Autohelm type 300 info.

[Rappey]

The above has 4 wire connections for a remote control. Does anyone know how it works, ie can connection 1 be touched to connection 2 for example to replicate a 1 degree turn.
Can you make you own remote with a few push buttons or is it more complex than that?

 

[pvb]

The 4 wire connection is for a joystick, I believe. This receives 5v from the computer and sends 0-5v back to the computer. No idea how it works.

There was also a 4-button remote control keypad which interfaced via SeaTalk.

The service manual for the Autohelm 100/300 computer is online. If you can't find it, send me a message with your email address and I'll send you the PDF.

 

[Rappey]

The remote is a 4 button with +1 +10 to port and starboard. Its a Z101 and has 3 wires in its plug.
They are sometimes available 2nd hand but over £150, and if its just a plastic housing with 4 buttons then it stinks of daylight robbery like the rudder position indicator with its £15 worth of potentiometer and plastic box selling for £225 .
Thanks for the offer for the manual. I downloaded that from raymarine when i bought the unit.

 

[pvb]

The remote is a 4 button with +1 +10 to port and starboard. Its a Z101 and has 3 wires in its plug.
They are sometimes available 2nd hand but over £150, and if its just a plastic housing with 4 buttons then it stinks of daylight robbery like the rudder position indicator with its £15 worth of potentiometer and plastic box selling for £225 .
Thanks for the offer for the manual. I downloaded that from raymarine when i bought the unit.

OK, so you already have the service manual. That may help you discover how the 4-button remote works via SeaTalk.

 

[Rappey]

Not sure. i have the instalation and setup manual. It shows the joystick connected with 4 wires, the push button remote with 3 wires. Not seen anything that shows what each connection is other than a colour

 

[superheat6k]

Will this help, but be aware these are high level computer signals, not simple switch contacts being fed in to the Joystick and Seatalk connections. The wired remote works via Seatalk ...

 

[Rappey]

Your above post answers my questions and thank you... I have learnt that i dont want to screw around with the course computer and kill it.
Maybe one day i might buy the proper control... I just thought it would be nice to sit under the spay hood on a windy and rainy day and be able to steer..

 

[yachtbits]

If you look on P26 of the service manual, you will see the joystick is actually a 0-5vdc analog voltage input. The port also provides the 0 and 5vdc required to power the joystick.
Probably a 5Kohm potentiometer the same as a rudder sensor.

 

[pvb]

If you look on P26 of the service manual, you will see the joystick is actually a 0-5vdc analog voltage input. The port also provides the 0 and 5vdc required to power the joystick.
Probably a 5Kohm potentiometer the same as a rudder sensor.

Yes, as I mentioned in post 2.

 

[yachtbits]

Yes, as I mentioned in post 2.

you actually stated "No idea how it works. "

I've clarified, how it works!

 

[pvb]

you actually stated "No idea how it works. "

I've clarified, how it works!

I must have missed that bit of your post. How does the 0-5v reaching the computer control the autopilot ram?

 

[yachtbits]

there is 2 modes, proportional and bang-bang.

2.5vdc is the mid voltage of the joystick when it is released and centered.

In proportional mode
When the input is equal to 2.5vdc, the rudder is central. Increase or decrease the volts and the rudder moves proportionally to that position and stops until the volts changes again. Volts = rudder position..

Bang bang mode
2.5vdc rudder doesn't move. Increase or decrease the volts and the rudder moves until you return the joystick to center, it then stops moving. Like having a switch to drive it either way.