NASA Clipper Wind Instrument. Where's the problem?

[Petronella]

Our trusty (yes, it's been fine for 6 years) NASA Clipper wind instrument gave up the ghost whilst crossing from Lanzarote to St Maarten. A wave on the instrument and a gust of 47k at the same time finally did for it but which end is the problem?

At the masthead the cups are still there and rotating as usual and the direction indicator is a bit sticky but still rotating as it has been for a couple of years. The display unit sort of worked for a couple more days after the initial problem but went up to 99k then down to zero then worked for a bit then did its rotations as if it had just been switched on. Now it just reads "0". After some attempts to show the direction that part of the display has finally stuck in one position even though the vane is rotating.

My question is "Is this indicative of a masthead problem or a display unit issue?"

Thanks.

 

[pcatterall]

Buy a new set. Replace instrument first. if no good 'up the mast' with you and you have a spare.

 

[Eyore]

Mine did something similar, now ditched it for a Raymarine ST60, which I sincerely hope lasts as many years that an ST50 did on a previous boat.

 

[oldharry]

Do you have any conncectors eg at the bottom of the mast? If so, quite likely they have corroded: a liberal dose of WD and working all the connectors to clean them might help. Open up any plugs youy have added: the problem may be obvious! Also dont assume waterproof plugs are still waterproof. The fact a wave started the problem suggests connectors. Unfortunately a WD 'repair 'is usually only temporary. You need proper 'Contact cleaner' when the WD gives up.

Nothing to be lost by trying a good healthy dose of WD anywhere where water might have got in - cheaper than a new head!

 

[LittleSister]

Contact NASA. They are very helpful, and can supply (or fit) parts if needed.

 

[Laurie]

Contact NASA. They are very helpful, and can supply (or fit) parts if needed.

+1...enabled me to sort myself on last boat v. quickly

 

[dartmoor]

Contact NASA. They are very helpful, and can supply (or fit) parts if needed.

What I like about NASA as a company is that they do respond to email questions, and as said, they try to help. Not many companies that still have a human face to them like that.

 

[[70521]]

+1...enabled me to sort myself on last boat v. quickly

+1

They are very, very helpful.

 

[Petronella]

Thanks guys.

I will contact NASA today.

 

[curo308]

Our trusty (yes, it's been fine for 6 years) NASA Clipper wind instrument gave up the ghost whilst crossing from Lanzarote to St Maarten. A wave on the instrument and a gust of 47k at the same time finally did for it but which end is the problem?

At the masthead the cups are still there and rotating as usual and the direction indicator is a bit sticky but still rotating as it has been for a couple of years. The display unit sort of worked for a couple more days after the initial problem but went up to 99k then down to zero then worked for a bit then did its rotations as if it had just been switched on. Now it just reads "0". After some attempts to show the direction that part of the display has finally stuck in one position even though the vane is rotating.

My question is "Is this indicative of a masthead problem or a display unit issue?"

Thanks.

I got some problem and contacted Nasa from Japan but nothing happen. I checked transistor, condenser and PIC. It's OK.
I Shorted Black and Red cable witch separated main PCB. A display speed start work.
I ordered Reed switch MKA-10110(max150V/0.5A,0.1Ω,0.5ms). It just $2 for 5sets.
Once replaced this reed switch, I heard little clicking sound when cup is rotating. Also the speed meter start work.

 

[OCuea]

Our trusty (yes, it's been fine for 6 years) NASA Clipper wind instrument gave up the ghost whilst crossing from Lanzarote to St Maarten. A wave on the instrument and a gust of 47k at the same time finally did for it but which end is the problem?

At the masthead the cups are still there and rotating as usual and the direction indicator is a bit sticky but still rotating as it has been for a couple of years. The display unit sort of worked for a couple more days after the initial problem but went up to 99k then down to zero then worked for a bit then did its rotations as if it had just been switched on. Now it just reads "0". After some attempts to show the direction that part of the display has finally stuck in one position even though the vane is rotating.

My question is "Is this indicative of a masthead problem or a display unit issue?"

Thanks.

I do not know but I have two displays I think left from a boat I sold ……. one bought brand new to repace the one that was dimming slightly. I was going to use the dimmer one as a repeater at chart table whilst new one went into cockpit. Contact if interested in buying. I will have to find and take photos but they both work. I left the mast head cups with the boat I sold.