Problem with ST50 wind instruments, any suggestions please

[luddites]

My Autohelm ST50 unit wind speed and direction works normally for a few seconds, (variable from 10 to 60) after turning on, then shuts down leaving two underscores in the speed display.
I have checked all the obvious connections etc but to no avail. There are little if any parts available for these units and I don't really want to spend much to be told it's not repairable.
I do know there are sometimes re-set procedures known to a select few which might clear gremlins like this so any suggestions please?
cheers Paul

 

[franky]

Have you tried contacting a Raymarine dealer for his advice.Tel 023 9271 4713 to get the name of a dealer near your location.You might find someone who is upgrading and discarding a good unit

 

[luddites]

thsnks Franky but been down that road, and the ebay one.

 

[fireball]

If you've been down the Raymarine route then they would've told you what was wrong, if it could be fixed and how much - or the option to purchase an ST60 wind at reasonable discount. (well thats what I got with my ST50 tridata!).

I have an ST50 wind unit in the draw now that is not working following a lightning strike - no visible problems, but the unit doesn't work - probably fried a chip! Luckily our Ins company paid for nice new ST60s!! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[luddites]

Raymarine dealer told me no parts available yesterday and offered 20% off new replacement, but that's not compatible with old masthead unit.
But I had it in mind to try a local electronics boffin who often manages to fix obsolete stuff.
Does seem though better option is to find a secondhand one.

 

[fireball]

If you're local you're welcome to the bits!

 

[fireball]

Did you mean Raymarine Dealer or Raymarine in Portsmouth?

 

[CSFenwick]

Send the unit to Raymarine at ..

Raymarine Company
Anchorage Park, Portsmouth
PO3 5TD, England

Along with a covering letter outlining the problem.

They'll look at it and tell you for certain. If it can't be fixed they'll offer you an ST60+ at 25% discount (basically £250) and won't charge for any work done on your ST50 if you go for the upgrade. The ST60+ instrument does work with an ST50 masthead. It's the other way around you can't do.

If you get an ST60+ unit you need to change the speed calibration factor from 0.7 to 1.0 to take into account that the ST50 masthead rotates 30% slower than the ST60+ one. It's covered in the manual and takes less than 2 min when initially setting the unit up.

Hope this helps - just been through the same myself with a misbehaving ST50 wind display so I can speak with some authority!

 

[luddites]

Many thanks CF1.

My local dealer missed most of this info out, just said can't be fixed, not compatible, how about a new one at a discount!

Reckon I'll take my chances on a secondhand one, post on wanted forum has turned up a couple.

cheers Paul

 

[fireball]

Is that a partial LakeSailor?

 

[jfkal]

The uderscores mean that there is no speed info.
Two possible causes.

Bad connection in the cable (wiggle all the connectors including the one aloft /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
Speed tranducer is shot. Ray can test that and replace it 4 you.

 

[luddites]

Thanks for that, the bl**dy thing is driving me to destraction. Have checked all the connections apart from that aloft which was re-made last year. Also it always works for a short period when first fired up and then the direction goes down as well as the speed.
What is really annoying is that we manage just as well with strips of plastic bag on the rigging for direction and wind speed is a bit academic anyway, but just because its there I have to get it working again. Or just rip it out!

 

[Twister_Ken]

>What is really annoying is that we manage just as well with strips of plastic bag on the rigging for direction and wind speed is a bit academic anyway, but just because its there I have to get it working again.<

In that case, a bit of gaffer tape stuck across the dial should repair it nicely!