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

[Chris Burti]

If you measure the time to go one nautical mile both ways on a calm, no current, day and average the result you can accurately calibrate your speed unit. Current and wind will result in a difference between a GPS reading and the through the water speed of a paddle wheel unit.

Thanks,
Chris Burti
Commitment #867
Farmville, NC

From: Bob Borelli
Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 11:50 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Autohelm depth display flashing zero...sometimes

Hello Kevin,

I have the Autohelm TRIDATA ST50 Plus (Tridata & Repeater depth & speed) on my boat.
I have not had a similar issue to yours.
When underway & moving, if my ST50 reads 0.0,  I remove & clean the ST600 paddle wheel, then it reads the speed.
I have to clean the paddle wheel frequently
I do have the ST50 manual if you would like a copy, I can scan & email.

The ST50 speed read out does not match the SOG on my Standard Horizon HX870 VHF.

Celestial navigation with a sextant is alot of fun!

Bob Borelli
C320 no. 209 'Elusive'
Georgetown, MD

________________________________
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of Jack Brennan <jackbrennan at bellsouth.net>
Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 11:03 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Autohelm depth display flashing zero...sometimes

The difference with us is that the 320 is largely a coastal boat. I’ve been 40 miles offshore with mine, but I always knew basically where I was. A compass would be enough to get me where I’m going, but less convenient.

I started sailing 40 years ago. I remember sailing the Keys with a fold-up map and a hand-held compass. I never had need of a sextant because I could always sight a landmark and have a general idea of where I was. We went aground a few times, of course.

If I were going trans-Atlantic, I might take the time to learn sights. But I don’t think that’s happening in this lifetime.

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl.
Dolphin Cruising Club of Tampa Bay

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

From: Harry Juris
Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 10:23 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The US Navy thought the sextant was outdated technology and stopped teaching celestial navigation. 10 years later they reversed the decision: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/