Dataline instrumentation

[Gordonmc]

I inherited an instrument system that seems to be a bit over the top for my requirement, but am loathe to spend cash replacing for the sake of simplicity.

The log paddlewheel and depth transducer feed back onto a Stowe Databox MkIII which in turn feeds via a single cable, a readout in the cockpit. According to the bumf the kit is an NMEA interface designed to take inputs from masthead units, compass, satnav, engine log et al including depth and speed. Outputs can be daisy-chained to multiple readout units, again using a single cable.

All I need is a speed and depth readout and in the normal course would have gone for a bi-data. My boat is traditional and I don't want a Kingfisher style bank of instruments.

Is there any real advantage holding onto this complicated bit of kit. Does anyone have experience of the set-up who might advise?

 

[extravert]

I used to have Dataline stuff. It does pretty much what you describe, and it did it reliably. Is the kit already installed and working? You can use as much or as little as you want. Maybe your requirements will be this

log transducer---------------
Databox-----Log Display-----Depth Display
depth depth transducer-----

or this

log transducer----------------
Databox-----Multi-display
depth depth transducer------


I had a multi-display, which could show log and depth at the same time.


If you have the rest of the kit and it all works I would hold onto it. You could always install it later if it is not installed already.


Adventures of the <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.xrayted.fsnet.co.uk>Teddy Bear Boat</A>

 

[vyv_cox]

It was an excellent piece of kit IMHO and I would use just the bits you want and don't bother with the rest. I installed a full set in my GK29 but took the GPS repeater with me for the current boat. It is now 10+ years old and has never faltered. I have just replaced it because of fears that I could not have it serviced, although I now have the name of a company that can.

 

[Boathook]

Keep it and use only the bits of data you require. Mines over 10 years old and has worked reliably. The installation is a doddle for the reasons you mention - daisy chain the readouts together. To save drilling too many holes you could mount all the instruments on a panel held in place by 2 screws/bolts and a hole for the cable. Mine is done this way to allow storage within the boat and to take home during the winter.

 

[SteveA]

I have a Philips system - which is only a rebadged Stowe dataline; if you need any advise or bits for this gear I've found a company in Gosport called A.J.Marine who seem to be the experts, and have the bits. If you need their phone no. let me know.
SteveA

 

[Boathook]

Re: Dataline instrumentation (re SteveA)

Make the phone number public. Hopefully I won't have to use it but sods law says I will need it if I do not have the number !!

 

[SteveA]

Re: Dataline instrumentation (re SteveA)

The company is actually called A.W.Marine ( I did the previous post from memory, must be getting old!) and their phone number is 023 9250 1207.

I was having problems with my echosounder, they were able to give good advise over the phone and supply the required spare (a new transducer)

Hope this helps.