Autohelm ST50-Raymarine 60 Wind Head, wiring & sensor troubleshooting

There is a test you can do on the masthead transducer to determine if it is working.

To perform the check, you will need a multimeter, and a DC power supply. You will need to supply 8v to the masthead across the red and shield connections.

Normally the ST50/ST60 display head would be energized and provide this 8V, however, you may need to power the masthead transducer separately. With the multimeter, check the following:

Set the multimeter to the 20V DC scale.
Test at the connections on the rear of the display head, or at the base of the mast (if you have a junction box installed.)

• Red to shield (screen) should read 8 volts DC steady. This is the masthead power supply, coming from the ST50/ST60 display head. IF 8V is not present, either the instrument is faulty or an open connection along the cable. If the head is damaged, you may need to provide this power from another source to test the masthead.
• Blue to Shield should read anywhere between 2 and 6 volts DC. This is the port side directional element. The voltage changes as the vane turns.
• Green to Shield should read anywhere between 2 and 6 volts DC. This is the starboard side directional element.
• Yellow to shield should read between 0 and 5 volts DC. This is the wind speed circuit. The faster the wind is blowing, the higher the voltage will read.

If any of these readings are out of spec, you should assume the masthead or wiring is damaged, and it should be repaired or replaced.

Parts List:
Masthead Service Kit including Cups & Feather E28081 $24
Replacement 30M cable & Masthead connector A28162 @ 107.00 3/15/2011
Replacement 50M & Masthead connector A28163 @ 149 3/15/2011 Defender
Short Arm ST60 Transducer R28170