4
gap Between the Sensor and Magnet:
The gap between the sensor and magnet is critical for the AutoAnchor operation.
See below for the gap required where the rode does not run between the sensor and the magnet.
Magnet #9009 (6mm x 4mm)
Minimum Gap 3mm
Maximum Gap 30mm
Magnet #9052 (8mm x 6mm)
Minimum Gap 3mm
Maximum Gap 44mm
Magnet #9061 (10mm x 8mm)
Minimum Gap 3mm
Maximum Gap 50mm
drilling the deck:
- Refer to instructions for rope/chain windlasses on PAGE 3.
To Fit the Magnet
: If your chainwheel is not predrilled, drill a hole in the underside of a spoke in the
bottom of the chainwheel. Ensure the gap between the sensor and the magnet will be correct. Insert the
magnet and cover it with a minimum of 1mm of epoxy to seal it from salt water. Failure to do this will
impair the magnet’s strength and durability.
Every horizontal windlass is different and you may need to check with the AutoAnchor manufacturer, or supplier, to see if you can
fit the AA550 to your windlass. There are several options for windlasses using all-chain rode but if your windlass uses rope/chain
rode it may not be possible to fit the sensor to achieve an accurate rope count. It may be possible to count the revolutions of the
chainwheel as for all-chain windlasses. See PAGE 5
FITTINg THe aa550 TO a HORIZONTaL WINdLaSS WITH aN aLL-CHaIN ROde
Sensor Installation For Horizontal Windlasses Using all-chain Rode
The standard sensor (#9051) is cylindrical 30mm long and 10mm in diameter. This sensor
can be fitted using a sensor holder fixed to the deck to sit under the chainwheel (See Fig 6).
The AutoAnchor sensor holder (#9070) is not included in the standard kit. Check with your
supplier.
AutoAnchor also makes a flat sensor (# 9045) that can be fixed to the exterior housing of the
windlass (See Fig 7a) or inside the windlass housing (See Fig 7b). Secure the sensor using a
good quality neutral cure silicone or a strong adhesive eg. Sikaflex 291 or 3M 5200. The
magnet is aligned with the cross on the sensor.
gap Between the Sensor and Magnet:
The gap between the sensor and magnet is critical for proper operation of the
AA550. See below for the gap required where the rode does not run between the sensor and the magnet.
Magnet 6mm x 4mm #9009
Minimum 3mm
Maximum 30mm
Magnet 8mm x 6mm #9052
Minimum 3mm
Maximum 44mm
Magnet 10mm x 8mm #9061
Minimum 3mm
Maximum 50mm
Fig 7a
HORIZONTaL WINdLaSSeS
Sensor
Sensor
Windlass
Housing
Windlass
Housing
Fig 7b
drilling the deck:
Drill a hole 13/32” (10.3mm) diameter through the deck. The sensor wire must be fed through the deck.
Ensure the wire is protected against any moving parts in the windlass. Before drilling into the deck, ensure there is nothing
below the deck that could be damaged. Also ensure any hole you drill will not weaken the boat’s structure.
ensure the
sensor
head
is positioned so that it will not be hit by the chainwheel during windlass operation and that it is at least 1ft (300mm)
away from the battery and motor cables, then secure the sensor into the deckplate with silicone.
Sensor Wiring:
Refer to the wiring diagrams for instructions to connect the sensor wires to the AA550 console. Sensor
cable joins must be soldered and sealed in adhesive heat shrink tubing. Do not leave the cables hanging loose, they must be tied
in place with cable ties.
Magnet Installation for Vertical Windlasses Using all-Chain Rode
Standard Sensor
Flat Sensor
Fig 5
Sensor
Magnet
Sensor Holder
Fig 6
Magnet
Sensor
