Putting together a new Auto Pilot (Simrad)

[ColdEH]

Hi every one.

Just in the process of putting together a new auto pilot.

So far I have got
Simrad
NSS 7
AC 42 computer
HLD2000L MkII Drive

Just wondering what would be the best rudder sensor , wind sensor. and heading compass for the system .

What would be the difference between the RF300 and the RF25 rudder sensors , the AC 42 works with both .

I will be using the NSS7 for control.

Suggestions/recommendations would be appreciated .

Regards

[goboatingnow]

RF25 is a Nema2k compatible rudder sensor, it will contribute rudder angle to your nav system, even if the autopilot is off. It has a higher basic accuracy as well

RF300 is a rudder sender, it merely is a variable resisitor and has to be processed by the autopilot computer to produce digital rudder information, which is then available on the N2K ( SIMnet) system.

Given budget, I would install a RF25 in a new install.

Many users ( DockHead in particular) have used Airmar/Mareton wind and heading sensors over SIMRADS own. There experience can be a guide, a completely acceptable system can be constructed using all SIMRAD kit however.

[ColdEH]

Excellent Information.

Thank you . I will get a RF25 and give "Dockhead" a read. I like the wind sensor from Maretron, no moving parts.

Regards

[colemj]

We also use the AC42 and Maretron wind sensor - works well. We use the Simrad RC42 compass, and that also seems to work well, although it does not put the pitch/heel data on the network for other instruments to read like the Maretron compass does.

Mark

[ColdEH]

Originally Posted by colemj

We also use the AC42 and Maretron wind sensor - works well. We use the Simrad RC42 compass, and that also seems to work well, although it does not put the pitch/heel data on the network for other instruments to read like the Maretron compass does.

Mark

My last auto pilot never did sail to a wind angle, im looking forward to that.

So the Maretron and the Simrad AC 42 work well together? The boat steers a good steady course with the Maretron?

I have read a few people had problems with water getting inside the WSO100, did you have any such trouble?

Regards

[colemj]

Originally Posted by typhoon

My last auto pilot never did sail to a wind angle, im looking forward to that.

So the Maretron and the Simrad AC 42 work well together? The boat steers a good steady course with the Maretron?

I have read a few people had problems with water getting inside the WSO100, did you have any such trouble?

Regards

So far, the Simrad steers marvelously to the wind - very steady and you have the option of steering to true or apparent wind, or automatically having the AP switch between them depending on beating vs. running. Even better, there is a WIND-NAV mode that uses both wind input and Nav input to sail to VMG laylines upwind and tack when most efficient.

Our last AP and wind worked together, but the AP hunted around a lot and I never trusted it on a dead run. The new AP and Maretron is rock-steady when steering to wind in any direction.

I personally know of one person with water inside their unit, and read of another on the internet from 2007. Maretron replaced both without questions. Right now, our humidity sensor on our unit is not sending data (everything else on it works fine) and I am going up the mast tomorrow to bring it down and look at it. Hopefully it will not have water in it.

Airmar also make an ultrasonic unit if you are looking for alternatives.

Mark

[goboatingnow]

I would suggest the less things you put up the mast the better, you need wind speed and direction from the mast top, buy a sensor with JUST that in it. Humidity,baro, temp, gps, compass and everything else thats comes with modern integrated sensors are best low down where you can get at them