Radio Control?

[Oldhand]

I see Raymarine are bringing out wireless remote controllers, a "SmartController" and a "S100 Autopilot remote controller". Both items are designed to provide autopilot inputs via wireless radio links to an onboard radio base station. So far so good! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

However, one wonders what the range of these radio control devices is and whether each controller and base station are programmed such that each base station can only receive from one controller. Just imagine a squadron of Raymarine equipped boats, all with wireless autpilot control, and the controller commands from one vessel being received and acted upon by the others /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif... I hope they have got this right!

 

[snowleopard]

don't know about the raytheon. i have a radio remote for my anchor windlass and no one has ever succeeded in lowering it for me so far!

 

[trouville]

Be interesting to try useing a 100w SSB radio and backstay antenna?Years ago my autohelm 1000 used to make a 90 degree course change!!!

 

[cameronke]

Excellent Oldhand

This has been on my wish list since I got my first autohelm. If the range is sufficient I suspect that I wont need to bother going sailing any more. I can send the boat off on its own and enjoy its sail from the comfort of my living room (I live on a point).

I expect that with digital technology, enough coded signals should be possible to prevent any cross talk. Take mobile phones for example.

Where did you get the info, I couln't find anything on their website?

Regards
Cameron

 

[Gunfleet]

You'll be able to send your boat to Cherbourg while you follow in comfort on the ferry.

 

[Sgeir]

What exactly is the point of Toward anyway?

 

[Oldhand]

A "what's new" booklet came in the post with their 2005 catleogue. The first 2 pages were devoted to their new "E" series display units, followed by these "wireless" controllers and a digital fishfinder.

 

[jfm]

AFAIK they are coded, so your remote will only operate your boat. Dunno how many combinations though.

Both units have a signal strength indicator just like a cellphone, so you should know if you're in range.

These gadgets look good - I have used the Raymarine wired remote and it's excellent, so the wireless should be better. It is retrofittable to an existing a/pilot, as it only connects into the seatalk network. RRP is £458 and £293 inc VAT for the fancy/simpler versions. Nothing on Raymarine website yet

 

[halcyon]

Remember Mar's doing a remote control in the 1980's, made in Falmouth, distant memory now but think it tied up to autopilot, etc?

Brian