What kind of cable for the wind sensor?

[Franziska]

Hi,

a quick question, what kind of cable is suitable to be run from a Raymarine Rotavecta wind sensor to the wind instrument?

Will a shielded computer network cable do or do I need something bigger in section to avoid to much voltage drop?

The sensor has two wires as output.
Cable length ist approx 15m total.

Thanks for a hint,

Franziska

[Brewgyver]

The Rotavecta comes with a 20 meter cable. If you've acquired a unit that's been salvaged from a previous installation, the cable may have been cut, but the stub is most likely the original. Just use the same gauge and type cable, connect with good quality heat shrink crimp connectors, and a layer of heat shrink tube over the finished connections.

You should know that Raymarine recommends the Rotavecta for POWER boats, not for sailing. If you search various sailing forums, you may see why that is. Of course, the Rotavectas are cheaper, especially on the used market, which is another indication of their poor utility for sailing applications. I would point out that IF you want electronic wind data as an input for an autopilot or course computer, you should DEFINITELY get a windvane instead.

[Franziska]

Great answer, thanks.

I know about the limitations,but at least as a reefing indicator it will work (cats don't heel and sometimes it helps to get a reminder :-))

Eventually I'll add an nmea vane.

Budget is definitely an issue, unfortunately.

www.ladyrover.jimdo.com

[Brewgyver]

Understood, and absolutely for speed they're fine! I have a dock mate who has one, and for that same reason, as he has no AP to send data to.


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