Wireless instruments

[Jack Hutteball]

Has anyone out there tried wireless instruments?  I need to install wind speed indicator on the masthead and would prefer not to have to run the wiring as I have a deck stepped mast.  Are they reliable, a good value, etc., or is it better to stay with tried and true?

[Mike Smith]

Hi Jack!

I haven't tried the solar powered wireless instruments, but it is obviously the way all instrumentation is going. I'm interested in the wind instrument also. They are pretty pricey at the moment, but that is sure to come down soon. I think I'd feel better about investing in them if RayMarine or other US manufacturors had them available. I have seen only one company from New Zealand offering them which may mean problems with service/repair.

Mike

Mike and Jan Smith
S/V Breezer WCX8545
www.mikejansmith.com

[Ted Pounds]

I just ordered the TacTic wind instrument from Layline (I noticed Layline just started advertising in Mainsheet).  TacTic is a British company.  I haven't installed it yet, but I played with one at the Stricly Sail show. They're way cool :cool:.  I think they are definitely the way to go.  The units are very light and it only takes two screws to install them at the masthead.  The readouts are fully sealed and you can just stick them where ever you want as long as they get regular sun.  Rather than covering them you remove them and store them below near a port or hatch.  The Layline folks (in the interest of full disclosure: my cousin works there) said they had some problems with the first batch; something to do with the wireless frequency I believe.  But they've got those ironed out.  They took care of their customers with problems by taking back their old units and sending them new ones.  "Molly Rose" doesn't hit the water until mid April.  I'll let you know then how it works.

Ted

[jentine]

I wonder what happens to the frequency when I hit transmit on my HAM radio.  Do I have to choose between wind speed and jacking my jaws?
Jim

[Norris Johnson]

I'm also interested in the Micronet Wireless instrument wind indicator. Like Mike, I'm hoping they will come down in price. Never seen them work. I just have the 2004 Layline catalog.

[Jack Hutteball]

Thanks for the input all.  Is the price about the same for either manufacturer?  The cost of not having to get a line up through the mast will probably offset the initial cost of the unit. I am also assuming that the solar unit will keep charged here in the sometimes cloudy northwest, a price we have to pay for being able to keep our boats in the water all year and sneak in a sail now and then!  Would not worry about that radio interfearing with wind data.  Your either sailing or talking, right?
Jack

[jentine]

Wrong!

[Jkar]

Jack,

Raymarine ST-60 is ~$900 for the Wind, Micronet is ~$1300, that extra $400 to me is not bad considering I can remove all the cables from the boat.  I have ordered mine and will be selling all my ST-40 stuff on Ebay this spring.  I also am replacing the through hulls with flush mounts, including an ultrasound speed.  www.tacktick.com for more information or e-mail me and I will scan the info I got in Miami.  Joel

[Ted Pounds]

Joel,

Just out of curiosity, did you talk to Jennifer Dewey when you were at the Miami Show?   She's my cousin that works for Layline.

Ted

[Ted Pounds]

I finally put my TackTick wind instrument on the other day and it was a snap!  Hardest part was pulling the old wires out of the mast.  Two of the holes on the new mount lined up with the old Datamarine mount so line-up was a snap and only had to drill one hole (however I brought the wrong bit up the mast the first time and had to make a second trip  :)

Ted

[Tom P, IMPULSE #233, '86]

Ted,

Please check your juno account for an e-mail from me...

I can be reached at sailfast_c34NO SPAM@yahoo.com

Tom P