A couple of thoughts from my armchair:   - There are different solutions for wind instruments for rotating masts. Making it suitable for proa should only take one more correction to processor. Solution that has compass in the masthead unit and compares the reading to the boat compass should do it already in the off the self unit. Can't remember which makers had that solution but I think it was tacktick and/or selva. Those who know please correct me. - Regarding compass and lights one idea is to mount them on a small mast dedicated for lights, flags etc. (like ones used on powerboats). Then make that rotating mast and have it locked to point the current bow. Need to turn that mast manually though but less duplicating needed.   Comments?   Arto --- On Tue, 2/10/09, Gardner Pomper <gardner@networknow.org> wrote: From: Gardner Pomper <gardner@networknow.org> Subject: Re: [harryproa] Re: Niggling practical proa questions To: harryproa@yahoogroups.com.au Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2009, 6:43 PM Sounds like it might be a good idea to conconct a simple circuit that automatically makes some of these changes for you. Seems like a reasonable microcontroller project (not that I know how to do it <grin>) Hook it to the output of the paddle wheel (or 2 paddle wheels) so that it can tell which direction you are facing, then it could automatically switch the voltage from one set of nav lights to the other at least. That might tie in with the Capi2 distributed power system Nigel Calder is using in his new boat. This is off topic, but does anyone have a working contact for Capi2? I have sent inquiries to their website, with no response. I am really looking for a US distributor, along with tech info. Maybe it could send NMEA commands also to the instrumentation. Anyone know if there are commands that could reverse the orientation of instrucments electronically? Would automatically powering off one autopilot and powering on the other work? Or is there an enable/disable signal that can be fed in? I am unclear on the windspeed. Why does the anenometer need to be duplicated?  Won't it report apparent wind anyway? Or is it because of the calculation of true wind? - Gardner Pomper York, PA On Tue, Feb 10, 2009 at 11:26 AM, jjtctaylor <jtaylor412@cinci. rr.com> wrote: Couple of quick responses: Nav Lights have to be changed thus requires duplication. The autopilots require duplication as well using wheelpilots on each wheel. The new Raymarine X5 eliminated the rudder sensor which is good deal for us. Wind sensor has to be duplicated. Technically with wings on mine only need windspeed, tail rudders take care of angle automatically, no sail trim. Wings only care about apparent wind. The radar has a solution, the electronic bearing line EBL and offset can be electronically adjusted through most chartplotters. Challenge is you have to buy radar by same vendor as chartplotter or you do not get the configuration screens. Just have to remember to do it after shunt. Most compasses will have to be moved around and declination tables created for going both directions. Water speed can also have issues. The little paddle wheels are not shaped for going both directions. You can get a special wheel for some. Forget the masthead light. Get a steaming light, mine is on the helm bimini top. But you need two of them..... more duplication. Any others have solutions ? JT --- In harryproa@yahoogrou ps.com.au, Gardner Pomper <gardner@...> wrote: > > Hi, > I haven't seen mention of some of the issues with proas having > interchangeable bows. I assume these have all been solved, but I am curious > how: > > 1) bow and stern lights - red and green have to be reversed after shunting. > I assume duplicate sets of lights, but it is a manual operation to remember > each time? > > 2) autopilots - don't these get really confused after a shunt? Do they also > need to be duplicated? (expensive) > > 3) radar/chartplotters , etc ... the same basic questions > > 4) masthead lights? i think i saw a post somewhere that rob mentioned he > didn't care for masthead lights, although a central tube up the masts could > be mounted to keep the lights from rotating with the mast, but where else > can you put the lights without the sails obscuring them? > > Thanks! > > - Gardner Pomper > York, PA >

•  1
  New Members
•  8
  New Photos