Evolution Autopilot Question

Sep 23, 2019
44
Beneteau 311 Toronto
I recently purchased a boat with an evolution autopilot. Despite practically turning the boat upside down I can not locate the sensor core or actuator control unit. The unit was tested by the surveyor which consisted primarily of powering up and engaging the control head to starboard and port. The wheel responded.

Being my first boat this is all still fairly new to me. My question is can the autopilot function without a sensor core and or actuator or do I just need to dig a little closer to find them because they would need to be there for the test to have functioned.
 

Ward H

.
Nov 7, 2011
3,645
Catalina 30 Mk II Barnegat, NJ
Yep, you need to dig deeper. If there is a component missing you will get an error message on the control head. The ACU powers the drive motor for the helm so it is there somewhere.
 
Oct 22, 2014
20,989
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
My question is can the autopilot function without a sensor core and or actuator
Simple answer is no. Follow the wires and you will find the both of these essential units in the system.

or do I just need to dig a little closer to find them because they would need to be there for the test to have functioned.
Yes
Knowing what to look for helps...

The EV1 Sensor Core
1574031367549.png


The Computer (Actuator Control Unit)
1574031494211.png


Here is the Type 1 Mechanical Linear (12V)
1574031582414.png
 

leo310

.
Dec 15, 2006
635
Catalina 310 44 Campbell River BC
if you have rudder position indicator follow the wire to the ACU from there you'll can follow the nmea 2000 line to the Sensor Core
 
Sep 23, 2019
44
Beneteau 311 Toronto
This is all very helpful. I knew what to look for but just couldn’t find it. I did see a small white Raymarine box along with other electrical. Could it be that the control head and wheel drive were replaced and simply tacked on to an older system?
 

leo310

.
Dec 15, 2006
635
Catalina 310 44 Campbell River BC
Old school AP would have a flux gate tied into the ST60 now the EV-1 has P70 head that has nmea 2000 to the ACU also the wheel drive motor is also tied into the ACU.
 
Oct 22, 2014
20,989
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
@Jimbeaux you got to follow the wires man. Only way you can be certain what you got..

Next time you are inside the boat take pictures of the parts and post them here. Some one will recognize them and help you label them.
 
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Ward H

.
Nov 7, 2011
3,645
Catalina 30 Mk II Barnegat, NJ
Could it be that the control head and wheel drive were replaced and simply tacked on to an older system?
The wheel drive will work with either the ST4000 through EV-100 systems but the EV-100 system uses a P70 or P70S control head, which is not compatible with an older system.
I stand corrected. I found this on the Raymarine Tech Forum.
"Raymarine's p70/p70R/p70S/p70RS Autopilot Control Heads are also compatible with retired autopilot course computer designs featuring a SeaTalkng communications interface (ex. SPX5, SPX10, SPX30, SPX-SOL, SPX-CAN)."
 
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