Raymarine EV-100 Wheel autopilot install

[innervations]

In my AP install the display draws power from the SeatalkNG network. I installed a seperate on/off switch to power down all devices in the network as well as a switch for the course computer. I have the Raymarine AP and power for the control head does not come from the course computer. Power to the servo drive is from the course computer.

Hope this helps.

[RobertB]

I did not install a separate switch. My chartplotter, VHF radio, and autopilot all share one circuit (I consider the breaker my main power switch). I believe the power switch on the autopilot control head will power down the course computer. I do not imagine the power to the NMEA2000/SeaTalkNG network draws much power.
BTW, the compass draws power from the SeaTalkNG network, same as the control head/display.

[jstyers]

I just finished the install of the tiller version. Tradeoff: Wheel version one can disengage to remove all influence on manual steering but there is the fact that the actuator is nearly the size of the wheel. Tiller version is out of sight but definitely adds resistance when manually steering (but can be disengaged with a quick trip down into the tunnel that we affectionately call the "rear berth").
I now have a fuel level readout on my chartplotter
The autopilot and chartplotter are mounted on a swiveling mount on the pedestal
The actuator is mounted between a mount glassed onto the hull and a custom bracket that clamps on the rudder cross member

Robert, I'm about to install my EV-100 and like the mount you bought/fabricated for your control head. Where did you come up with that? Jeff

[mastreb]

I did not install a separate switch. My chartplotter, VHF radio, and autopilot all share one circuit (I consider the breaker my main power switch). I believe the power switch on the autopilot control head will power down the course computer. I do not imagine the power to the NMEA2000/SeaTalkNG network draws much power.
BTW, the compass draws power from the SeaTalkNG network, same as the control head/display.

Like Robert I have all my NMEA 2000 devices on a single circuit; in my case it's the A leg of an A,B,A+B switch where the A circuits are all "underway" and the "B" circuits are all "in port" devices.

On my network, while sailing with the autopilot active, the NMEA network draws right about 2 amps continuously.

[RobertB]

Robert, I'm about to install my EV-100 and like the mount you bought/fabricated for your control head. Where did you come up with that? Jeff

I designed and fabricated it myself. I had some 3/4" thick ABS plastic and purchased from a welding shop the stainless steel cut to size. Hardware from the local hardware store. I did need to modify the actuator mounting pin by cutting threads onto it. Tools used: drill press and belt sander.
Main reason for this - cost much less than a RayMarine bracket, no hole drilled in the steering linkage to introduce a stress point of failure, and I am an underutilized engineer and must find some outlet.

[jstyers]

Robert, thanks. I bit the bullet on the Raymarine tiller bracket, no confidence in my metal-working skills to make the bracket to join the actuator to the tiller arm. I was asking about the box you have the autopilot control head mounted in. It looks like a very clean install there mounted with your chartplotter. Where did you come up with that box?

[RobertB]

The box is made from plastic lumber that is painted - with a plexiglas back plate. If I am happy with it, I have some starboard to make a more durable one. Same for the swivel base - bamboo flooring and paint. I did use nylatron for the swivel bearings.

[DHK79]

I added the very same auto pilot to my 2000 26X and love it (having had the past experience of once giving the helm on a previous boat to the admiral, with the instruction of just follow the channel... and shortly later picking myself up off the deck when we ran aground)

My auto is linked to a Garmin 541 and works great.


Doug (DHK79)

PS - BTW RayMarine sells a flat console mount pin that works to keep the inner donut motionless without modification.

[RobertB]

Finally tried out my EV-100 Tiller install.
Never quite got the heading to align - not that big of a deal.
Did follow a direction well (generally pleased).

Could not get it to accept GPS/Track data from the Garmin GPS Map 546s. I could do without this but do want it.

Called RayMarine and told I need a software update to address both issues. OK, how do I do that? Buy a upgraded display for $1000 so I can load software
Or I can bring it to a service center every time I need to update, or send it to RayMarine.

What is wrong with a cable to hook up to a laptop computer?

[grady]

Go here

http://www8.garmin.com/support/software/marine.html

Download and run the software. It will write the software update on an SD card that will update your GPS.

Instructions here

http://www8.garmin.com/support/download ... 5#Instruct

[frede]

Because I have an early with the steel pole pedestal I mounted an aluminum rod below the pedestal. You can just see it on the bottom left of this image.

______________^

I wonder if the Raymarine P70 Autopilot Control Head will work with my X-5 Autopilot?

[March]

RobertB:
You need to check a few things:
a) make sure the cable from the Garmin OUT (blue one) and the ship's ground (black one from Garmin) are properly inserted in the AP's "brain." You may also want to put a ferrite nugget on the cable itself: make a loop of the cable through the hole in the middle
b) go the the Garmin Configuration screen and make sure the protocol is Port 1 NMEA 0185
c) make sure you tell the Garmin where to go. Drop a marker on the Garmin screen closer to your present location and tell it to go there. Unless you do that, the autopilot will read nothing ( a row of dashes) _ _ _.

I am not sure you need any software updates
Good luck and keep us posted

[RobertB]

Some interesting comments.
Updating SW: I know I can do it on the Garmin GPSMap 546, the Raymarine tech was telling me I needed to update the SW on the Raymarine AP. This is where there is no way for an owner to interface the system (unless I upgrade a $1300 system by adding a $900 part).
What is NMEA 0185? Do you mean the NMEA 0183? I am currently hooke up to a NMEA 2000/SeaTalk backbone. One tech I spoke to suggested I re-wire using NMEA 0183 - I cannot find that the EV-100 is capable of communicating using this protocol.

I did go into the Garmin, did not see port assignments, will look again. I did see that the Garmin recognizes every component of the RayMarine AP system and the RayMarine AP lists the Garmin as a choice on GPS input - just that it will not accept the connection.

[March]

Yeah, I meant NMEA 0183. Sorry. The Raymarine AP I have, the SportPilot, accepts either NMEA or SeaTalk (through a backbone). Different connections. I use the NMEA and it works just fine.
The Garmin has to be reconfigured. The communication options should give you Garmin to Garmin, NMEA and even NMEA high-speed. Or none. They are not automatic, they have to be done manually. And you have options of two ports

[mastreb]

Robert, my Garmin 740 works with the Raymarine EV-100, and my Raymarine was one of the first batch. I suspect you don't need to update the Raymarine, as it accepts standard NMEA2000 tracks just fine.

Not sure if there's some difference between the 740 and the 540s, but I suspect the problem is configuration or firmware on the Garmin.

Otherwise, to hook up via NMEA 0183, you just need the Raymarine SeaTalk to SeaTalkNG adapter. It's actually an electronic device that converts NMEA 0183 sentences to NMEA 2000 and back. I used one to hook up the MadMan iSteer for iPod, and it works just fine.