The new A+T wind sensor

Technical detail

A+T now supply wind parts and systems which are the lightest, have the fastest response and most robust construction of anything on the market. Here we explain a bit more about the background and what this means for you.

Among many improvements that have been made to these parts are:-

Lighter and faster response carbon vane, see comparison video

Ceramic bearings, freer running, lower start up stiction and longer life, see video

Graphite infused main housing, stronger and better resistance to static electricity in lightning conditions

Vane positioned out of the disturbed flow of the counter weight and sensor itself

Each pcb individually calibrated to 0.2 deg round whole 360 wind angle range and with repeatable zero setting.

So now a yacht fitted with a 213, far from having to scrap the wind sensor, mast cable and in many cases the instrument system can easily improve their existing sensor.

Complete Units

Complete A+T 500 series sensors are available in both horizontal and vertical configurations (in all normal sizes and specifications) as well as mast cables if needed.

We are also offering an upgrade service for vertical wands to take these in and fit the new sensor to them. The obvious advantages of this are:-

Saves a lot of money for the client, most of the cost of a vertical wand is in the carbon element which does not usually get damaged

Wand fitting at masthead does not need changing, so mast bracket, location and fixing is easy.

And of course better for the environment

Digital Version

There is also a digital version of the masthead pcb available which fits into the A+T housing, the B&G 213 housing and the B&G WS series unit.

This outputs undamped wind data in NMEA 0183HS (38,400 baud) at 20Hz. This output will work with all modern instrument systems either directly or through any NMEA 0183 to N2K converter.

Recently 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 to give us good wind data which helped with steering and weather forecast interpretation”

Another yacht using this configuration is Malizia sailing in the Great Ocean Race; they had previously being having problems with other sensors breaking with shock loads.

Repairs and Spares

You can get all the parts you need to service and refit wands or send the whole unit to us as we are happy to check and service for you.

We keep all wind instruments in stock available for same day shipping.