Simrad AP24 Help / Advice

[delcrest]

Hi some help / comments please. Looking at installing an autopilot on a 38’ cat, and currently I have Simrad IS40 Depth/Speed/Wind Package and hydraulic steering with vetus MYC72 cylinder. I have been offered a simrad autopilot package which consists of
AP24 Control unit
AC12 Computer
RC42 Heading sensor
Pump
My concern is this set up seems for power boats not yachts
(as per simrad web pagehttp://www.simrad-yachting.com/en/Products/Autopilots/AutopilotGuide/AP24-VRF03-Autopilot-Package-en-us.aspx ),
with no experience using autopilot your comments or recommendations would be appreciated, thank you in advance

[fallingeggs]

Originally Posted by delcrest

Hi some help / comments please. Looking at installing an autopilot on a 38’ cat, and currently I have Simrad IS40 Depth/Speed/Wind Package and hydraulic steering with vetus MYC72 cylinder. I have been offered a simrad autopilot package which consists of
AP24 Control unit
AC12 Computer
RC42 Heading sensor
Pump
My concern is this set up seems for power boats not yachts
(as per simrad web pagehttp://www.simrad-yachting.com/en/Products/Autopilots/AutopilotGuide/AP24-VRF03-Autopilot-Package-en-us.aspx ),
with no experience using autopilot your comments or recommendations would be appreciated, thank you in advance

This might help explain things. Simrad is owned by Navico. Navico also owns B&G and Lowrance. Generally speaking, the same products are sold under each of the three brands, with B&G marketed to sailors and Simrad/Lowrance to powerboaters/fishermen. Therefore, that Simrad package is the same as one sold by B&G. The names under B&G are even the same.

B&G does include specific sailing functions on some gear that aren't found on Simrad/Lowrance products. I think this is limited to the chartplotters. For example, the Zeus line has some neat sailing screens that aren't found on the Simrad NNS(?) series.

That said, I would think the Simrad autopilot would have a sail-by-wind function, but I would just check the manual to confirm. If it does, I'd be willing to bet that it is just the same as the B&G "sailing" version.

I should note that I have no idea whether this specific version, with its pump, will work on your hydraulic steering.

[boatbod]

Simrad makes good autopilots - same hardware for power or sail. Since it sounds like you already have hydraulic steering then the items listed will be sufficient.

[delcrest]

Thank you for your comments it is really appreciated

[44'cruisingcat]

We have a Simrad pilot, with the AP 24 control head. It has plenty of sailing functions, wind steer, tack/gybe avoidance, automatic rate select etc.


We have the bigger computer, but AFAIK the only real difference is it's current handling capacity. Since you already have Simrad instruments, it will integrate nicely.

[Neptune's Gear]

Originally Posted by 44'cruisingcat

We have a Simrad pilot, with the AP 24 control head. It has plenty of sailing functions, wind steer, tack/gybe avoidance, automatic rate select etc.


We have the bigger computer, but AFAIK the only real difference is it's current handling capacity. Since you already have Simrad instruments, it will integrate nicely.

This. The AP24 is only the control head. The AC12 is the computer. The only issue with this setup is that the AC12 might struggle to provide the required current for the ram in heavy weather. If it maxes out it just switches off - :-( This cab be fixed with a mosfet H bridge.

Its a great pilot, although personally id update the heading sensor to a precision 9. Its still a current model, but under B&G it would have a Triton controller, not an AP24.

I'm a Navico dealer/installer. PM me if youu need any help.
Matt

[boatbod]

You don't typically need a high current controller with a hydraulic drive as the motor current draw is quite modest.

[44'cruisingcat]

Originally Posted by boatbod

You don't typically need a high current controller with a hydraulic drive as the motor current draw is quite modest.

Depends on the size of the pump. For instance, a Raymarine type 3 pump can draw around 35 amps.

[Neptune's Gear]

And a Simrad RPU160 can draw over 40 amps at stall. Mostly the ac12 will be ok, but a broach down a large wave, and it will simply stop steering....
It will depend on max helm loads of course, you may never see this issue.

[DeepFrz]

you may never see this issue.

Operative word, MAY. I would hate to take that chance.

[delcrest]

thank you for all your input / comments, I have decided to go with this set up, but will add suitable H Bridge , that should solve any overload problems caused by the pump

[44'cruisingcat]

Just check out the specs for your pump vs the AC 12.


It's a great pilot, we're very happy with ours.

[boatbod]

A hydraulic pump should NEVER be able to stall. Hydraulic relief valves should open first.

[Lantau]

I need a source of WIND for a Simrad AP24/AC42 autopilot system.

Can anyone recommend a mast-head unit (transducer) and other fittings I should use to get wind to this autopilot setup? The obvious unit (Simrad IS20 wind vane transducer) is no longer produced. Is there another Simrad or generic wind vane transducer I could connect to the AP24?

Many thanks in advance for any help!

[alctel]

Originally Posted by Lantau

I need a source of WIND for a Simrad AP24/AC42 autopilot system.

Can anyone recommend a mast-head unit (transducer) and other fittings I should use to get wind to this autopilot setup? The obvious unit (Simrad IS20 wind vane transducer) is no longer produced. Is there another Simrad or generic wind vane transducer I could connect to the AP24?

Many thanks in advance for any help!

I used the B&G one, 501 I think it is?

All the B&G/Simrad/Lowrance stuff is very compatible, as it's all the same company