The masthead is the most dynamically vigorous point on a sailing boat. Without factoring that movement into your instruments, all that wonderful masthead data will only ever be one part of the story.
The design features of the A+T wind sensor sets new standards of lightweight, fast response time and robust construction. In this blog we examine, in more detail, the interface options available and their applications, including the revolutionary Inertial IMHU which measures mast head motion right at the wind sensor itself.
Traditional Analogue
An analogue mast head unit PCB outputs on the conventional six-core cable – speed as a pulse plus apparent wind direction as three analogue phases. This makes it a direct replacement for the many, many thousands of B&G 213 wind sensors which have been installed on yachts since the late 1980s and the instruments to which these are connected. It also satisfies many purist navigators and system designers who want the wind data in its rawest undamped format.
Instrument systems with which this is compatible include B&G H2000, H3000, H5000, WTP, FaRo, Sailmon and of course, A+T.
Digital
It is also available with a digital output sending speed and wind angle at 20Hz in NMEA 0183HS (38,400 baud) of undamped data. This output option is aimed at the serious navigator or system builder who wants the fastest, highest quality wind data for their processor. This is also a flexible solution as it will interface to almost any modern instrument system.
The A+T masthead PCB turns any existing B&G wand into a digital version and is also a direct replacement for the B&G WS series PCB, offering undamped and faster data with added calibrated accuracy and repeatable zero setting.
Campbell Field used an A+T vertical wand with digital output interfaced to Raymarine Axiom instruments on board the Balance 526 catamaran Norhi while winning the Cape to Rio Race. He commented afterwards: “We managed to enhance a basic non-racing instrument system using Expedition software to give us good wind data which helped with steering and weather forecast interpretation.”
Another yacht using this configuration is Malizia sailing in The Ocean Race who had previously been having problems with other sensors breaking with shock loads.
Get in touch with the A+T team today to talk about the best options for your boat.