Raymarine autopilots and course computer

[orangemikey]

I have an ST4000 head unit in cockpit, fluxgate compass below deck and an st4000 black ram mounted in the cockpit.
The combination of the 3 bits of kit makes a working autopilot system which works well (other than in a swell)
I've seen many iterations of Raymarine "course computers" and rudder sensors.
My question is should I add a course computer to my setup? Will it make the autopilot much better? If so which version should I look for (2nd hand)
It seems odd to me that the ST4000 head unit can do the steering through the ram but then they offer a "course computer" which does the same?

Thanks

 

[PaulRainbow]

The head unit IS the course computer, nothing other than what you have is required.

 

[steveeasy]

The head unit IS the course computer, nothing other than what you have is required.

Hi Paul,
What does the smart pilot play then when added to the this setup?

Steveeasy

 

[billskip]

Hi Paul,
What does the smart pilot play then when added to the this setup?

Steveeasy

Sailing by Rod Stewart

 

[Fr J Hackett]

I have an ST4000 head unit in cockpit, fluxgate compass below deck and an st4000 black ram mounted in the cockpit.
The combination of the 3 bits of kit makes a working autopilot system which works well (other than in a swell)
I've seen many iterations of Raymarine "course computers" and rudder sensors.
My question is should I add a course computer to my setup? Will it make the autopilot much better? If so which version should I look for (2nd hand)
It seems odd to me that the ST4000 head unit can do the steering through the ram but then they offer a "course computer" which does the same?

Thanks

Can you be more specific about boat size and weight and the conditions it finds difficult, motoring or sailing. The ST4000 and the more powerful GP 4000 ( I think it was GP) are quite powerful and for a yacht of 30' unto about 5 tonnes should be adequate.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Hi Paul,
What does the smart pilot play then when added to the this setup?

Steveeasy

The Smartpilot is a different system, you don't add it to anything. It consists of the Smartpilot ACU, heading sensor (fluxgate) and a controller. The controller is just that, whereas the ST4000 controller is a controller and ACU combined, normally fitted to older wheel/tiller pilots.

 

[steveeasy]

The Smartpilot is a different system, you don't add it to anything. It consists of the Smartpilot ACU, heading sensor (fluxgate) and a controller. The controller is just that, whereas the ST4000 controller is a controller and ACU combined, normally fitted to older wheel/tiller pilots.

Hi Paul.
Thanks for explaining the above. Did not realise that. Quite a simple set up.
Steveeasy

 

[AquaholicM31]

Paul,
Thanks for your response, that clears up my curiosity. Didn’t realise there were different controllers.
Thanks