Replacement for a ST6xxx, ST7xxx, or ST8xxx Autopilot Control Head

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Replacement for a ST6xxx, ST7xxx, or ST8xxx Autopilot Control Head

Unfortunately, Raymarine's Product Repair Center may no longer repair the subject autopilot control heads. However, depending upon the model of autopilot course computer which is installed onboard the vessel, it may be possible to replace the autopilot control head with a p70S or p70RS Autopilot Control Head. The p70S and p70RS Autopilot Control Heads, as well as the retired p70 and p70R Autopilot Control Heads, were introduced with Raymarine's Evolution Autopilots. These autopilot control heads feature both SeaTalk and SeaTalkng/NMEA 2000 communications circuitry, permitting them to support either SeaTalk or SeaTalkng/NMEA 2000 communications (but not both simultaneously). Should a compatible autopilot course computer be interfaced to one of the subject autopilot control heads, then an A06047 SeaTalk Adapter Cable may then be used to interface the p70S or p70RS Autopilot Control Head to the SeaTalk socket of an ST60/ST60+ instrument which autopilot course computer has been networked to. Alternatively, the A06047 SeaTalk Adapter Cable may be interfaced to a D244 SeaTalk Junction Block. Should the latter option be used, then the SeaTalk Cable may be unplugged from the ST6xxx, ST7xxx, or ST8xxx Autopilot Control Head and instead connected to a SeaTalk Junction Block to complete the connection.

With regard to compatibility with legacy autopilot course computers, the p70S, p70RS, p70, and p70R Autopilot Control Heads have been exclusively designed and tested for use with the following legacy autopilot course computers:
- X5 *
- X10 *
- X30 *
- S1000 **
- S1 / S1G **
- S2 / S2G **
- S3 / S3G **
- Type 150 / 150G **
- Type 400 / 400G **
- ST4000+ ** ***
- ST5000+ ** ***

* When interfaced to SPX autopilot course computers, the p70S/p70RS/p70/p70R Autopilot Control Head and autopilot course computer will not be interfaced to one another via SeaTalk. Instead, these devices will be interfaced as individual spurs to a powered and properly terminated SeaTalkng / NMEA 2000 backbone. A SeaTalk to SeaTalkng Converter(s) will be used to then interface any compatible devices having a SeaTalk interface (but lacking a SeaTalkng / NMEA 2000 interface) to the SeaTalkng / NMEA 2000 backbone. SPX autopilot course computer must also be updated with the latest available Raymarine product software update.

** For compatible autopilot course computers lacking a SeaTalkng / NMEA 2000 communications interface, the the p70S/p70RS/p70/p70R Autopilot Control Head will be interfaced to the SeaTalk bus or directly to the autopilot course computer via an A06047 / 15.7in (0.4m) SeaTalkng to SeaTalk Adapter Cable or A06073 / 39.4in (1.0m) SeaTalkng to SeaTalk Adapter Cable.

*** Unlike autopilot systems which employ separate devices control (i.e. autopilot control heads and autopilot computation / actuator control), the ST4000+ and ST5000+ autopilots combine an autopilot course computer and autopilot control head within a single device. In instances where the LCD of the ST4000+ or ST5000+ has failed and its autopilot course computer circuitry is operational, the ST4000+ or ST5000+ may be interfaced to a p70S, p70RS, p70, and p70R Autopilot Control Head which instead may be used to control the autopilot. However, should the ST4000+ or ST5000+ require re-calibration, access to dealer calibration menus, etc., then the p70S/p70RS/p70/p70R autopilot control heads would be unable command the autopilot to do so. Accordingly, should the LCD of a ST4000+/ST5000+ have failed, then it typically be recommended that the drive unit be retained and that the remaining autopilot components be replaced with a currently manufactured autopilot components.

Should one require a replacement autopilot control head for a legacy autopilot course computer which has not been listed above, then it would be recommended that Internet auction sites be checked for a second hand replacement for the autopilot control head.


RAYFAQ#