A+T debuts masthead-motion wind sensor
Hampshire-based A+T Instruments has unveiled a new series of wind sensors. The new 520 Series is said to be the first production unit sensors that can directly measure the acceleration, and hence velocity, at the masthead then transmit this to the instrument processor for masthead motion compensation of the measured wind.
While masthead motion has been measured in several one-off campaigns, including America’s Cups, the development of A+T’s new 520 series brings this to the wider racing and superyacht market.
An upgraded masthead unit (MHU) pcb with an embedded 6-axis motion sensor is fitted into the 500 series wind sensor. Together with wind data, the motion data is sent at 100 Hz in digital format down the existing mast cable for processing. The A+T instrument processor utilises this data for wind measurement compensation. Because the measurement is made in the wind sensor itself, there is said to be no additional weight or windage.
This now extends the range of A+T wind sensors, which are reported to have twice as fast angular response as other products in this market. They are all made in short horizontal ‘stubby’ versions as well as vertical carbon wands:
- 500 – analogue output (pulse and 3 phases for angle) for existing systems and as parts and replacements for B&G 213 wind sensors
- 510 – digital output sending NMEA0183HS at 20Hz
- 520 – digital output, custom serial format, sending wind and motion data at 100Hz
The launch price for the 520 motion sensing wind sensor pcb is £825.
There will be a demonstration at METSTRADE 2022; the A+T Instruments stand is in the Superyacht Pavilion, stand number 10.517.
Masthead motion sensors will soon be introduced for the FaRo instrument processor from FaRo Advanced Systems in Italy. A+T says will also be providing the output in a published open format so other instrument manufacturers can introduce these features too.
