Auto Helm Installation

[njlarry]

I have to replace an old ancient non-working Raymarine auto helm with their new Evolution 100 Wheel Helm.
Anyone have any experience with this? Will the old pedestal bracket work or will I be drilling more holes?
Where did you mount the flux gate compass? Any issues if you placed it in the engine room behind the engine but in front of the aluminum fuel tank?
Thanks for any pointers. This doesn't look like a simple two project

 

[Dave602]

Mount your compass as near center line and center of the boat as possible. It has to be kept away from any ferrous metals or it will affect it. Look up Raymarine autopilots install manuals on line they will explain compass location. Can't help with the other parts. If you have the model number of the autopilot you might find a manual on line

 

[sailorhokie]

Recently installed a Raymarine SPX-5 wheel pilot. Think through the placement carefully. Choices are somewhat constrained by available cable length.

I ended up placing the course computer on a bulkhead inside the rear quarterberth. Kept it out of the way and close to both power and mounting locations for the drive unit and control head.

Fluxgate compass was mounted behind the starboard settee facing forward. Other options closer to centerline but wanted to keep compass away from feet, moisture, etc.

Control head was the hardest decision. Debated between companionway, port gunwhale by engine panel, or in the steering pedestal. Finally chose steering pedestal. Minimized cutting holes as made most sense for use. Had to buy an enclosure which was pricey (Edson Vision). Mounted the control head on the pedestal guard.

Most difficult part of the install was routing the wires. Plan carefully or you will likely have to reroute and do it again. Getting wires up into the pedestal guard was work but it makes the install look nice. Also avoids running wires into the steering column. The SeaTalkNG connectors are large and require sizable holes in the stainless guard which were work to drill.

One unexpected issue was that the install instructions were incorrect. In fact, every SPX-5 was shipped with incorrect instructions. The course computer cannot provide power to the P70 control head. The control head must be powered separately through the SeaTalkNG network. I found this out after I finished the first installation.

Took three-four solid weekends. Pilot works great despite being a bit noisy

Josh

 

[njlarry]

Thanks. I was sent the wrong manual too. It was a brand new all shrink wrapped manual for the old ST 4000 still on the boat!
Will call them Monday.

 

[Cat27Tim]

I'm also about to install the Ev - 1 in my Cat27. I was told the old instructions were mostly the same as the st 4000 when it comes to the wheel drive unit. All the current manuals are online at their site. This new sensor I don't believe needs to be near the centerline; just facing fore and aft and parallel to the boats centerline facing forward. I'm thinking for the sensor to be maybe at the starboard inside surface of the stern bulkhead; at the end of the aft berth. The ACU 100 to be in the center of the aft berth on the inside of the starboard cockpit locker. Maybe bring the wheel drive unit directly over to the ACU 100 from where it exits at the base of the pedestal. And I'm mounting the Control head on the starboard companionway surface because it's handy when I'm singlehanding and forward of the wheel to handle the tack; AND, I can control the boat from there in inclement weather under the dodger. I'll maybe bring two seperate leads out of the top of the switch panel with appropriate fuses/breakers; one runs back to the sensor and start of the Seatalk backbone and the other runs to the ACU with spurs attaching the sensor and control units at each end OF the backbone. Any feedback here would be greatly appreciate! I'm NO electrician!