Lewmar AA150 Chain Counter

The Lewmar AA150 is a line counter (for rope and chain or chain only) designed to help you monitor the length of your anchor rode. It does not directly control the windlass but provides essential data for precise anchoring.

The Lewmar AA150 chain counter requires a 12V or 24V DC power supply.

The electrical consumption of the Lewmar AA150 chain counter is 30 mA.

The Lewmar AA150 chain counter is designed to operate within a temperature range from -5 °C to +60 °C (23 °F to 140 °F).

The Lewmar AA150 has an IP65 ingress protection rating on its front face, provided the unit is mounted so that the rear is protected from moisture.

The Lewmar AA150 chain counter is equipped with a 60 mm display.

No, the AA150 chain counter is a line counter and does not directly control the windlass. A rocker switch, deck switch, or remote control is required to operate the windlass.

All cables for the Lewmar AA150 must be 1.0mm² (AWG18). It is also important to use shielded cable for sensor connections to ensure electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).

The Lewmar AA150 is compatible with:

Chain only: stainless steel or galvanized. Chain and rode: must include a minimum of 3 meters (10 feet) of galvanized chain, and the rode must be a high-quality nylon anchor rode, type 66 or equivalent.

The Lewmar AA150 chain counter is compatible with most Lewmar vertical windlasses. For horizontal windlasses, a sensor bracket or custom-designed sensor may be required, and compatibility should be verified with your supplier or the AutoAnchor manufacturer.

The Lewmar AA150 chain counter is compatible with all AutoAnchor sensors, reed switches, and certain proximity switches.

Yes, the AA150 meter can be installed on most horizontal windlasses. However, this may require a sensor bracket or a special sensor that is not included in the standard package. It is recommended to verify feasibility with the manufacturer or supplier.

Yes, the Lewmar AA150 must be installed on a windlass equipped with a bidirectional control box or a solenoid pack.

Yes, for a mixed anchoring system (rope and chain), there must be a minimum of 3 meters (10 feet) of galvanized chain. The rope must be a high-quality nylon anchor rode, type 66 or equivalent. For chain alone, it can be stainless steel or galvanized.

The Lewmar AA150 must be installed only by a qualified marine electrician. Attempting installation without proper qualifications is not recommended.

For vertical windlasses, the sensor is typically mounted in the deck plate. Some deck plates are pre-drilled or marked for the sensor location. If not, a 10.3 mm (13/32”) diameter hole must be drilled through the windlass deck plate, ensuring it aligns with the sensor hole in the deck.

Before drilling through the deck, ensure there is nothing underneath that could be damaged and that the hole will not weaken the boat's structure. A 10.3 mm (13/32”) diameter hole must be drilled, directly aligned with the sensor hole in the flat deck.

The transducer must be secured using high-quality neutral-cure silicone or strong adhesive, such as Sikaflex 291 or 3M 5200. Do not force the transducer into the hole to avoid damaging the internal electronics.

The AA150 console must be installed at least 1 metre (3 feet) away from any transmitting equipment or cables carrying radio signals (VHF, radar antennas) and at least 2 metres (6 feet) from any HF equipment. The AA150 cables must be installed at least 500 mm (1.5 feet) away from these elements. It is also critical that the sensor is not struck by the gypsy during windlass operation and is at least 300 mm (1 foot) from battery and engine cables.

The power supply must be disconnected during installation and whenever wiring or electrical connections are modified. A resettable 5 Amp circuit breaker must be installed in a position easily accessible to the AA150 operator to cut power to the meter and windlass. The AA150 and all windlass controls must be powered from a single source to prevent damage to the AutoAnchor.