WindSense from Digital Yacht is a new wireless wind system designed to allow iPads, tablets, SmartPhones and PCs to display accurate apparent wind speed and direction. It features a high quality, precision mast head sensor with 20m cable that connects to a below decks interface unit creating a wireless and NMEA 0183 wired connection. Existing NMEA compatible sensors can also be connected to the NMEA input to allow the wireless network to share other available on board instrument data. It’s compatible with a wide range of apps for iOS and android. The built in wifi will typically footprint a GRP boat up to 30m.
It has been attractively priced at £375 (US$549/EUR465) and positioned as a low cost replacement or addition to any marine electronics system but offers significantly enhanced accuracy, reliability and functionality with easy interfacing enabling a tablet to become a complete instrument display with other connected sensors. There are many vessels equipped with just a speed and depth system who require wind data too and also many older wind systems requiring replacement where customers do not want the substantial cost of a totally new instrument package. Depending upon the app utilised, true wind information, VMG and other sailing performance parameters like polars may also be displayed.
Installation is easy with an ultra thin mast head unit cable with removable connector which plugs directly into the interface unit. It’s then just a matter of connecting power and any other NMEA interface connections you require. An optional NMEA 2000 adaptor will be available later this year.
WindSense is compatible with a wide variety of new and existing apps and charting programs with instrument displays. Up to 7 smart phones, tablets or PCs can connect wirelessly as well as wired NMEA compatible traditional instrument displays. Both TCP/IP and UDP connections are supported. There are also free apps from Digital Yacht plus popular, low cost apps from many 3rd party developers.
See it at METS Hall 1:434
More details at www.digitalyachtamerica.com or phone UK +44 1179 554474 (US 978 277 1234)
