Chain counter

In this post, we are going to see everything we need to build ourselves, a chain meter counter for the windlass anchor of our boat. A very simple and useful invention that for about 20 euros will allow us to anchor with much more criteria. In fact, in the video you have information about the correct anchoring and all the details about the operation and installation of this invention, which will save us more than 200 euros.

All our invention is going to be based on a very simple scheme that we are going to make with a digital counter from AliExpress, some magnets, a magnetic switch and something else. Basically it will respond to the following scheme:

Although in the video you have all the details, the most important point is where you will connect the signal cable of the relay. Which is the one that will allow the counter to count when the anchor goes down and count down when it goes up. To do this, we will have to connect it to somewhere that has +12V when the windlass is turning by releasing the chain. You can get this from the white wire, from the remote control box (if you followed our advice on how to install a remote control to the windlass) or from the chain release button output, which when pressed will have +12V on one of its ends and +12V at both ends when it is pressed. Well, in this second end of the button is where you have to connect the control signal cable of the relay (on the side that there is only +12v when it is pressed).

To do all this you will need the following parts:
✅ Neodymium magnets:
🔵 On AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DF8tUZv
🔵 On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3R55iIc
✅ Float switch, of various lengths to use your magnetic switch:
🔵 On AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DlWraVD
🔵 On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3BCpPxW
✅ You can also opt for an inductive sensor instead of the switch, if the format suits you better:
🔵 On AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dkksrll
🔵 On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3dzLdvV
✅ The most important thing, the display:
🔵 On AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dlw9QLH
🔵 On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3UBCQAr
✅ The relay, so that it counts discount:
🔵 On AliExpress https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DmEIwJV
🔵 On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3dBvb4x
✅ Push button and switch:
🔵 On AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdgMOV1
🔵 On Amazon Switches: https://amzn.to/3DSiqNX
🔵 On Amazon Push Buttons: https://amzn.to/3BDfimi
✅UTP cable:
🔵 https://www.bricomart.es/cable-datos-utp-cat6-cca-dca-lh-25m-10888003.html

Anchoring correctly is going to have a lot to do with casting the right amount of chain in relation to the conditions that surround you and will power you and the depth of the anchor:

Knowing the depth is essential to anchor and not to run aground while sailing, so if you don’t have a depth sounder you are already looking for one… And if you do have one, a respectable one like the one I have just in case… In the end they are just 38 euros and does not occupy anything:

✅ The portable probe of respect that I use for 38 euros:
🔵 On AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDpD5bv
🔵 On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3BAFjTf
✅ For the rectangular cuts in the fiber and to insert the display, I use this tool from Lidl: 🔵https://www.lidl.es/es/herramienta-multifunctional-recargable-12-v/p41288