They are attractive for owners without a wind gauge in the masthead: wireless transducers. They are easy to retrofit; there is no need to run the long cable through the mast or to install an additional deck duct. Garmin has a new model in its programme with the gWind Wireless 2. The three-bladed propeller is designed to deliver accurate readings even in light winds. The Nexus TwinFin design is also intended to achieve precise measurement of the wind direction.
The real innovation, however, is the wireless data transmission via the so-called ANT connection. This is designed to transmit data in a particularly reliable and energy-saving way. The data is transmitted directly to the Garmin GNX wind instrument or to a plotter from the GPSMap series. There is no need to install a black box as with the predecessor device.
The sensor is supplied with power from an integrated rechargeable battery. This is charged by a small solar cell when the sun is shining. This means that the gWind Wireless 2 also provides wind data at night. According to the manufacturer, the battery should last for three years and can then be replaced.
The gWind Wireless 2 is available for 700 euros.
Michael Rinck
Redakteur Test & Technik
