MacGregorSailors.com

Got an early fathers day gift Raymarine Autopilot ST4000MK11. Going to go back and read some of the archives. I would like to connect it to my Garmin 168 Sounder does anyone have this set up and what extra wires will I need??

Kevin Carroll
'Jump the Shark'
2001 26X
San Diego, CA

You probably won't need any special cables... the data wires are built in the power cable of my Lowrance, and your Garmin is probably the same way. Connecting the GPS to the AP is very simple. Get yourself enough duplex wire to span the distance between the GPS and the AP control/display unit. I think I used 18 gauge. On one end, crimp on the special slim connectors (some extras are included with the AP) and plug those into the NMEA in + and -. Connect the other ends to whatever wires on the GPS's cable are NMEA out + and - (check your manual).

Now, assuming your GPS is set to send data out to the NMEA port (it probably is, but again, check the manual), you should be all set. Set the GPS to navigate to a waypoint, engage the AP drive lever, hit the Auto button, then hit the Track button. The display will prompt you with an indication of where it will steer to go to that waypoint, and (I think) you just hit track again to confirm... and away you go!

--Mike

kevin,
I have the 168 Garmin and was looking to buy a 4000 auto pilot as well. Let me know how it goes. I'm also considering the jrc 1500 mkII radar. Rolf

I have the SportPilot and the Garmin 168 is the setup the same. Since my GPS is using the nmea connection to the VHS will that cause a problem? BTW have any of you had a problem with the AP when a boat using radar is nearby?