Wind gear on a budget

[Simi 60]

I am often interested as to what the actual wind speed is during a blow but not interested enough to spend several hundred dollars on a "yacht" type gear.

I spotted numerous handheld digital anenometors for around $20 but that means going out into the elements.
I also saw these cups and lead but no head unit.

Wind Speed Sensor Anemometer Three Cups Voltage Output 0-5V + 3 Meters Of Cable | eBay



Anyone have an idea what sort of cheap head unit it would connect to?
Cheap digital bike speedo, weather station head?

[chris mac]

I don't know about that unit, but I use an Oregon scientific brand household unit. I oriented it with "North" facing forward so display is always set with bow as north. It works fine for steady wind, doesn't show gusts as it refreshes every minute or so.
Completely wireless, just have to change batteries every spring.
I doubt it would be worth it for a live aboard, but is great for lake sailing.
I believe it cost around 60 bucks and is finishing it's second year.

[Simi 60]

She had the home type unit on initially Chris, but the sun was not kind on components.
The one I linked to looked more robust, there was even a model that had alloy cups.

I found this one ready to go.
Uses bike speedo as mentioned before, registers current and records Max speed

https://www.amazon.com/Pole-Mount-An...241a068a2c#Ask

As people say in the reviews, works great except for the small screen.

[JPA Cate]

Learn the Beaufort Scale, and forget about the electronics!

Ann

[UNCIVILIZED]

You can get units that attach to a smart phone. Or buy a Kestrel pocket weather station, which is nice in that it has a barograph, measures dew point & humidity, wind, temp, etc.
Though as Ann says, it's not overly tough to learn to read the wind by watching it's effects on the water. Especially if you have someone coaching you. Then after a bit you'll be able to see not just puffs coming, but also shifts.

[newhaul]

https://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF...xhIg720g_1:848

[Simi 60]

This is mainly for when at anchor getting nailed by 40 knot + with rain and hail.
I know all about the beaufort scale and signs but it can be hard to see in the dark and hard to see out windows when getting hammered with windows fogging up.
I am not interested in going outside holding a device to the sky when its hammering down which is why I am looking at cheaper roof mounted alternatives.

[newhaul]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004V1XJIE...a-277871063732

[Simi 60]

Originally Posted by newhaul

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004V1XJIE...a-277871063732

In Australia
Add in freight and we'll be up around $200 and they ain't worth that.

[taxwizz]

You could try squirting water into the air and see where it ends up.
But remember...
"Noli urinare contra ventum"

[Scaramanga F25]

https://www.weatherhawk.com/product-...ry/wind-meter/

$ 72.oo hand held.

[Simi 60]

Originally Posted by Scaramanga F25

https://www.weatherhawk.com/product-...ry/wind-meter/

$ 72.oo hand held.

Or $10 on eBay

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item...721313&alt=web

But as I said a few posts up I have no interest in standing outside the wheelhouse in 40+ knots of driving rain and hail.

[calin1967]

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1V-9...311.0.0.fptFGg

This toy is encapsulated and can work even under water. If you fit a handmade 3 cup rotor made from kinder eggs shells or plastic spoons from milk powder you get a voltage which can be measured with a cheap voltmeter and with two resistors you can calibrate the instrument to show the wind speed

[IslandHopper]

Originally Posted by Simi 60

In Australia
Add in freight and we'll be up around $200 and they ain't worth that.

Actually it comes to AUD $83.06 delivered to my Qld Po Box....

[PFiji]

If you're really serious about something like that off Amazon, but need to get it to AUS, let me know. I have a couple friends heading down under for a canoe race this winter. The Massive Murray or something like that. Can probably throw it in their luggage and have them get it down under.