Anyone tried the sail timer wind vane? It's a wifi or Bluetooth wind vane. They also have iPhone/iPad apps. Hope it's good, I just ordered one for $579. http://www.sailtimerwindvane.com/
Sailtimer windvane
- Thread starter Hoop2125
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$580 is a lot of money for information you can get for free. Just look at the tell tales or feel the wind on your face.
I suspect that would be the most expensive instrument on my H260.
I do like the concept. If I had a boat worthy of it, I think I would install one.
I suspect that would be the most expensive instrument on my H260.
I do like the concept. If I had a boat worthy of it, I think I would install one.
Looks like cheaper way than others to add wind instruments to your boat. Please post how it works for you i might look at getting one myself.
Actually, once you have real-time wind data coming from this wireless, solar-powered SailTimer Wind Vane, if you have an iPad/iPod/iPhone, there are some things you can do with the SailTimer app that you can't do yourself by feel, for free...
For example, the SailTimer app (www.SailTimerApp.com) displays your optimal tacks as a chart overlay, the exact distance on each tack, and calculates your Tacking Time to Destination.
Ironically, although feeling the wind on your face is free, there is a free version of the SailTimer app available too.
I emailed them saying I am interested, but if the base unit doesn't have the option to power from the ships 12v system, and doesn't have a wired NMEA output it's no use to me since I can go buy a tick tack wind instrument for the same price or less as this and the wireless to wired converters plus finding some 12v-3v DC transformer to power it, and that will do true wind not just apparent.
Accurate Inexpensive Anemometer
I mounted this wind speed indicator on the rear mast pole support of my H23.5 (see photo) and it works like a charm, very accurate and it uses a "bicycle style" read out unit powered by wafer batteries that are good for 2 years. Very accurate ! Very affordable at $79.00 See the web site link below...
http://www.inspeed.com/anemometers/Pole_Mount_Anemometer.asp
I mounted this wind speed indicator on the rear mast pole support of my H23.5 (see photo) and it works like a charm, very accurate and it uses a "bicycle style" read out unit powered by wafer batteries that are good for 2 years. Very accurate ! Very affordable at $79.00 See the web site link below...
http://www.inspeed.com/anemometers/Pole_Mount_Anemometer.asp
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Waiting for Saturday,
I guess we are two different types of sailors. I don't own a mobile that supports applications. I don't sail a boat, or in waters, that would benefit from an "optimal" tack.
I like the cheap one Mike is using.
I guess we are two different types of sailors. I don't own a mobile that supports applications. I don't sail a boat, or in waters, that would benefit from an "optimal" tack.
I like the cheap one Mike is using.
Update:
:cry:
After installing the wind vane and software on the iPad, I am very disappointed. The software looses all map detail with less than a 30 mile view. The receiver batteries only last 4-6 hours and there is no 12 volt option. We went on a 10 day trip and I was so excited to try the new wind vane, after the second day I quit feeding it batteries and used it as an analog wind vane, by looking up at the direction of the indicator. On the last day with port in sight, my bracket broke and I heard a kerplunk, we turned around and tried to find it, but never did. It sux to loose a $500 wind vane, but a blessing not to have to argue to get my $500 back. lesson learned. I'm sticking to my Davis wind indicator and using iSailor on my iPad.
:cry:
After installing the wind vane and software on the iPad, I am very disappointed. The software looses all map detail with less than a 30 mile view. The receiver batteries only last 4-6 hours and there is no 12 volt option. We went on a 10 day trip and I was so excited to try the new wind vane, after the second day I quit feeding it batteries and used it as an analog wind vane, by looking up at the direction of the indicator. On the last day with port in sight, my bracket broke and I heard a kerplunk, we turned around and tried to find it, but never did. It sux to loose a $500 wind vane, but a blessing not to have to argue to get my $500 back. lesson learned. I'm sticking to my Davis wind indicator and using iSailor on my iPad.
Hi, years ago I installed a SR Mariner AWS-4 apparent wind and wind speed meter. The wind speed cups had bearings go bad twice, creating an annoying noise, so now I just use the wind direction. We have very shifty winds here, and I have to say the wear and tear on my neck vertebrae from looking up at the Windex is worth every penny. That's my arthritic opinion.
-Chris
-Chris
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