Datamarine Link 5000 - time to replace. Suggestions?

[down_shift]

My recently purchased 87' C36 came with a period correct Datamarine Link 5000 and autopilot. While the Loran aspects (and autopilot) are obsolete, the depth and speed transducers, masthead sensor, and depth (with alarms), true and apparent wind speeds, and hull speed on the 550 remote work(ed) fine. Currently using iSailer for basic navigation and charting which is fine for my purposes.
What perhaps ended up being a mistake, when removing the Loran data input box (bad location in the companionway -- big head banger) and corresponding ~ 10-ft antenna and associated wiring, now nothing works. Missing having the basic info at the helm. This has now accelerated by goal of starting fresh with new equipment. I am looking for some ideas.
My goal is to recover the above listed functions as a minimum requirement and mount the remote(s) on the pedestal. Perhaps add nav/charting if not a sizable jump in price.
The Raymarine Evolution EV-100 Wheel Sail Autopilot looks to be a good entry point for the autopilot. However, what is a good entry point that also adds depth, apparent/true wind and hull speeds as well? Perhaps a system that is expandable to include nav/charting at a later date.
Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[John Nantz]

Link 5000 & 550

On our boat we have the same system, installed when the boat was new. The display is the nicest display I've ever seen and after all these years I can't imagine replacing it. The helm unit has a nice crystal-clear lens and the readouts, wind indicator, etc., are literally looking like new.

However, the helm unit is kept covered as much as possible when not in use so obviously this has helped prevent UV and weather damage. On the other hand, the control panel for the Autohelm 4000 ST+, even though it is perhaps 10 or 15 years newer, also kept covered, doesn't look nearly as "fresh" as the Datamarine unit.

A few years ago I was looking for some of the remote "accessory" units for the Link and found a "package" of units that a guy was selling on eBay and picked them up for spares in case something went south. Finally, after one cold winter, the depth readout decided to go on the fritz. It doesn't like to be frozen and I forgot to take it off that winter so having the spares helped out. Replacement new parts for these are expensive, if available, so picking up a working used spare can be money in the bank.

Back in '88 this unit was ahead of it's time but while technology and manufacturing improvements has created new equipment, that basic (and it really isn't all that basic) Datamarine system is still hard to beat.

For navigation I prefer paper charts but have used a Blue Sea system for years and several years ago got the Navionics navigation system for the iPad. My wife likes to keep tabs on me and really likes playing with that iPad. Fine with me as it keeps her happy.

As for disconnecting the Loran unit, it boggles my mind that just disconnecting it would cause a problem with the main unit and cause it not to work.

I'd still like to find a remote wind speed indicator for use down below and wire it up in the aft cabin so I can see what is happening at night when at anchor.

 

[John Nantz]

Reset Circuit Breaker?

One thing to check: On the back of the main unit, the Link 5100, in the upper left corner when looking at the backside, is a black circuit breaker. It says "PUSH RE-CIRK-IT" and there is a button in the middle.

If you haven't done it already, try doing what it says and push it to reset it. See if that works.

 

[down_shift]

John, thank you for the suggestions and feedback. I'll check the circuit breaker on the back side. I am not sure of the model # of my "main unit" but thinking it predates the 5000 as it does not have the readout window. Just a few buttons/switches along the bottom with the total distance on the left side. But good to know it has a built-in CB. Perhaps when snipping wires to the Loran unit, the dikes grounded two comm wires together. Hope to troubleshoot this weekend.

 

[John Nantz]

Two Main Head Versions

For info, there were two "Main Head" versions, one that was rather basic and another that had a lot of information available such as the wind (apparent, true, angle), depth, and speed. Essentially the same info that was available at the helm. I don't remember what the "basic" one had but I'm guessing just the cumulative Knot Log.

I'd think (hope?) that the push-to-reset circuit breaker would be the same on both models.

Oh, and one more thing, it is recommended to not let the helm (550?) component freeze. I think it'll withstand some below freezing but maybe not, say, 0º. I normally take mine home for the winter.

Just uploaded pictures of my spare main unit. It's nice to have all this information in the cabin when it's raining and cold outside.

 

[down_shift]

John, here is a picture of my Datamarine 5000. Yes. it is the basic model. I checked the circuit breaker on the backside and it was not tripped. No time to troubleshoot with a VOM as yesterday was too nice of a day not to be out on the bay. Even landed a little rock fish.
Turning into a project for the winter...

 

[John Nantz]

eBay is your friend

Sorry to hear the fuse wasn't tripped. Bummer. Winter is a good time to troubleshoot, though.

Since Datamarine was home-based in New England there may be some used items showing up in the second-hand chandleries.

Additionally, I'd suggest that eBay is your friend. As time goes on there are fewer and fewer parts out there; however, if one part goes out, such as the anemometer or one of the other transducers, someone is likely to pull their system out and part with it. Fortunately, the main unit is probably the least likely to go south. To that extent, you may actually be fortunate.

 

[Ariel]

We also have a Link 5000 on our boat that has worked flawlessly since 1987. In about year 2000 we were hit by lightning and the main computer was damaged. Data Marine in Mass repared the computer board for a flat rate of $150 at that time. If you elect to continue with your existing speed, wind and depth transducers, I would call them for their suggestions on your unit. These people are the former employees of the original Data Marine and know all about the Link 5000.

www.dmimarine.com

Good luck,

Dave
s/v ARIEL

 

[John Nantz]

Thanks for the link

Ariel - thanks for posting the link. Its been a long time since I talked to the DMI folks and I didn't have the link handy so thanks for writing the post.

I picked up a used Link close-hauled wind indicator and need to ask them if there is a way to connect it to the system.