2024-05-02, 01:51 AM
Yes, I am intrigued by ultrasonic because of no moving parts but my issues remain:
1) power consumption (probably not a deal breaker, but certainly higher than standard vane)
2) inability to work in heavy rain
3) bad wind direction resolution in light wind
Just how bad #3 is, really would determine how useful it is. Perhaps even having both types of anemometers could be useful using the vane in light wind/rain and the ultrasonic in strong enough wind. The ultra sonic has the advantage of much faster rate, and not having a vane that can oscillate from boat motions. It would be really interesting to know, but considering the cost I cannot afford to buy one, and as far as I know all serious autopilots continue to use the vane type.
1) power consumption (probably not a deal breaker, but certainly higher than standard vane)
2) inability to work in heavy rain
3) bad wind direction resolution in light wind
Just how bad #3 is, really would determine how useful it is. Perhaps even having both types of anemometers could be useful using the vane in light wind/rain and the ultrasonic in strong enough wind. The ultra sonic has the advantage of much faster rate, and not having a vane that can oscillate from boat motions. It would be really interesting to know, but considering the cost I cannot afford to buy one, and as far as I know all serious autopilots continue to use the vane type.