Navman wind instrument that doesn't seem to function, any ideas???

[Becky]

Navman wind instrument that doesn\'t seem to function, any ideas???

We have the Navman instruments on Cornish Maid and have had an unreasonable amount of trouble with them. At the moment, the wind instrument doesn't work, in that there is no signal from the masthead. We deduce this from the fact that the dial has bars on the windspeed bit indicating that it is on without getting any information.

So we took the masthead transducer back to Seateach, who tested it and found it was OK.

So we took the instrument from the binnacle back and they tested that and it worked too.

So......... it must be the wiring?

The masthead fixing has the wire bonded into it, so the first official break in the wire is where we connect it at the base of the mast in the saloon ceiling. 'Course we have checked this and it looks OK.

The wire then goes into the back of the dial and again it is a bonded connection.

So.... short of replacing the whole of the wiring and the masthead block, (not much fun now the mast is up again) has anyone got any helpful ideas??????

Please???

 

[ccscott49]

Re: Navman wind instrument that doesn\'t seem to function, any ideas???

Check the plug at the masthead end, sometimes a pin gets trapped and bent/broken. Also check for corrosiion at both ends, the current it carries is very small, so a little corrosion goes a long way! Good luck.

 

[zzjfawce]

Re: Navman wind instrument that doesn\'t seem to function, any ideas???

I have exactly the same problem and investigated in the same way as you without success. I am wondering whether to ditch the whole wire up the mast business and shell out for those Tick Tock things (but pricey I think and did I notice on another forum that you have recently suffered the disappearing liferaft problem?). Going up the mast is in my top three most disliked jobs along with anything to do with the heads and anti-fouling. Any forumeers got any views on wireless wind instruments?

 

[captncruise]

Re: Navman wind instrument that doesn\'t seem to function, any ideas???

I have been offered a Navman Masthead unit and cable brand new for free but need to buy the display. Maybe you might like to make an offer for the cable or sell me the display?
I currently have B&G wind instruments that are over 35 years old and I can't get a new cable for them.

 

[ccscott49]

Re: Navman wind instrument that doesn\'t seem to function, any ideas???

Cant you just get some multicore cable and make your own? Or am I being dim? Surely plugs would be available or you could maybe change the plugs and sockets as well.

 

[Mudhook]

Re: Navman wind instrument - Cap\'n Cruise see my PM

Calling Captain Cruise. See my PM re Nasa display head. Make me an offer. Get back on here if you're not familiar with PM methodology.

Regards, Mudhook

 

[Miker]

Re: Navman wind instrument - Cap\'n Cruise see my PM

No consolation to you but I had the same problem two years ago. Navman replaced the masthead component, then the windvane, then the display and cabling and it finally worked. It again went wrong and Navman replaced the display again. If it goes wrong again I shall ditch it. Luckily my crew did not mind going up the mast.

 

[FullCircle]

Re: Navman wind instrument that doesn\'t seem to function, any ideas???

Becky, I remember you and I having a bit of this conversation before. Mine are now 2 years old.
I am on my 3rd 3150 Wind, and also just replaced for thesecond time, the 3100 Depth and 3100 Log.
They have been suffering with electronic failures which dont show in the lab, but do show up on the boat. Particularly LCD displays just disappearing. Which is nice when you live where I do, and you are idly studying depth at speed.
As luck would have it, I completed the job of replacing them all just 2 hours ago!
Navman/Plastimo have been OKish at sending replacements for Log & Depth, but it has taken 5 months to get a Wind.

Even I look at the fiendishly clever Slap Stick instruments longingly and am waiting for someone to give them the thumbs up with a few seasons faultless working.

 

[gardenshed]

Re: Navman wind instrument that doesn\'t seem to function, any ideas???

My Navman wind 3150, depth, speed and autopilot have all been returned to Navman/Plastimo for service. Apparently there was a manufacturing fault that causes the LCD displays to fade/fail.
They have a chronic lack of stock so I've had a very long wait to get the replacements.
Service / support is OK-ish, i.e. 1. you shouldn't need it 2. when you have a fault they are very good at agreeing a solution and supplying replacements/spares 3. spares & replacement stock takes ages to come
They have just been bought by silva or simrad so there may be some changes ahead

 

[KRG]

Re: Navman wind instrument that doesn\'t seem to function, any ideas???

I've had the Navman 3100 series log and depth and the 3150 wind for four seasons and I've made a note not to buy any of their gear again. I'm thoroughly pi$$ed off with losing the lcd display and having to remove them and dry them out in the airing cupboard. If it wasn't for the hastle of replacing them with all the wiring not to mention the cost they would have been lobbed overboard by now. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

 

[Rob_Webb]

Re: Navman wind instrument that doesn\'t seem to function, any ideas???

I bought Navman wind and multi and chartplotter cos they appeared very good value and easy to use and connect - and cos I am local to the manufacturer in Auckland. I also had trouble with digits disappearing from the LCD displays but to be fair Navman acknowledged a fault with a batch shipped about 2 yrs ago and replaced the displays free of charge including P&P costs. The 'only' hassle to me was reinstalling them. So far the plotter has been fine (touch wood) and when they are working (always apart from the disapperaing digits a few months ago) they are great and I love them. But if I was back in the UK buying afresh I would probably steer clear.

 

[aidancoughlan]

Re: My Navman instruments also broke, now sorted - thanks MES

I've just been down this road as well......bought Navman Wind 3150, Depth sounder and 3100 Repater and 3100 Multi display 2 seaons ago. All display heads have been back to Navman twice (LCD's fogging up, now losing LCD digits altogether), I was advised by someone at the boat show that they had a batch of dodgy display heads, and they agreed to replace them free of charge.

It's now April and I've been waiting 4 months, no sign until I called David Williams at MES (where I originally purchased). He took it up with Plastimo (distributer), and hey presto - new instruments a week later!

I really hope this set is usable. Navman have been bought by Brunswick early this year.
"...Brunswick Corp, the world's largest maker of recreational boats, said it agreed to sell its marine electronics operations, including Navman's marine brands, to Norway-based Navico International Ltd."

from Navico website:
"...Navman marine and Northstar will further strengthen Navico’s house of brands strategy which includes already the renowned B&G, Eagle, Lowrance and Simrad brand names. ..."

It remains to be seen if Navman will survive as a brand within the new structure. I've seen a source showing the 3100 instruments appearing as "Northstar" brand (apparently identical, but with grey buttons) - so maybe they will survice with that brand. - Its a big brand in the states.

Personally given the trouble I've had with them, the delay in getting replacements (despite willingness from Plastimo and quick agreement to replace, they didnt seem to be able to get stock) I'd steer clear of them if buying again. ... go and buy Raymarine ST60's if you're looking.

Miker - "..Navman replaced the masthead component, then the windvane, then the display and cabling and it finally worked..."
I wish I had sent back my own Masthead unit for checking - it hasnt worked since installation 2 years ago. I assumed it was my wiring (the plug is fiddly). Perhaps it too has an issue....

One thumbs up in all of this - thanks again to MES who fought the case on my behalf 2 years after purchase even after I had gone directly to Plastimo/Navman myself. Immediate Results, top class service.