Posted by brienb@… (brienb@…)
Brian-
With regard to your autohelm performance, how much of the improvement do you
think is due to the gyro feature of your unit versus simply the advanced
software? Raymarine sells a separate gyro that is primarily used for improved
MARPA and radar with chart overlay performance, but which will also interface
with an ST5000plus autohelm (which is what I have). This is on the list of
upgrades down the road, but cost of the gyro unit is significantly less than a
new control head.
What are your thoughts?
Thanks.
Brien
Instruments.
Lets start with the location thing. I have on all my boats placed the instruments, at the front of the cockpit. On the boats with off-center hatches they were on or near the centerline. Otherwise adjacent to the companionway. This way, all can see and the helmsperson is not stuck behind the wheel. On all the boats, this really allows flexibility for driving.
With this in mind, displays need to be large enough to be readable. The only draw-back is that occasionally you need to remind people to not stand in front of the instruments when they are at the front of the cockpit.
On S/V Dolphin, it was a previously installed integrated system with a central processor and multiple displays. I do not remember the manufacture, but have never seen another example.
On S/V Nereid, I replaced the original helm pod mounted instruments with Ray-Marine ST50 system, Tri-Data, wind and VMG to the right of the companionway, and a multi in the cabin. Integrated with multiple GPS sources and an ST7000 autopilot with the linear drive attached to the radial disk on the rudder post. The wind instrument needed bearing replacement every three years, otherwise, no failures.
On S/V Cayenne, I stuck with Ray, ST60. Tri-Data, Wind and the new graphic multi in the cockpit, a multi at the nav-sta and one in the main cabin. The auto pilot is St7001 with the 400G black box driving a hydraulic pump and cylinder that is attached to the steering quadrant with the standard cable, edsom wheel arrangement.
The auto pilot display is mounted in front of the compass using a 1in RamMount so that it can be rotated fro viewing from any angle as well.
I highly recommend integrated systems, but display location and readability is also very high on my priorities.
If you choose the ray marine route, and if multi’s are part of the deal I highly recommend the new graphic units. It is worth the extra cost. Also the 400G auto pilot processor seems to handle things much better then trying to adjust the old ones the old way. The software is much better. To my knowledge, most of the auto’s use a modification of a PID controller with 7 adjustable elements. Of course, as the conditions change so do the adjustments. The 400G self learns about your boat and so far, does so better then I could. After the auto learn process, user adjustments are normally only adjusting the response level as needs and conditions change. It also responds quicker to an up-set like a large wave. The old pilots would wait for the compass to show an error, where the new one senses lateral acceleration and reacts accordingly. It takes a little adjusting and getting use to, but reduces the amount of upset that would occur if the compass were the only input.
I have replaced both the speed sensor and wind sensor. Both failed pre-maturely. The wind one a no cost. The speed I paid for.
The only real complaint is that the lighting adjustments are too course. The lowest back lighting level is too bright for a no moon night and the off position, where the back lights are still on but very dim, is just a little too dim. I think they leave them on to heat the instruments to reduce condensation problems, just a guess.
There is a new system out that requires minimal wiring. It’s WiFi and solar powered except for the in-water stuff which needs power. Just a thought.
I just took things apart and ran the wires, where needed. It takes time, but is worth it in the end.
I found a dealer that would discount. That helped allot. And there were very supportive when I needed help.
Brian Guptil http://www.brigup.com206-818-3203 sailordude@…1735 112th Ave. N.E.Bellevue, WA. 98004-3706
----- Original Message -----
From: Brien
To: freedomyachts2003@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thursday, September 23, 2004 2:03 AM
Subject: [freedomyachts2003] New Instruments
Boat show season is upon us and it is time for me to replace my original Datamarine Corinthian series instruments on my F36/38. Thoughts? I have a functional Raymarine ST5000 autohelm with SeaTalk, so I suppose that’s a significant consideration when it comes to linking- or is it? Lots of choices out there, some with a longer track record than others. I like the display of Raymarine, the simplicity of B&G H1000 and the price of Navman.Secondly, my instruments have lived at the helm station, but for better visibility I am considering a relocation above the companionway in a pod-like structure. Has anyone done this? If so, what did you do and how did you run the wiring?Thanks for any input!