Stowe Navigator log+depth...

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upcountry2

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Having inherited a set of the above instruments with my new [to me ] boat, i am not entirely sure whether they actually work, boat is laid up ashore, I will update as soon as funds allow, probably with Tac-tic but until then can anyone advise me how to test if they do function. Previous owner assured me they all worked .When spinning log paddlewheel by hand there is no response on the display Depth display reads zero when switched on, so probably ok. As said boat is chocked up ashore. Thanks as always for any advice... /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
 
I can send you the manuals for these if you PM me with your email address. Do you need the Wind Monitor manual too?

I should have been charging for these - been a very popular line. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
Thanks for that, i have the manuals, not much help though,just the usual "send back to manufacturer" not worth the bother, even if they were still in business.
 
You can test the depth system by putting a length of plastic drainpipe vertically under the transducer. The end next to the transducer needs to touch the hull and the other end needs to be capped. The reading you get should be about 4 times the length of the pipe (so a 1 metre pipe should give a depth reading of 4 metres).

To test the log, you need to spin the paddlewheel quite quickly (about 2000rpm) for 10 seconds or so (long enough to overcome the damping effect built into the circuit). You could do this by spraying water at the paddlewheel using a hosepipe.
 
Stowe are back in business www.stowemarine.com

You should be able to see a speed reading by spinning the paddle with just your fingers. The damping is only a few seconds. You may need a second person to watch while you spin. The drain pipe idea should work if you use a length between about 2.5 and 3.5 feet and preferably capped with a metal end cap... such as a used beer can! You can also get an echo from a sheet of metal, glass or a mirror, although the angle you hold/prop it up at is very critical. Again, hold it 2.5 to 3.5 feet away and expect the reading on the depth sounder in air to be 3.3 times the actual distance.
 
[ QUOTE ]
...expect the reading on the depth sounder in air to be 3.3 times the actual distance.

[/ QUOTE ]I suggested about 4 times, but your figure's a lot lower. Speed of sound in air is about 340m/s; in sea water it's about 1500m/s - so multiplier should be about 4.4 shouldn't it?
 
My typo, sorry! I was thinking of meters to feet conversion which is 3.3. You are quite correct pvb, the conversion from air to salt water is around 4.3 to 4.5 depending on temperature, depth and salinity and the depth sounder manufactures algorithms!
 
Be wary of squirting paddlewheel with powerful hosepipe....I did this several years ago and the paddlewheel magnet was flung out of its housing into oblivion.....luckily at that time I was still able to get a new paddlewheel from AW Marine in Gosport.....but they may not still be in business
 
If the paddle wheel is removable (which most are) take it out and spin it by blowing on it. If the depth guage is showing zero set the shallow alarm to zero and see if if goes off.
 
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