Simple mechanical monitoring of relative wind direction through 16-segments

Although designed originally for the use of yachtsmen, this simple wind direction indicator could equally well find application in an amateur weather forecasting station. For the yachtsman, an instantaneous knowledge of the direction of the wind relative to a craft is an essential factor in maximising the performance of the boat. The traditional method of assessing this is by glancing up at the burgee – a simple vane/pointer arrangement attached to the top of the mast. Whilst this can be useful, the modern yachtsman will probably prefer to have all the information regarding his craft available on instruments placed in one location – in the same way that car instruments are co-located on the dashboard for easy observation.

An electronic wind direction indicator system would therefore need a sensor located at the mast head, developing some form of signal – analogue or digital – representing the direction of the wind. After appropriate processing, the signal would then drive a display, again perhaps analogue, perhaps digital, showing the wind direction relative to the boat. This project features just such an arrangement.