Raymarine autopilot computer upgrade - compatible units

[superboots]

I have a raymarine 7000 + autopilot set up. The course computer 100/300 has failed. In a previous boat I upgraded to a 400G course computer (20+ years ago) now I am thinking which model is compatible for an upgrade and is there any benefit in doing so ( I can probably source another 100/300 computer. Looking at what is available such as the S3 - I see it has wiring connections for "rate gyro". I don't have this in my installation. Would I need to add this to my set up to use the S3 course computer and would there be some benefit? Advice appreciated

 

[KompetentKrew]

Looking at what is available such as the S3

You're looking to replace your broken unit only with secondhand parts?

If I'm understanding correctly the S3 is one of the SmartPilot series which appears to have been released nearly 20 years ago.

I'm dubious of this approach - I can't rationalise the prices these secondhand autopilot components seem to command on eBay, considering that you can get a current model core pack for around a grand.

An S3 ACU recently sold for £250 and you also need a new control head, which is £295. You've spent £500 and you're taking the risk on a bunch of secondhand parts that won't integrate with a new chartplotter.

If you're this DIY and on a budget then IMO you would be better with PyPilot / PC Nautic.

 

[superboots]

If I understand you correctly to use a smart pilot computer would also mean changing the display?

 

[KompetentKrew]

I assumed so, but I just checked the manual and I seem to have been mistaken, so I apologise for disrupting your thread.

For the benefit of Google, the ST7001 & ST7002 controllers are mentioned on page i of the SmartPilot Commissioning Guide [81273-2] - PDF

 

[superboots]

so I can ignore the rate gyro connections?

 

[geem]

You're looking to replace your broken unit only with secondhand parts?

If I'm understanding correctly the S3 is one of the SmartPilot series which appears to have been released nearly 20 years ago.

I'm dubious of this approach - I can't rationalise the prices these secondhand autopilot components seem to command on eBay, considering that you can get a current model core pack for around a grand.

An S3 ACU recently sold for £250 and you also need a new control head, which is £295. You've spent £500 and you're taking the risk on a bunch of secondhand parts that won't integrate with a new chartplotter.

If you're this DIY and on a budget then IMO you would be better with PyPilot / PC Nautic.

From my experience the kit is all interchangeable. You can use St60, St60+, st6000, st70 all together. I swapped the same course computer as the OP for an S3G works perfectly. The kit on eBay is 1/3 to 1/2 cost of new. I carry a complete spare autopilot all purchased off Ebay

 

[superboots]

Its a good idea have duplicate components - I was caught out when the drive unit failed on a previous boat. So have had thoughts about picking up spares. But so far no one has listed a Whitlock / Lewmar derived drive unit - that's compatible with my set set up- (chain driving steering at the binnacle) and if they do it will be expensive