Wireless controlled autopilots

[bossee]

Hi,<br /><br />Anyone using a wirless controlled autopilot?<br />Like Raymarine S1000 Wireless Autopilot System.<br /> http://www.raymarine.com/raymarine/ProductDetail.asp?site=1&SECTion=2&page=1018&PRODuct_id=3011 <br /><br />Probably good but I was thinking of such things as what happen if the wireless remote control is dropped into the sea by accident...<br />Or the batteries goes empty...<br />Or...<br /><br />Not that I trust 100% any electrical device but how reliable could these wirless things be do You think? Seems a little scary to rely on a wireless remote control to steer a boat but I maybe worry little to much in this case?<br /><br />I looked at the Raymarine S1000 installation video and it seems vere easy to install this system and interface to a GPS navigator.<br /><br />Could not find how much current (Amp) the S1000 drive unit is supposed to draw (have to ask Raymarine about that I guess).<br /><br />So what I'm asking for is pros and cons for wireless remote controlled autopilot (for smaller boats like up to 25 ft that a S1000 is recommended for).<br /><br />/Bo

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Wireless controlled autopilots

I've not seen one yet that had the control response I could live with. There is a delay as each press of a button requires interpretation by the electronics, transmission of the resulting command to the motor, interpretation of that command by the motor, and then switching of the function. The time to do this is short, but I find it annoying.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Wireless controlled autopilots

Haven’t seen the RayMarine stuff. Teleflex is blazing trails with wireless marine applications. They have a kit for an entirely wireless helm. No links for dual engines control or rudder from the helm. It’s totally wireless. Originally based on the CAN networking developed by the auto industry, and NMEA0183 protocols.<br /><br />I think all marine electronics is well over due for going wireless. I’d hold off on buying anything just yet. I suspect we are going to get hit with a barrage of marine wireless everything in the next couple of years. Wesmar introduced a wireless ff last year. Something like a dozen companies are working to implement wireless marine electronics…including Simrad, B&G, RayMarine, Brunswick.<br /><br />Stay tuned for the anticipated collision between NMEA 2000 and the CAN protocols. This is really going to suck as far as being able to integrate pieces of equipment from different manfs.

 

[bossee]

Re: Wireless controlled autopilots

Hi,<br />Thanks for the response Upinsmoke and 18rabbit. Maybe I should wait a little. Just tempting on that Raymarine S1000 since it would would cover my needs. Easy installation and easy to use (it seems). The reilability we can know nothing about yet.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Wireless controlled autopilots

in my opinion, all the wireless does is keep you from having to run wires. simpler installation. sure, the remote could be dropped or something like that, but you just need to account for that. i would set it and stick it in my dash. i would only use this system for trolling at 3 knots, so i can't imagine a situation where it would get me in trouble.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Wireless controlled autopilots

Originally posted by mattttt25:<br /> in my opinion, all the wireless does is keep you from having to run wires.

As was said by one far, far wiser than I, Homer Simpson:<br /><br />“Doh!”<br /><br />

 

[Valinote]

Re: Wireless controlled autopilots

Hi guys,

Just got my Raymarine S1000 installed and running. My main interest is in slow trolling on Lake Ontario. There are 5 adjustable parameters on the autopilot: Response, Auto Trim, Rudder Deadband, Counter Rudder, and Rudder Gain.

The Autolearn (sea trial) that you run to "teach" the unit about your boat only sets 2 of these parameters: Rudder Gain and Counter Rudder (verified to me by Raymarine support). Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I should adjust the other 3 settings to get the best slow speed performance?

I have a 28.8 Baha Cruiser Weekender with twin 305 Mercruiser Inboards. I know that's bigger than the recommended boat length for the S1000, but my HA125-7ATM hydraulic ram is well below the pump's capacity, and the AP works fine at anything other than the slowest speeds. Also, I have the latest version 1.31 software for the course computer that facilitates slow trolling. I just need to know how to tweak the pilot settings for slow going in waves and wind.

Also, the S1000 has a rate gyro accelerometer built into the course computer, so it knows if the boat is getting tossed around. Do you think it's smart enough to automatically adjust the pilot parameters based on the current sea conditions?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Kindest regards,

-Steve D