I just purchased an Autohelm ST4000 autopilot and will be installing it myself. There is an electronic display (about 4" square). Has anyone come up with a creative solution for mounting this display on the wheel steering? Also, are their any suggestions for where to mount the autopilots electronic compass down below? Thank you....... Craig
- Status
Autopilot installation
Intall compass as low as possible in a dry place easy to reach (for installation purpose). You want to avoid proximity to anything metal (except stainless of course) so as to avoid magnetic disturbance. Why would you want the display on the wheel ? Seems to me your a) creating more installation work, b) adding possibilities of wiring problems because of wheel movement) c) making it hard to read for everybody except the skipper. I have a T-shape cockpit and mine is installed on the coaming on the starboard side. Easy access to the back of the instrument through lazarette, easy connection, easy to read and easy to set. good luck
Intall compass as low as possible in a dry place easy to reach (for installation purpose). You want to avoid proximity to anything metal (except stainless of course) so as to avoid magnetic disturbance. Why would you want the display on the wheel ? Seems to me your a) creating more installation work, b) adding possibilities of wiring problems because of wheel movement) c) making it hard to read for everybody except the skipper. I have a T-shape cockpit and mine is installed on the coaming on the starboard side. Easy access to the back of the instrument through lazarette, easy connection, easy to read and easy to set. good luck
Pilot display and compass locations
Craig, My previous boat was a '95 H 35.5. My ST4000 wheelpilot display was on the vertical part of the starboard cockpit coaming, where I understand Claude has his. Tho' it worked well there, I prefer my current display arrangement that employs a "NavPod" instrument housing fitted to the pedistal guard just forward of the wheel. A personal choice that I prefer. With the addition of an Autohelm outlet at the companionway for the wired handheld display remote , I can operate the pilot from almost anywhere aboard, while being able to check the display in my hand. I can use it to access any data from any other Raytheon/SeaTalk instruments aboard too. Regarding compass location and installation, while I agree with most of what Claude said, it needs to be noted that the compass must be mounted: low and as close to the center of the boat(both fore and aft, and athwartships) as possible. It must be at least 6ft. away from anything that has ferrous metal in it if possible. This always requires compromise, but spend some effort to seek the best spot, and you will be rewarded with optimal performance instead of weird operating symptoms and gremlins. Don't ask me how I know this! All Good Wishes! Ron Hughes s/v "Best Revenge" H 40.5
Craig, My previous boat was a '95 H 35.5. My ST4000 wheelpilot display was on the vertical part of the starboard cockpit coaming, where I understand Claude has his. Tho' it worked well there, I prefer my current display arrangement that employs a "NavPod" instrument housing fitted to the pedistal guard just forward of the wheel. A personal choice that I prefer. With the addition of an Autohelm outlet at the companionway for the wired handheld display remote , I can operate the pilot from almost anywhere aboard, while being able to check the display in my hand. I can use it to access any data from any other Raytheon/SeaTalk instruments aboard too. Regarding compass location and installation, while I agree with most of what Claude said, it needs to be noted that the compass must be mounted: low and as close to the center of the boat(both fore and aft, and athwartships) as possible. It must be at least 6ft. away from anything that has ferrous metal in it if possible. This always requires compromise, but spend some effort to seek the best spot, and you will be rewarded with optimal performance instead of weird operating symptoms and gremlins. Don't ask me how I know this! All Good Wishes! Ron Hughes s/v "Best Revenge" H 40.5
HAPPY CAMPER
Craig, recently installed a ST-4000 Plus on my H 28. I mounted the fluxgate compass on the aft bulkhead in the stateroom, just beneath the pedestal well. Ran my wiring through existing rat holes. Mounted the instrument head on the bulkhead next to the companionway. This is where Hunter designed the boat for instrument displays. So far I'm pleased with the systems performance. I really like the tack feature. Regards. Terry
Craig, recently installed a ST-4000 Plus on my H 28. I mounted the fluxgate compass on the aft bulkhead in the stateroom, just beneath the pedestal well. Ran my wiring through existing rat holes. Mounted the instrument head on the bulkhead next to the companionway. This is where Hunter designed the boat for instrument displays. So far I'm pleased with the systems performance. I really like the tack feature. Regards. Terry
- Status