[CA] [CA11] Power to Navigation Instruments

[mikepxx]

System:
Axiom 9
X5 Auto Pilot with P70 Control.
i50 Speed; i50 Depth; i60 Wind

I have a separate breaker for power directly to the Axiom 9. The Axiom is connected to the nav. instruments through STng.

For the autopilot, another power feed goes a to 5-way connector with a STng spur to the P70 control and a spur to X-5 unit. The power is a STNG 12Vdc Power Cable spliced into power wires and then to the 5-way.

Presently, a STng spur from P70 control head to i50’s and i60 provide their power.


Questions:
1) Should there be a separate power source for the nav. instruments (i50’s and i60)?
2) If so, how should I make the connection? Can I splice a STNG 12Vdc Power Cable and connect directly to one of the control heads or does it need to go to another 5-way connector?

I operate the autopilot independently because, until I update, it will not work with the Axiom. I don’t mind using the P70 control head at all.

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Welcome to the Raymarine Forum Mike,

Please click here to view a FAQ addressing best practices for creating power circuits for the marine electronics. Please additionally ensure that the SPX 5 autopilot control head and all other products within the system have been updated with the latest available Raymarine product software updates.

Q1. Should there be a separate power source for the nav. instruments (i50’s and i60)?
A1. As suggested within the referenced FAQ, it would be considered to be a best installation practice to create a dedicated power circuit to supply power to the SeaTalkng / NMEA 2000 backbone ... which in turn will supply power to the instruments, GPS sensor, and other devices which are designed to be powered via a SeaTalkng / NMEA 2000 backbone. Again, this is considered to be a best installation practice and the choice will ultimately be up to the owner / installer.

Q2. If so, how should I make the connection? Can I splice a STNG 12Vdc Power Cable and connect directly to one of the control heads or does it need to go to another 5-way connector?
A2. It is recommended that the SeaTalkng Power Cable should be connected to a spur socket within the system's backbone rather than to an unused spur socket within the p70, i50, or i60.

Q3. I operate the autopilot independently because, until I update, it will not work with the Axiom. I don’t mind using the P70 control head at all.
A3. While MFDs may be used to control and configure most Evolution autopilot features, it is considered to be a best installation practice to install an autopilot control head at each steering station onboard the boat.