[DG] [DG11] Upgrade Smartpilot S1 vs. EV-200

[Martin Hallsten]

I have a Smartpilot S1 (from 2006) with a linear type 1 drive unit on a 36 foot sailing boat. I am considering

a) upgrading by installing a rate gyro to the ACU

b) shift to a EV-200 pilot

My questions:

1) how much better is the EV-200 pilot compared to an S1 with rate gyro? I understand there is far more indata with a 9 axis sensor compared to fluxgate compass and turning speed from rate gyro, but what about the course computer? Can it do all this indata justice?

Since (a) is much cheaper than (b), (b) needs to be substantially better to be worth the investment

2) if shifting to EV-200, I need to change most things. I know I can keep the linear type 1 drive, but can I also keep the rudder reference unit?

Thanks,

Martin