[Van_Isle]

I've got the opportunity here to obtain some Simrad IS15 electronics for really next to nothing:

1) Three IS15 Multi-instuments (but no speed or depth transducers)
2) Wind instrument (but no masthead unit)
3) Expander Unit
4) covers, Roblink cables, gaskets, etc.

The instruments were all removed from a pilothouse, so they've always been under cover.

Now I currently have a (fully working) IS12 Combi unit on my C&C 27 and last year I replaced the speed sensor paddles and re-did the depth transducer fairing block. I'm impressed after about 14 years it all works just fine. And the transducers for the IS12 are same as used for the IS15, so I could swap out the single combi unit for two or even three of the multi units (using one to repeat data down below perhaps?).

I also understand from posts on other forums that, although the IS15 wind transducers are discontinued, there are other options out there, such as the IS20 transducer (with AT10 SimNet to NMEA 0183 converter ... but with limited functionality) and the NASA Clipper masthead unit.

I like the ability of the IS15 systems to multiplex and transmit NMEA 0183 data. I recently obtained a 'free' brand new Raymarine SPX-5 wheel pilot system with ST6002 control head (that's a deal story for another time) and I have a Standard Horizon CP190i chartplotter .... and I think I could actually share data between this mish-mash!

It's a tempting proposition ... A lot better than $1,500 to $1,600 for a Raymarine ST60+ or i60 system.

How have other's experiences been with the IS15 equipment? Any experiences interfacing the Clipper masthead unit to the Simrad stuff?

 

[davester]

I have the Simrad IS15 wind and NASA Clipper masthead unit. I like the Simrad, but the combo never really worked well for me. The Clipper has no documented alignment. You can calibrate it, but that involves crossing two wires when the wind vane is dead-ahead (which isn't very practical once it is installed). As an alternative to calibrating the masthead unit, the Simrad can do the correction (I think this depends on firmware version, so check that). But I never felt like I got that right. Maybe its best for small corrections. I did talk with Simrad via email once and they were nice enough to help out even though I was using an old second-hand bit of hardware.

Last year they stopped working, but I don't remember exactly what the problem was. I think the Simrad display was acting weird even with the data wire disconnected, so I just unplugged them and gave up on a cheap wind setup for now.
Dave

 

[Van_Isle]

Thanks Dave

I haven't done anything yet. Pondering.

I did confirm the NASA transducer is available at the price quoted on the Canadian distributor's website. Vmg Marine.

Everyone knows however if I decide not to get the units my old one will pack it up immediately!

 

[Van_Isle]

Anyone have any further input?