Connecting GPS to tillermate

[sparkie]

Hi all, last year I fitted an ST1000 (used but good). It's located right over the o/b, (Tohatsu 6hp with coils). Works reasonably (but not perfectly) when under sail, but useless when engine running. All over the place. I'm assuming the magnets in the o/b are playing havoc with the built-in compass.

I've got an elderly (1998) Furuno 30 GPS, works perfectly. It's connected to my DSC radio and works fine. Question: if I connect the NMEA output from the GPS to the ST1000 will it override the built-in compass and provide info that the pilot can use to maintain a heading?? I'm not bothered about all the refinements, just need something to steer for a while whilst I do other things. Some of the letter codes in the Furuno NMEA output list matches the ST1000 spec, but that's as far as I go...

As you will all gather, my knowledge base in these things is extremely limited, so simple answers please............! Cheers S.

 

[lpdsn]

As far as I can glean from a quick skim of the manual, it will steer a course to a waypoint. I didn't see anywhere where it will use the GPS COG for steering otherwise.

http://www.raymarine.co.uk/manualse...Documents=&LanguageType=English&Search=Search

 

[lpdsn]

All over the place. I'm assuming the magnets in the o/b are playing havoc with the built-in compass.

Assuming you o/b isn't actually magnetised(1), I'd suspect electrical interference or mechanical vibration are the more likely causes. You could try a ferrite on the power cables & make sure your NMEA wiring is properly screened. Does the pilot vibrate a lot when the engine is running?

I'm also assuming the o/b is on the stern so prop wash on your rudder is not the problem.

(1) just noticed you mention coils. Try a hand-bearing compass around teh location to see the effect.

 

[sparkie]

As far as I can glean from a quick skim of the manual, it will steer a course to a waypoint. I didn't see anywhere where it will use the GPS COG for steering otherwise.

http://www.raymarine.co.uk/manualse...Documents=&LanguageType=English&Search=Search

So it won't just hold a course then?? S

 

[sparkie]

Assuming you o/b isn't actually magnetised(1), I'd suspect electrical interference or mechanical vibration are the more likely causes. You could try a ferrite on the power cables & make sure your NMEA wiring is properly screened. Does the pilot vibrate a lot when the engine is running?

I'm also assuming the o/b is on the stern so prop wash on your rudder is not the problem.

(1) just noticed you mention coils. Try a hand-bearing compass around teh location to see the effect.

Reason I think the magnets in the flywheel and the coils are to blame, my mate has a v.similar set-up (engine in well directly under tillermate, but without charging coils) and his works just fine, sail or power.

 

[VicS]

Assuming you o/b isn't actually magnetised(1),
(1) just noticed you mention coils. Try a hand-bearing compass around teh location to see the effect.

There are strong magnets in the flywheel of an outboard !

 

[fergie_mac66]

Hi all, last year I fitted an ST1000 (used but good). It's located right over the o/b, (Tohatsu 6hp with coils). Works reasonably (but not perfectly) when under sail, but useless when engine running. All over the place. I'm assuming the magnets in the o/b are playing havoc with the built-in compass.

I've got an elderly (1998) Furuno 30 GPS, works perfectly. It's connected to my DSC radio and works fine. Question: if I connect the NMEA output from the GPS to the ST1000 will it override the built-in compass and provide info that the pilot can use to maintain a heading?? I'm not bothered about all the refinements, just need something to steer for a while whilst I do other things. Some of the letter codes in the Furuno NMEA output list matches the ST1000 spec, but that's as far as I go...

As you will all gather, my knowledge base in these things is extremely limited, so simple answers please............! Cheers S.

yes it will and it hit a bouy if you put a waypoint on it. a remote s100 makes the whole setup ut even better .. guess the outboard is off set, could you not put the st1000 on the other side, there is an option to invert the push pull of the st100

 

[sparkie]

yes it will and it hit a bouy if you put a waypoint on it. a remote s100 makes the whole setup ut even better .. guess the outboard is off set, could you not put the st1000 on the other side, there is an option to invert the push pull of the st100

Thanks for that- o/b is in central well so no option to move unfortunately. I know the easy answer is to say just try it and see what happens, but don't want to waste my time if it's obviously (to anyone with half a brain) a no-no. Cheers S.