Unreliable Wind Instruments

[gramos]

i now have to replace my NASA wind masthead unit - again , and after having 3 transducers and 1 display in 8 years am reluctant to buy another , so , which is the best value for money wind instrument that you have used ?

[Sandero]

I have B&G on top of my mast going on 23 years. Not a problem... summer spring winter fall.

How about that for value?

What do you have that has been OUTSIDE in all sorts of weather for 23 yrs and still works every time?

[Alan Wheeler]

Our Navman has been up for four years, no problems.

[WindDancer]

Wheels, I replaced my wind instrument last year with a Navman W3150 and was plagued with the thing squeeking loud enough to interrupt sleep. I called USA rep and they of course remarked that they had never heard of that before. I sent it back and they replaced (they said) with a new unit. Still have the squeeking. Called again and they suggested placing some form of cushion between the mount and the masthead, if that didn't cure to sent back again for another replacement. I haven't tried the cushion yet.

Have you heard of this problem with Navman before?

Forrest

[Paul L]

Take a look at the Nexus NX2 system. This is middle of the road in price and seems like a good system.

Paul L

[maxlev]

B & G on top of Minaret's mast died at about 33 yrs due to a rusty plug, but the B & G log is still going strong at 37.

[witzgall]

You could try a Mareton NMEA 2000 transducer. No moving parts, and it should work with that really nifty display that garmin released recently.

Chris

[Geoff S.]

Chris, do you have an URL for the Mareton unit?

[seafox]

my Mariner apparent wind gauge and strength is now playing up after 24 years. Going to send Wheels up the mast to replace with a Navman 3150.

Has anyone replaced one by mousing the wire through the mast using the old wire (while the mast in place)?

[witzgall]

try Maretron : Marine Electronic Instruments

Note, the masthead transducer is NMEA 2000. the Maretron display that will show the data is expensive, but you can use a Garmin to display it. For the cheapest prices I have found thusfar, search eBay motors for NMEA 2000.

eBay Motors: GARMIN GMI 10 3.5" NMEA 2000 COMPATIBLE MARINE INSTRUM (item 260188826423 end time Jan-29-08 13:09:37 PST)


and
eBay Motors: MARETRON WSO100-01 ULTRASONICS WIND / WEATHER STATION (item 260188827139 end time Jan-29-08 13:10:13 PST)

Kinda pricy over a pre-packaged steup from Raymarine or such, but really really cool. The great thing about NMEA 2000 is that the transducers are Smart" and their data is fed onto the network and can be used or displayed my any NMEA 2000 compatible display. For instance, if I put the Maretron transducer on the mast, my Simrad tillerpilot (Simnet=NMEA 2000 with a different, excnageable connector) could use it to steer to the wind.


Simrad (IS20) and Furuno (FL50) also have announced NMEA 2000 instruments, including wind.

Chris
Chris

Originally Posted by Geoff S.

Chris, do you have an URL for the Mareton unit?

[Latitude9.5]

Originally Posted by Paul L

Take a look at the Nexus NX2 system. This is middle of the road in price and seems like a good system.

Paul L

I have a comnav nx2 autopilot and wind setup, the sensor on the mast died when it was about 2 years old (according to the po) they want a mere $600 for a new sensor, i've gotta couple wintells i'm putting on the sidestays we'll see how that goes.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by Latitude9.5

I have a comnav nx2 autopilot and wind setup, the sensor on the mast died when it was about 2 years old (according to the po) they want a mere $600 for a new sensor, i've gotta couple wintells i'm putting on the sidestays we'll see how that goes.

That sux. I'd check the cables closely, unless you know it is the transducer. You can get a replacement for $460 here
NX2_Transducers

Paul L

[Latitude9.5]

thats a pretty good price, i called comnav and did the multimeter tests, it's hooked up, but there was a high voltage on between the leads which apparently means it's toast.

[S Campbell]

I have purchased a wireless nx2 system and have found it to be very disappointing. It has read Zero Zero my whole short sailing season. I was told that Nexus was the best, now I am not so sure. It was not a cheap purchase. The product appears to be well made, but with no tech support in Canada I have a very expensive useless piece of hardware.

The manual is very vague, the wiring diagrams do not match the product, and I have been very disappointed with the lack or factory support.
I am still waiting to hear back from Nexus proper, however now as the boat is on the hard, I am going to pull it all out and demand a refund from the dealer they are a reputible local firm and I hope they will feel my pain.

I was sold on the idea of wireless, but this experience has really left a foul taste in my mouth. I feel now that going hardwired would have been the better way to go.

I hope this helps someone in their purchase decision..

[courageous cat]

FAQ - www.nexusmarine.se hope this helps. I hate when electonics don't work right.