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bazzer · 14-04-2011, 09:19

I have a nice Raymarine System installed on my boat along with a 25 year old Alpha Systems Autopilot. I would like to upgrade the system by installing a Raymarine Smartpilot which I already have, the question is can I use the good working Alpha System Linear Actuator with the Smartpilot? It is a 12volt unit and has a feedback sensor.
Any information would be greatly appreciated.

goboatingnow · 14-04-2011, 09:57

from reading the various manuals , the answer is yes it looks possible. The Alpha is a standard linear actuator thats controlled by reversing the connections. It looks like it has an " auto declutch" as I see no connections to power a clutch. it also contains the rudder feedback pot.

In the case of teh Ray SPX-10 or 30 ( depending on the current of the arm ). It drives a 12V actuator the same. Its unlikely the rudder feedback pot in the alpha arm will work directly into the SPX pack, so you will have to install the seperate Raymarine rudder reference pot and leave teh alpha feedback pot unused. The SPX provides a drive for a electric "declutch", but as far as I can see teh Alpha doesnt need it.

Dave

bazzer · 14-04-2011, 10:10

The Alpha Actuator that I have does not have a clutch, but it does indeed have a feedback pot, it think it would make for a better system if I can use this sensor. Oh, my boat is tiller steered so using a raymarine rudder feedback sensor is not all that practical
Thanks
Bazzer

goboatingnow · 14-04-2011, 10:17

the ray unit rudder sensor is wired as a standard potential divider as is the feedback unit in the Alpha. Maybe someone here could measure the Ray marine rudder resistance and see how close its to the Alpha, I cant as the boats 400 miles away! equally teh SPX will operate without a rudder reference and just use the compass heading, but rough weather handling is compromised a bit.

Dave

bazzer · 14-04-2011, 10:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

the ray unit rudder sensor is wired as a standard potential divider as is the feedback unit in the Alpha. Maybe someone here could measure the Ray marine rudder resistance and see how close its to the Alpha, I cant as the boats 400 miles away! equally teh SPX will operate without a rudder reference and just use the compass heading, but rough weather handling is compromised a bit.

Dave

I understand from a previous post somewhere that the Raymarine sensor is a 5k pot, I don't know what it is on the Alpha Actuator and I too are a long way from the boat to measure it
Bazz

goboatingnow · 14-04-2011, 10:35

it doesnt have to be exact anything from about 4K to 10K or more would do, once the SPX rudder circuit doesnt get overpowered driving the resistor.

bazzer · 14-04-2011, 10:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

it doesnt have to be exact anything from about 4K to 10K or more would do, once the SPX rudder circuit doesnt get overpowered driving the resistor.

Yes, it's a good idea to use one otherwise I suspect the autopilot, a Raymarine S1 and a smart heading sensor will likely work as a "Bang, Bang" system, not good in a good sea.
Bazz