The most important thing was to mount him at the back of our villa so I can
see him from inside the house. He can still be seen from certain angles at
the front but as long as he doesn’t crow we wont have a problem.
The wind has been flukey today, blowing SE and sometimes SW but he’s
working perfectly.
As you can see we have a difficult roof line to work with and the tiles
overlap considerably but the mounting block can’t be seen from the front and
gives him a little more height. Many thanks, Helen and Ian.
Hi Robert,
I’m happy for him to go on your website . He can be the “Mythical Caringbah Rooster” that
drives some of our locals crazy with his early morning crowing!!
The use of weathervanes dates back to ancient times when the first weathervane was used a temple in Athens. Since that time weathervanes have been produced and used in a variety of materials and portraying many different forms. One popular form is the sailboat weathervane which will discussed in further detail here.
The sailboat weathervane normally consists of a wind vane which is an unbalanced arrow shaped piece which rotates about a centre shaft. As the wind blows it rotates and aligns itself to the direction the wind is blowing at that time. Another piece is a fixed four quadrant wind direction indicator. By aligning these indicators properly, the wind vane will point to a particular quadrant so that the direction can be determined.
A very important part of most weathervane is the form which is added to the top. This gives the weathervane its distinctive look and has provided a great deal of customisation. For many years the common shape used on a weathervane was that of a rooster.
This happened due to a decree from the Pope and for hundreds of years rooster shaped weathervanes were placed on top of churches throughout Europe. The practice extended to many other structures throughout Europe and eventually followed to America.
In America many kinds of shapes were also developed for use as a topper for weathervanes. For a long time, political themes were important such as the eagle and Lady Liberty figure. During the 1800’s horses began to be used.
Since the horse represents strength, agility, and nobility these were popular items of choice. Since the direction of the wind was a vitally important factor in sailing ships, this theme was carried over by adding a sailboat shape to weathervanes.
For people who are interested in the sea and may be located in a nautical setting, this is a perfect addition to their primary or secondary homes. A sailboat weathervane can be obtained in a wide variety of sizes, colours, shapes, and materials.
To find just the right one for you, do a search on this website to find many choices of these kind of products. You can review a great deal of helpful and detailed information including pictures and descriptions which shows the materials used, sizes and recommended installation.
We have a qualified customer service department to help you every step along the way. In addition to sailboat weathervane selection, we can assist with shipping and installation.
In this way you can be sure of installing a sailboat weathervane you love and which will greatly add to the overall look and beauty of your home or outdoor structure. Whether you live near or far from the water, you’ll be glad you purchased a sailboat weathervane.
The copper weathervane has been an important feature in most Australian homes and outdoor structures. It has evolved into a decorative item which can add years of beauty and functionality to your home. A little of its history will be discussed and reviewed.
The original purpose of a weathervane was to indicate the wind direction. However this device which is most commonly produced from copper or brass has evolved over the years. The first weathervane was installed on the Tower of Winds in Athens and was shaped like the Greek god Triton which was a half man, half fish figure.
The figure on this weathervane was four to eight feet long which is substantially larger than most weathervanes today. Throughout history, the copper weathervane has featured unique shapes.
The next major phase in the history of copper weathervanes featured a quadrant shaped wind vane with an animal or Norse fable creature on the top. These weathervanes were found in ninth century Viking settlements and on ships. However they can still be found on Swedish and Norwegian churches today.
For almost 1,000 years following a decree from the Pope, weathervanes were required to be installed on every church in Europe which featured a weather cock. This is a rooster shaped device which symbolised Jesus’ statement that the cock would not crow the morning following the Last Supper until the disciple Peter denounced him.
This helped to popularise rooster shaped weathervanes throughout Europe and eventually America. They are still a very common style produced to this day.
As it turns out the first weathervane used in America was a grasshopper shape and was placed on the top of Faneuil Hall in Boston. This figure was produced by the Deacon Shem Drowne who also designed a banner weathervane which was installed on top of the Old North Church as well as a rooster weathervane figure which was installed at the First Church in Cambridge.
Beginning in the early 1800’s weathervane designs featured many patriotic themes. They featured symbols of American freedom including the Goddess of Liberty and the American Eagle. The eagle copper weathervanes remain very popular in current times.
Other designs in the 19th and 20th century included racing horses as well as many figures created with a simplistic silhouette design. Throughout its history, copper weathervanes have remained the material of choice due to their good workability, strength, and corrosion resistance.
The picture below shows how the screw or nail holes can be used to attach the Happy Daisy Windvane in an upright position.
However if you want to suspend the Happy Daisy from a tree or a pergola, a clothes line or the eaves or facia board you will be able to use the hook (and it is designed not to be able to be blown off.
Quick and easy to install, It all just clicks together.
To Assemble your Happy Daisy Wind Vane.
There are 3 parts – the Body, the Stem and the Fan
Step 1. Press the tip of the body int the hole in the centre of the Fan until it clicks into place.
Step 2. Press the tip of the stem into the hole in the body until it clicks into place….It’s as simple as that!
Expressions used in this section have the same meaning as in section 92.1
REQUIREMENTS
For the purposes of subregulation 89S (2) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988, this subsection sets out:
Where a wind direction indicator must be located, and
The circumstances in which more than one wind direction indicator must be installed at an aerodrome.
A wind direction indicator must be located so as to be visible from aircraft that are in flight or aircraft that are on the movement area.
A wind direction indicator must be located so as to be free from the effect of air disturbance caused by buildings or other structures.
Subject to paragraph 3.4.1, if a straight-in landing off an instrument approach is permitted at any runway, a wind direction indicator must be provided at the threshold of that runway.
Paragraph 3.4 does not apply to a runway if surface wind information is passed to the pilots of aircraft approaching the runway through:
an automatic weather observing system that:
Is compatible with the Bureau of Meteorology’s weather observing system; and
Provides surface wind information through an aerodrome weather information broadcast; or
an approved observer having a communication link with the pilots through which timely information about surface wind may be clearly passed to them; or
any other approved means of providing surface wind information.
A wind direction indicator provided at the threshold of a runway must be located:
except if it is not practicable to do so, on the left hand side of the runway as seen from a landing aircraft; and
outside the runway strip; and
clear of the transitional obstacle limitation surface.
If it is practicable to do so, a wind direction indicator provided at the threshold of a runway must be located 100 metres upwind of the threshold.
Note: CASA may issue directions under subregulation 92 (2) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 requiring additional wind direction indicators to be provided at an aerodrome.
REQUIREMENTS
For the purposes of subregulation 89S (3) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988, this subsection specifies the standards for wind direction indicators.
A wind direction indicator must consist of a tapering fabric sleeve attached to a pole at its wide end 6.5 metres above the ground.
The sleeve must be 3.65 metres long and taper from 900 millimetres in diameter to 250 millimetres in diameter.
The wide end is to be mounted on a rigid frame to keep the end of the sleeve open and attached to the pole so as to allow it to move around freely.
The fabric of the primary wind direction indicator must be white and that of any additional wind direction indicator must be:
If it is not intended to be illuminated at night – – yellow; or
If it is intended to be illuminated at night – – either white or another colour that is clearly visible when illuminated.
The primary wind direction indicator must be located in the centre of a circle 15 metres in diameter, coloured black and bordered:
By a white perimeter 1.2 metres wides; or
By a ring of 15 equally spaced white markers each with a base not less that 0.75 metre in diameter.
When using the cable ties to attach the windsock to the windsock frame, ensure that the cable tie’s ‘buckle’ is inside the rim to avoid the windsock material becoming damaged by rubbing on it. Once fitted, cut off the cable tie excess length.
Windsocks will not function correctly if the mouth is not vertical and facing into the wind.
The cable ties should be tight enough to restrict the movement, so that there can be no wear from rubbing of the windsock against the frame.
The windsock side seams should be at the 9 and 3 o’clock positions. (Along side each other, not top and bottom.)
To increase the life of the windsock, remove and rotate 180° after six months, then the following six months, remove the windsock again and turn inside out, re-hang with seams at the sides, then after another six months (depending on the condition) rotate windsock 180° again.
The above actions will more than double the windsock life.
Windsocks are not repairable, a torn windsock may give a false wind speed and direction.
Any windsock will perform at its best without any wind sheer influence from buildings, roof angles, trees, or orographic influences, so where possible consider placing the windsock at a distance greater than 25m from any other standing object, if this is not possible or practical, increase the height of the support as much as possible. Regulation height for a windsock is 6.7m (22ft) for 8 and 12 foot length windsocks.
This measurement is from the ground to the lower rim of the windsock.
This height requirement is not applicable to ‘Wind Indicators’ of windsock design and shape. There are 4 or 6 foot length (120cm and 180cm).
Made of compressed nylon, the windsock has the smooth side on the outside. When it gos through the rollers, it has the appearance of woven material, but it is continuous two sheets of compressed nylon. There are absolutely no gaps in the surface of the material.
It is self washing, and so this does not aid the adhesion of logos and sign writing, but sign writer plastic signs can adhere, but for how long? There are no guarantees.
There are 2 grades: Grade 3 and Grade5. (3 ounce/square foot for the standard windsock, and 5 ounce/square foot for the heavy duty windsock.)
One of the manufacturers is Canvaco.
The material is ‘Hot Needle Stitched’ and is also triple stitched.
The hoop, which is sewn in, is like grey electrical conduit.
The material does not stretch eg. Shirt material has a stretch factor of 4% and this materials’s stretch factor is approx. 1% – 1.5%.
These are available in white, or yellow, and are also available in a choice of standard weight or heavy duty versions. the heavy duty version being for places of extreme wind, cyclone prone, or tropical areas.
The 8 & 12 foot windsocks are calibrated for Aviation use, fitted with an internal hoop and four large attach eyelets, and is supplied with heavy duty cable ties to attach to a 2ft diameter frame for the 8ft windsock, or a 3ft frame for the 12ft version.
The heavy duty windsock will outlast the standard weight by an estimated 50% under the same give conditions.
The standard weight windsock is slightly more ‘active’ in very light wind conditon.
12ft windsocks are the ‘standard’ for use at licenced and council airstrips and airports.
It is quite possible that there are several ‘primary’ windsocks at an airport, (one for each runway, and often one near the end of each runway.
Colour choice of windsocks for non commercial use is simply a matter of what stands out the best against the background colour as seen from the air. Yellow is easier to see against a background of sky, or as seen from the ground. Both colours illuminate well with the 12 volt lighting option, as the materials used have good fibre optic qualities.
8 & 12 ft Windsock Support Frames
These are made of 304, 316, 320 and 4000 grade stainless steel.
The 8 ft windsock frame has a 24″ (600mm) diameter rim, and the frame for the 12′ windsock has a 36″ (900mm) diameter rim. These frames may be fitted with internal 12 volt lighting…. See the”Windsock Illumination” section below:
The sealed ball bearings, that are used top and bottom, should never require any lubrication or attention. The top bearing is also capped with a seal that is a tight press fit to the centre shaft, and offers further protection to the top bearing.
The base plate of the frame is a 10mm plate with studs at 50 & 80mm spacing, stainless washers and Nylock nuts are supplied for fitting either directly or via the “Welding Adapter”.
As the frame is stainless steel, (Which will not weld to ferrous metals.) thus the ‘Welding Adapter’ is recommended if the intention is to attach the frame to a metal pole end.
It is pre-drilled to match the frame stud pattern and base, made of malleable low carbon ferrous metal, that has been selected for ease of welding, using either gas, or electric arc methods.
The support frames are made for extra long life, and carry a 25 year replacement warranty. The same frames are also available (By special order) made from 316 grade stainless steel, and are ideal for offshore oil-rigs and other highly corrosive environments.
Windsock Illumination
Windsock illumination is available for the 8 and 12 foot windsocks. This operates from any 12 volt power supply, motorcycle or automotive battery, simply using battery clips or plug in using standard automotive cigarette lighter.
The lighting is 50 watt, halogen, and draws only 4 amps. (Less than a low beam headlight.) It is 100% reliable, and maintenance free. Solar charging, and remote switching are (add on) options. A spare 3000 hour life bulb/reflector is supplied.
Cables and Ties as supplied in the lighting kit, including spare bulb.
As the frame is stainless steel, (Which will not weld to ferrous metals.) thus the ‘Welding Adapter’ is recommended if the intention is to attach the frame to a metal pole end.
