Airmar CS4500 Ultrasonic Water Speed Sensor for B&G, Plastic

With no moving parts, the ultrasonic Airmar CS4500 sensor is capable of speed reading accuracy as low as 0.1 knots (0.1 MPH). By eliminating the traditional paddlewheel, there is no fouling, and drag is reduced to a minimum. Unlike paddlewheels, the CS4500 is engineered to measure water speed below the turbulent boundary layer of the hull, resulting in accurate clean-water readings. Ultrasonic sensing is a proven technology that has been used on ships for nearly 20 years. Building on this technology, Airmar developed an advanced design which operates at a higher-frequency, enabling reliable operation in both salt and fresh water. The state-of-the-art processor in the CS4500 calculates speed every half second, so it can respond to rapid changes in vessel speed. This translates into the most reliable and accurate ultrasonic speed sensor on the market, at a very competitive price.

The image shows the CS4500 in a bronze housing.

This version has a plastic housing (Airmar housing P17). The cable ends in bare wires for use with B&G Hercules and Hydra systems.

Product Features

• Unparalleled accuracy as low as 0.1 knot
• No moving parts
• Built-in temperature sensor
• Speed range 0.1 - 40 knots
• 10M cable attached
• Retractable insert with self-closing valve to prevent water ingress
• Supply voltage 12V DC
• Power consumption 155mA
• Ships with an interface box for connection to power, transducer and electronics (see installation instructions below)

An optional NMEA 0183 adapter is available to convert the output to standard NMEA 0183 sentences.

Operating Principle