Autohelm 4000 compatibility question

[Boo2]

Hi,

Can anyone tell me whether an old Autohelm 4000 ram would be compatible with a new Raymarine ST6002 controller ?

Thanks,

Boo2

 

[Tranona]

Hi,

Can anyone tell me whether an old Autohelm 4000 ram would be compatible with a new Raymarine ST6002 controller ?

Thanks,

Boo2

Raymarine could - they are very helpful.

 

[Boo2]

Raymarine could - they are very helpful.

Hi Tranona, thanks for your reply,

I've already asked on Raymarine's CS centre thingie, but thought I'd try to short-circuit the process by asking here to see what peoples' actual experiences are...

Boo2

 

[cmedsailor]

Hi,

Can anyone tell me whether an old Autohelm 4000 ram would be compatible with a new Raymarine ST6002 controller ?

Thanks,

Boo2

Sometime ago before replacing my old (black unit) autohelm with a below deck pilot I was faced with the 3 following choices (after consulting Raymarine):
- Replace just the unit drive with the new S1 and keep the old controller that has the "computer" built in and doesn't require a smart pilot.
- Replace the whole thing with X5 wheel pilot that includes the X5 smart pilot (the "computer"), the wheel drive and the ST6002 controller, that is simply a controller.
- Get a more powerful below deck pilot.

I THINK (well, better say I conclude) the answer to your question is no. But better try raymarine.

 

[Boo2]

Reply from Raymarine

Just in case anyone else has the same issue I'll put the reply I got from Raymarine :

It would need the 4000 head. If it is not there then it cannot be controlled. However it may be that it is a newer pilot which uses the S1 or SPX - 5 and has a ST6002 control head

If you have not got nothing then you need to purchase a SPX-5 tiller pilot system or a second hand 4000 head

It looks like I'm out of luck unless I can find an Autohelm head but I'm gonna leave it until I can get to the boat and inspect what's actually there.

Thanks for the replies,

Boo2

 

[Tranona]

Suspected that was the case. Think you will find the 4000 head is no longer available new. I had mine stolen a couple of years ago and was lucky to find the last one in stock in the Greek dealership. Since replaced (long story) with a new SPX with wheel drive. The SP has lots more features than the old system.

 

[Boo2]

Since replaced (long story) with a new SPX with wheel drive. The SP has lots more features than the old system.

Is that an SPX-5 or the SPX-5GP ? Either way are you happy with it ?

Boo2

 

[Tranona]

Regrettably not used it much as yet because the drive unit failed between Sicily (where I installed it) and Majorca, but the computer bit was a bit more tunable. Boat is out of action at the moment although autopilot is repaired or rather Raymarine supplied a new drive.