Raymarine SPX 10 & ST70 autopilot – do I need a NG backbone?

rob1699

rob1699

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Joined
3 Jan 2005
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90
Location
Crediton, Devon
www.helmores.com
I’ve just fitted a new SPX 10 course computer to replace the old one on my Targa 40, together with a new ST70 colour head unit, which is a great piece of kit, BUT I cannot get it to enter any form of calibration mode (ie dockside or sea trial).

I've connected the ST70 controller into the existing Seatalk 1 setup using the Seatalk 1 to Seatalk NG adapter cable that is supplied. This works in so far as it powers up, and all the data can be displayed (ie depth, speed, rudder position, heading, etc), but there are no calibration modes.

Question is do I need to install the full Seatalk NG backbone cabling (at a ridiculously high price) just for this one unit to work properly or is there another way to integtrate it into a seatalk 1 system? The installation manual is very sketchy and tends to assume a new installation.

Any experienced advice would be gratefully received!

Rob
 
Think I've found the answer to my own question!

It does seem that in order for the SPX computer to allow calibration from the ST70 head unit, it does need to be connected by a backbone cable.

The Seatalk 1 units can be connected to the backbone by using the ST70 as a "bridge". So it should be a fairly simple exercise - I hope!!!!!

Rob
 
Hi Jimmy

I had an S2 non gyro (which is going spare if anyone wants it together with ST6001 head unit!).

I changed because I wanted to upgrade it to a gyro version for better course keeping in rougher water as I do several channel trips a year, but it was £450 just to add in a Raymarine gyro unit. A new SPX 10 course computer was £899 from JGtech, so I figured what the hell for the latest bit of kit! Plus you can use the colour ST70 head unit (which you can't with an S2).

I will probably add in an ST70 multi-function unit too over the winter to replace the Tridata, although its a little expensive to do as apparently you need to add in speed and depth modules into the backbone for it to work.

How are you getting on with your Targa? I think they're great boats.

Rob
 
rob1699 said:
How are you getting on with your Targa? I think they're great boats.
Click to expand...

I'm absolutely loving it - like you say, a great boat. I've noticed that the autopilot has a tendency to make a lot of small inputs (mine is s2/st6001 as well) - is this the problem you were solving with the spx10? I thought it might be down to setup but I've got everything except cruise speed set to factory default and it's still doing it.

A minor niggle though. For me the boat is a great all-rounder; about the only thing they've got wrong are the stairs down into the saloon - tricky shape, too steep and the bin storage just doesn't work. I am working on a replacement!

Cheers
Jimmy
 
jimmy_the_builder said:
I've noticed that the autopilot has a tendency to make a lot of small inputs (mine is s2/st6001 as well) - is this the problem you were solving with the spx10? I thought it might be down to setup but I've got everything except cruise speed set to factory default and it's still doing it.
Click to expand...

Yes - mine is set to Stern Drive on the head unit, with Rudder Gain on data page 1 so I can quickly access this setting without having to go into Dealer setup every time. I can then alter the gain dependent upon the sea state which is handy. Trouble I was finding is that it either "hunts" if the rudder gain is too high or it wanders off course if set too low. In flat water or a slight chop its fine, and I can find a happy medium but in a larger sea I'm forever playing around with the settings, and I think this is where the gyro SPX computer will be better, I hope!!!!

Cheers

Rob
 
Rob, you need the backbone. I've recently fitted ST70/STNG so have learned varous things the hardway, and the instruction manual isn't great.

If you have a shopping list of STNG hardware that you need post it here cos I have lots left over (new, unused, in original packets mostly) and will happily sell at 1/2 price. (It's on the boat and I can get it this weekend and post to you monday; you might be in more hurry than that)
 
jfm temporary said:
Rob, you need the backbone. I've recently fitted ST70/STNG so have learned varous things the hardway, and the instruction manual isn't great.

If you have a shopping list of STNG hardware that you need post it here cos I have lots left over (new, unused, in original packets mostly) and will happily sell at 1/2 price. (It's on the boat and I can get it this weekend and post to you monday; you might be in more hurry than that)
Click to expand...

Thanks JFM - I have already ordered some bits from JGtech on Monday so I suspect they will turn up today. I will expand with another St70 over winter, so some extra backbone bits now would be good. Will PM you requirements!

Cheers
Rob
 
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