“ Dilemma “

[xeitosaphil]

Have been researching a replacement Tiller Pilot since mine ( ST1000+) had an issue and ultimately found it was undersized for the boat.
Going down the below decks auto pilot route considered a Raymarine SPX -5 at a considerable cost.

Looked at new core pack with possible S/h controller, but S/h prices of unwarranted units are quarter of the price of a whole new complete warranted system. The S/h units come with no knowledge of their working ability or warrantee.

All original ST60 instruments and SH 300i plotter would be compatible with the new SPX ST6002 controller, but wondered if now in this price bracket, should I purchase a new relatively unproven technology Raymarine EV-100 Tiller Pilot. It has lots of newer technology but I don’t think it will work with existing units except without additional purchases of sentence converters etc.

Hence the “ Dilemma “.

 

[Tranona]

Why not phone Raymarine and ask the question? Will solve your dilemma without resorting to guesswork.

 

[LadyInBed]

You have learnt the lesson of using the low spec one, you have to bite the bullet and get one that is up to the job.
It means shelling out alota cash but it will pay in the long run, especially if you intend keeping your boat for a length of time.
Dylan has also posted recently on AH failure, read his thread if you haven't already.

 

[West Coast]

Looking at this a year or two ago, I found the higher spec Simrad tiller pilot was recommended for a bigger boat (Wauquiez 33' Gladiateur) - so went for this as lower cost option to Raymarines built in systems (budget was an issue). Has worked well for past 2 years.

Cannot comment re connectivity to other Raymarine kit, but to be honest, do you really need to?

 

[xeitosaphil]

I think if I do that they will tell me that it is all do able but at a cost which I know already, and to be fair they are going to want me to purchase their new EVO 100 over old discontinued products anyway.

Apparently I think the only difference between a EVO 100/i70 and a SPX -5 /ST6002 is a new fangled rate fluxgate compass, a new 16bit /64k colour screen, and New LightHouse user interface which I won’t be able to use with my set up anyway.

My dilemma is whether to go with the old technology that seems to work ok if set up right, or go with something that there seems little or no feedback on, and has an unknown track record.

I was hoping someone might reply that has replaced a ST6002 with a i70 display, and have some knowledge of the extra benefits of the changeover.

This is not to say I am not grateful for your reply

Why not phone Raymarine and ask the question? Will solve your dilemma without resorting to guesswork.

 

[xeitosaphil]

I realise there is money to be spent which is why I am considering the SPX-5, its only the control head I am looking to get the best option with.

New, or Old proven Technology?

You have learnt the lesson of using the low spec one, you have to bite the bullet and get one that is up to the job.
It means shelling out alota cash but it will pay in the long run, especially if you intend keeping your boat for a length of time.
Dylan has also posted recently on AH failure, read his thread if you haven't already.