BrightWind: running light and anemometer in one housing

New BrightWind with unusual filling

Weems&Plath recently introduced their new line of LED navigation lights. Among all the models in the line, Bright Wind especially stands out. BrightWind is reportedly the world's first device that is both an ultrasonic wind speed sensor and an LED navigation light.

The Calypso wind sensor is built into the navigation light housing. BrightWind also has a strobe effect, making it suitable for use as a white anchor light. In the event of an emergency, the flashlight will go into emergency mode, which will be indicated by a bright flicker.

In addition, using a photocell, BrightWind turns on at dusk and turns off at dawn in a fully automatic mode. Thanks to the use of high-power LEDs, the visibility of the navigation light exceeds 2 nautical miles with reduced electricity consumption. 

According to a press release on the DigitalYacht website, BrightWind is 5 times brighter than conventional incandescent navigation lights. When the light is operated simultaneously with the wind sensor, the power consumption is only 0.35A at 12VDC.

Michael Flanagan, President and CEO of Weems&Plath, says, “By combining the navigation light and wind sensor into one unit, we not only reduced the amount of equipment on the mast, but consolidated the wiring within the mast.”

Technical features of BrightWind

BrightWind represents a significant advancement in the field of offshore wind measurement. Unlike traditional anemometers, this device contains no moving parts, which significantly increases its reliability and durability. All measuring elements are enclosed in a durable housing, which effectively protects them from external conditions, allowing the anemometer to be used in the most extreme conditions.

The main measurement of wind speed and direction occurs using four ultrasonic transducers, which operate on the principle of propagation of sound waves. These ultrasonic sensors are capable of recording wind speeds of up to 100 mph, providing accurate and reliable data for navigation.

Additionally, BrightWind supports the NMEA2000 communications standard, making it compatible with modern navigation systems from leading manufacturers such as Garmin, B&G, Raymarine and Furuno. This functionality allows the anemometer to be easily integrated into a wide range of marine systems, providing extensive automation and improved vessel control capabilities.

It's also worth noting that BrightWind has received certification from the US Coast Guard (USCG) for use on sailing yachts up to 19 meters (65 feet), highlighting its reliability and safety for offshore navigation.

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30.05.2024