Software update
The Windwiser Tools application required for the software update can be downloaded from the Google Play store.
For help with the update process the following document provides more information.
User manuals
Datasheets and descriptions are available on the Products pages.
If you need further assistance with their use or installation, do not hesitate to contact us.
Frequently asked questions
I would like to install everything myself. Should I do it? Is the warranty still valid?
You can easily do it yourself, if you are handy with a drill and a screwdriver. The warranty is still valid in this case, the only thing that voids it is physical damage.
I would like to order installation as a service. When can it be expected?
The waiting period is influenced by the time of year but we try to keep this to a maximum of 3 weeks.
In which direction should the anemometer face?
The anemometer should always be placed on top of the mast, facing the direction of moving. The mainsail surface always creates turbulence in the air, so to avoid measurement errors it is recommended to pick an installation place at the highest possible point on the mast, facing forward towards the bow of the boat.
Is the anemometer wired or wireless?
The Windwiser instruments communicate via a four-core wire (using CAN protocol). Our only instrument using wireless communication is the Nawifi2, which displays all measured wind data on a phone or tablet with the help of WiFi. This product has no additional display nor can it communicate with other displays.
My anemometer was damaged. What should I do?
We offer replacement parts for all our products. Contact us to help you resolve the issue.
Is it required to lift the boat out of the water for installation?
It is not necessary. Wind instruments bought with installation service will be installed by the serviceman climbing the mast. Depth-sounding sonars can be simply glued to the inside of the hull, so it is not even necessary to drill a hole to fit such a device (please note that this is not the case with sandwich-type composite and wooden boats. For those types of boats, drilling a hole for the sensor is the only way to use this instrument).
How big of a hole is it necessary to drill for the main display module?
Unlike other brands, our displays require only four small holes to be fitted. The back of the display is flat, so it is only required to drill two holes for the mounting screws and two holes for the data cable connectors.
Should the anemometer be taken off for winter?
It is advised to lengthen its lifespan as it contains moving components that wear out over time. Taking it off from December to April will save it from unnecessary moving and will greatly increase its lifespan.
What is the average lifespan of the anemometer?
The lifespan of an average anemometer is 5 years at lesast. But as it is constantly moving, and also receives a fair bit of sunlight, the lifespan of such a device is not endless. More often than not the bearings wear out first but this is not a major issue as they can be replaced.
What is the most damaging for the instruments?
The biggest enemy of these devices is UV radiation along with moisture and humidity. It is always advised to keep the UV covering cap on the display when not in use to protect it from the elements.
The anemometer is at an angle, not facing exactly forward. Can it be corrected?
Yes. In every display module's settings, there is a function to offset the AWA, aka Apparent Wind Angle reading.
Where should I install the sonar?
Both the glue-in and the drill-through variants are recommended to be placed in front or behind the keel weight. Choose a spot that avoids the keel of the boat, as this is the thickest part of the hull. A distance from the keel of 150-200mm is recommended. It is advised to place the sensor at a place where it is underwater, even during high tilt angles. Do not drill through the keel as this will decrease the structural rigidity of the boat.
The sonar is not pointing straight down. Is this a problem?
In most cases, it is not a problem. The sensor transmits the ultrasonic beam in a 20-degree angle cone shape. So, it is generally not a problem if it is slightly pointing at the side.
Wind cups are not turning. What happened?
Spiders like high spots on boats. In most cases, cobwebs prevent the anemometer from turning. Winds above 15km/h usually tear off the webs, thus servicing the instrument is not necessary.
Only the wind direction is shown, but not the speed.
See previous paragraph.
True wind speed is the same as speed over ground and has an angle of 180 degrees.
See previous paragraph.
How to avoid cobwebs?
In most cases spraying the top of the mast every quarter year with insect repellent (paying special attention to the wire nuts and pulleys) will prevent spiders and spider webs from interfering with the anemometer.
Can lightning damage the anemometer?
Lightning can cause damage to equipment onboard, although a direct hit is highly unlikely. In contrast, corona discharge (the phenomenon that is caused by electrons traveling toward a lightning strike) will be more likely to cause damage to the anemometer. When this happens, the mast in most cases will give off a hissing sound. If this happens, touching the mast or the boom is forbidden! To protect the anemometer, it is a good practice to place a metal object higher than the anemometer. If the metal object is at least a few centimeters higher than the anemometer, the damaging corona discharge will more likely happen on the metal object rather than the anemometer.