Frequently Asked Questions
Product Questions
Yes. The open-loop vs closed-loop system makes a huge difference. With rudder feedback, the control is much better. Another big difference is the use of gyroscopes, which detect movement very fast and accurately so the drive corrects its own corrections. My drive is about twice as fast and strong as Simrad, and speed is key on a boat like yours.
Yes. For short periods, compass heading will be good enough. Steering on wind angles is also possible, although sailing on wind angles is currently still in beta.
The DC motor generally makes more noise. It has metal gears instead of partially plastic ones. The tiller drive is quieter, and a system with rudder position sensing also makes less noise because fewer movements are needed.
The remote control is out of stock right now, but it should be available again next week.
The tiller autopilot I sell works perfectly on your boat. The complete tiller drive kit costs 590 euros.
Yes, the controller will work with the Raymarine T2 actuator and the Raymarine rudder feedback unit.
Yes. The control unit and remote control will work with the Raymarine T2 actuator and the Raymarine rudder feedback unit.
Yes. The Raymarine rudder feedback unit can be used with the system.
Yes. Set the minimum motor speed to 255. For the solenoids, wire the ground wires to ground, then connect the positive wires to Motor A and Motor B.
No. Wind data on NMEA 0183 is not converted to NMEA 2000 by the autopilot. That is technically feasible, but for that you would normally use dedicated NMEA converters or multiplexers.
Most likely yes. If your pump has two thick wires, the autopilot controller can operate it. The wire colors are often red and black or blue and brown.
Probably yes, if it behaves like a standard variable resistor. Check whether it has 3 or 4 wires. If a multimeter shows a resistance across the wires that varies with rotation, then the autopilot can use it.
Yes. The autopilot has an API. You can interface it via Serial (UART), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or NMEA. NMEA2000 and Bluetooth are bidirectional. Serial and Wi-Fi are not bidirectional by default, although Wi-Fi can be made bidirectional as well.
Yes. You only need the controller v4 and a remote; the app is free. The compass reading may deviate when the controller is mounted inside a steel hull, but it will still work. The Raymarine rudder sensor can also be reused with my controller.
A separate rudder angle sensor is not always required. The tiller drive already has an integrated position sensor, so there is no need for a separate one in that setup. In general, rudder feedback improves steering performance and reduces power consumption.
Yes. The tiller drive has a built-in limit switch and also rudder feedback, and both help prevent running to the end. The autopilot can also steer the boat while motoring. Chartplotter support is on the roadmap; currently the autopilot can be controlled by remote and app, and later also via a dedicated display.
Orders & Shipping
Installation
The magnetic field is affected by the steel — the closer it is, the more the compass is influenced.
The product will work, but the accuracy may be reduced.
The compass should ideally be placed as far away from steel as possible.
3-wire potentiometer
The most common type is a 3-wire potentiometer.A potentiometer (or "pot" for short) is like a volume knob that changes electrical resistance when you turn it. Imagine a water pipe with an adjustable valve — turning the knob controls how much flows through.
The potentiometer has 3 wires:
- One connects to power (+)
- One connects to ground (–)
- The middle wire sends a signal that changes with the position
For the rudder sensor, this means the position of your boat’s rudder can be measured as you steer!
| Manufacturer/Model | + (Voltage supply 3.3V) | – (Ground) | S (Signal to autopilot) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raymarine | Red | Green | Blue | |
| Octopus | Red | Black | White | |
| Vetus | Remove the circuit board and connect directly to the potentiometer | |||
| Simrad | Not supported | |||
| TMQ | Blue | Green | ||