Windlass rode or chain counter

C

colobear

New member
I have just installed a Lewmar V700 windlass on C-Cakes and would like to put a chain/rode counter on. Just a simple counter, I don't need one that also controls the windlass, makes coffee, etc. Some time ago Mike (Tyboo) was able to create some from work scrap but that is no longer possible. I would appreciate any thoughts or if possible sources for a simple counter. The windlass is prewired for Lewmar's counter so the installation should be simple.

Thanks.
 
Barry-

I have a (ONE) extra counter that Mike gave me back when the supply train was still open.

I'll send it to you if you PM your address to me.

The windlass has a magnet embedded in the gypsy and a reed switch mounted somewhere on the non-rotating body of the windlass.

When the magnet passes the reed switch, the contacts close, making it possible to count the revolutions, which are about equivalent to 1 foot of rode.

Mount the counter in a Radio Shack project box. Wire the windlass reed switch, the counter, and the 12 volt positive lead from the down direction lead on the windlass control unit, all in series with a suitable ground. Add a fuse in the circuit to protect it from overload. A 1 amp fuse should be sufficient.

When the power is turned on from the up/down switch in the down direction, power is supplied to the counter circuit. Each revolution of the gypsy causes the magnet to close the reed switch, allowing power to flow in the circuit, and the counter to count one unit (foot).

There's one more step: The counter will need to be reset before each lowering. The counter's reset button on the front doesn't work but there are two leads (pins) in the back that, when connected, will re-set (zero) the counter. Mount a momentary push-button switch at the far end of the project box and connect it to these leads. Pushing it down will zero the counter.

If this isn't clear, I'll draw you a diagram when I send you the counter.

Here's what it looks like in my installation before I had to add the reset button. Your design may be different.

IM000281.jpg

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
Helm.sized.jpg


The little brown box to the tight of the GPS is my rode counter. It was one of the counters that was available from Mike. I made a teak box for it. Works like a charm. My windlass didn't have the built in switch and magnet so I had to glue them to the gypsy and housing.

Barry was on my boat for a CG Patrol last week and so this already, so this is for the rest of you.

Obviously this picture was taken before I was making wooden helm hubs. Need to update this one.
 
Pete;

That looks like a nice do-it-yourself system, but at $419, is nearly as expensive as some windlasses.

Matt-

Of couse, the easiest system is to just buy one of those color coded ribbon sets that you mark the rode with every 20 feet or so. They fit into the three strand nylon rope by simply temporarily twisting it open. Cheaper, too, at $7.99!!! The windlass might be pretty hard on them, though!

EXAMPLE

06204_f.jpg


Joe. :teeth :thup
 
My backup for the rode counter is that I use 4-5 pieces of red yarn tied through the rode every 50 ft. If I can't count off and remember 6 lengths of 50" while I am deploying the anchor, I shouldn't be out there. (Assuming I would be putting out all 300 ft.)
 
Wow, I didn't even know there was such a thing. I "painted" rings on my rode using that liquid plastic that's made for dipping tool handles in. Every fifty feet gets an additional "band", so 100 feet has 2 bands, 150 has 3 ect...
 
Joe, my thoughts exactly. LOL

I actually use those little numbered tags and I'm also the manual windlass. Of course, we hardly anchor out so my feelings might change once we start swinging on the hook more often.

Peter
 
With the fantastic assistance of Bob Austin , I just got my windlass installed. I used a small strand of colored yarn every fifty feet. Red=50 Blue=100 , red/blue 150, Green 200 ft. etc. Red/Red/ Red to mark twenty feet from end of rode. I've used this system for years. Simple and works great.

Roger
 
After having used various tags, paint etc, we finally settled on the use of electrical ties. We know the chain length--and then at 25 feet, one tie, 50 feet 2 ties, 75 feet 3 ties and 100 feet 4 ties--and then start over. But, we usually judge by the angle of the rode as we back down.

Thanks for the kind words Roger--it was a pleasure working with you!
 
I do a combo of the above. I use 1 green vinyl marker (about 3/4" x 5") at 30ft, 2 green at 60ft, 3 green at 90ft, 1 red at 120ft, etc, then switch to yellow at 200ft and up. Works day and night, plus you don't have to read numbers...
 
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