Auto pilot systems

[Fanie]

Doing a search on autopilots seems like taking me back a couple of hundred years. I seem to find only mechanical junk... sorry, auto pilots for boats.

One would think a simple electronics processor controlled version would have found the yachting community - of have I just found the wrong links ?

[lazeyjack]

Originally Posted by Fanie;

Doing a search on autopilots seems like taking me back a couple of hundred years. I seem to find only mechanical junk... sorry, auto pilots for boats.

One would think a simple electronics processor controlled version would have found the yachting community - of have I just found the wrong links ?

its all micro processer, but you a re right I can not find in here either, amzazin!!
google up Brookes and Gatehouse, or Furuno, or even ratheon, autopilots

[Gilbert]

Simrad
Autohelm
www.metalmarinepilot.com
www.nautamatic.com
Raymarine
and I'm sure someone will add more

[Pericles]

http://www.panbo.com/

Pericles

[FAST FRED]

You are stuck with electronics for control, but the best systems are all true hydraulic.

Not the yachty setup where the wheel is attached to a pump, and the AP requires repeated starting a hyd pump of 25 or more amps .

But the more robust system where the engine supplies hyd pressure , the "wheel" is really a valve and the AP fires 1 amp hyd solenoids to steer.

Much easier on the AP to constantly switch an amp than dozens.

FF