A technical autopilot question. I did a number of searches but cannot find anything on point.
I have a Simrad AP26 system with the AP20 Computer, RC136 rate/heading sensor, and RF 300 rudder feedback unit. The boat is an old 56 foot, 33 ton, full keel steel ketch with a 3 X 4.5 foot rudder and cable steering. The AP26 system is not yet installed.
Looking at the internet info available, it appears that I will need about 2000 pounds of max thrust from the hydraulic linear drive. The Simrad HLD2000MK2L only puts out about 1100 pounds. Most actuators have a 12 inch tiller arm and a 12 inch stroke.
About the only options I see are the Raymarine type 3 with 2700 pounds max thrust and the Garmin class B with 2380 pounds. Both companies advise that the actuators can only be used with their autopilot system but I wonder a bit about that claim.
Questions-- (1) Does my 2000 pound max thrust requirement seem valid for the size and type of boat? I have had one input that the Simrad HLD2000 was fine. Any experience from installers or users?
(2) Has anyone out there interfaced a Simrad with either of the above actuators?
(3)Any ideas on other potential solutions to my problem-- for example other suppliers or used equipment?
I have a Simrad AP26 system with the AP20 Computer, RC136 rate/heading sensor, and RF 300 rudder feedback unit. The boat is an old 56 foot, 33 ton, full keel steel ketch with a 3 X 4.5 foot rudder and cable steering. The AP26 system is not yet installed.
Looking at the internet info available, it appears that I will need about 2000 pounds of max thrust from the hydraulic linear drive. The Simrad HLD2000MK2L only puts out about 1100 pounds. Most actuators have a 12 inch tiller arm and a 12 inch stroke.
About the only options I see are the Raymarine type 3 with 2700 pounds max thrust and the Garmin class B with 2380 pounds. Both companies advise that the actuators can only be used with their autopilot system but I wonder a bit about that claim.
Questions-- (1) Does my 2000 pound max thrust requirement seem valid for the size and type of boat? I have had one input that the Simrad HLD2000 was fine. Any experience from installers or users?
(2) Has anyone out there interfaced a Simrad with either of the above actuators?
(3)Any ideas on other potential solutions to my problem-- for example other suppliers or used equipment?