace just the masthead unit. Best price I found for mine was at Defender.