Raymarine Smart Pilot - external difference between S3 and S3G

[Rafiki]

I have bought a second hand Raymarine Smart Pilot and S6001 control head. From the manual I can easily identify that it is an S3 model but cannot identify whether or not it is an S3G. Does anyone know if there are any physical differences between the different versions, or any software test to determine. There is no obvious label, and I'm not in direct contact with the original owners.
The reason this is important is that if it is the S3 and not S3G then it doesn't include a rate Gyro, and can be installed upside down ( Raymarine technical department have assured me this is the case and that their manuals deliberately simplify the installation instructions by referring to the installation of all models in a certain orientation). I have installed the unit "upside down" as it made the wiring in a confined locker utilising existing cable runs practical, but I'm now worried that I may have wasted a lot of time installing it in this way !

Basic testing while the boat is tied up shows that it works, but my understanding of a rate Gyro is that it only comes into play when there is some sea state.
Andrew

 

[Keith-i]

There are some extra components inside the computer that disclose the difference. However the easiest check is that extra menus come up on the head unit if it is the G model. I can't remember those menu headings right now, but the manual lists them. If you get gyro related options on the setup pages then you have the G

 

[dehlerdave]

If you check the number of levels of response, the g has 9 if memory serves whilst the non g has only 4 or 5. This check is done in one of the menus on the control head.

 

[pvb]

If you check the number of levels of response, the g has 9 if memory serves whilst the non g has only 4 or 5. This check is done in one of the menus on the control head.

Yes, that's one way of checking; 9 response levels for the 3G, only 3 response levels for the non-G version. Or check the Seatrial menu - the 3G has AutoLearn, the non-G doesn't.

 

[Rafiki]

Thanks all, I have noted that in 'Dealer Calibration' I have set the Response level to 4, so I fear I have misled myself into thinking this was an S3 when in fact it is an S3G. Not looking forward to re-positioning it and the changes to the cabling this will involve in a cramped under berth locker. Also see 'Wanted' posting re Seatalk cable.
Andrew

 

[pvb]

Thanks all, I have noted that in 'Dealer Calibration' I have set the Response level to 4, so I fear I have misled myself into thinking this was an S3 when in fact it is an S3G. Not looking forward to re-positioning it and the changes to the cabling this will involve in a cramped under berth locker. Also see 'Wanted' posting re Seatalk cable.

The rate gyro is virtually a solid-state chip, so I'm not sure why it would be sensitive to orientation. Would it be worth trying the autopilot at sea before you go to all the trouble of repositioning it?

 

[Rafiki]

The rate gyro is virtually a solid-state chip, so I'm not sure why it would be sensitive to orientation. Would it be worth trying the autopilot at sea before you go to all the trouble of repositioning it?

It's what the Raymarine Technical manager who I know told me. What he actually said was that the standard instructions to fit with the cables attached at the bottom was firstly to ensure water couldn't drip inside and secondly because the Gyro element needed to be oriented that way round, he said it would work 'upside down' but wouldn't keep course so well. As you suggest I will try it, but want to be prepared to change it during our upcoming three week cruise.