[C320-list] Autohelm depth display flashing zero...sometimes

[Bruce Heyman]

In Engineering we stopped teaching how to design circuits with vacuum tubes decades ago as semiconductors are far superior....at least until they are hit with EMP.  Some schools are now teaching it again....

Bruce Heyman
(949) 289-8400
bruceheyman at cox.net

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of Harry Juris
Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 7:23 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Autohelm depth display flashing zero...sometimes

The US Navy thought the sextant was outdated technology and stopped teaching celestial navigation. 10 years later they reversed the decision:    

https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2015/11/01/naval-academy-reinstates-celestial-navigation/

Harry Juris
Polar Star, 1998 C320 #541
Graduate California Maritime Academy 
USCG previous license 2nd Mate (Navigator) Steam and Motor Vessels, Any Gross Tons, Oceans

 
-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of Jack Brennan
Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2020 7:06 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Autohelm depth display flashing zero...sometimes

I always view speed as outdated technology, like a sextant. 

My Open CPN plotter gives me extremely good speed over ground. It’s not hard to figure out current where I sail when you combine that and the feel of the boat.

When I depended on a knot meter, I found that it was often inaccurate due to algae growth, etc.

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl.



Sent from Mail for Windows 10

From: Chris Burti
Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2020 6:59 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Autohelm depth display flashing zero...sometimes

Kevin,
Unless my ST60 transducer is seated perfectly, my speed will not read. Since I need to take it out to avoid barnacles, it is a frequent problem for me.

Thanks,
Chris Burti
Commitment #867
Farmville, NC

From: Kevin Rooney
Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2020 5:03 PM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Autohelm depth display flashing zero...sometimes

Transducer failing?

I have a '95 C320 with the original instruments (so 25 years old now). The display for the Autohelm depth finder recently began flashing "0:00" for extended periods, but it works other at other times.

I think this is an ST50 unit.

I'm guessing the transducer is getting ready to go bad but don't really know. Has anyone dealt with this?

Also, my Autohelm speed display just reads zeroes all the time and has for a while. I haven't dealt with that because speed over the bottom is available on my GPS chart plotter. I assume this is unrelated to the depth meter but don't know for sure.

Does anyone here know about these things? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Kevin
S/V Cecilia Ann, #211
Deale, MD
http://kevjot.com/boat/