Garmin Echomap autopilot control

Thanks Bruce. I think I could have phrased my question better, sorry. I was really looking to see if anyone is using the plotter as an autopilot control, and if so, how user friendly is it.
I'm in touch with Vetus with a view to change from teleflex to hydraulic steering. Wrt to autopilot control, I'm trying to decide if I need a separate controller.
 
Apologies for misreading. I had no idea such a feature of a MFD was even possible. My controller and pump consume some large amps. 72 IIRC. Thats a lot for a MFD. Kudos to Garmin if they can handle it.
 
Apologies for misreading. I had no idea such a feature of a MFD was even possible. My controller and pump consume some large amps. 72 IIRC. Thats a lot for a MFD. Kudos to Garmin if they can handle it.

I can't see my plotter having enough power to operate a pump, but it has an autopilot control feature. I'm new to this autopilot stuff and assumed the pump would have a separate power supply with the MFD supplying the control. Is this not how if works? Is it possible the autopilot feature is just used as a repeater to a control?
 
I can only speak from my experience with Raymarine although my pump and hydraulics are fram Seastar/hyperpro. The Autopilot system is a completely seperate affair which the MFD can integrate with to provide routing rather than just directional / course heading control. As such all the components are required and the MFD just adds extra functionality and a easier platform to control it all from.
 
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