Replacing Autohelm Tridata Display

Jonny A

Jonny A

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I have an old Autohelm Tridata display unit on my boat, that shows log and depth data. I don't bother about the log because the wheel gets clogged up to easily, but obviously the depth is vital - and the LED inside the unit has broken so I can't see the reading at night without using a torch. I want to replace the display, ideally with a like-for like as far as possible, but second hand units of the same model seem to be hen's teeth. So I'm looking for a new display, that I can just connect up directly to the existing transducer - I'd like to avoid the hassle of replacing that too. Nothing on the boat is networked, so I really do just want the depth reading, can anyone suggest some suitable displays, please?
IMG_20230211_141445_1.jpg
 
You can usually find used ST60+ Tridatas for sale, but make sure it is a "Master" unit with a depth connection not a slave. AFAIK they are same old Seatalk just different plug connection types - tiny spades.
 
Jonny A said:
I have an old Autohelm Tridata display unit on my boat, that shows log and depth data. I don't bother about the log because the wheel gets clogged up to easily, but obviously the depth is vital - and the LED inside the unit has broken so I can't see the reading at night without using a torch. I want to replace the display, ideally with a like-for like as far as possible, but second hand units of the same model seem to be hen's teeth. So I'm looking for a new display, that I can just connect up directly to the existing transducer - I'd like to avoid the hassle of replacing that too. Nothing on the boat is networked, so I really do just want the depth reading, can anyone suggest some suitable displays, please?
Click to expand...

If you want to go the ST60 route (post#3) i think i have one in my box of instruments removed from my boat when i changed over to Garmin.
 
I would look at the NASA unit very simple and very cheap compared to others and reliable. If you contact NASA I am sure they would tell you if the transducer for your exiting autohelm tridata unit would work with the Nasa Equipment.

David MH
 
davidmh said:
I would look at the NASA unit very simple and very cheap compared to others and reliable. If you contact NASA I am sure they would tell you if the transducer for your exiting autohelm tridata unit would work with the Nasa Equipment.

David MH
Click to expand...

It will not.
 
Not familiar with autohelm stuff but many of the older depth transducers used NMEA 0813 so you can use a NEMA 2000 NEMA0813 gateway and any of the new displays that way you can upgrade the rest of your kit as and when.
One post above suggests your autohelm system is seatalk which is I believe NEMA 2000 compatible.
If your transducer is just analogue there are a number of NEMA 2000 depth transducer interface boxes out there (you may even have one with your existing set up)
 
simondewing said:
Not familiar with autohelm stuff but many of the older depth transducers used NMEA 0813 so you can use a NEMA 2000 NEMA0813 gateway and any of the new displays that way you can upgrade the rest of your kit as and when.
One post above suggests your autohelm system is seatalk which is I believe NEMA 2000 compatible.
If your transducer is just analogue there are a number of NEMA 2000 depth transducer interface boxes out there (you may even have one with your existing set up)
Click to expand...
None of this is correct unfortunately.
 
simondewing said:
Many legacy systems used airmar transducers e.g.
Airmar 44-084-1-01 DT800 zero degree NMEA0183 Thru Hull Depth/Temp Transducer

If not there are interfaces out there for analogue transducers e.g.
NMEA 0183 Depth Sounder Interfaces

Depends which version of seatalk you have for compatibility :-
SeaTalk<sup>ng</sup>

Apparently Seatalk-1 was non standard but these guys have a converter
Understanding different protocols - SeaTalk1 & SeaTalkNG
Click to expand...

Sorry Simon, lots of confusing stuff in this and other earlier post.

Your first link is not a commonly used Airmar transducer and is not relevant to the OP.

Your second link converts some analogue transducer to NMEA 0183, which isn't helpful as the OP does not have a display that accepts 0183.

Your 3rd link is for STNG, which is equally irrelevant to the OP.

Your final link is, once again, irrelevant and Actisesne are misleading when they state "Sadly there is no direct conversion between ST1 and NMEA 2000 ". You wouldn't need to buy two of their converters to get ST1 to NMEA 2000. You just need the Raymarine ST1 to STNG converter kit and a STNG to N2K cable.
 
Jonny A said:
. I want to replace the display, ideally with a like-for like as far as possible, but second hand units of the same model seem to be hen's teeth. So I'm looking for a new display, that I can just connect up directly to the existing transducer - I'd like to avoid the hassle of replacing that too. Nothing on the boat is networked, so I really do just want the depth reading, can anyone suggest some suitable displays, please?
Click to expand...

Have a look at the For Sale section. Any good? ….

Raymarine ST60 Tridata head unit with cover
 
jwilson said:
You can usually find used ST60+ Tridatas for sale, but make sure it is a "Master" unit with a depth connection not a slave. AFAIK they are same old Seatalk just different plug connection types - tiny spades.
Click to expand...
Do you know how you can tell the difference - presumably different part numbers?
 
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