Experience with Wireless Anemometers?

[bkuhn]

I am interested in getting a true anemometer with a display in the cockpit (instead of looking to the red wind vane at the top of the mast). I've been looking at wireless options, but wondered if anyone has done something similar on the Macgregor?

This seems like a good idea and fits the bill (solar powered, relays to an app that I can just have up on a tablet which I already have in the cockpit for navigation), but the reviews I've been able to find indicate that support from the company is pretty poor.

https://www.calypsoinstruments.com/shop ... el-product

Has anyone else tackled this problem and found a good solution? If so, I'd love to hear what you've come up with.

Thanks!
Brad

[kurz]

looks cool for an , a would not get correct wind directon.

I am dealing with openwind for mast rotation compensation

[NiceAft]

Brad,

Not just the support seems to be bad, but the product also. The reviews were terrible.

I tried to look up any mods done with what you ask about, but could not find any.

Over the years, I recall many posts about wiring a wind speed indicator, but never a blue tooth one. That may be because the technology was not yet there? If you do find something, you know where there is a group of sailors looking to check it out.

[FittsFly]

Sorry to change subject just a bit, but I too have been looking into portable weather devices mainly for the barometer function. Being in the SW US and sailing lakes here there's always a chance of microbursts or thunderstorms coming out of no where. Im looking at a Kestrel 2500 which appears to have 3 hour pressure trend capability to be able to see a steady drop in pressure which could be a sign of something strong coming thru but my question is could a good barometer alert you and give you say 30 minutes of warning to allow you to reef just before a strong wind hits?

[kurz]

@niceaft
Openwind also use BT. So no cable.

[NiceAft]

@niceaft
Openwind also use BT. So no cable.

Good to know, but has anyone here used it? What are the reviews? If it’s a viable solution, Brad and others could use it.

[kurz]

Yes I use Openwind.
Nice guys, personal contact hapened.

The Wind data are Shown in the AP Display from the evo100.

You can get the data via mobile Phone. I have the reciever that compensates the mast rotation and leads the data to the raymarine net.

I have to check if there was any steal near the receiver. Becouse there is the second compass to compensate mast Rotation.

Good to have no cable to route and no switch to the mast.

[NiceAft]

Which model do you have Kurz? That information and any photographs could help.

[Rhino]

I use a handheld to gauge wind strength. As for direction, you don’t need a weatherman.

[kurz]

Which model do you have Kurz? That information and any photographs could help.

https://www.openwind.de/

I have the anemometer on the mast top

Down in the cabin the receiver the gives the data in the nmea System.

The receiver has compass to compensate mast Rotation and GPS, so I see the speed.

[OverEasy]

Hi FittsFly

[OverEasy]

Hi FittsFly!

Regarding your question about a barometer…

Most iPhones model 6 or later have a pretty accurate built in barometer function.

This sensor, technically a MEMS barometric pressure sensor, detects changes in air pressure to measure elevation, such as tracking flights of stairs climbed, and improves GPS altitude accuracy for map

Here’s a link to a YouTube about getting an app to access it


My daughter uses it in her extended wilderness hiking to track altitude gain/loss and for weather forecasting.
She says it tracks on par with her hi-res GPS map device.
She says there are a variety of apps out there with altitude & pressure tracking over time.

Hope this helps with your question.

Best Regards,
Over Easy

[Russ]

Sorry to change subject just a bit, but I too have been looking into portable weather devices mainly for the barometer function. Being in the SW US and sailing lakes here there's always a chance of microbursts or thunderstorms coming out of no where. Im looking at a Kestrel 2500 which appears to have 3 hour pressure trend capability to be able to see a steady drop in pressure which could be a sign of something strong coming thru but my question is could a good barometer alert you and give you say 30 minutes of warning to allow you to reef just before a strong wind hits?

Our mountain lake sailing has the same situation. T-storms pop up over the mountains and we can't see them coming.

I have several weather/radar apps I depend on to see what's coming. Having those horses on the back also helps get to shelter quickly when they pop up.

[bkuhn]

I appreciate the responses to this, and the pointing me to OpenWind.

I've checked that out (and it looks very good). But I also came across this other option yesterday.

https://wi-rb.com/product/rb/

I sent a message to the company saying that I had questions, and they got right back to me by phone. Had a great conversation with one of their engineers. They have a 2 year warranty, and a willingness to let me try it out and reutrn it if it does not work out, so I'm going to take a chance on it and see how it works out. It's about half the price of the other alternatives, and easily removes from the mounting for trailering so that's appealing.

I'll report back my experience after having it out on the water for a few months. Thanks again for all the feedback and ideas.

Brad

[NiceAft]

I appreciate the responses to this, and the pointing me to OpenWind.

I've checked that out (and it looks very good). But I also came across this other option yesterday.

https://wi-rb.com/product/rb/

I sent a message to the company saying that I had questions, and they got right back to me by phone. Had a great conversation with one of their engineers. They have a 2 year warranty, and a willingness to let me try it out and reutrn it if it does not work out, so I'm going to take a chance on it and see how it works out. It's about half the price of the other alternatives, and easily removes from the mounting for trailering so that's appealing.

I'll report back my experience after having it out on the water for a few months. Thanks again for all the feedback and ideas.

Brad

Brad,

The has a mast which swivels. If I understand correctly, the product Kurz mentions, compensates for the mast's swiveling. Make certain the product you are checking out also compensates for the movement of the mast.