Raymarine ST50 wind sensor

[PhilB]

Had to remove this from mast as the wind speed was sluggish, taken it apart and bearings needed. Anyone any idea where I can get a set?  EBay has some but they are for the later 60 series, the 50 appear plastic embedded. Not happy paying 125 for 10 mins work from eBay refurbisher.  Or a nice new complete sensor....

[MarkTheBike]

Hi PhilB

Not sure of the size on the ST50 but you can get replacement bearings for the ST60 vane from Radio Spares ( http://uk.rs-online.com/web/ ) so would expect the same for the ST50. Should be able to work out the right size if you can measure your bearings easily. There are other posts about this in the forum somewhere. The ST60 ones are embedded as well but you pop them out and araldite the new ones in place (carefully!).

[PhilB]

Brilliant,  I never thought to check RS out, many thanks.

[MarkTheBike]

Hi again, PhilB

Just had a good look through the forum to see if I could find where I previously read about it. Could I find it? No! But I did find this - http://raymarine.ning.com/forum/topics/autohelm-st50-wind-mast-head-system-bearing-replacement-technique?xg_source=activity . Look about 1/2 way down, there's a reply from Cary Stotland (18th Oct) that appears to have the info you need. RS Components should be able to supply whatever he reckons.

I bought our B34 with a seized ST60 vane but about a gallon of WD40 and a BIG pair of pliers loosened ours up enough to stick it back up the mast. It's still spinning fine two years later. Perhaps try that first. Mine really was solid, I needed the pliers gripping hard to move it at first but a couple of hours rotating and flushing it did the trick.

[Nigel]

You can get the bearings on eBay: http://r.ebay.com/C35gaS

I've recently uploaded instructions to the Download page on this site.

[MarkTheBike]

I've recently uploaded instructions to the Download page on this site.

Am I missing something, Nigel? I can't see a Download page.

[Nigel]

Am I missing something, Nigel? I can't see a Download page.

You have probably made a direct bookmark to the forum, and so miss out on anything on the real home page

Having said that, I'm working on a better version of the instructions.

[PhilB]

Thanks everyone,  I'll let you know how I get on.

[MarkTheBike]

You have probably made a direct bookmark to the forum, and so miss out on anything on the real home page

Yup, you're right, of course. However, I did click on the HOME link at the top of the page but it didn't take me to the real HOME page, just the Forum Contents. Does your shiny new version change that?

[PhilB]

Just for anyone doing this in the future; The bearings are 3x8x4mm - inner/outer/width. I bought them from a bearing manufacturer for £7 the 4 inc VAT and delivery. I pushed them out of the housing with a vice and a piece of cut down pencil. After refitting I closed the crimps that retain the outer bearings with a soldering iron - these open when you press the bearings out. After reassembly I tested the unit with a multimeter while supplying it with 8v - details are on the Raymarine site. All is good and after a quick coat of hammerite normal service has been resumed. Thanks to everyone for replies.