Datamarine Masthead Unit debugging

[chris95040]

Hi everyone,

I have an old Datamarine masthead unit (LX-360, windvane + wind speed indicator).

Last year the wind direction indication stopped working, although the vane was still pointing properly... I've got an oscilloscope, multimeter, and bench supply available, I just need to know what I'm looking for (pinout, expected output...) to verify it's functioning.

If its just a connector issue, is there any wiz bang method for cleaning out the socket end (female, the one that all the pins from the male side plug into)? I wonder if they make tiny diameter round files or something for this.

[DeepFrz]

If its just a connector issue, is there any wiz bang method for cleaning out the socket end (female, the one that all the pins from the male side plug into)? I wonder if they make tiny diameter round files or something for this.

Contact cleaner.

This is what Wotname said:

Best practice (IMO) is clean contacts with DeOxit 05 contact cleaner and pack with DC4 grease.

[GordMay]

See pages 13 & 14 then 20 etc ➥ http://www.sailingseadragon.com/Manu...rineLX-360.pdf

See also DMI ➥ DMI Marine, Inc.

[sveinung]

Not to revive the thread, but just wanted to leave a sunshine story of a datamarine windsensor that came back to life.
I followed the instructions in the PDF and had all wrong resistance measurements on the instrument side.
Read that there could be a connection block in the bilge (typical installation) and found a really poorly done electrical job, sealed up with just electrical tape.
I cut this open with a small hope of not having to go up the mast, soldered it all back properly and sealed it off with shrink wrap and lo and behold, wind and direction worked again!
My speed went out first, and then direction stopped working as well, now it's all good!

Ps: I did have the bilge fill due to a freshwater leak during filling which would explain the timing of when it stopped working, over the next couple of weeks after that happened.