Mystery anemometer

[Jonny A]

Having just dropped my mast, I found the reason the anemometer had never worked was because it was... well, not as supplied by the manufacturer.

Anyway, I would like to replace it, like for like if at all possible or at least one that will fit the same connector. Can anyone help identify what make/model this is please?
(I'm happy to buy second hand.)

 

[robmcg]

Looks like a later Autohelm ST50 / early ST60 one but the wind direction indicator is a slightly different shape

 

[Martin_J]

It's a Raymarine ST50 wind transducer (as Robmcg above has just said) but with a different wind direction vane on the top.

 

[Jonny A]

Thank you for the quick replies! Google suggests finding a replacement will be 'tricky', does anyone know if there are any more modern products that use the same fitting?

 

[robmcg]

They come up regularly on eBay if you want to exchange like for like. Alternatively, and someone may correct me on this but I believe the current Raymarine wind transducer is also compatible. I say this as we have an ST50 display but the masthead transducer is definitely the newer Raymarine type. I am guessing it was replaced by the previous owner. It seems to work just fine.

 

[Martin_J]

A bit late now that the mast is down but you really need to test it whilst connected to the instrument display.

You might have just found a loose connection..

It really needs to be connected to give it the 8v supply to test...

Masthead Wind Transducer Test

 

[earlybird]

As said above, the Raymarine ST60 transducer, (eggshaped) will drive the ST50 display but, from distant memory, I think that the windspeed readout will be too fast, and a factor of 0.7 is involved. I can't remember if the ST50 display can apply that correction. The info. might be on the Raymarine FAQ website, sorry I'm not more specific.
Edit; here's a table I've just found that I saved some time ago.

 

[LittleSister]

. . . I think that the windspeed readout will be too fast, and a factor of 0.7 is involved. . . .

Ideal for yacht club bar bragging!

 

[Jonny A]

A bit late now that the mast is down but you really need to test it whilst connected to the instrument display.

You might have just found a loose connection..

It really needs to be connected to give it the 8v supply to test...

Masthead Wind Transducer Test

Both the spinner and the vane are seized solid, I could see as much from deck level.

 

[Jonny A]

Does anyone know if the ST60 uses the same 5 pin connector at the mast head?

 

[earlybird]

Does anyone know if the ST60 uses the same 5 pin connector at the mast head?

Yes, fairly certain it does. What is different are the plug connections at the back of the instruments.

 

[robmcg]

Your existing mast head unit can be rebuilt. A rebuild kit is still available. The thread below may help.

Replacing bearings in Raymarine ST50/early ST60 Wind Vane Transducer

I believe they all use the same 5 pin socket at the masthead.

 

[Martin_J]

I was also going to say that if you're handy with a bit of DIY then the bearings can be replaced..

A few photos from when I replaced many many years ago..


The plastic was just crimped over the top..


The bearings all slid off the shaft..


And these are what I'd ordered (although double check)..

 

[Neeves]

As a last resort and with the background provided in the posts (above) you could also ring Raymarine. We have always found them, in Sydney, offering a fulsome technical support - and often the technical staff are enthusiastic to share their knowledge.

Jonathan

 

[Jonny A]

I did think about a rebuild kit, but as the vane is currently balanced by a selection of M3 nuts I think really I need a new entire unit.

 

[Jonny A]

Thanks for everyone's suggestions, but I've decided to remove the anemometer entirely. The only time I really need a wind reading is when I'm close to the gybe at night. I'm going to fit a windex instead.