One hot autopilot

[Ken Cross]

Hi everyone
I have a Simrad TP10 autopilot and it is well suited for my needs except it gets hot in the sun.
The surface is black and on sunny days it gets really hot. On cloudy days it stays cool.

We know that excessive heat is the number one problem with electronics longevity.

I'm thinking of painting the upper surface a reflective color, or putting some type of film on it (Monokote???)

Has anyone else experienced this and how have you dealt with it.

Ken

 

[Chris Patterson]

Put a canvas cover on it. That's what I did with my Bullet.

 

[Skipper]

I had the TP22, same issue. I just laid a small white boat-towel over it, and secured the towel with thin rope. I could make adjustments merely by peeling the towel back at the controls, then draping again when done.

 

[MrBill_FLL]

I have a TP10, use in in soFla, never had a problem with it, if the batteries are ok.

but a canvas bag couldn't hurt.

 

[David in Sandusky]

TP 10 heat failure

Simrad did repair our TP 10 a few years ago when it failed on our cruise to the North Channel. Heat was the likely cause.

 

[wufibugs]

I've got an old Simrad WP10 and never noticed that issue. Still, anything that will extend its life, including making a canvas cover for, it is a good idea. Dave, I was pleased to read that Simrad was still willing to work on the 10 model. When I tried to talk to Lowrance about my new/old stock Globalmap 3300, their answer was to buy a newer model.