For Sale: Wireless Remote Control for Autohelm, Raymarine and Simrad autopilots

[Waveform]

I make and sell a radio frequency remote control for autopilots. I have 3 models that work for the entire line of new and old Autohelm / Raymarine autopilots. I also have a version that works with the old Simrad / Robertson J300X autopilots.

I call this autopilot AutoBuddy. You wear it on your wrist like a watch and you can perform many autopilot functions from anywhere on your boat - up to 75' away. Simple to install - works with all SeaTalk and non SeaTalk version of Autohelm and Raymarine autopilots.

Prices are as follows (includes FREE worldwide shipping):

AutoBuddy for SeaTalk autopilots (ie. ST): $249 USD
AutoBuddy for old Autohelm 3000 or 4000: $199 USD
AutoBuddy for Simrad / Robertson J300X : $199 USD

This product has been sold worldwide to dozens of sailors and is economical compared to other autopilot remote controls.

The SeaTalk version includes an advanced tacking algorithm I call ProTack that pulls the bow quickly through the wind, then heads up slightly while you handle the sails, then continues to the tack heading. Perfect for single handed sailing.

Contact me if you'd like more information.

[AllAboutMe]

Do you have a photo of the Raymarine version.i have the newest version of the RM Evo sailboat wheel pilot running through a new Axiom 9 MFD. Will your unit still interface with the Evo?
Larry Wilson

[Waveform]

You can find pictures, dimensions, manuals etc. of all my remotes on my website at www.i3dgear.com

Yes, my AutoBuddy SeaTalk version works perfectly with the Evolution series of autopilots. I have had several people install them with those. There are detailed instructions on my website under Support/P70 Installation that would apply to you. You do need to purchase a SeaTalk NG to SeaTalk converter - about $80 - in addition to interface the two. It is very simple as you'll see, and the link to purchase that is on that page as well. It's literally, plug in 4 colour coded connectors and you're done.

Cheers,
Rick.

[Cavalier]

Out of interest, for RM AP's what's the difference between your product and the RayMarine Autopilot remote?

[Waveform]

Price for one thing. RM is about twice as much or more.

But more importantly, the RM remote batteries need replacing often. It also needs to pair with the autopilot and I've heard from people this can be troublesome when you have to react quickly to a log or crab trap. My remote, AutoBuddy, is instantly accessible - like a garage door opener. No pairing, no connecting, no recharging. It just works. It's powered by 2 small lithium coin cells which will likely never, ever need replacing.

It's also far smaller and you wear it on your wrist. About 1/3 the size of the RM S100 remote.

Better range too. RM S100 gets about 32', AutoBuddy about 50-75'.

My remote has a 'smart' tacking function which pulls the bow quickly through the wind, then slows the tack and heads up a bit while you handle the winches, then continues to the tack heading - all automatically and adjusted for your boat size.

You can read all about it on my website at www.i3dgear.com and see pictures, manuals, installation instructions etc.

Cheers,
Rick.

[PiratePete56]

Received one of these recently and very impressed! Does what’s claimed at a very much reduced price compared to RM. Some other interesting products on their web site. These guys are breaking the perceived monolopy that suppliers to this industry think they have on compatible and replacement items, using 3D printing technology. Highly recommend the Autobuddy. Promise this is an unsolicited reply from a real customer!

[Waveform]

Originally Posted by PiratePete56

Received one of these recently and very impressed! Does what’s claimed at a very much reduced price compared to RM. Some other interesting products on their web site. These guys are breaking the perceived monolopy that suppliers to this industry think they have on compatible and replacement items, using 3D printing technology. Highly recommend the Autobuddy. Promise this is an unsolicited reply from a real customer!

Glad you're enjoying it! Great review, much appreciated. Happy Sailing!

Rick, Waveform and i3DGear

[LLizzard]

Nice site! My head is swimming with parts I'd consider having you make for me. Plus I'm going to get me one of them thar remotes

[Waveform]

Sure, let me know what parts you're thinking of. I'm always looking for new parts to offer. I now have 9 3D printers of various types and different technologies, so I've got the ability to make a lot of different things.

Some of the remotes are on sale this month.

Cheers,
Rick.

[AndyEss]

I've been looking at your remote controls on Ebay for a while - but colored sails and water makers have absorbed recent budgets. Nice site.

[Waveform]

It's a better deal on my website - you get free shipping. Plus you can order extra transmitters easily.

[Shawn67]

Originally Posted by Waveform

Sure, let me know what parts you're thinking of. I'm always looking for new parts to offer. I now have 9 3D printers of various types and different technologies, so I've got the ability to make a lot of different things.

Some of the remotes are on sale this month.

Cheers,
Rick.

Do you have an end date for the sale?

Earlier in the thread (2017) you mentioned needing a Seatalk NG to Seatalk converter to use with the Evolution autopilot. It looks like you now have a Seatalk NG version that doesn't require the converter, correct?

Thanks,

Shawn

[Waveform]

Yes, the STng version of AutoBuddy has the converter built in. More economical than you buying one. Just plugs into your Evolution P70 control head with one cable. Super simple.

Sale ends on May 31.

Cheers,
Rick.

[Sailor 99]

Just bought your remote this evening. You should also try to make raymarine instrument covers. Lots of instruments out there with no covers and they can not be had.

[Waveform]

Thanks, I received your order.

We used to sell all the various Raymarine instrument covers. They are all designed. But, they are a cosmetic item that needs to be perfect and 3D printing is not capable of that kind of quality or reliability. People didn't want to pay more than about $20 for them. They are large to print and ship and would tie up a printer for 6 hours or more, half would be defective, and there was simply no profit to be made.

3D printing is not really suitable for cosmetically perfect items and being a one-of type of manufacturing process, not suitable for things that have to be cheap as well. Maybe some day an economical printer that will produce cosmetically perfect parts will be available. We have 9 3D printers of various types and technologies, but none are really adequate for that.