Auto-Pilot problem

[Jonrob]

Hi All,
Another newbie needs your expert help!
I have a Robertson AP100 Pilot circa mid 1980s linked to a VDO Analog Direction Indicating System, linked to a Philips Decca Yacht Navigator System(DYN 3). As you know, the Decca radio chains over europe, have been switched off for some years now, which renders the Pilot useless.I have been steering manually up to now, but I hate things not working. My question is:- Can I use a GPS or chartplotter to take the place of the DYN3. As I under stand, a GPS works on NMEA 0183, whereas the Pilot requires an input NMEA 0180. I tried phoning Robertson's, and they said they were not compatable, get a new Pilot! It seems a waste to chuck away a perfectly good Pilot (albeit rather old) for the sake of a position input. I've been recently told by an electrician, that they ARE compatable, and, if they are, how do I set it up?
Thanks in advance
Jonrob

 

[jimg]

Bad Luck?

It looks like that that transmit at different baud rates, so no they are not compatible.
http://www.nmea.org/store/index.asp?show=pdet&pid=61&cid=3
Try to source a GPS that allows selection of NMEA 0180 instead of 0183?

 

[Jonrob]

Ok! Thanks for that info. It's clearly not compatable. I have no idea where to scorce a GPS with NMEA0180 so it looks like a new Pilot I guess
Thanks again.

 

[jimg]

You can pick up used GPS receivers on Ebay or anywhere I guess.

This one is compatible with 0180 but maybe not best bet for a boat?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Garmin-12-XL-...tEquipment_Accessories_SM?hash=item3a539277f9

 

[Jonrob]

That is amazing!!!!!!!! I've got a Garmin 12XL I bought it years ago when GPS's were not commonplace .I still take it on the boat for use in the grab-bag, I did not realise that would be compatable. I've just rooted out the manual & you're right! connection up to 3 NMEA devices 0180 0182 & 0183. I assume I just connect Data out(brown cable)to data in on the Pilot.This information is great, Thanks indeed for your help. Jonrob.

 

[jimg]

Sometimes boating can be inexpensive....