Garmin Users - You Might Want to Hold on the Latest S/W Updates

[Avenger]

Avenger, it might be helpful if you dig out which model GPS and/or heading sensor was installed. Should be visible through the Communications menu under either NMEA 2000 or possibly also Garmin network.

I will take a look but I know it’s the latest and greatest 8616 model. The Reactor 40 AP only only uses a CCU located low in the engine room and the smart pump in the stern.

 

[alnav]

I will take a look but I know it’s the latest and greatest 8616 model. The Reactor 40 AP only only uses a CCU located low in the engine room and the smart pump in the stern.

Avenger, for GPS, I meant an external GPS antenna, not the 8616 plotter. You may well not have one since the 8616 has an internal GPS receiver. If you have an external GPS, it will show up as a discrete device on the NMEA or Garmin Network lists. Of you don't have one, I personally think that's a mistake and would recommend you get one, perhaps one of the models with a heading sensor in addition to GPS.

 

[Avenger]

The MSC 10 Satellite Compass might be the the ticket. Looks like it removes all interference and gives every component a clean accurate heading. I will try a few adjustments and a recalibration of the AP as mentioned above but in the long run another 1k on this already expensive system to make it seamless would be worth it. Appreciate everyone’s input.

 

[ttmott]

Avenger, for GPS, I meant an external GPS antenna, not the 8616 plotter. You may well not have one since the 8616 has an internal GPS receiver. If you have an external GPS, it will show up as a discrete device on the NMEA or Garmin Network lists. Of you don't have one, I personally think that's a mistake and would recommend you get one, perhaps one of the models with a heading sensor in addition to GPS.

I'd be curious to see how an external heading sensor is selected as default from the CCU. Same screen as selecting the other default devices??

 

[Skybolt]

I'd be curious to see how an external heading sensor is selected as default from the CCU. Same screen as selecting the other default devices??

Tom from everything I have read, the reactor 40 ECU can only use the CCU for a heading sensor. But the MFD's can use any heading sensor you select. I recently went through this when my RM crapped out last week. You can change them under sources.

EDIT: I stand corrected, thanks @alnav Al!

 

[alnav]

I'd be curious to see how an external heading sensor is selected as default from the CCU. Same screen as selecting the other default devices??

Tom, yes, should be available in Autopilot Setup...Preferred Sources if two or more sources are detected.

 

[alnav]

Tom from everything I have read, the reactor 40 ECU can only use the CCU for a heading sensor. But the MFD's can use any heading sensor you select. I recently went through this when my RM crapped out last week. You can change them under sources.

Orlando, from the Reactor 40 Configuration Guide:
"Multiple Sources of Sensor Information
There may be multiple sources of sensor information available to the autopilot system. If so, you can select a preferred data source.
For example, because GPS speed from an external antenna is more reliable and accurate than that from an integrated GPS receiver inside a chartplotter, you should select the external GPS antenna as the preferred source of GPS data. Also, because it can be difficult to find an ideal mounting location for the autopilot CCU, you can optionally select an external NMEA 2000 GPS compass or other heading sensor as the preferred source of heading data.

Selecting a Preferred Source of Sensor Information

1. On a helm control or the autopilot screen on a chartplotter, select > Autopilot Setup > Preferred Sources. NOTE: Some items in the Preferred Sources menu are shown only when multiple sensors providing the same
   data are available to the system.
2. Select a data category.
3. Select a source."
   

 

[ttmott]

Orlando, from the Reactor 40 Configuration Guide:
"Multiple Sources of Sensor Information
There may be multiple sources of sensor information available to the autopilot system. If so, you can select a preferred data source.
For example, because GPS speed from an external antenna is more reliable and accurate than that from an integrated GPS receiver inside a chartplotter, you should select the external GPS antenna as the preferred source of GPS data. Also, because it can be difficult to find an ideal mounting location for the autopilot CCU, you can optionally select an external NMEA 2000 GPS compass or other heading sensor as the preferred source of heading data.

Selecting a Preferred Source of Sensor Information

1. On a helm control or the autopilot screen on a chartplotter, select > Autopilot Setup > Preferred Sources. NOTE: Some items in the Preferred Sources menu are shown only when multiple sensors providing the same
   data are available to the system.
2. Select a data category.
3. Select a source."

This may be less painful than moving the CCU - I already have an extension harness on it. I assume it also replaces the Garmin external NMEA 2000 GPS receiver??
https://www.thegpsstore.com/Marine-Electronics/Heading-Sensors/Garmin-MSC-10-Satellite-Compass
he Garmin Marine Satellite Compass (MSC) 10 features Multi-Band and Multi Constellation (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS and BeiDou) receivers to provide precise positioning when it matters most. Now you’re able to get reliable, accurate boat heave, pitch and roll information even in roughest of water conditions.

You’re able to use Garmin’s MSC 10 as a primary sensor for autopilots and other onboard systems that require accurate heading information. By using multiple receiver sources, the MSC10 can provide an accurate heading down to 2 degrees. Unlike other compasses, you can forget about having magnetic interference because the MSC10 uses Satellite Signals.

When pairing Garmin’s MSC 10 with a compatible radar, you're insured to get the most accurate target trails instead of jagged and zig zag ones that you may have seen in the past. The Garmin Reactor Autopilot series can benefit from the MSC 10 making sure your headings are accurate and consistent thus getting you to your destination quicker and saving fuel along the way.

The MSC10 is NMEA 2000 compliant which makes it plug and play with any existing NMEA2000 networks that may already be installed on your vessel.

 

[Skybolt]

Orlando, from the Reactor 40 Configuration Guide:
"Multiple Sources of Sensor Information
There may be multiple sources of sensor information available to the autopilot system. If so, you can select a preferred data source.
For example, because GPS speed from an external antenna is more reliable and accurate than that from an integrated GPS receiver inside a chartplotter, you should select the external GPS antenna as the preferred source of GPS data. Also, because it can be difficult to find an ideal mounting location for the autopilot CCU, you can optionally select an external NMEA 2000 GPS compass or other heading sensor as the preferred source of heading data.

Selecting a Preferred Source of Sensor Information

1. On a helm control or the autopilot screen on a chartplotter, select > Autopilot Setup > Preferred Sources. NOTE: Some items in the Preferred Sources menu are shown only when multiple sensors providing the same
   data are available to the system.
2. Select a data category.
3. Select a source."

Thanks Al, I didn't read that. That's a great option to fix a multitude of issues. Including the one I had last week. Yet another reason to upgrade to Garmin instead of fix my RM AP.

 

[alnav]

This may be less painful than moving the CCU - I already have an extension harness on it. I assume it also replaces the Garmin external NMEA 2000 GPS receiver??
https://www.thegpsstore.com/Marine-Electronics/Heading-Sensors/Garmin-MSC-10-Satellite-Compass
he Garmin Marine Satellite Compass (MSC) 10 features Multi-Band and Multi Constellation (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS and BeiDou) receivers to provide precise positioning when it matters most. Now you’re able to get reliable, accurate boat heave, pitch and roll information even in roughest of water conditions.

You’re able to use Garmin’s MSC 10 as a primary sensor for autopilots and other onboard systems that require accurate heading information. By using multiple receiver sources, the MSC10 can provide an accurate heading down to 2 degrees. Unlike other compasses, you can forget about having magnetic interference because the MSC10 uses Satellite Signals.

When pairing Garmin’s MSC 10 with a compatible radar, you're insured to get the most accurate target trails instead of jagged and zig zag ones that you may have seen in the past. The Garmin Reactor Autopilot series can benefit from the MSC 10 making sure your headings are accurate and consistent thus getting you to your destination quicker and saving fuel along the way.

The MSC10 is NMEA 2000 compliant which makes it plug and play with any existing NMEA2000 networks that may already be installed on your vessel.

Tom, yes, I'm sure it can be selected as the primary GPS source. I have multiple GPS receivers. The MFDs each came with one when I bought them and the AIS transceiver and weather sensor have them as well. All show up on the NMEA list and could be selected.