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lateral · 11-08-2017, 19:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry Woodward

I did the search, didn't find anything particularly alarming. The link seems to show a unit that suffered physical damage and not necessarily a problem with the unit. What am I missing?

But that's really beside the point. What I'm really asking is, which is going to be more reliable: an ultrasonic or a traditional wind sensor?

I know of three dubious longevity 508's in existence. Enough for me.

I have just had several "not happy with it" experiences.
I am tired of outlaying serious money for a device/cabling, only to find it developes a fault in the first 12+mnths.
The latest is a faulty PB200 cable, which I either fork out another $200 , or fix a rather fundamental manufacturing flaw.

Jerry Woodward · 11-08-2017, 20:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by lateral

I know of three dubious longevity 508's in existence. Enough for me.

I have just had several "not happy with it" experiences.
I am tired of outlaying serious money for a device/cabling, only to find it developes a fault in the first 12+mnths.
The latest is a faulty PB200 cable, which I either fork out another $200 , or fix a rather fundamental manufacturing flaw.

So from a previous post, it sounds like you are considering going back to mechanical. Is there a mechanical that you like? Isn't the cable just a N2K backbone?

lateral · 11-08-2017, 20:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry Woodward

So from a previous post, it sounds like you are considering going back to mechanical. Is there a mechanical that you like? Isn't the cable just a N2K backbone?

Well, I'm on the fence right now. I love the PB200 when its working. But I have had an intermittent fault in the backbone cable which at first I ascribed to the device, but was actually the cable. So I have lodged a warranty replacement on the cable and will run with the ultrasonic for the moment.
I would like B&G 213 but the price made me wince as you need the converter to N2K as well. $1500US

Yes, the ultrasonic PB200 is the end of the N2k backbone with a PROP non field attachable fitting. Yes I have only one resistor at the end,. Yes everything is to spec except CanL & CanH to ground. Yes, Airmar are offering usual plattiudes which I guess is par for course.

Yes I am pissed off the ultrasonic is inaccurate in rain and wont Steer-to-wind very well. Bt in av to good weather its amazing.
I can't comment on anything ultrasonic other than PB200.
Try moondusters posts on SA for critique on ultrasonics.

DotDun · 12-08-2017, 02:48

Except for a Cat. 3 hurricane, I've had good luck with Raymarine analog to a ITC-5 to N2K.

lateral · 14-08-2017, 14:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry Woodward

So from a previous post, it sounds like you are considering going back to mechanical. Is there a mechanical that you like? Isn't the cable just a N2K backbone?

Spoke with Navico and the 608 is supposed to address the current potential issues. That will be my next purchase as backup to PB200.

dsteinfeld · 17-07-2018, 18:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by lateral

Well, I'm on the fence right now. I love the PB200 when its working. But I have had an intermittent fault in the backbone cable which at first I ascribed to the device, but was actually the cable. So I have lodged a warranty replacement on the cable and will run with the ultrasonic for the moment.
I would like B&G 213 but the price made me wince as you need the converter to N2K as well. $1500US

Yes, the ultrasonic PB200 is the end of the N2k backbone with a PROP non field attachable fitting. Yes I have only one resistor at the end,. Yes everything is to spec except CanL & CanH to ground. Yes, Airmar are offering usual plattiudes which I guess is par for course.

Yes I am pissed off the ultrasonic is inaccurate in rain and wont Steer-to-wind very well. Bt in av to good weather its amazing.
I can't comment on anything ultrasonic other than PB200.
Try moondusters posts on SA for critique on ultrasonics.

So to revive an old thread... as I've just had a disappointing bout with the Garmin Wireless Wind 2 (my mast is a bit too tall, and some fiberglass in the way), how is the general accuracy of the Airmar ultrasonic? Can you give a few more details on its failings in rain? When it first came out I wasn't all that impressed, but a fair number of years have gone by and people seem generally happy. I'd be installing it with N2K cabling.

lateral · 17-07-2018, 19:36

Sorry, haven't done any sustained cruising to test.
No issues as yet on light rain.

ChrisseH · 17-07-2018, 21:14

I have now been using LCJ Capteurs' ultra-sonic wind sensor CV7-C for several years and have not noticed any problems in rain. In a single sensor setup it is of course always difficult to judge the performance, but the behavior in rain has been quite trustworthy. LCJ Capteurs' specifications does neither (as in the case of Airmar) have any disclaimer of poor performance in rain.

dsteinfeld · 18-07-2018, 04:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisseH

I have now been using LCJ Capteurs' ultra-sonic wind sensor CV7-C for several years and have not noticed any problems in rain. In a single sensor setup it is of course always difficult to judge the performance, but the behavior in rain has been quite trustworthy. LCJ Capteurs' specifications does neither (as in the case of Airmar) have any disclaimer of poor performance in rain.

I've definitely been interested in this sensor based on the discussion here, but I'm done with running low/odd level signals over long distances and interface boxes. So I want N2K up the mast plugging right into the network. I'd deal with the lack of availability in the US, but LCJ Capteurs doesn't have a sensor that meets this requirement.

ChrisseH · 18-07-2018, 08:09

You get N2k using LCJ Capteurs' WindyPlug and if you like you can install this next to the sensor in the mast top. I have also understood that RainWise Inc is selling LCJ Capteurs' products in US.