Stowe masthead unit help

[suffolktim]

Hey guys, looking for some advice with a stowe masthead unit. I have been given the unit and it comes without cable - thats the first issue/question....I looked up a replacement cable from Stowe and they want over 100 quid for one. Can anyone tell me if I can buy a cheaper cable with the same plug that I can pug into masthead unit, and wire to the back of the instrument in the cabin (just screw down connections with colours written on them).

The second issue is that the plastic (?) Rudder on the masthead unit has broken off. I have the bits so I can copy the shape, but does anyone know how crucial the weight is, and what would be the best material to make it from?

The wind direction was working perfectly when it was taken down, but the anemometer was not...the cups do turn, but not as freely as they could, so I will look at bearings etc.

I look forward to any advice - I cannot afford a new one at the moment, so getting the one I have going would be amazing!

Thanks in advance!

Tim

 

[MoodySabre]

You can buy 6 core screened cable from RS-online and farnell eg https://uk.farnell.com/c/cable-wire...le/screened-multicore-cable?no-of-cores=6core. The Stowe wires are very fine and presumably need to be. I haven't looked but perhaps the cable suppliers sell plugs to match -Stowe wouldn't make their own plugs.

The rudder could be made from plastic that won't be affected by UV - or ali. Don't suppose weight is crucial.

There is a lube hole for the wind cups. Mine are still whizzing round after 30 years so doubt if the bearings have gone.

PM me if you need a manual.

 

[suffolktim]

Hi, thats great advice...will pop down to rs components today and try to find a plug. A manual for it would be fantastic...i have no idea how I am going to work out which wire goes from which pin on the masthead unit and to which connector on the back of the unit in the cockpit! Maybe a manual would have a wiring diagram! Cheers, Tim

 

[Boathook]

This reminds me that I must sell my old stowe dataline system. Not used for last 2 years and the masthead unit was refurbished in 2011 by 'stowe'. Advert to appear in the For Sale section later today or tomorrow.

 

[suffolktim]

You have a pm boathook....

 

[Boathook]

You have a pm boathook....

Sent a reply Tim.

Peter.

 

[[70521]]

I am replacing my Stowe kit next summer if you get desperate.

 

[Graham376]

There is a lube hole for the wind cups. Mine are still whizzing round after 30 years so doubt if the bearings have gone..

Mine seized 3 years ago at something over 40 kts. Dripped some sewing machine oil in, managed to free it and it worked fine - until the display packed up last year! Replaced with NASA wireless which, despite all the gloom merchants is still working

 

[suffolktim]

Hey!! Thanks so much for the manual and the heads up on the wire to use. I have really struggled with a plug, so im going for putting individual ferrules on each wire and plugging them individually into each pin on the male plug. Fiddly but well do-able.

Ive fixed the rudder - found some new learners "L" plates that are pretty much the same material, and exactly the same weight.

Re the cups, I have looked at the bearings-they are slightly discoloured, but im going to leave them in and oil them with sewing machine oil first.

A bigger problem is that the tube inside the rudder casing, that the pin from the main body sits on, is no longer round...but oval! We will see how that works...but it does mean that the rudder casing doesnt sit in line all the time with the body of the indicator! Plenty to still go wrong!

 

[suffolktim]

Hey guys, quick update...

I have managed to get hold of a new rudder for the unit. I am still planning on making a new wire for the unit....although if anyone has one that they no longer need or use I would gladly buy it off them, as it would make life a lot easier! The plug is built in with the mast connector, and determines the correct angle that the unit stands off from the mast, so it would be much easier if I could get hold of the attachment, but Stowe no longer make them, and they seem hard to get hold of second hand!

I still cant be 100 percent that the sensor/board is ok inside the unit, as I have been unable to test it yet, but I have oiled the bearings inside, which look ok, and I am hopefull that all will be ok!

Cheers!

 

[rudolph_hart]

Hey guys, quick update...

I have managed to get hold of a new rudder for the unit. I am still planning on making a new wire for the unit....although if anyone has one that they no longer need or use I would gladly buy it off them, as it would make life a lot easier! The plug is built in with the mast connector, and determines the correct angle that the unit stands off from the mast, so it would be much easier if I could get hold of the attachment, but Stowe no longer make them, and they seem hard to get hold of second hand!

I still cant be 100 percent that the sensor/board is ok inside the unit, as I have been unable to test it yet, but I have oiled the bearings inside, which look ok, and I am hopefull that all will be ok!

Cheers!

The bearings are pretty simple to replace & are available from Simply Bearings, who have an excellent website, low prices & a next-day service. Ask me how I know... :encouragement: