My wind instrument has died.

[teshannon]

I have a Datamarine LX-360 wind indicator. One day it worked, the next it didn't. I get no wind direction or wind speed. Today it was blowing like stink on the bay and still nothing. I have 12V at the instrument, the cups are turning and the wind vane moves. My mast and rigging are home to a lot of birds every night, you should see my deck in the morning. I'm thinking those buggers have done more than poop up there. I need to send someone up the mast me thinks (at 63 there is no way I'm doing it). I'd like to be prepared ahead of time for any contingency. Anyone had a similar problem or willing to hazard a guess as to the most likely culprit?

[Slooptattoo]

You advise that you have 12v at the instument head. Does it power up and not show the data? Usually the wiring coming from the sending unit, the annenomoter and the vane are plugged into or connected to a block or is it plugged or wired to the rear of the unit? I'd check my connections prior to ascending the mast. In your manual, if you have it, does it show that the unit "plugs" into the wiring going down the mast or is it factory wired at the masthead. If factory wired, more than likely your problems are below than above. As both transducers are not transmitting, ie direction and speed, it would reinforce my opinion that the problem sounds like a connection. Check your manual and good luck. Hope this was some help.

[Faster]

If there's no apparent physical damage to the vane and anemometer, other than simple failure of the electronics I'd say the most likely culprit is going to be cabling/connections. Could one of the gooney birds have damaged the cable at the masthead? or are your connections inside near the mast step corroded or otherwise damaged/shorted?

Edit... I see we overlapped Sloop's post.. similar thoughts.

[Slooptattoo]

Manual can be found here: http://www.sailingseadragon.com/Manuals.htm .
It shows a plug in at the masthead, maybe the birdies are the culprits afterall. Sorry for the dual post, I should have looked before I leaped. Common fault of mine, good luck.

[Slooptattoo]

Originally Posted by Faster

If there's no apparent physical damage to the vane and anemometer, other than simple failure of the electronics I'd say the most likely culprit is going to be cabling/connections. Could one of the gooney birds have damaged the cable at the masthead? or are your connections inside near the mast step corroded or otherwise damaged/shorted?

Edit... I see we overlapped Sloop's post.. similar thoughts.

Faster, someone posted great minds think alike, if yours is like mine, you are in real trouble!

[Giulietta]

Long live his memory, rest in peace...

He will allways be remembered by all here...

[sailingdog]

It's probably the wiring... I had a Raymarine ST60 fail earlier this year, and it was clearly the wiring that was at fault.

[teshannon]

I think you're all right, it has to be the wiring or a connection since I've lost both speed and direction. I'll check the junction box at the mast step and if that's not it then another job for the Spring.
Sloop - Thanks for the manual site. I have the Datamarine manuals but still a good site.
Giu - what?
Thanks all.

[Giulietta]

Originally Posted by teshannon

Giu - what?

Just paying my respects to the deceased.

[Slooptattoo]

Gracias! TYVM