Raytheon ST60 Wind Indicator Display Problem

[Kenomac]

I'm having a problem with one of our Raytheon ST60 Wind Indicator displays. Watch the video and see that the indicator on the left spins around continuously, while the one on the right seems OK. The issue began three weeks ago, at first I thought a bird had caused it by landing on the windvane. So I climbed up the mast the other day, straightened out the tail, and now the problem continues. So it seems to be more electrical because the display on the right seems fine.

Any ideas or possible solutions will be greatly appreciated. What to do next?

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eSidXKDwHiY

[jefndeb]

I can't get the video to play....

[Pete7]

Video working for me. Suggest you isolate one of the displays and test the other with the instructions in the manual. You measure the voltages to check they are in range. Then swop and test the other also see if one will work okay. Whilst in there check the wiring is good. the other weak link is the junction if you have one at the base of the mast, again check the voltages for each coloured wire. There are 5 or 6 from memory.

Pete

[senormechanico]

Are you SURE the vane isn't spinning? Mine got split and it spun in certain wind speeds.
The VMG gauge might have less damping than the apparent/true gauge.
The apparent/true is vibrating, although not spinning.
I think both are reading what's actually happening from above, just different damping dialed into them.

BTW, I replaced the tailpiece/vane after trying various glues which didn't work for long.
It's an easy replacement with a single allen wrench fastener, and you can recalibrate the angle from the instrument in the cockpit afterward.

[Kenomac]

The vane isn't spinning which is the strange thing. Where can I find a replacement tail for the vane if I need to change it?

[HankOnthewater]

My first goto solution is always faulty connections, like Peted7 said, at the base of the mast. My similar problems were solved by soldering all these connections, I have the same instruments.

However the 'close hauled' display (on the righthand side) is not spinning. From what I remember, is it correct that the closed hauled display gets its reading from the main wind display? If that is the case the display itself might be faulty. Try to find some display/sensors to swap around. This type of gear is plentiful, hehehe, maybe it is time to find a spare top-of-the-mast unit anyway.

Edit: second hand parts on Ebay or similar lists on other websites?

Edit#2: yes there are on Ebay, and here is link with troubleshooting and voltages
http://raymarine.ning.com/forum/topi...d-vane-problem

[Kenomac]

Thanks, I'll look into both options.

[GILow]

Originally Posted by Kenomac

I'm having a problem with one of our Raytheon ST60 Wind Indicator displays. Watch the video and see that the indicator on the left spins around continuously, while the one on the right seems OK. The issue began three weeks ago, at first I thought a bird had caused it by landing on the windvane. So I climbed up the mast the other day, straightened out the tail, and now the problem continues. So it seems to be more electrical because the display on the right seems fine.

Any ideas or possible solutions will be greatly appreciated. What to do next?

Try the factory reset procedure first. Involves pressing about a million button combos, but it sorts out all sorts of things.

AND, as it turns out, you don't need to climb the #($%$#%#$%# mast twice! (Don't ask me how I know this.)

[Kenomac]

Got it, will try today. Thanks

[Kenomac]

I've been pushing buttons for 30 minutes trying to reset to factory settings without success. Will try again later.

[GILow]

Yeah, it's tricky. You have the sequence from the manual right? Because there is no way you'll stumble on it by luck.

[Kenomac]

Yeah, I've read, and re-read the manual and still can't seem to get it. Driving everyone nuts with the beeping, decided to give the neighbors a break.

[Dockhead]

The ST60 gauges are electro-mechanical and fairly delicate and fairly complicated. It's not surprising that they were very expensive back in their day, and it's amazing that they last as long as they do. But 15 years or whatever might just be the end of their lives. It might just be time for you to bring your electronics into the 21st century.

[GILow]

Hey, steady on! Don't diss the ST60+. I love that thing.

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by GILow

Hey, steady on! Don't diss the ST60+. I love that thing.

Not dissing it. It's just OLD. I sold mine for surprisingly good money, to someone who was having exactly the same problem as Ken.

I had two of them -- master wind instrument, and slave close hauled wind. Got a couple hundred euros for each, when I sold them a few years ago.