[DG] [DG11] Es127 interfaced with st5000 autopilot

[Hannibal]

Hi, we have just installed a es98 and es127 mfd replacing two pathfinder series displays. The issue we have is the mfd locked autopilot heading is reading the same 266 deg locked heading regardless of boat heading. If we active the autopilot auto heading, mfd displays the right heading for about 2 seconds then reverts back to 266. Heading reading on autopilot and data box on mfd read correct, just the pop up autopilot box locked heading is incorrect.
The st5000 is on seatalk1 with converter to seatalk sting. It also has a older gps antenna on nmea0183. It doesn’t change if I specify internal gps on the data master mfd. The system also has a HD radar installed. Haven’t tried swinging compass yet, but noted deviation was at 0. Cheers.

[Derek G]

Hi Hannibal

Thank you for your enquiry.

The heading in the system is derived from the Autopilot, so in the first instance, isolate the autopilot from the MFDs, just unplug it from the converter. Check the heading on the autopilot is now correct, if not then you will need to identify if the fluxgate or the ST5000 is at fault, this link here will help.

If the ST5000 system and compass works correctly when isolated, but locks up when reconnected to the converter, then search for a data loop in the network or an incorrectly configured STng network.

The GPS source will have no effect on the compass heading.

regards

Derek

[Hannibal]

Hi Derek, the autopilot seems to be functioning well and reading correctly, it’s the pop up autopilot box that appears on the es127 that has the incorrect “locked heading” figure. Does start with the fight figure for about 2 seconds then changes. I have brought the heading up in one of the data boxes on the side, which is correct. So just seems to be mfd pop up autopilot control.

[Derek G]

Hi Hannibal,
Thank for the feedback.

This would sound then like a data loop issue. Check your network and look for parallel data paths, for example , both NMEA0183 and SeaTalk connected between the two units, possibly there is a third party product connected as well that is receiving and transmitting NMEA 0183 in the system. Possibly there is a parallel between STng and NMEA0183?

If you are unsure, please draw out a full system diagram of all related equipment, how it is connected and we can try to identify the likely cause.

Regards

Derek

[Hannibal]

Hi Derek, took the boat out on the weekend, autopilot bearing went hay wire, so yesterday, went into fault finding mode, have discovered there was a gyro plus 2 on the autopilot, have fully removed it and taken the fluxgate compass straight to the st5000+, all seems to be working perfectly ok. As we replaced the pathfinder series displays we could not contro/programe the gyro. My next question, do raymarine do a seperate gyro unit that would work with es98 and es127 MFD’s and st5000+. If not, do you know of a manufacturer that does, cheers Rory.

[Derek G]

Hi Rory
Thank you for your enquiry.

We do not manufacture a separate rate gyro any more, the gyroplus 2 was discontinued some 10-12 years ago. Our current EV heading sensor however has much better performance and is connected into the STng network along with your MFDs.

We would recommend you to update the ST5000 autopilot to an Evolution 100 system too, ( assuming you are using a cockpit drive unit such as the wheel drive), this will give you much better autopilot performance.

Regards

Derek