Wireless Autopilot Controller

MichaelOnTheClaraMae · Posted: Sat Nov 19, 2005 7:49 am Post subject: Wireless Autopilot Controller

I have a Raymarine ST5000 Autopilot on the Clara Mae which I use constantly. Recently Raymarine has come out with the S100 Wireless Remote which I am eyeing as a Birthday/Christmas/Anniversary present (mine). It isn't a cockpit helm but would make a reasonable second for the kind of boating I do most of the time.

Anyone have any experience with this remote?

Byrdman · Posted: Sat Nov 19, 2005 8:26 am Post subject:

Michael... why did you do that to me??? I do not have the wireless, but I do truly love the remote with the wire and use it on about 99.99% of the trips/outings on FreeByrd. IT IS WONDERFUL !!!! but....may be even better without wires... or...may be like those wireless headphones....and get the job done about 85% of the time with a bit of interuption every now and then. The way I use mine...I could not and would not want ANY interuptions... The "hard wire" allows me to sit up on the front deck and enjoy the sunrises/sunsets while very slowly cruising along. Great piece of equipment.

Maybe Les or some of the others have mounted these and have a little time with them...? Step up please.

DaveS · Posted: Sat Nov 19, 2005 2:25 pm Post subject:

Byrdman, like you, my initial thought was....great, now they've come up with a wireless remote....wish I had that rather than one with a wire. Then after thinking about it for a minute, I figured that I'm better off with having the "wired one", 'cause it would be just like the TV remote, when I need it, I can't find it!....at least with the wire I can easily find the remote.

rogerbum · Posted: Sat Nov 19, 2005 2:42 pm Post subject:

I wonder how secure the wireless remote data transmission is... is it encrypted/encoded so that only your remote can control the boat? I could see someone jacking up the output power of a remote to see if they coud control someone else's boat - e.g. that boat over there with the three girls in bikinis and the wireless autopilot, let's just steer that this away.... Laughing

DaveS · Posted: Sat Nov 19, 2005 5:47 pm Post subject:

MichaelOnTheClaraMae · Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2005 9:32 pm Post subject:

Well I got it, installed it, and love it! I found the S100 Wireless Remote on the web for $359 and it works like a charm. Installation was simple. Two screws for the base and simply plugged it in to the back of my existing ST5000 control box. It doesn't get any easier that this.

starcrafttom · Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2005 9:48 pm Post subject:

micheal does the new controller allow you to use the fishing funtions with your old system?

MichaelOnTheClaraMae · Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 5:38 am Post subject:

Yes, providing you already have them. The ST5000 I have does not. But if you have the fishing capabilities with your current autopilot, i.e., zig zag, circle, cloverleaf, etc., the remote runs them through a mode button. You just toggle through the list and select one. I noted in the manual a setup function to modify the existing patterns to your liking as well.