POWER FOR ST4000 INSTALLATION

[Bill Robb]

Bill, I want to use the power going to my compass light for my ST4000 installation. My dealer said not to. I don't see why not - these leads go to a 20 Amp breaker. It beats running a dedicated line ( and breaker ) just for the auto-pilot. Whaddaya thunk? Bill on STARGAZER - a 1984 O'DAY 30.

 

[Bill Boudreau]

14 AWG

Of course I would recommend an independent source, but it sounds OK. You will want to use 14 AWG wire on the ST4000 Wheel installation to avoid a voltage drop. This should be off of a 10 or 12 Amp breaker. You can download the installation and operation manual from Raymarine's website at www.raymarine.com.

 

[Jay Eaton]

Light always on

If you connect your autopilot to an existing circuit, that circuit will be energized as well as the autopilot. If you compass light does not have an on/off switch other than the circuit breaker, then the light will be on when you need the autopilot. It's better to have a separate circuit for such things.

 

[Michael McCann]

Compass Light

Bill;My compass light does not come on until I turn on the running lights. I think this is a proper way to have the compass light wired, though some may have a preference for turning on the compass light only.Mike

 

[Dan]

Autopilot

I would be concerned about wiring the autopilot off the compass light. Also, I'm not sure 14AWG is appropriate in all situations. Need to compare the round trip distance of the wire against the charts. My recollection is that we ran 12 AWG on our boat. It was about 34' round trip.Also, if you do loose your compass circuit for some reason (at night) you could still easily read the compass heading off of the autopilot head.Another reason. What if you have an autopilot problem or related circuit problem at night, that requires you to take that circuit off line. Are you willing to give up your nav lights also (if they are on the same circuit)?My advice is to run the wire. They can be a pain in the a** to get in sometimes, but worth it.Dan Jonas (S/V Feije)