ST-50 / ST-60 Masthead unit electonics

[smokey73]

Has anyone tried these electronic circuits for repair of their Autohelm/Raymarine ST-50 or ST-60 masthead unit?

http://www.micrio.com/products/5-raymarine-wind-parts.aspx


Any feedback or perspectives would be appreciated.

Right now my wind instrument is acting very erratic. The wind direction bounces around and seldom if ever is indicating correctly. I've tried the cal procedure but doesn't seem to correct anything. Wind speed seems okay (at least as far as my wet finger will detect). My windex is also now broken so I need to go up the mast so if necessary I can take down the unit and rebuild it or replace it. For that matter I guess I could replace it with a new one but they are very pricey (non unreasonable mind you, but not cheap either).

 

[capejt]

Wow, that really gets ya right in the wallet! I still use my old ST50 masthead, although half the cups are held in place with super glue. This may sound obvious, but have you thoroughly checked the wiring and all connections?

 

[smokey73]

Still looking for problems/possibilities

Wow, that really gets ya right in the wallet! I still use my old ST50 masthead, although half the cups are held in place with super glue. This may sound obvious, but have you thoroughly checked the wiring and all connections?

I plan on a thorough check of wiring/connections but I can't check the wiring at the masthead without going up. I'll do that when I go up the first time. I was just hoping that if someone does have experience with these aftermarket electronic elements I might get a head start on possibilities if I need to replace the masthead unit. These are still a lot cheaper than the whole unit and I may only need the directional electronics for $50 since its only the direction that seems to be erratic.

 

[Rich Stidger]

Almost every year I have an erratic/no-reading issue with my ST50 masthead transducer. The problem is the connector at the masthead. Although I clean it with CAIG DeoxIT D5 contact cleaner it stops working if I take up the last 1/8 turn on the locking ring. So I know it is a contact problem but it is very elusive.

I have no experience with these after market parts, but I would completely rule out contact problems before opening the transducer and replacing parts.

 

[Rich Stidger]

Wow, that really gets ya right in the wallet! I still use my old ST50 masthead, although half the cups are held in place with super glue. This may sound obvious, but have you thoroughly checked the wiring and all connections?

Replacement cups and vane are available as a kit from Raymarine for about $20. I could look up the part number if you can't find it.

 

[smokey73]

Almost every year I have an erratic/no-reading issue with my ST50 masthead transducer. The problem is the connector at the masthead. Although I clean it with CAIG DeoxIT D5 contact cleaner it stops working if I take up the last 1/8 turn on the locking ring. So I know it is a contact problem but it is very elusive.

I have no experience with these after market parts, but I would completely rule out contact problems before opening the transducer and replacing parts.

Thanks Rich, I went down to the boat today (beautiful 70 degree day here in Beaufort!). Looking through the binocs it looks like the vane may be missing its tail which would probably explain the readings bouncing all over the place. I plan on replacing the vane as well as the cups plus cleaning the connections when I go up to replace the windex and put in the LED anchor light. Hopefully that will do it. I you have the part number for the vane/cup kit I'd really appreciate it.

Dan

 

[Rich Stidger]

Thanks Rich, I went down to the boat today (beautiful 70 degree day here in Beaufort!). Looking through the binocs it looks like the vane may be missing its tail which would probably explain the readings bouncing all over the place. I plan on replacing the vane as well as the cups plus cleaning the connections when I go up to replace the windex and put in the LED anchor light. Hopefully that will do it. I you have the part number for the vane/cup kit I'd really appreciate it.

Dan

I bought it in 2011. My records show the masthead kit as E28081. Maybe this site has it available? It was a special order at Defender. Got it at their warehouse sale but the price was not further discounted.

 

[smokey73]

Ordered it!

I bought it in 2011. My records show the masthead kit as E28081. Maybe this site has it available? It was a special order at Defender. Got it at their warehouse sale but the price was not further discounted.

Thanks again Rich. I couldn't find it here on this store but did order it at Defender. Great Price - it should work. I also bought the electrical contact grease. Thanks again

Dan