Reverse-engineer Simrad-Robertson R3000X wired remote control?

[andyp]

Has anybody tried to reverse-engineer a R3000X wired remote control ($300+ online) which is/was used in many older Robertson auto-pilots?

I ask because I would like to see if I can replicate a wireless version using one of the many cheaply available eBay/Maplin remote control units.

The 4 connections to the autopilot junction unit are shown in this image.



Looks like a simple Port and Starboard button which probably shorts to ground momentarily while the button is pressed. A further connection lights a lamp in the remote to indicate whether in Auto mode. The only real question is how does the device send the "change mode" command? Could be a combination of Port and Starboard buttons simultaneously?

Anybody tried this or prepared to put a multimeter on the end of their remote control jack plug and see what happens as each button is pressed?

 

[andyp]

Update to say I now know how to remotely control my Simrad J300X autopilot computer.

Both Port and Stbd connections normally float somewhere between 0V and 15V. A momentary connection to 0V will send a steer command in that direction as long as the connection is grounded.

To change modes between Standby and Auto/Nav/Wind, both Port and Stbd steer connections need to be shorted to 0V simultaneously.

I bought a simple wireless 4 channel remote relay device from a Chinese Amazon supplier (£10.25) and will wire it up to achieve Port, Stbd and Mode-change functions.

More details, photos and wiring sketches to follow if successful.

 

[rogerthebodger]

Has anybody tried to reverse-engineer a R3000X wired remote control ($300+ online) which is/was used in many older Robertson auto-pilots?

I ask because I would like to see if I can replicate a wireless version using one of the many cheaply available eBay/Maplin remote control units.

The 4 connections to the autopilot junction unit are shown in this image.

View attachment 59322

Looks like a simple Port and Starboard button which probably shorts to ground momentarily while the button is pressed. A further connection lights a lamp in the remote to indicate whether in Auto mode. The only real question is how does the device send the "change mode" command? Could be a combination of Port and Starboard buttons simultaneously?

Anybody tried this or prepared to put a multimeter on the end of their remote control jack plug and see what happens as each button is pressed?

I have the same auto pilot but don't have the R3000X remote but was considering building one but didn't do it that way in the end.

I have hydraulic steering so my auto pilot drives a reversing hydraulic pump. I wired 2 change over relays between the auto pilot and the hydraulic pump and I drive these relays by wireless remote control units of a similar to those used ro remotely control a windlass.

In my case I do not even need the autopilot switched on so don't need to control the mode.

BTW your analysis of how the R3000X works is absolutely correct and how someone can justify charging $300+ for a box with 2 push buttons, a light and a bit of cable I don't know.

 

[andyp]

Had to wait to see whether PBO would publish the idea.

Jan 2017 PBO page 46 gives all the details you need.

Remote control for any Simrad autopilot (pre-NMEA 2000) J300x/3000 junction unit for £10 - bargain!!

 

[Danrochas]

Had to wait to see whether PBO would publish the idea.

Jan 2017 PBO page 46 gives all the details you need.

Remote control for any Simrad autopilot (pre-NMEA 2000) J300x/3000 junction unit for £10 - bargain!!

Hi

Great idea! Trying to make one

Had to wait to see whether PBO would publish the idea.

Jan 2017 PBO page 46 gives all the details you need.

Remote control for any Simrad autopilot (pre-NMEA 2000) J300x/3000 junction unit for £10 - bargain!!

Great idea.
Any chances you have a copy of the article on PBO? Couldn't find it online.

Thanks