Latest generation of autopilot

[Jim Hardesty]

I have a Autohelm ST4000+ wheel pilot.  Single hand a lot and use the autopilot often.  Have never been really happy with the operation.  I've adjusted and tweeked have improved is some.  It works good to OK most of the time.  But, was wondering if the new generation of autopilots would make it worth the boat bucks and the installation work to move up.  So, I'm asking the sailors who have updated  if they think the new autopilots work better?
Jim

[Stu Jackson]

Jim, my response to John's recent post covers what I'd respond to based on your post:

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,8839.msg63562.html#msg63562

ITWMB, I'd examine the issues I discussed there, and determine what the risk vs. reward, and cost would be.

The options are simple:

1.  No autopilot

2.  A TOY like my ST3000

3.  A more robust one like yours

4.  A newer wheelpilot which may be stronger than the ST4000 series

5.  A below decks model

I would seriously hesitate going from 3 to 4, but going from 3 to 5 would for sure make a LOT of difference.

Good luck, so much has to do with how YOU use YOUR boat.

[Noah]

My hydraulic, below deck autopilot is great! But it was pricey and labor intensive to install. Also, if I ever had to drop the rudder, it would be "a big drama."

[Scott Hibbs]

Stu is correct...a below deck makes a lot of difference.  I installed an EV-200 below deck autopilot last summer, replacing an older wheel unit.  Performance is outstanding - but heed Noah's comment on cost and labor!

[Roc]

Several years ago I had to send the Autopilot head to Raymarine because it would steer one direction but not the other.  I have the ST4000+.  They told me they programmed the "Catalina Cocktail" settings.  I forgot what they were, but it now works great.  the wheel doesn't constantly move in small increments side to side to stay on track. 

[patrice]

Hi Roc,

If you ever find your receipe of the cocktail, it would be nice to give it a try.
Cause mine does exactly that, keep stearing in 'Slalom' and drive me nut.  So I don't use it.
The slalom keep going bigger and bigger.
I have the ST4000

[Jim Hardesty]

Patrice,
Here is a link to the Catalina cocktail

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php?topic=8641.0

I use it and change the setting (rudder gain?) as conditions dictate. 
Jim

[patrice]

Thank you.
Took it in note, and give it a try in a few weeksss ....  ouch about 8 more   

[mark_53]

I didn't have an autopilot before so I can't say if it's worth it to upgrade but I just installed a new EV-100 p70 Wheel pilot. Seems to work fine an integrates nicely with E7d chart plotter. Was more difficult to install than I thought primarily the wire routing and outdated instructions. Raymarine online support was invaluable though.  Installed new angle guard and Navpod to house the p70 and E7d. Was able to use the 1" angle guard with one bend. 

[Rortega46]

Marc 53
I am thinking about doing just as you've done and installing a Raymarine EV-100 AP and connecting it to a E7 MFD.  Since you've just installed this your insight on a few related questions would be very helpful.  My ST4000 AP is jerky and deviates from the intended course 15-30 degrees, so what has been you course keeping experience with the EV-100?  Also, what's been your experience with the E7 / AP integration? Does it integrate well with the E7 and do you use the Advanced Sailing Tools of the E7?  Where and how did you install the ACU-100 and EV Sensor Core components of the EV-100.  I want to network existing  ST60 wind, speed and depth instruments so if you've done something like this, how did you do the related networking and how has it worked out?  Any other insights into the install process or using the AP or E7 will be appreciated.

[mark_53]

Marc 53
I am thinking about doing just as you've done and installing a Raymarine EV-100 AP and connecting it to a E7 MFD.  Since you've just installed this your insight on a few related questions would be very helpful.  My ST4000 AP is jerky and deviates from the intended course 15-30 degrees, so what has been you course keeping experience with the EV-100?

Rortega46:
Can't give you much in the way of experience yet, but on test runs it seems to track fine.

Also, what's been your experience with the E7 / AP integration? Does it integrate well with the E7 and do you use the Advanced Sailing Tools of the E7?

It integrates quite easily software wise. The challenging part was the wiring.  Sounds like you have that already in place. .  Make sure each unit (ACU, EV-1, p70, and E7) has the latest firmware updates. Each unit communicates through the Seatakng network, when you update the E7, it should update the others.  You'll need a microSD card to download from the Raymarine site.

Where and how did you install the ACU-100 and EV Sensor Core components of the EV-100.  I want to network existing  ST60 wind, speed and depth instruments so if you've done something like this, how did you do the related networking and how has it worked out?  Any other insights into the install process or using the AP or E7 will be appreciated.

I installed everything under the helm.  ACU on the starboard support board, EV-1 all the way forward on the port support board.  Connected wires under the helm on the starboard aft locker outside panel. I bolted on a wood board and installed a power and ground bus to tie things together. Ran #10 wire to the panel where 3 switches activate the E7, Seatalkng, and ACU.  I can't help much with the ST60, but if it talks Seatakng, they should integrate by plugging into the nework.

I might add, before I installed the autopilot, I installed a isolated start/reserve battery with the help of this site!