Wind instrument loses its linearization
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It should be noted that the masthead unit for the wind speed/wind direction instruments must be linearized first and then calibrated. The ideal time/sequence to do this is before mounting the masthead unit by plugging the mast unit directly to the back of the display unit. The linearization and calibration can then be performed very accurately. After which the masthead unit can then be taken up the mast and put in place. Should there then appear to be a problem in the wind angle or wind speed the most common cause of the problem will be damage to the mast cable or incorrect connections running back through the boat (connections in the junction box).
The linearization/calibration information for the unit is stored in the NVM (Non volatile memory). It is very unlikely that the NVM would fail and delete it's contents. It is possible that the NVM can get corrupted if there are low power levels on the boat, it only takes a single bit of data to be corrupted to vastly alter the linearization constants. If this happens the linearization/calibration will have to be performed again.
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Erratic Wind Speed Readings
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The most likely answer to this problem is that the masthead bearings for the wind direction are slowly stiffening over time due to water intrusion. This will cause the MU (masthead unit) to give readings that are way out. For this type of complaint it is best to take the display as well as the MU to your nearest STANDARD HORIZON dealer so that the problem (if any) can be resolved as quickly as possible.
Another common cause of highly erratic wind direction readings is that the connections at the base of the mast where the cable is cut and put into the junction box has become corroded or loose or has lost contact. The white and brown wires in the masthead cable are the wires that carry the wind direction information and most typically the ones that will be at fault if all other avenues have been checked.
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Instrument gives readings that are way out
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The WS150 can both display true wind and apparent wind. The true wind
calculation is made given the speed of the boat and the current (apparent) wind
angle to calculate the true wind angle. However if the speed-reading is way out
due to a faulty paddlewheel, or if the speed input is not connected at all then
the calculations will give a true wind reading that is incorrect.
Check that the speed-readings are correct and that the speed
input is connected and if they were using true or apparent wind.
This could be a problem with the MU (masthead unit) where
bearings for the wind direction are slowly stiffening over time due to water
intrusion. This will cause the MU (masthead unit) to give readings that are way
out. For this type of complaint it is best to take the display as well as the MU
to you?re nearest STANDARD HORIZON dealer so that the problem (if any) can be
resolved as quickly as possible.
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Wind direction indication does not change even though wind vane moves
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The problem could be in the masthead assembly. One-way to check this is to locate the junction box and check the voltage between the white wire and ground, and the brown wire and ground. If the masthead assembly is functioning the voltage on each wire will be anywhere between 1.5 volts and 3.25 volts, with a difference between the two wires of about a volt (for example if the white wire reads 1.5 volts the brown wire should read 2.5 volts). Usually if the masthead transducer has stopped working both the brown and white wire will measure about 2 volts.
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How do I turn the power on and off on my wind instrument without having to disconnect it from the battery?
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In a typical wiring situation the instruments are wired directly to an accessory panel or breaker. When power to the boat is turned on the instruments are designed to turn on automatically as well, making an on/off switch on the instrument unnecessary. It is possible to wire in an external on/off switch in-line if access to an accessory panel or breaker is not available.
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My WS150 loses it's linearization
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It should be noted that mast head unit for the WS150's must be linearised first and then calibrated. The ideal time/sequence to do this is before mounting the mast head unit by plugging the mast unit directly to the back of the WS50 or WS100. The linearization and calibration can then be performed very accurately and when happy with the quality of the information the mast head unit can then be taken up the rig and put in place. Should there then appear a problem in the wind angle or wind speed the most common cause of the problem will be damage to the mast cable or incorrect connections running back through the boat.
The linearization/calibration constants for the WS50 are stored in the units NVM (Non volatile memory). It is very unlikely that the NVM would fail and delete it's contents - several people have become erroneously convinced that this was the case. Furthermore, it is also very unlikely that the unit will corrupt only the data containing the linearization constants in the NVM and nothing else! However it is possible that the NVM can get corrupted if there are low power levels on the boat, or if the instrument is subjected to a large amount of radio interference. It only takes a single bit of data to be corrupted to vastly alter the linearization constants.
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