Raymarine ev-100 autopilot to Lowrance NMEA 0118 with actisense

[zambant]

I am looking to install a Raymarine ev-100 wheel pilot (NMEA2000) in my boat. It does not have a NMEA0183 input (unlike my existing Raymarine SPX unit). My Lowrance chart plotter only has NMEA0183 output.

Will an actisense (or similar) converter push all the data I need into the NMEA2000?

On paper it seems that it will work but has anyone actually done this?

Many thanks

 

[Pete7]

The Evo 100 doesn't actually need anything other than the optional rudder reference unit but that's a different saga. The Raymarine network will be Seatalk NG rather than NMEA2000, similar but with different plugs.

 

[PaulRainbow]

The Evo 100 doesn't actually need anything other than the optional rudder reference unit but that's a different saga. The Raymarine network will be Seatalk NG rather than NMEA2000, similar but with different plugs.

You're right Pete, unless the OP wants to be able to steer to a waypoint.

 

[PaulRainbow]

I am looking to install a Raymarine ev-100 wheel pilot (NMEA2000) in my boat. It does not have a NMEA0183 input (unlike my existing Raymarine SPX unit). My Lowrance chart plotter only has NMEA0183 output.

Will an actisense (or similar) converter push all the data I need into the NMEA2000?

On paper it seems that it will work but has anyone actually done this?

Many thanks

I have installed various combinations such as this, but not exactly the same. You would connect the converter to the 0183 output from the Lowrance and use a N2k to STNG adapter cable to connect to the 5 way connector of the EV100 STNG network. As you say, it works on paper and i see no reason why it shouldn't.

There is a different way to do this if you have any Seatalk 1 instrument that have an 0183 input. You would connect the Lowrance 0183 out to the ST instrument and then use a ST1 to STNG converter.

 

[Frankklose]

Is the new Rudder Reference Unit still a Potentiometer? Reason for asking, I got the old Rudder reference of the St4000.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Is the new Rudder Reference Unit still a Potentiometer? Reason for asking, I got the old Rudder reference of the St4000.

The new EVO rudder reference sensor is the same as the older S series autopilots etc.

 

[Pete7]

Indeed, if I remember correctly there are about 4 wires and on the Evo 100 ACU screws for each wire. I said earlier that this was another saga. I found fitting the Rudder Reference Unit made a big difference to the way the AP performed and whilst this is only one instance would strongly recommend fitting one even given the price of a new one if you have to buy it.

 

[Frankklose]

The new EVO rudder reference sensor is the same as the older S series autopilots etc.

Thank you good to know. I play with the idea to replace my old setup.
Regards Frank