nasa wind system

[TNT]

Just about to fit a new nasa wind vane but can not get the plug through the mast hole, way way too big and dont want to open it up that much, the book says don't cut the plug off. has anyone ever done it and did it survive.
i do not see why it would be a problem as long as the solder is good and its shielded.

anyone any thoughts??

cheers

 

[crossbones]

Nasa wind system.

Cutting the plug off is not a problem. You can also shorten or lengthen the cable.
There are four coloured wires and a screen drain wire so you need to make five connections.
The easyest way is to cut the cable where the joint will be easily accessible and in a dry place. Then use a five way terminal block. Be careful though as the wires a fairly thin.

 

[TNT]

Cheers, I could not see a problem but thought there may be some underlying reson that I could not see.

looks like I am up the mast tomorrow.!!!!

 

[Hardley]

Those wires are a fiddle, gave up on connecting them myself.
I removed a shreeve at foot of mast and led cable upwards using main haliyard, then replased the sheeve.

 

[carannah]

I cut mine and used a plug and socket to reconnect at the base of the mast because I lower my mast on a tabernacle. Make sure the connections are clean and remain clean as the slightest resistance from crud can cause problems. I used an electrical contact grease

 

[Mardi Gras]

TNT. I have replaced the connections top and bottom of the mast for my NASA wind instrument recently. The only problem you may come across is the thinness of the wires. Coat the exposed ends in a thin coat of solder and this makes the working ends easier to deal will. Hope this helps.

 

[pcatterall]

I seem to recall that I fed mine down from the top thus retaining the critical 'top of mast connector', fed the bottom wires into the boat via a deck seal and made the dodgy small wire connection inside the boat.
Fingers crossed, the system is working well and in its second season. I am waiting ( as warned) for the blades to degrade and fall off but OK so far!!

 

[TNT]

nasa wind vane

thanks all, some good info there. Just out of interest I noticed that the cupa are moulded onto the central boss, I take it these are not replaceable so when damaged or UV shot its dead???..............or is there a full replacement boss available?

thanks again everyone

 

[pcatterall]

Other threads ( there are many) suggest, as far as I recall, that replacement heads are available at a reasonable price from NASA. I think I will get one as a spare and replace when the mast comes down. If ever we reach Rouen that is.