[C320-list] Wind instrument installation

[Owen Mace]

Ben

I'll weigh in from a position of ignorance (always safe).  Beware, the
Maretron instrument appears to be fantastic but it is NMEA 2000-compatible
(http://www.maretron.com/products/pdf/WSO100-Data_Sheet.pdf).  The ST60 pack
is NMEA 0183 (unless it has been updated).

NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 are _not_, repeat _not_, compatible.  (The former is
a serial RS232-like protocol, the latter a network protocol.)  I believe
that there are converters, however.

If I was in your position, I would decide whether my boat was going to be a
NMEA 0183 protocol boat (old) or NMEA 2000 (new) and then stick with that
protocol throughout, including the chart plotter.

Hope that helps.

Owen
Baloo  #727
Adelaide,  Australia

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Ben Waltuck
Sent: Monday, February 19, 2007 7:42 AM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Wind instrument installation

Can anyone share the experience/cost of installing a masthead wind 
instrument?
The boat show is here in Boston tomorrow, and I'd like to purchase a 
wind instrument, but I'm a little curious on the installation..
Is there a conduit in the mast where I will be able to easily feed the 
wire(s)?
Can this be done with the mast up?
What should the approx. cost be to have this installed by the yard?
The Raymarine wind instrument seems like a safe choice, but I'm also 
interested in the newer ultrasonic units as they have no moving parts 
and offer more information (like temperature and humidity) like this one
http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|344|295761|320707&id=605649

I'm also considering getting the ST60 multi-pack with wind, depth, and 
speed.. as I only have depth today.
I'll need to install an through-hull transducer for this and I'm 
somewhat scared about drilling a hold in the bottom of my boat.. is this 
more or less complicated than I think?  Again, does anyone have an idea 
on what the cost should be to have this done by the yard?

Thanks!!

Ben Waltuck
Getaway 352 ('96)