AMP's draw using SimradTP22 or Raymarine 2000?

[TonyMills]

AMP\'s draw using SimradTP22 or Raymarine 2000?

Hi,

I'm considering acquiring one of these fine pieces of equipment (my Autohelm 5000 is not particularly receptive to my steering requirements!). I am looking for (a) one that works in difficult continuous use conditions (ie long distance cruising) and (b) one that (importantly) is miserly in its use of AMPS.

From the specs I understand that the Simrad is expected to draw 0.05amps whereas the Raymarine indicates between 0.05 and 1.5 amps.

My boat is a fin keeler but it has good directional stability and is light on the helm. Comfortable weather helm when on the wind.

Do any owners of these machines have views on the battery draw of these machines?

Regards
TonyM
/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Eygthene]

Re: AMP\'s draw using SimradTP22 or Raymarine 2000?

We have a TP 1000 and a Raymarine-similar size (as a spare just in case.) Both were bought new in recent years. We have an Eygthene 24 which is a 24 ft fin keel cruiser/racer. We mainly use the Tp 1000 when we are not steering by hand. It copes with steering in waves up to about 1.5 metres. Its motor is running nearly all of the time, moving in and out to keep the heading within a few degrees as the waves go through. It is possible to alter the settings so that it allows the boat's heading to wander further, but I prefer the setting as it is now.

The current is more than 1 amp when the motor runs, but it switches on and off in about a second (so the meter reading is not steady enough for an accurate reading), more time on than off. The consumption is enough to run a 35 Ah battery down in about 10 hours, to the point where the volts are too low to keep the TP 1000 happy (probably about 15 Ah). It bleeps and gives up when the volts drop too far. You need quite heavy cables to reduce the volt drop down the cable when its motor switches on.

We haven't used the Raymarine very much, but I haven't managed to tune up its response yet, so it wanders rather too far either side of the set course. This means that the motor runs for longer (than the TP 1000) each time it comes on. Again, it is on far more than off. I haven't checked the current consumption of the Raymarine, but I think it is very similar.

Of course, when the engine is running (ie no apparent wind) the alternator supplies the current directly, so the battery doesn't get discharged.

 

[VicS]

Re: AMP\'s draw using SimradTP22 or Raymarine 2000?

I am a bit puzzled by the power consumption figures given by Simrad on their website For the three TP models, TP10 TP22 and TP32, they quote a standby figure of 0.05, 0.06 and 0.06 amps. Fair enough. For "auto" they quote 0.5, 0.05 and 0.05 . Illogical!

However in the operating manual they quote
Current Consumption Standby – 60 mA (Typical) Auto – 500 mA

More logical!

They also quote

Supply Voltage 12V (10–16V) DC

Drive System
TP10 – Screw thread
TP22 – Screw thread
TP32 – Recirculating ballscrew

Peak Thrust
TP10 – 65 kg (143 lbs)
TP22 – 70 kg (154 lbs)
TP32 – 85 kg (187 lbs)

Hardover time

0 kg
TP10 – 6.9 secs
TP22 – 6.9 secs
TP32 – 4.0 secs

20 kg
TP10 – 8.0 secs
TP22 – 8.0 secs
TP32 – 4.7 secs

40 kg
TP22 – 12.0 secs
TP32 – 6.0 secs

50 kg
TP32 – 8.0 secs

Owners manual

Raymarine quote

Power supply: 10 V to 15 V DC

Drive unit thrust torque:
ST1000 Plus: 57 kg (125 lb)
ST2000 Plus: 77 kg (170 lb)

Maximum boat displacement:
ST1000 Plus: 3 000 kg (6 600 lb)
ST2000 Plus: 4 500 kg (10 000 lb)

Helm speed (lock to lock):
ST1000 Plus: 8 seconds
ST2000 Plus: 4.5 seconds

Current consumption:
• Standby: 40 mA (90 mA with full lighting)
• Auto: 0.5 A to 1.5 A depending on boat trim,
helm load and sailing conditions

In the Owners manual


The maximum thrust of the ST2000+ is greater than that of the TP22 and the hard over time is much less giving the ST2000+ a slightly better performance

However I would interpret the current consumption figures for the ST2000+ and TP22 as very similar.

 

[Drascomber]

Re: AMP\'s draw using SimradTP22 or Raymarine 2000?

Hi Vic,

The drive system of the Raymarine's is missing from the above.

ST1000 Plus – Screw thread
ST2000 Plus – Recirculating ballscrew

So, as the TP22 is Screw thread, in theory the ST2000+ should have an advantage in internal friction and thus in power consumption.

 

[VicS]

Re: AMP\'s draw using SimradTP22 or Raymarine 2000?

[ QUOTE ]
The drive system of the Raymarine's is missing from the above

[/ QUOTE ] My fault. I did not originally include it for Simrads so I edited it out of the Raymarine details. Then I added it for the Simrads .........

As you say another point in favour of the ST2000+ over the TP22.

Every time I look at these things I come to the conclusion that the Raymarine ones are just that little bit better than the Simrad ones. Always been like that throughout the evolution of the models IMO.
BUT the Raymarine ones are always that little bit more expensive. I reckon if you have a boat on the limit of what the models will handle then the extra bit of dosh for a Raymarine may be worth while but if you have a small or easily handled boat then you save a few quid by buying a Simrad.

If only my old, very old Nautech Autohelm would give up I could justify a nice new one but I reckon it will probably see me out!

 

[TonyMills]

Re: AMP\'s draw using SimradTP22 or Raymarine 2000?

Thanks for the info. I downloaded the Raymarine manual and whilst useful provides no real insite on the reality of power usage in seagoing conditions. I guess I'll have to suck it and see!

But it does appear that the Raymarine has an advantage over the Simrad.

Hopefully they will both be on 'SuperSpecial' at the Boat Show tomorrow!!

Regards
Tony (ever the optimist!)

 

[smeaks]

Re: AMP\'s draw using SimradTP22 or Raymarine 2000?

Tony,

i have used both (inherrited on boats purchased) and I would without a shadow of a doubt go for the raymarine every time it has bee faultless, robust and seems to hold a course better.

just my opinion though...

 

[TonyMills]

Re: AMP\'s draw using SimradTP22 or Raymarine 2000?

Thanks, It's heading that way, I expect to 'Do A deal' next week.

Regards
TonyM