Auto Pilot Part I
Something I think any boat needs, especially one where you may spend long hours on "slow" straight runs, like we did on our 9 hour trip from Tarpon Springs/Anclote Key to Crystal River. An Auto Pilot, even my wife agreed after spending a couple hours at the wheel. It was 1 turn North of Anclote & 1 to the East approaching Crystal River 1A and nine hours of mostly open water, perfect scenario for auto steering.
I did a little research to see how other Camano Owner's installed their systems or had existing Auto Pilots. I was able to talk to a guy from Texas who installed his unit & he helped alot. I was also able to find a few photos of folks that had installed the Raymarine Evolution (same unit I bought), this was equally helpful.
The first task was to mount each piece of equipment. First the p70Rs Pilot Controller. What sucks is I had to buy 2 control heads, 1 for the upper station & 1 for the lower. I guess I didn't have to but I wanted the ability to use the auto pilot from above or below. I found some remote control units but none that seemed to work with the newer units. For both the lower & the upper stations I made a Starboard back board to cover up the "Sins of the Past" (old electronics cut outs).
With the main components mounted (except the pump), I was able to complete the wiring & accessory installations.
I installed a 30 Amp breaker at the panel and 8 AWG power wire to the ACU. This was the size called for in the instructions by calculating the wire runs, but the power connection block would not take that size wire. I had to modify the wire. In hindsight I think that a #10 or even a #12 would have been OK. One thing I like is that the connection blocks can be removed so you can make connections easier.
In preparation for the pump, I pulled a #12 wire from the Lazarette (future pump location) to the ACU. At the same time I pulled the wire from the Rudder Sensor to the ACU.
All the connections are complete & the unit appears to be working fine. I cannot calibrate or test it yet until I finish the Pump & Rudder Sensor installation. All most there!
See Auto Pilot Part II for the final portion of the installation.
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