[C320-list] Dead Autopilot

[Steve Weinstein]

 Mark, are you saying it's mounted inside the cockpit locker on the side of the "bread box" in the galley that most of us use to store pots and pans???  Just trying to visualize where it is.
Steve W, Vega, #722

    On Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at 01:11:07 PM EDT, Mark Seyler via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:  
 
 Michael,

When I upgraded to an EV100 a couple of years ago I mounted the EV-1 sensor on the side of the bread box cabinet at the forward end of the port cockpit locker.  It has worked fine, so apparently is far enough from the engine.  It is easily accessible, and I used the network cable run to that location as one part of an eventual run for SeatalkNG/NMEA2000 backbone between the nav station and helm.

Mark Seyler
S/V Reality,
Catalina 320, #232
New Orleans, LA



-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of Michael Leschisin via C320-list
Sent: Wednesday, June 5, 2024 11:37 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Cc: Michael Leschisin <mleschisin at imagestudios.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Dead Autopilot

Thanks for the info guys,

I figured if I could throw a couple hundred bucks at the problem and make it go away I’d just go that route…..  
I found a couple of used ST4000+ control heads on Ebay but they were wanting nearly $500 for them; doesn’t make much sense verses putting that money toward a new EV100.

Where did you mount the EV100 compass on your 27' Steve?  My present “puck” is located in the back bilge which I think is the original setup from Catalina.  The EV100 instructions talk about keeping it away from any magnetic materials, (like maybe an engine block?)


Michael Leschisin
2004 C320 #995
Menominee, MI


> On Jun 4, 2024, at 4:32 PM, Steve Weinstein via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
> 
> Michael, just a suggestion, but if you are going to the expense of upgrading the control head (it ain't cheap), you might want to consider upgrading the whole system.  I installed an EV-100 in my prior boat, a C270, and it is a major improvement over the old system.  It includes a much improved gyro-compass unit that does a much better job keeping the boat on track, especially in rough seas.  I found the drive unit to be more robust, and since it's SeaTalkng (NMEA 2000), it's compatible with most all equipment.  You may need a converter interface for the old instruments (SeaTalk to STng), but that's not expensive.  IMHO, it's well worth the upgrade. 
> 
> Steve Weinstein,2000 C320 #722, Vega.
> 
>    On Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at 04:52:29 PM EDT, Michael Leschisin via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:  
> 
> Hi All,
> 
> When I put the boat in this season I found the Raymarine ST4000+ autopilot would only flash “4000 WHL” and beep at me continuously.  According to Raymarine, the control head is shot and not repairable.  I’m wondering if anyone might have upgraded their helm and still has a working ST4000+ control head they would be willing sell.  
> 
> If not, Raymarine says I’ll need to upgrade to a EV100 controller and that it should play nice with my existing wheel drive and other components.  Has anyone done this upgrade? Do you have any advice on the level of difficulty and trying to get everything to network?
> 
> Thanks Much,
> 
> Michael Leschisin
> Wild Blue Yonder
> 2004 C320 #995
> Menominee, MI
> 
> 
>