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Hyprdrv · 25-04-2021, 09:44

Hi everyone,
The system:
B&G Zeus2
508 Wind sensor

I'm not getting any wind speed or direction data and was hoping someone here could help. I understand that there is a way to test the Wind Transducer at the top of the mast without getting up there by checking for resistance at the wire feed. Does anyone have experience doing this? I also have a few items at the base of the mast so I'm not sure which wire is heading up.

There is also what appears to be a small box with an antenna on it that I can't find the picture of but is part of the backbone. Hopefully that will get me started and any input is appreciated.

Steve in Solomons MD

cr180 · 25-04-2021, 13:38

I have your same system, installed in 2015. Here’s been my experience:
508 wind sensor - mine failed like yours. It is not a simple resistance output that you can test. There is an electronic board inside the mast head unit that fails. I was able to buy a replacement board about three years ago. The replacement board fixed it at the time, but now it has degraded to only working some of the time. I also had the wind speed cup bearing fail, which I replaced. Now these parts are obsolete and no longer available. Reluctantly, I see no fix except to replace the entire mast head unit. The problem is that the 508 uses a simnet connector from the unit to the cable that runs up the mast, while the replacement B&G mast head units now come with a NMEA 2000 connector. So either need to replace cable in mast (Not my plan) or fit an adapter connector or splice (also not my plan). B&G also now offers a wireless mast head unit that Bluetooths to the network below. Would be interesting if someone who has one provides input on how it’s working.

Box - the box you show in the photo is the radar and WiFi network interface.

cr180 · 25-04-2021, 13:45

For Steve and me: Has anyone installed another brand (manufacturer) mast head unit with the B&G Zeus2 system? Thanks, Jeff

mglonnro · 25-04-2021, 23:00

I had a failed 508 and got it replaced with a 608 that has worked (fingers crossed) since. Same cable and everything.

https://www.bandg.com/en-eu/bg/type/...ind-sensor608/

Hyprdrv · 26-04-2021, 03:50

Thanks guys,
I have read that the 508 "card" is now replaced with a 508/608 card and the new card is more robust. Was hoping that I could test it from the base of the mast but it sounds like I have to go up.

Steve in Solomons MD

Clivevon · 26-04-2021, 10:14

Just in case its helpful, you might look at Tinley Electronics website: https://www.tinleyelectronics.com/home.htm
A UK firm that provides a global service - very helpful on phone & can help with all sorts of weird electronic issues on old stuff.
No connection with them other than as a satisfied customer.

RigBig · 26-04-2021, 10:33

The 508 and 608 units are pretty much identical except the 608 has the new 608 PCB. If the issue is the 508 PCB, you can order the new 608 PCB only and it will fit perfectly and work. It's a little cheaper than getting the 608 mast sensor assembly. But going up the mast to measure something on a 508 or 608 unit is useless. There is nothing you can test or measure up at the mast head. You could slip the cable connector off and see if the pins are in decent shape. The PCB inside the wind sensor (508 or 608) takes the wind speed and direction and converts it to NMEA 2000. There is a good video on you tube how to take the PCB out and replace it with the new one.

cr180 · 26-04-2021, 18:00

The 608 replacement PCB part # is 000-13715-001. I find it offered for sale in the UK, but not the US. Anyone have a source in the US?

RigBig · 27-04-2021, 12:11

You can order from Navico.

cr180 · 27-04-2021, 14:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by RigBig

You can order from Navico.

So RigBig - so want to believe it’s true, but Navico website sends me to B&G support and in the USA, don’t see that PCB board available. Appears that may be available in UK and maybe Europe, but don’t see it in USA. (B&G support not great since email only, no phone number or maybe I missed it). Appears USA marketing is driving to latest model replacement. Which by the way may be better since replacement PCB card $ may not be worth it for a 6 yr old instrument. As I posted above, I replaced the PCB card once already and likely with a 608 board. And now several years later intermittent. Seems Navico has had issues with NMEA 2000 electronics at top of mast and has redesigned with 0183 at top of mast with 183/2000 interface at bottom of mast. Said all that to say this: smart play to replace with newer design. Question remains, is it a new B&G or is there a universal vendor like VDO that is compatible and maybe more reliable?