Installing smartpilot X-5
- Thread starter dlewis812
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I'm in the middle of installing mine right now. I have the compass low down in the hanging locker close to the door. The computer is on the bulkhead under the nav table. Just pulling some cable and commissioning left. Good luck on yours.
When I had my 30, the compass was located on the aft galley bulkhead just inside the companionway. Never had an issue with it going off course. The pilot control was in the cockpit next to the engine controls. There was no computer but it could probably be installed inside and on the forward portion of the port cockpit locker. It will keep all of your cables in one line and keep it out of the way and protected.
My current one has the compass mounted in the forward part of the port side settee.
Here's a pic. Don't mind the mess...it was from when I went to see the boat before I bought it....I would never leave my boat so messy!!!!
My current one has the compass mounted in the forward part of the port side settee.
Here's a pic. Don't mind the mess...it was from when I went to see the boat before I bought it....I would never leave my boat so messy!!!!
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Check out the archives on this topic. There is a lot of information out there one it. I put an S1 on my boat and I put a lot of information out there on it!
I just finished installing and commissioning my X-5. It was quite easy really. From reading a few forums I decided to put the flux compass in the hanging locker down near the water line. I mounted the Course Computer on the starboard bulkhead just behind the chart table and about a foot under the upper deck. It was easy to run the compass cable behind/above the settee and to the Course Computer. The Pilot Controller was mounted in a NavPod above the helm. I had to replace the stanchion guard with a taller bent one. I also had to drill through the deck below the guard to run the cables. I had a lot of 6 wire telephone cable that I used to connect the Course Computer to the Garmin 720s Chart Plotter, with radar, I also installed. I ran the power cables up one stanchion guard pipe and the data cable up the other. (RS 232 for radar, and phone cable for NMEA 0183, depth/temp transducer cable)
Until I was able to calibrate the compass I couldn't get the chart to rotate in alignment with the front of the boat. When I got everything connected and tried to take it out to calibrate everything it was a Saturday afternoon and too many boats were coming home in San Diego harbor. The following Tuesday I tried again but by the time I got the boat out the calm morning had become 12 kt winds and white caps in the harbor. Tried for an hour but it wouldn't calibrate. Due to the wind I wasn't making circles but loops as I was being blown across the channel. FINALLY I got there on a quiet AM and it only took two circles to get the compass aligned, and then within 30 sec align the compass heading. Wind was starting to pick up again so I went back into the channel near my marina on Harbor Island and did the auto learn procedure. Started to get close to the docks but that also only took about a minute. NOW I can input a course in the chart plotter and sail out into the harbor and hit "TRACK" and it asks forward or backward. I hit forward, make sure the clutch is engaged, and it made for the course and started to follow it. Happy Sailor.
Until I was able to calibrate the compass I couldn't get the chart to rotate in alignment with the front of the boat. When I got everything connected and tried to take it out to calibrate everything it was a Saturday afternoon and too many boats were coming home in San Diego harbor. The following Tuesday I tried again but by the time I got the boat out the calm morning had become 12 kt winds and white caps in the harbor. Tried for an hour but it wouldn't calibrate. Due to the wind I wasn't making circles but loops as I was being blown across the channel. FINALLY I got there on a quiet AM and it only took two circles to get the compass aligned, and then within 30 sec align the compass heading. Wind was starting to pick up again so I went back into the channel near my marina on Harbor Island and did the auto learn procedure. Started to get close to the docks but that also only took about a minute. NOW I can input a course in the chart plotter and sail out into the harbor and hit "TRACK" and it asks forward or backward. I hit forward, make sure the clutch is engaged, and it made for the course and started to follow it. Happy Sailor.
doing the install this weekend; last weekend spent unsuccessfully trying to remove the wheel (have the gear puller on hand now so hopefully will do the trick). for the placement..
- compass in locker sounds best, not an issue if not right at centerline?
- computer planning same location at chart table
- for controller was orig thinking helm however the pedestal compass is there which from reading needs to be a few feet away? next was below on port next to engine controls. however now thinking better to have forward of the helm. biggest reason for having is for singlehanded and most likely when in use won't be at the helm. if need to adjust course don't want to have to jump behind the wheel. (remote would be an option but can't spend anymore $$)
- compass in locker sounds best, not an issue if not right at centerline?
- computer planning same location at chart table
- for controller was orig thinking helm however the pedestal compass is there which from reading needs to be a few feet away? next was below on port next to engine controls. however now thinking better to have forward of the helm. biggest reason for having is for singlehanded and most likely when in use won't be at the helm. if need to adjust course don't want to have to jump behind the wheel. (remote would be an option but can't spend anymore $$)
To dlewis812 The compass not on the center line isn't an issue; neither is the controller being a foot away from the compass. My flux compass is a few inches starboard of the hanging locker door and at the water line. I read the same things about the magnetic compass, and everything would have to be mounted on the main hatch bulk head for that to work and you can't control the boat from there and the helm, it would be downright dangerous in an emergency to have to disengage the pilot then run to the helm. It does not affect the compass or anything else. I consulted with a professional company that installs electronics on this issue and was told it would not be a problem. If the compass is affected, you are going by the auto helm and/or chart plotter anyway. When you are done turn it off and the compass will give you an accurate reading. I haven't seen my compass change when I turn on or off the Smart Pilot or the chart plotter. I too got it for single handed sailing. It is really nice to come about with it. I just push a couple of buttons and then worry about getting the jib over, which I can do from behind the wheel. I find that the controller being above the compass and in front of the helm is best for me as I can take control right away if I need to. I can reach the controls from in front of the helm too as it is on a 30 degree angle. I do have to be standing behind the helm to see it but then I am standing most of the time anyway. It is a lot of fun to set the pilot on Auto and then spend some time at the bow with my wife just relaxing. Do have to keep an eye out for other boats however. Having both of us eat lunch in the cockpit is fun too. Don't get as much food on the boat or me.
The autopilot was the best addition that I made to my boat. A lot can be said for not being tied to the helm, especially when you are single handed.
One thing that I have noticed is that it takes a bit of work to get the right settings on the computer. I am still tinkering with mine.
One thing that I have noticed is that it takes a bit of work to get the right settings on the computer. I am still tinkering with mine.
For those that have the course computer under the nav table, the 15' cable to the wheel drive comes up a bit short for me. What route did you guys take, or did you splice onto the cable?
Thanks
Thanks
Mine ran from the pedestal, through the pedestal, out the back of the rudder box, through the back lazzerette, and then down the top side of the quarterberth. My course computer is mounted to the oak trim near the nav station.
If you look at the photograph you will see the nav station. You will see my VHF radio and in that area you will see a gray box that is the course computer.
If you look at the photograph you will see the nav station. You will see my VHF radio and in that area you will see a gray box that is the course computer.
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Re: ready for commissioning
I have the same boat and was just getting ready to order mine . Were did you buy your system ?
I have the same boat and was just getting ready to order mine . Were did you buy your system ?
Calibration went smoothly. All set, now can't wait to get out there and use. Compass in starboard hanging locker, computer on side of nav desk. Still not sure if ill like but control head on starboard cockpit bulkhead.
LP, initially ordered from WM on sale but was back ordered; realizing they've done this before so called to find out they had no idea when/if would get additional. Finally got through defender on sale. Must be discontinued for newer model?
LP, initially ordered from WM on sale but was back ordered; realizing they've done this before so called to find out they had no idea when/if would get additional. Finally got through defender on sale. Must be discontinued for newer model?
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