(DG) ST 60 Wind instrument incorrect on port quarter

[Delfina]

I have a ST 60 Wind instrument on my sailboat. It suddenly stopped giving accurate wind direction when the wind is from the port quarter. The direction from the starboard quarter as well as wind speed seem correct. I tried to re calibrate but no change. How can I troubleshoot and correct this?
thanks,
CS

[Derek - Raymarine - Moderator]

Hi Delfina,
Thank you for your enquiry,

I would first refer you to the following FAQ to test the masthead Tx click here , this test should be carried out at the base of the mast - if there is a junction block at the base of the mast, (if no join in the cable, then test at the back of the instrument.
This confirms whether the issue is in the mastcable, or the masthead sensor, or between the base of the mast and the display to which the transducer is connected.

If there is a discrepancy in the voltages, then the issue could be within the mast cable or within the masthead transducer. At this point the masthead transducer will need to be retrieved from the top of the mast and the tests repeated directly on the 5 pin plug at the end of the transducer arm. Click here for pin assignments.

If the transducer tests out OK, the issue is with the mast cable which will need to be replaced.

If all the voltages are correct at the base of the mast, repeat the test at the back of the instrument display to which the transducer is connected. If the voltages are still correct, then the issue is with the display and it will need to be returned to a Raymarine Service dealer for further testing.

Most Certified Raymarine Installers and Authorized Raymarine Dealers will have the equipment necessary to test the display. Should there not be a Certified Raymarine Installer or Raymarine dealer (recommend calling the dealer before bringing the product to the dealer) in your area who can perform this service, then the Display may be sent to Raymarine’s Product Repair Center to have this service performed.

[Aprilsailor]

I have a similar situation where the wind direction on my ST60 does not seem accurate. I look up at masthead and see vane at 120 degrees relative toward portside, and read 60 degrees relative to port on display. I have performed the test referenced in attached and other notes on forum to check voltages from masthead transducer. I get the following (measured at display - no junction in cable between masthead and display):
Red to Shield = 8.02vDC
Blue to Shield = 5vDC (plus / minus 0.2 with dynamics)
Green to Shield = 2.8vDC (plus / minus 0.2 with dynamics)
Yellow to Shield = 3.6vDC (plus / minus 0.2 with dynamics)
Separate measurement of wind showed 10 knots at deck and a reading of 10-12 on the display, gave me confidence on the displayed wind speed. But direction was off by quite a bit.

The voltages for Blue and Green are within the range specified in the test note.... but are the voltages correct for the displayed 60 degrees or the masthead 120 degrees? If the measured voltages are simply within the range, does that imply that the masthead transducer is sending correct signal, and error must be cable/connections/display? Or can masthead send wrong voltage signal that is still within range?

Should I be spending a lot more time looking for corroded wire connections? We are talking saltwater Florida in this case.

Thank you for your guidance.

[Derek - Raymarine - Moderator]

Hi Aprilsailor
Thankyou for your enquiry.

The Green to Shield is a little low, the voltages should be 3.5 to 5v
This sounds like issues with either the masthead unit of with the connections at the plug between the masthead unit and the mounting block at the top of the mast.
regards

[sailingriki]

Derek,
I have an old Autohelm sender and head, I see no numbers or other ID. Rigger went up mast and cleaned corrosion, lubed and turned the sender. Said it sticks on some points and it hasn't given correct direction for some time now.
What is the most economical replacement for this that will use the same mast cable and send a signal that can be converted to newer instruments of other brands?
Thank you!

[Derek - Raymarine - Moderator]

Hi sailingriki

Thanks for the feedback, the standard masthead transducer is the R28170, this is the current version of the masthead transducer, it should plug straight into the existing masthead block.

Please note the early masthead transducers used 'squarish' style cups for the anemometer,whereas current versions, ( since mid 1990's) use hemispherical cups. The hemispherical cups are more efficient and rotate about 30% faster. So if you had the earlier style transducer, the windspeed will over read by about 30%, this can be corrected in the wind speed calibration of the instrument display on all but the early black ST50 style displays.

There is no effect on the wind direction.

One final point, the very early masthead transducers with the 'squarish' style cups, did not have a keyway where they plugged into the masthead mounting block, (which could enable the pins to be misaligned when the transducer was fitted and so bend the pins). All later masthead transducers with the hemispherical cups had a keyway to help alignment and so you may need to remove the keyway if you have one of the very early mounting blocks at the top of the mast.


regards