DIY chain counter?

[Looking4Neptune]

Does anyone have a design for a DIY chain counter? I have been painting my chain for years and would like another solution. I see a number of commercial devices that run from about $450 to nearly $1,000 and I am hoping there is something less expensive.

I have a Quick Hector windlass from about 2009, if that makes a difference.

thanks
Pat

[HankOnthewater]

On my previous boat I had a tachometer and a chain counter made by CruzPro (NZ company). I noticed then how similar these units were, both used a similar magnet and a sensor.

Now thinking along those lines, just wondering if one of those pushbike speed/distance sensors would work, as with most you can adjust the circumference of the wheel (or this case the gypsy) to get the right speed and distance. If one could mount these sensors in a decent place without being knocked off, then you would use the distance for chain paid out. Not sure if these units would work in reverse. If not, one has to reset every time the anchor is back on deck.

I see four problems:
- the sensors might be knocked out of place easily
- the wireless range from the sensor to the LCD readout is only meter or so, unless you can find a wired unit. Then it a matter of extending that wire to the cockpit where the little LCD screen is kept/mounted
- although the units I have seen are waterproof, that does not mean they are waterproof on a foredeck
- these units are mostly powered by a 3 Volt button battery. They may last a year or maybe more.

It would be easier to do something with an Arduino. I am sure someone would have done that.

[grantmc]

Here's a link to a video where the guy demonstrates the builds of a very effective electronic chain counter system for $20. Unfortunately (for me at least) it's in Spanish, but there's an English narrative in sub-titles too.

This guy has some fantastic ideas for yachts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYtVlQBQ3ls

Oh here is the same thing, but old school presentation and in English.
https://justalittlefurther.com/just-...-chain-counter