NASA Target log reads half speed

[webcraft]

I've taken the transducer out and cleaned the paddlewheel. It spins OK and I can get up to six knots when blowing on it.

However . . . in the water it is reading pretty much exactly half the actual speed through the water. (From GPS SOG in tideless area).


I have made a small adjustment to the fiddle factor - have put it back to the factory default setting - and it made very little, if any, difference.

I noticed the paddlewheel has four blades with small lumps or nodules on two of them. Are these magnets, and could it be that one of them is knackered and so this is why it is reading half speed?

If so, can I get just the paddle or do I have to fit the whole transducer and wiring with all the hassle that entails?

- Nick


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[Strathglass]

What you are saying is correct. There are two magnets in the paddle wheel. You have probably lost one.

I am sure that the paddle wheel can be purchased seperately.

NASA are very quick. I required one of the four plastic blocks which clamp the wind speed sensor to the mast so I gave them a phone.
I just had to post a £1 stamp to them and had four new plastic blocks within a few days.

They have nothing on ZSpars however for speed. I required an additional main sheet take off point for the boom kit I am putting together. I phoned on Monday and had it in my hands (and fitted) on the Tuesday. Like yourself I live above the Great Glen split and normally delivery costs extra, or takes up to a week. or both.

Cheers

Iain



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[colvic]

Ours did the same and after speaking to NASA bought a new paddle (£7) wheel as they said a magnet had gone missing. The new one gave just the same reading as the old one.

I don't know what I did, but a combination of disconnecting both the 12v and transducer leads and reconnecting a few hours later and then doing a complete recalibration seemed to do the trick. However, even in the virtual non tidal waters of the Med I've only ever had the GPS and the LOG within 0.2 of a knott and more often than not there is more than a knott difference.

With such low prices on handheld GPS's these days, I'd never buy another one.


Phil

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[stevebirch2002]

Hi Nick

Just installed a NASA DUET into a Vega (brand new) and the depth didnt work. Phoned them up, sent the faulty head and they fixed it straight away but I had to pay the postage to them. I think your problem is that you are sailing very very very slowly so all you need to do is adjust the sails and away you go!!!!!! Only joking.

See ya

<hr width=100% size=1>Albin Vega "Southern Comfort" V1703

 

[philip17]

My Nasa Target Log used to read progressively slower during the season. Eventually I realised that with only a thin layer of slime building up on the hull it was enough to deflect the water flow sufficiently to produce a very slow reading as the paddle wheel was not protruding deep enough into the water flow. I solved the problem by carefully filing down the skin fitting inside the boat to allow the paddlewheel to protrude an extra 3-4mm.This may help with your problem.
I can also confirm that Nasa will readily supply new paddle wheels

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[Jools_of_Top_Cat]

Buy a new paddle wheel here <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.allgadgets.co.uk/ag/product.asp?dept_id=1&pf_id=AG0043>NASA paddle wheel</A>


hope this helps

also, when sailing, slacken top nut, and turn transducer slowly in either direction to achieve top speed readout, this will ensure log is in best flow of water over the hull....re-tighten screw and all should be fine until the weed grows again.

<hr width=100% size=1>Julian

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.topcatsail.co.uk/TC_minicruise_2003_01.html>Cardigan Bay Cruise</A>

 

[webcraft]

Thanks Jules,

Already ordered one. I have to say that AllGadgets seem to offer amazing service -I already bought cups for a wind instrument and a blanking plug from them. Highly recommended.

- Nick


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