[CA] A97 to Axiom 9RV Upgrade and additional new electronics

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Welcome to the Raymarine Forum khm97

Q. I would appreciate any overall advice or comments you might have when looking at the schematic. Nothing new is set in stone.
A. The communications diagram does not presently include a power insertion spur for the SeaTalkng / NMEA 2000 backbone. It is considered to be best practice to power the backbone via a dedicated switched 12VDC power circuit rather than relying on an autopilot ACU or course computer to provide power.


Q1. My steering Cylinder is a SeaStar Model BA-125-7ATM, Part number HC5312. If I’ve done my research correctly, that’s 118 CC of volume. Could you let me know if I’ve chosen the autopilot parts (ACU-200 and Type I pump) wisely?
A1. Yes. The Evolution autopilot components which you have listed would be recommended for the specified hydraulic steering ram.

Q2. Could you please review my diagram and note the E66087 Airmar Sonar (already installed), and the A80488 Adaptor Cable (proposed) and advise if I’ve correctly selected the adaptor to allow me to connect to the new Axiom MFD?
A2. The selected adapter will support having the Axiom 9 RV MFD display 50kHz/200kHz conical sonar akin to that supported by the a97 MFD.

Q3. I intend to put the new Axiom MFD where the A98 was. Have I selected the adaptor plate (E80526) wisely?
A3. The adapter plate's correct part number is A80526.

Q4. Can you confirm that the Legacy RMK9 keyboard will work with the new Axiom MFD?
A4. Yes. The RMK-9 and RMK-10 are compatible with any model of Raymarine MFD which is running the latest available LightHouse II or LightHouse 3 software.

Q5. The boat, unfortunately, has the house and port engine on the same battery bank. This can lead to a major voltage drop at the helm while starting the port engine. The MFD often resets during a start. Per one of you excellent FAQs, I am intending to install a Newmar Nav Pac (NP-12) 12 Volt DC UPS. By checking the specifications for each component, I have estimated the draw of all electronics on the schematic except the Fusion System and ACU-200 at about 11 amps (With 6 of that coming from the VHF transmitting at high power). The NP-12 is capable of handling 15 amps. I intend to connect all electronics via the NP-12, except the Fusion System and ACU-200, because the ACU-200’s maximum draw of 15 amps, in addition to other equipment, might blow the NP-12’s fuse.
A6. Your proposal seems reasonable, particularly since the autopilot would not typically be engaged unless both engines were operating.

Q6a. Does my selection of the NP-12 seem like a good idea to you?
A6a. Yes

Q6b. Is my estimate of 11 Amps reasonable?
A6b. How will the radome and thermal camera be powered?

Q6c. Do you have any thoughts on my intention to exclude the ACU-200? Should I be considering an additional NP-12 just for the ACU-200?
A6c. See my response to Q6. Should there be any other devices in the house which may cause brownouts, then a second NP-12 may be advisable.

Q6d. Is there any way to power the “logic” of the ACU-200 from the NP-12, but use “raw” power to actually drive the hydraulic pump?
A7d. Negative