Raymarine autopilot issues and possible upgrade

Whitelighter

Whitelighter

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So I have the period factory Raytheon Autohelm autopilot on Seralie, circa 1994.

I have an ST60 type square control head at the fly, an ST7000 control head at the lower helm, plus flux gate, hydraulic pump drive, rudder sensor and I assume the old black course computer, either a 100 or 300 buried somewhere in the boat. All this is networked to RL80 screens.

It doesn't work. I suspect it is the course computer that is US. Bought a new compass as the whole raymarine network was stuck showing 246 degrees. Swapped the compass and it's still stuck, though now showing 066 degrees (180 degrees opposite). Put old compass back on, still 066 so I don't think it's the compass.

I cannot find the computer anywhere, but assuming it is broken can I add the course computer element into the system using my existing control heads? I assume the rudder sensor and steering pump will be fine as they are basic parts?

Also what are the difference between the S1, s2 and s3 computers? Looks like bigger computer for bigger boat but since the pump does all the work I don't see how this correlates?
 
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If both compasses are stuck it sounds like something is affecting them, you haven't installed anything new in the vicinity? The bigger boats need bigger pumps which need more current, the different computers have different current ratings. The newer computers will give you the choice of using Seatalk which you already have or NG 2000, the rudder sensor, GPS, and the pump is the same wiring, and your control head will be Seatalk.
 
When we bought our boat (similar vintage to yours) it had the original electronics (ST50 series) and a previous owner had added an S2 course computer. Everything work but the only thing is that the old pilot head We have since upgraded the pilot head to a newer ST600 (?) version, not because the older one didn't work but because it started to emit a constant whine. We had an electronic s guy fix it but it didn't last.
 
Just noticed that some text is missing from my last post.
Meant to say that the only issue with old displays and a new S2 was that the auto-polit head didn't read all the functionality of the S2. Electronics guy had to do some wizardry to set it up but once done it worked fine. Think it was just the set up menu it couldn't reproduce.
 
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Whitelighter said:
Looks like bigger computer for bigger boat but since the pump does all the work I don't see how this correlates?
Click to expand...

The computer supplies the power to the pump. From memory I think it's something like 15 amps available from an S1, 30 amps from an S2. The S2 and S3 also have the option of 24v but I don't think the S1 does.

I'm not up to speed with their current systems, but I assume they still have Seatalk 1 available because they're still selling the same S100 remote for use with them.

Definitely worth checking with the compass connected directly to the computer, bypassing the existing wiring, before you rush out and buy stuff. I reckon it's just as likely to be a dodgy connection as a failure inside the computer.

Pete
 
Been there.. sort of.

Had an Autohelm with an error in the clutch. Spares hard to find and eye watering.

Did a total budget and compared investement against value, then accepted an offer for a new kit comprising all for a single helm installation. Latest generation Simrad was easy to install, set up and sea trial, auto detected all other devices on the net without issues and communicates nicely. Installation manuals were aimed at dealers with some knowledge but turned out OK also for a seasoned DIY'er :)

That said, a working hydraulic pump would be reusable (cuts a chunk off the cost) just mind the type (reversing vs. constant running).
 
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