Autopilot TC255 Needed?

jritsema · Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2016 4:27 pm Post subject:

Thanks for that tip Tom. That is new to me, and actually very important in this decision.
John, you should know that I work for the Fed and we have your number.
Naaaa. Just kidding. You should visit us in MI (Michigan) some time. Actually, I'm a retired "eye" guy.
This website is fun and very interactive and informative.
Jeff

journey on · Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2016 6:47 pm Post subject:

The autopilot on Journey On is a Raytheon, 10 years old and I allow you to classify it as old or new. However, when it's in autopilot mode and I turn the wheel, the pump works like heck to prevent the boat from turning.

That is different from what Tom Elliot says, so please check. It's simpler/cheaper to build one which doesn't allow for a wheel input, so please check.

Boris

hardee · Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2016 6:48 pm Post subject:

rogerbum · Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2016 7:14 pm Post subject:

I agree with Harvey and Boris. I can grab the wheel and get a little movement but the helm manually operated pump is then competing against the autopilot electronically operated pump. There's no connection between my helm and the autopilot that lets it know I've turned the wheel. E.g. it's not like cruise control on a car where hitting the brakes disengages cruise control. I need to disengage the AP to get good control from the helm. Moreover, with a Tomcat (especially at speed), even without the AP, maneuvering is not a rapid as in monohull. The cat's don't heel over when you turn so you don't get the extra advantage of tipping the hull in the water to aid with the turn. Rather the boat turns more like it's on rails. I've found that I need 2-3 times as much distance in which to turn to avoid an object in the water relative to my previous 22. That took a bit of getting used to and requires more vigilance than on a monohull (especially with a cruise speed of 1.5x the 22).

Will-C · Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2016 8:40 pm Post subject: Autopilot TC255 Needed?

Garmin auto pilots have what they term Shadow Drive. It allows you take over the wheel without having to switch to standby and when you are done steering it returns to the previous heading.
D.D.

starcrafttom · Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2016 1:46 am Post subject:

Now I remember why I hate raymarine. Their manuals suck. Its called the jog steer function on raymarine and garmin calls it shadow drive and I cant find what simrad call it. On the raymarine, which I have had, you just turn the wheel FAST. It will not work if you are just moving the wheel slow or just 20 degrees. Grab the wheel and spin it. Boat with JOG off course. when you let go it will go right back to your course. The Garmin will , depending on function, will either go back to course or stay on new course. This has started by raymarine, as far as I know, in 2000 to 2004 time frame. I have used it a thousand times.

hardee · Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2016 3:36 am Post subject:

Tom, Thanks for that info. I may not have tried to spin the wheel, far enough, or hard or quick enough. I will be trying that next time out. It does make sense as a safety factor.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

Hunkydory · Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2016 10:54 am Post subject:

Just as Tom describes, I've made quick turns to avoid debris many times, while our Raymarine S1000 auto pilot is engaged. I installed this unit & have used it since 2005. Raymarine has now replaced it with other models such as the one Harvey has on board & think it likely that feature remains.

Jay

breausaw · Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2016 11:00 am Post subject:

My TR-1 Gladiator has what is called shadow drive, this allows me to grab the wheel and override the AP at any time, when I let go of the Wheel it goes back on course.
As soon as I round the brake water the AP is engaged, love it!