Replacement for Cetrek Autopilot

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boatingdave

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Various 'similar' threads to this but none that answer it fully. I have an old broken Cetrek autopilot. Would like to use the existing bits on the boat such as Ram, fluxgate compass etc (only to save time and cost, may not be cost effective, open to suggestions) but to replace Just the central unit. Boat is a fly bridge so need dual helm and ability to connect to Nav equipment which I'm also looking to purchase. Is there a pc based system around or is it all dedicated hardware? I have a reasonable technical skill level. Any thoughts and opinions? Thanks.
 
I did but they wanted me to take out all the modules from the boat and said it was a slim chance they could fix it and there was a fee for the test. My logic was I could be going to a lot of trouble and expense to end up with a system that is still old and prone to failure but thanks for the suggestion anyway.
All the best.
 
boatingdave said:
Various 'similar' threads to this but none that answer it fully. I have an old broken Cetrek autopilot. Would like to use the existing bits on the boat such as Ram, fluxgate compass etc (only to save time and cost, may not be cost effective, open to suggestions) but to replace Just the central unit. Boat is a fly bridge so need dual helm and ability to connect to Nav equipment which I'm also looking to purchase. Is there a pc based system around or is it all dedicated hardware? I have a reasonable technical skill level. Any thoughts and opinions? Thanks.
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Which model is it?

I have an old analogue Cetrek (701/h101pump) on my boat (also dual helm with hydraulic pump and ram). It works okay but being almost 30years old, can only steer on a heading and there's no possibilty of connecting it to a plotter. So the only part I can retain if upgrading to a newer AP is the hydraulic pump & ram.

You'll probably find the ram & possibly the hydraulic pump is all you can re-use.

Ian
 
Hi Ian, the vessel is twenty years old and the autopilot was factory fitted so not sure what model number although some of it is sitting in my garage. From what you are saying the only part that could be reused anyway would be the pump and ram so better I look at replacement given how basic the old system is likely to be. Also Paul has responded to another thread regarding Nav equipment, it may well be prudent if I concentrate on the Nav equipment first and get a replacement for the autopilot later but ensure it is compatible so they can all talk to each other. Thanks for the responses both.
 
boatingdave said:
Various 'similar' threads to this but none that answer it fully. I have an old broken Cetrek autopilot. Would like to use the existing bits on the boat such as Ram, fluxgate compass etc (only to save time and cost, may not be cost effective, open to suggestions) but to replace Just the central unit. Boat is a fly bridge so need dual helm and ability to connect to Nav equipment which I'm also looking to purchase. Is there a pc based system around or is it all dedicated hardware? I have a reasonable technical skill level. Any thoughts and opinions? Thanks.
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Pfew, anyone smell garlic?

I have used this guy in the past when I had a cetrek pilot as he has all the original circuit diagrams and can and did service them.

Most important bit is that he said that if I ever wanted to fit a new control box, he could connect it up to the old drive unit.

He has an opinion on most things......I really liked him!

http://www.boatsandwatersportswebsite.co.uk/home/a0_M/a0_MA/i905_Marine_Radio_Sevices_Ltd

Your only problem might be your location.

Best of luck and Happy New Year!!!

Mike
 
When you say "broken" are you able to expand on this i.e. I take it you have read the manual re trouble shooting, checked the wiring, checked any fuses in the control box, exact symptoms will help. What pump type do you have? i.e reversing or manifold controlled. This oldies are far better than you might think and generally are fixable. Our Robertson is 30 years old, has been "fixed" many a time, although we have tried to hook it up to GPS, it still keeps us on our chosen heading.
 
Apollo, good to see you yesterday mate and Happy New Year to you all too.
Omega2, all the fuses had been removed from the control unit and the upper helm unit had been removed, probably for diagnostic, but I still have all the bits. The control units have key pads on them so assume you can actually plan a route on them but not sure if it is possible to link it up to a chart plotter. Given that the autopilot is going to be the last thing to be fixed it may be worth getting all the bits together and maybe ask the question? It it not going to impact my cruising ability this year. I had thought about scrapping it all but I suppose given that getting mixed responses on repair versus replace may be worth a little more homework. I suppose the first thing is to get the model number and work out what it can do if fixed and then see if that is sufficient. I have some pictures somewhere of the control panel, I'll dig it out and post it on here to see if anyone recognise it. It's a shame Cetrek went through, there seems to be an awful lot of hardware out there!
 
somebody will no doubt jump on me but is it nessecary to have your auto pilot hooked up to the plotter? from what I have seen in practice (on other boats) too much faith can be put into this set up, and adjustments are made to correct all the time, I hope you do not hope to switch it on and go willy nilly along a track of waypoints, cos if you are you will be rudely awakened. Get the oldie fixed so she will follow what you give her, but still expect to correct even then.
 
Omega2, I have no issues with your comment. I would only use the autopilot as an aid. It is still vital that a permanent watch is kept. How many folk use buoys as waypoints eh? ;-). It would be useful if the autopilot was connected to the chart plotter purely to aid programming. Programme once, replicate many times! Having never had or used autopilot before it will never be used as the primary source of navigation.
 
I think you find it essential when you do know how to use it, takes away all the faffing about on the wheel, but to follow a cyber course no way. When you get clear of the harbour and traffic just set the heading you want and let it take you, a visual target is handy, to check on it now and again, but as I said it will need a nudge port or starboard no matter who is in charge you or the plotter.
 
Just get shut of it and buy Raymarine autohelm or above. Around 6000ST + at the moment. It will stear you to a pontoon if you ask it to. Best is once guided by GPS, it's like a homing pidgion. Mines about ten years old. Gubbines nearer twenty, it all works, as long as I dont replace anything??
 
hlb said:
Just get shut of it and buy Raymarine autohelm or above. Around 6000ST + at the moment. It will stear you to a pontoon if you ask it to. Best is once guided by GPS, it's like a homing pidgion. Mines about ten years old. Gubbines nearer twenty, it all works, as long as I dont replace anything??
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crashing through everything/body that happens to be in your way!!!
 
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