Chain Counter

Shaps

Shaps

Well-Known Member
GOLD Sponsor
Nov 4, 2019
2,480
Long Island,NY
Boat Info
2010 Sundancer 500
2015 Brig Falcon 330T
Engines
Twin Cummins QSC550 w Zeus Pods
I have a Lofrans progress 1000 low profile windlass and am considering a chain counter.
I could not find a NMEA 2K compatible one, but this looks like it would do the trick:

https://www.go2marine.com/Auto-Anchor-150-Rode-Counter-Round

Spoke to Lofrans, evidently the magnet is already in the chain wheel, so it is a matter of running the sensor wire to the helm and then hooking the rest up to the switch at the helm.

Has anyone installed this? Or something better?
Thanks!
Shaps
 
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We had one with our previous Maxwell windlass. Works great on chain. Not so much on rope, or mixed chain/rope rode.

This time around, so far, and without having done any anchoring with this boat yet... I just marked the chain (zip ties) at 50' and then 25' increments after that. Our drill is that I have to go to the bow anyway to release the chain stopper... so watching the chain run out isn't difficult.

-Chris
 
ranger58sb said:
We had one with our previous Maxwell windlass. Works great on chain. Not so much on rope, or mixed chain/rope rode.

This time around, so far, and without having done any anchoring with this boat yet... I just marked the chain (zip ties) at 50' and then 25' increments after that. Our drill is that I have to go to the bow anyway to release the chain stopper... so watching the chain run out isn't difficult.

-Chris
Click to expand...
Thanks @ranger58sb
yessir, i am 100% chain, should have said that. I can't imagine being able to see zip ties or even paint from the helm too reliably. If someone always at the bow, I get it.
 
Following. That's a nifty device. That would be far easier than watching for my chain markers. Very cool...
 
I added chain markers which help if I have someone on the bow but I can’t see them from the helm. If no one is on the bow I know that it takes about 12 seconds to drop 25’ of chain so I count it out but a chain counter would be nice.
 
I would like a chain counter. Right know a go by 1 foot per revolution and keep count. Given my declining short-term memory, it's not always a reliable method!
 
I did the zip tie thing and it's very easy to keep track of. I used 3 for each marking and 5 different colours so I knew when I saw one pass by how much had already gone out even if I miss a set go by.
 
This is the one I use with my Progress 1. I had to drill my gypsy for the magnet, mount the sensor and wire it up. In two years its operation has been flawless.

I tried the whole paint, marker, zip-tie thing, but it was just too difficult to see the markers from the helm.
 
I put in a Maxwell AA560, but I have a Maxwell windlass: http://www.maxwellmarine.com/as_control_gear.php Great unit and is very accurate.

Take a look at the web page, Maxwell is also selling the AA150 branded as Maxwell, so the AA560 would most likely work great for you as well.
 
I have seen the AA150 with various branding.. AutoAnchor, Lewmar, Maxwell...

Other than the obvious difference of the name printed on the unit, any idea if there is any other difference?

For me, Lofrans pointed me at the AutoAnchor 150

I see the AA560 has the controls as well, not sure I am looking for that. Thank you @SKybolt !
 
Shaps said:
I have seen the AA150 with various branding.. AutoAnchor, Lewmar, Maxwell...

Other than the obvious difference of the name printed on the unit, any idea if there is any other difference?

For me, Lofrans pointed me at the AutoAnchor 150

I see the AA560 has the controls as well, not sure I am looking for that. Thank you @SKybolt !
Click to expand...

I think there is no difference and why I posted that. A straight rode counter is definitely a great thing to have. The reason I went with what I did was to be able to have one button drop for some areas. Haven't programed that yet so not sure it's worth it or not. But hey another display is always nice!
 
SKybolt said:
I think there is no difference and why I posted that. A straight rode counter is definitely a great thing to have. The reason I went with what I did was to be able to have one button drop for some areas. Haven't programed that yet so not sure it's worth it or not. But hey another display is always nice!
Click to expand...

No Doubt! ha!
 
Shaps said:
I have seen the AA150 with various branding.. AutoAnchor, Lewmar, Maxwell...

Other than the obvious difference of the name printed on the unit, any idea if there is any other difference?

For me, Lofrans pointed me at the AutoAnchor 150

I see the AA560 has the controls as well, not sure I am looking for that. Thank you @SKybolt !
Click to expand...

@Shaps I found this wireless one this morning. https://www.seatechmarineproducts.com/autoanchor-spa-aa9408-710-handheld-wireless-remote-kit.html
 
unsalted said:
Hmm, that looks like the controller is wired to NMEA and to the sensor. Giving you a wireless hand controller. You would still need NMEA wiring in the front of the boat or pull the sensor wire back.
Click to expand...

I don't see a network connection here. (see wiring diagram attached). Shame actually.
If I dont go the wired route, I am thinking this is the one, but i dont like the look of it.
Want to see how bad it really is to pull a wire. Like @ocgrant, I have bow speakers up there that the PO had done. Will have to see how he pulled them from the amps to the anchor locker.
 

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unsalted said:
Hmm, that looks like the controller is wired to NMEA and to the sensor. Giving you a wireless hand controller. You would still need NMEA wiring in the front of the boat or pull the sensor wire back.
Click to expand...

Why do you think that? I don't see where there is any N2K reference. There are a few sensor extension cable's that are available. But that isn't N2K related at all. It's just 3 wires internal wires and a water proof connector.

https://www.fisheriessupply.com/max...ting-cables-for-aa150-and-aa560-rode-counters
 
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