S1 Wheel Pilot conversion
- Thread starter rpwillia
- Start date
I don't know for sure, but the S1 power switched supply to the motor drive may not be able to handle the higher amperage draw of a below deck drive.. That probably can be fixed with some relay/diode stuff so that the new relays handle the higher load by taking their control signals from the computer.. wire the control circuit of the higher power handling relay(s) where the original motor drive was and run a larger cable from a positive buss (fused of course) to the relays.. Run a large ground from the below deck motor to a good negative buss. The relays may be solid state to decrease any control lag.
I did!!. We built a metal bracket to enable us to get worm drive up to height of steering quadrant. I have never had any problem and love the setup
Presently have a Raymarine Evolution 100 wheel pilot including P70s control head, 4000st wheel & drive motor, EVO 100 ACU (autopilot control unit), & compass. Thinking about upgrading to below deck autopilot. I can re-use the control head & compass; however, the ACU 100 lacks sufficient power to operate the new linear drive unit. Cost for a used ACU 100 & linear drive is approximately $2500 + custom brackets to mount the drive unit. Probably going to keep the wheel pilot!
I went on the Raymarine tech support and asked the following. I will post what they respond with. Also here are some pictures of what I have.
"My S1 Wheel Pilot is good and I have it integrated with my Axiom+ as well as the depth, speed and wind instruments as well as a Fusion Radio (that integration is phenomenal) and a Standard Horizon 2410 with AIS.
The S1 has been a champ and I got you all to rebuild it a few years ago, but I am sailing in rougher water and would like to go more robust. Can I simply swap the wheel drive with a motor connected to my Rudder quadrant. I am assuming I would need to run separate power to the motor and then use the + and - on the computer controller to provide the controls?"
You can integrate an AP control head (70) via STNG to ST1 as I did it for a friend. But, my current set up is so solid I do not want to change much. My big issue is last night crossing the Chesapeak Bay the wheel drive struggled to handle the waves, and when I was dealing with the one thunderstorm that rolled over me at the mouth of the Potomac with 46 knot winds
fuggedaboutit.
"My S1 Wheel Pilot is good and I have it integrated with my Axiom+ as well as the depth, speed and wind instruments as well as a Fusion Radio (that integration is phenomenal) and a Standard Horizon 2410 with AIS.
The S1 has been a champ and I got you all to rebuild it a few years ago, but I am sailing in rougher water and would like to go more robust. Can I simply swap the wheel drive with a motor connected to my Rudder quadrant. I am assuming I would need to run separate power to the motor and then use the + and - on the computer controller to provide the controls?"
You can integrate an AP control head (70) via STNG to ST1 as I did it for a friend. But, my current set up is so solid I do not want to change much. My big issue is last night crossing the Chesapeak Bay the wheel drive struggled to handle the waves, and when I was dealing with the one thunderstorm that rolled over me at the mouth of the Potomac with 46 knot winds
fuggedaboutit.Attachments
For your desired goal, I believe that the Raymarine Evolution 200 Autopilot with type 1 linear drive would be satisfactory. Unfortunately, that system is a bit over $4000 + the cost of custom brackets.
A below deck AP is more than just a drive unit. It will be necessary to have a rudder angle sensor and a bracket that attaches directly to the rudder post for the drive unit. Attaching the drive to the quadrant is an invitation to a broken quadrant. The Edson cast aluminum quadrants are not strong enough. If quadrant is steel then they may be strong enough.
Edson sells attachment brackets and a good machine shop can make one.
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The ACU100 can put out 7A to a drive unit. That is well within the specs of the Type 1 drive, or similar sized Jefa drive. The problem is it does not have a clutch output, if I recall correctly.
Mark
I am not sure what I have, but attached is a picture of my unit and it has 2 connections for a clutch. Did get an email from Raymarine and they are still working on it.
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Mark,
I believe you are correct. It has been 5 years or so since I wired my Evolution 100/ ACU; I don't recall any clutch related wiring option either.