Pearson Boats - Common Systems > Electrical Systems & Electronics
Raymarine EV-100 Autopilot
Alma:
You can get by without updating firmware on a new wheel pilot especially if you are not interfacing with a plotter.
A Raymarine repair shop can update the firmware on the autopilot but you may not need to.
The current Echomaps have NMEA 2000- It isn't difficult to mate it to SeaTalk NG. You'll need a Raymarine adapter cable.
NMEA 0183 is well over 30 years old. NMEA 2000 is 20 years old and it is the basis for all the new networking the manufacturers are using today. I believe the only difference between SeaTalk (NMEA 2000) and SeaTalk NG is nice small connector plugs that are easy to fish throughout the boat.
NMEA 2000 is much faster and allows more bandwidth for faster page refreshing than 0183.
Look into your Echomap and if it doesn't have NMEA 2000 let us know- Many have both 2000 and 0183.
T_schlueter:
I have Echomap Plus 63cv which has one NMEA 0183 output port which I currently connect to my VHF.
Alma:
Yes- Not so elegant.
And the Garman pilot is pricy. But the Raymarine although it does some amazing piloting in crazy seas with the triple axis compass/accelerometer, does not have a confidence building build. The wheelpilot is flimsy at best and toylike in construction. Mine had worked 3 seasons now but I have heard of failures.
If you can swing it you are better off with a below decks unit and then price points with Garmin and Raymarine merge.
It is a tough decision if you aren't able to spend your way out only to see the Bluetooth future making all of them obsolete.
If you don't have a two day slog from winter storage to your summer berth maybe you try and see what's best next season.
With my old trip motoring through Delaware Bay hand steering was no fun. Add a foul current and golf looks interesting...
Valor:
--- Quote from: Alma on February 10, 2021, 12:15:54 PM ---Yes the EV-100 will operate on its own. It will only steer to a magnetic heading since there is no plotter
--- End quote ---
Actually you can also steer to a desired wind angle. When we sail down wind, sometimes we set the autopilot to maintain 150 160 degree angle to keep the assymetrical flying. You can also set the parameters to prevent a gybe. We have tested it and if t works really well. You change the input from the compass to the masthead windvane from the p70s.Also, If you set the input to the windvane you can tack from the controll head. Push the button. The boat tacks and all you need to do is focus on the sheets. Its a slick system.
Michael
T_schlueter:
I'll have to experiment with that! I'm not hopeful as all my sailing is around the islands of western Lake Erie where winds shift constantly. Also, my wind vane is caput so that'll mean further investment to replace that. Uhg
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