[bacampbe]

Hi,

We've finally gotten the Raymarine S1 Wheelpilot up and running on DancingDays. I noticed in the process that it can accept an external gyro module. Is it worth adding that? What difference does it make for day-to-day use?

It might be overkill, as I'm currently sailing on an inland lake, and we don't get a lot of wave action. OTOH, getting everything tuned just right seems to be a lot of trial-and-error, and the auto learn feature you get with the gyro would be nice.

 

[jason3317]

I can attest to the significant performance improvement of the gyro option for the S1. It is especially useful when running downwind with following or quartering waves. The gyro senses the yaw motion and can apply steering correction to maintain a more consistent course.

The auto-learn feature is also nice.

But, I believe the G is board upgrade to the S1, or you can also purchase and add an external rate gyro sensor. I prefer the singe integrated unit.

If you want to upgrade, send me a PM, as I will likely retire my S1G at the end of the season.

 

[bacampbe]

But, I believe the G is board upgrade to the S1, not an external sensor.

Does this module not work with the S1?

Raymarine Marine Electronics - Gyroplus II External Rate Gyro Processor

 

[jason3317]

Does this module not work with the S1?

Raymarine Marine Electronics - Gyroplus II External Rate Gyro Processor

From the description, it seems adding the external sensor is an option, yes.

I edited my post.

 

[RecoveringRacer]

I have upgraded the S1 both ways, and the hardware costs are similar. From my experience, they each have advantages. The internal upgrade (which is simple and just involves plugging in a rate-of-turn module and attaching it to the circuit board with two fasteners) takes up less space. The external Gyroplus II unit will allow you to have the ROT sensor close to the boat's center, if the S1 box is not in an optimum location. The external unit also has a set of NMEA I/O ports that will let you add a limited number of NMEA 0183 sentences (such as a backup NMEA compass) to your SeaTalk network. You mentioned you have a wheelpilot, but note that the S1 Tiller Pilot already has the "G" feature as standard.

 

[negrini]

bacampbe, as Jason mentioned, its noticeable the improvement a gyro gives, but since you are mostly at flat water spot, it will not be fully used at its potential. An external unity will give you a beter location to sense the move, as actual computer location could dampen the yaw sensor. Also, using NMEA 0183, is not the best approach as this is too slow to transmit rapid acceleration data like the yaw sensor, reducing a lot the "sensitivity/resolution" to make correction in time. You should either install the Gyro directly to the analog input to the course computer or install it right to the motherboard (the cheapest solution). I would keep it as it is today, use and get used to it first, before upgrading to Gyro.