Must-Have Boating Tool Unveiled: The MZ WHC040 Chain Counter
Anchoring a boat with precision is the cornerstone of safety and ease, and the MZ Electronic WHC040 Radio Chain Counter—an anchor chain counter wireless device—transforms this task into a seamless, confident experience. This wireless handheld tool empowers boaters to monitor chain lengths for boat anchoring and control thrusters with unmatched accuracy, whether using 10mm galvanised chain, 8mm galvanised chain, or 10mm stainless steel chain. In this blog, we’ll explore the WHC040’s standout features, practical benefits, and real-world applications, all rooted in its robust design and technical excellence, ensuring your boat anchor chain is managed effortlessly.
What is the WHC040 Chain Counter?
The MZ WHC040 is a wireless remote handheld anchor chain counter wireless that displays the anchor chain length deployed or retrieved in metres or feet. Beyond its core function, it controls a windlass and up to two thrusters independently, making it a versatile tool for anchoring and manoeuvring with any anchor chain size, such as galvanised anchor chain. With a backlit monochrome LCD display (128 x 128 pixels), IP67 water resistance, and a rechargeable battery with QI induction charging, the WHC040 is built for durability and ease in marine environments.
Key Features of the WHC040
1. Accurate Chain Monitoring
The WHC040 provides real-time data on chain length for boat anchoring, ensuring boaters deploy the perfect amount of boat chain for any depth or condition. It supports measurements up to 999 metres or feet and switches between windlass mode (for anchoring) and capstan mode (for mooring without chain measurement). Its wireless design eliminates the need for a sensor wire through the vessel, making installation simpler and more cost-effective for your galvanised anchor chain setup.
2. Wireless Convenience
Say goodbye to cumbersome cables. The WHC040’s handheld design (170 x 80 x 50 mm) allows control of the windlass and thrusters from anywhere on the boat, connected via a receiver (150 x 110 x 75 mm) powered by a 10-30V DC supply. This freedom enhances manoeuvrability and simplifies anchoring with a 10mm galvanised chain or 10mm stainless steel chain.
3. Thruster Control
A unique feature is the WHC040’s ability to manage two thrusters (bow and stern, left and right) across six channels. This ensures precise docking and positioning, perfect for tight harbours or windy conditions when using any anchor chain size.
4. User-Friendly Interface
With a clear graphic display and three primary keys—ON, UP, and DOWN—plus thruster controls, the WHC040 is intuitive. The ON key activates the device and accesses settings, while UP and DOWN manage anchor hoisting and lowering. The display shows anchor chain length, speed, supply voltage, and battery status, with a backlight that dims after 15 seconds to save power, ideal for monitoring your boat chain anchor.
5. Robust Design
Boasting an IP67 rating, the WHC040 is shockproof, water-resistant, and floats if dropped. Protective seals safeguard the screen, and its rugged build withstands harsh marine conditions, whether you’re using galvanised chain or stainless steel chain. The QI induction charging base ensures hassle-free recharging.
6. Advanced Settings and Calibration
Customise the WHC040 via its settings menu, selecting units (metres or feet), sensor type (2-wire standard or 3-wire electronic), and calibrating the gypsy circumference for accurate chain length for boat anchor measurement. Calibration is essential for windlasses without pre-installed sensors, ensuring precise tracking of galvanised anchor chain winding point.
7. Charging Pad
The WHC040 includes a QI induction charging pad as standard, which also doubles as a mobile phone charger, adding convenience when managing your boat chain on the water.
Installation and Setup
Installing the WHC040 involves mounting a magnetic sensor and magnet on the windlass (unless pre-installed) and connecting the receiver to a 10-30V DC power supply. The sensor must be positioned 3 mm from the magnet, secured with epoxy or silicone. The receiver’s 12-pole terminal block handles power, sensor, thruster commands, and CAN bus signals for network integration. Disconnect the battery during installation to avoid electrical issues with your boat chain anchor system.
Calibration requires entering the gypsy’s circumference in the sensor menu and verifying functionality to act as an anchor chain calculator. On startup, the device beeps, showing an initialisation screen before displaying its sleek main interface, ready to track your anchor chain size.
Practical Benefits for Boaters
Precision Anchoring: Exact anchor chain length data prevents over- or under-anchoring, enhancing safety and hold. The depth gauge detects when the anchor hits or breaks from the seabed, ideal for busy or windy harbours.
Ease of Use: Wireless controls and an intuitive keypad (with a lock to prevent accidental use) reduce crew workload, allowing operation of your boat chain from anywhere on board.
Versatility: Thruster and windlass control make the WHC040 perfect for solo boaters or complex docking scenarios with any anchor chain size such as 8mm galvanised chain or 10mm stainless steel chain.
Reliability: Its robust build and clear display ensure consistent performance, even in bright sunlight or rough seas, whether using
Real-World Applications
The WHC040 excels in challenging scenarios:
Crowded Bays: Precise chain length for boat anchor monitoring avoids entanglements with other boats’ anchors, ensuring your galvanised anchor chain stays secure.
Solo Boating: Wireless control and thruster management empower a single operator to handle tricky manoeuvres with boat chain anchor systems.
Night Operations: The backlit display ensures visibility in low-light conditions, critical for late-night anchoring with any appropriate size including 10mm stainless steel chain.
A user review from sums it up: “Very useful tool... Gives you the right feeling of not using too much or little chain, especially between other boats.”
Comparison to Alternatives
Compared to other handheld controllers, the WHC040 stands out for its compact size, wireless versatility, and thruster control. Most alternatives, designed for smaller boats, lack these features, making the WHC040 ideal for larger vessels or multi-device setups managing boat chain systems.
Conclusion
The MZ Electronic WHC040 Radio Chain Counter is a powerful, user-friendly anchor chain wireless counter, that redefines anchoring precision and manoeuvrability. Its wireless design, thruster control, and rugged build make it indispensable for boaters seeking reliability and ease with galvanised anchor chain or stainless steel chain. While installation and calibration require care, the rewards are immense: safer anchoring, smoother docking, and confidence on the water. Whether navigating a bustling harbour or anchoring at dusk, the WHC040 is your trusted companion, acting as an anchor chain calculator for any anchor chain size.
Ready to elevate your boating experience? Contact OZZI Marine for more details and get your WHC040 today. Happy boating!