ST4000 Conversion

[Osprey82]

Happy Spring to all...
I have a older ST4000 (Black control unit that came with boat purchased last Sept.). It was originally purchased to control a wind vane and I would like to know how to go about getting it to interface with a new Garmin GPS-545 for wheel steering. Would swapping out the control unit for a wheel steering unit be all that is necessary i.e. unplugging one and plugging in the other? I am electronically challanged All suggestions more than welcome and greatly appreciated.
Bob
S/V Osprey (82 Tartan 37)
Jersey City, NJ

[capttb]

I think you just want to interface your Garmin with an older Autohelm autopilot if I'm understanding you. You should just need to connect the NMEA terminals and set your Garmin's data output to NMEA 0183. See wiring diagram and instructions in the owners manual pages 49-50.
http://www8.garmin.com/manuals/1541_OwnersManual.pdf

[bestfriend]

Wow! Sorry this is off topic, but does Raymarine do all that stuff that the Garmin does? The 3d effect, the overlays of satellite imagery etc?

[artbyjody]

Originally Posted by bestfriend

Wow! Sorry this is off topic, but does Raymarine do all that stuff that the Garmin does? The 3d effect, the overlays of satellite imagery etc?

Raymarine does, with the software upgrade to the E-series, and the G-Series comes standard with it. The C-series however does not and I do not think there is a software upgrade for it in the works.

I plan on purchasing the G-Series next month as I want the expandability (multiple monitor displays).