First - we manufacture a chain counter (www.cruzpro.com.ch30.html) that
controls the windlass in an intelligent manner (slows anchor when nearing
bow roller, etc.) but it retails for US$400.

For those people really wanting to build their own you might look at
www.microtronz.com. 95% of the hard part is already done and the case is
waterproof from the front. The unit costs US$80 and comes with working
BASIC, C and ASSEMBLER programs. You would have to write the software your
self and use the scratchpad area to interface to the reed relays, but most
of the hard bits to read keys and put information on the LCD, etc. are
already done for you.

Best Regards,

Bert

Bert van den Berg
CruzPro Ltd.
www.cruzpro.com
35 Keeling Road, #A4
Henderson 1008
New Zealand
Tel: 64-9-838-3331
Fax: 64-9-838-3332




"Glenn Ashmore" wrote in message
news:CKNXd.60125$SF.51555@lakeread08...
Anyone ever attempt to build one of these?
http://www.dv-fansler.com/Projects/9.../900gd-dro.htm

I downloaded and compiled the code but would like to know if it is
reliable
before I go to the trouble to design and make the boards. Considering all
the parts can be had for under $50 and an AutoAnchor cost over $500 it
looks
pretty attractive.

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com