Autopilot next on the list

+1 on the Garmin AP with Shadow Drive and Remote. Installed 2 seasons ago and it is Awesome!

 

I don't intend on hi-jacking this thread, but that kit is what I purchased at the NY boat show last week. I'll be reusing the RM pump and replacing the RM rudder feedback sensor with a Garmin unit.

I might as well mention it here too..... I posted on the 420DA/44DA official thread earlier today looking to find out if anyone has covered the dash hole(s) left by an RM 8002 AP head unit with the above Garmin GHC50 head unit?
I'm hoping it will cover the 3.5" hole and two mounting screw holes beside it, so that I could cover the other two mounting holes with a FLIR JCU3 joystick controller. This will eliminate the need to have a panel fabricated.

 

Can you do garmin ap with Simrad everything else ?

 

The thing about the newer autopilots that are full N2k they can be controlled by pretty much any MFD. But if you don't stick with the same brand you miss out on the brand MFD integration.

 

Hmm I like the thought of shadow drive
Simrad doesn’t have anything like that correct ?

 

As @SKybolt mentioned if you mix brands you will miss out on the cool integrated features. @dvx216 since you have a Garmin mfd would highly recommend going with the Garmin AP. The shadow drive is a Garmin patent and it’s a game changer. I recent converted my old raymarine to their retro kit as the AP was the last renaming raymarine component. Very easy install and I reused my old pump. Calibrating is a breeze as well.

 

Maybe garmin will license the tech to others.

 

Most of the 3rd party integration is done through HTML5 apps. The Autopilot integration is part of the MFD itself. So not likely.

Edit: The one thing that has stopped me from upgrading to the Reactor 40 is the pilot head. Garmin doesn't have a rotary knob. The thing I use most, even on short trips. I never use the wheel until I hit the break water buoys.

 

I'm wondering if the Shadow drive valve could not be added to any AP install?

Even if it just drops the head unit into standby mode, that would be a befefit, but could also be a pain depending on how sensitive it is...ie if I bump the wheel, would it drop out.

 

There has to be a supported "disengage" port on the drive board in order for that to work. If the Shadow drive is just an on/off solenoid then it could work as it's just acting as a switch, but if it is a digital signal then not a chance. I know on my RM AP there is a disengage, but you have to confirm it to get it to work. Does your EVO. AP unit have a disengage and do you have to confirm it? It might work then. Want to be the guinea pig @ $400 ?

 

Possibly. I think its a huge safety improvement.

 

Totally agree. Try connecting a switch first and see if you have to intervein or not. I tried it on my SPx CC (version prior to Evolution) and it wanted me to confirm. So I did, then it didn't automatically return to the course. At the end of the day, I didn't see the difference between that switch and putting it in standby. So it wasn't worth pursuing any further for me and sold me on wanting the G-AP except for the fore mentioned knob ...

 

The Raymarine systems with a ACU 200 or better have a sleep function. Unfortunately, I have a ACU-150, and this does not have such a feature.

 

Looks like a pretty cheap upgrade if willing to ebay some used parts...

 

Right, mine does as well. The sleep function just takes it out of auto and then you must put it back into auto. I don't really see the purpose of that function because it's the same as putting it into standby.

Garmin put some time into this one and really thought it out.

 

If I install the valve and wire it it to the sleep input, I have a cheap Raymarine Shadow drive?

 

As mentioned, no, putting it to sleep will only take it out of auto and then be in standby when out of sleep.

I am not really sure why they have this, other then to be able to use an external switch instead of the pilot head.

 

Just finished my autopilot install on my 310
I went with a Garmin retrofit kit with GHC 20 controller, Garmin rudder feedback 10 and an Octopus 2.0 pump. Purchased from BOE marine. (Emily is great) Shadow drives can be purchased aftermarket ($89 bucks) just do a web search. Hydraulic lines were purchased from a local hydraulic store.

Installed the pump to the right of the helm behind cup/map compartment. Easy to get to and only needed 3-38” lines.
You will have to figure out what fittings you will need for your helm ORB or NPT

Bleeding the system was pretty straight forward. Component location is important as some wires are only so long. I installed my heading module under the helm close to the center of the boat.(No issues)Hardest part for me was the rudder feedback sensor. Hard to get way back there ! PM me if ya want more info
Lenny

 

Uhm, more like $332 is the lowest I have seen, just for the solenoid.