B&G Masthead Wind Sensor, Sensor Only

Overview

The B&G WS310/WS320 is a masthead wind sensor option for sailboats that need stable apparent wind angle and speed data for instruments and autopilot steering. Both versions are rated IPX6 for spray and IPX7 for immersion, with 0.1 degree wind angle resolution and 0.05 m/s wind speed resolution.

The Wireless configuration (WS320) sends wind data to a Bluetooth base station, then onto a NMEA 2000 network, with wind updates at 5 Hz and a wireless link rated up to 30 m (98 ft). The Wired configuration (WS310) is a cabled sensor that outputs NMEA 0183 MWV,R at 10 Hz, and the sensor-only version is supplied without a mast cable.

Key features

• Two configurations offered: WS320 Wireless (Bluetooth to base station) and WS310 Wired (NMEA 0183 output).
• IPX6 spray and IPX7 immersion rating for exposed masthead mounting.
• Wind angle accuracy +/- 0.5 degrees and wind speed accuracy +/- 0.1 m/s (0.2 kt) from 1 to 40 m/s (2 to 80 kt).
• Wind speed range 0.25 to 50 m/s (0.5 to 97 kt) with 0.05 m/s (0.1 kt) resolution.
• WS320 Wireless output refresh at 5 Hz, with wireless connectivity rated to 30 m (98 ft) and coverage intended for mast heights up to 25 m (80 ft), subject to installation conditions.
• WS310 Wired data output is NMEA 0183 MWV,R at 10 Hz; compatible mast cable length options are 20, 35, 50, and 80 m when purchased separately.

Variants

This wind sensor is offered in multiple configurations, with the key difference being how wind data gets from the masthead to your system.

The Wireless version relies on a Bluetooth base station to place wind data on a NMEA 2000 network, while the Wired version is a direct NMEA 0183 output sensor that uses a separate mast cable and can be interfaced to NMEA 2000 when needed.

• 000-14390-001: Type Wireless (WS320). Solar powered with a removable internal battery, supplied as the masthead unit with gasket, masthead bracket, screws, and battery; a Bluetooth base station is required to get the data onto a NMEA 2000 network.
• 000-14391-001: Type Wired (WS310). Outputs NMEA 0183 MWV,R at 10 Hz and is supplied as the masthead unit with gasket, masthead bracket, and screws; the mast cable is not included and is available in 20, 35, 50, or 80 m lengths.

Installation and setup

Both versions mount at the masthead using the supplied bracket and gasket, and use No. 10 screws. For hard materials such as fiberglass, aluminum, or carbon fiber, recommended pilot holes are 4.1 to 4.7 mm (3/16 inch).

For the WS320 Wireless version, pairing and base station setup is typically handled before the masthead unit is installed at the top of the mast, then verified by checking that apparent wind angle and speed are updating on the network.

Compatibility and system integration

WS320 uses a Bluetooth base station that connects to a NMEA 2000 Micro-C network (9 to 16 V DC) and presents a 2 LEN network load. The wind sensor itself reports apparent wind speed and angle at 5 Hz once paired.

WS310 outputs NMEA 0183 (MWV,R) directly from the masthead unit. If your boat is running NMEA 2000, an interface is used to bridge the wired sensor data onto the network.

On-board use

This setup suits boats that steer to wind, tune sails for racing, or want cleaner wind trend data for cruising and reefing calls. It is also a good fit when you are replacing a masthead wind sensor and want to keep your existing wiring and network approach, either wired NMEA 0183 or wireless to NMEA 2000.

Maintenance and storage

As with any masthead unit, rinse salt spray when practical and inspect the mounting hardware during rig checks. For seasonal layup on the WS320 Wireless version, removing the masthead unit and disconnecting the battery helps prevent the battery from draining in storage.

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