solar instruments

[ericflint]

I am considering installing the depth/speed/log solar instrument from Tacktick.
We have a Westerly Griffon and a dud speed instrument. the idea of no wires and connectors appeals.
Has anyone had experience of these before I part with a wadge of cash.

Thanks

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[jamesjermain]

Mike Kopman reports on the system in the August issue of YM which should be in the shops now or very soon (sorry for the plug but you did ask!).

Personally I think they're great provided they prove durable. We should be getting a set shortly for long term assessment on our boat tests.

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[Sybarite]

Solar instruments... hmm. You aren't based in England are you by any chance ??


John

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[Twister_Ken]

Tacktick itself is based in the UK (Emsworth) and, recognising that we are not exactly the most sun drenched nation on earth has puts lots of effort into reducing the power consumption of the kit, so that the odd sunny interval is enough to keep the instruments working for some tiime. To quote:

"Current demand is supplied by built-in solar panels. At night the units draw on excess power gathered during daylight and stored in internal lithium cells. Current demand is so low, and the supply so efficient, that Micronet solar-powered displays are self-sufficient. Tests have shown that they will operate for days on end even with heavy use of backlighting at night and when cloud cover is extensive by day."

I really think this company could upset the existing sailing instrument applecart, especially with their wireless concept.

(No connection, BTW)

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[suse]

when are you likely to get the results of your tests - the whole notion of wireless stuff sounds fantastic, providing it works at least as well as the wired stuff.

Suse

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[qsiv]

It really does sound most appealing - even the cost. If only they made some 20/20 displays, and one could be really sure of the calibration they could be wonderful.

The idea of not having to recalibrate every time you pull the rig out is most appealing - also to do away with intermittent wiring faults.

For the time being, I dont really see any alternative to the established suppliers (for the new boat it will have to be Hercules as no one else really seems to do the job properly), even the cost is astronomical.

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