[CA] [CA11] GPM400 to Axiom Pro upgrade/retrofit

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Q1 - You mention the SPX autopilots have a slightly limited feature when interfaced with the Axiom. It appears that all functionality works as it is now, but if you want a bit more feature/functionality from the Axiom/LH3 - then you would need to be using the Evolution line of AutoPilots ?
A1. Correct. If you are presently commanding your autopilot into Auto, Track, and Standby modes via the GPM400, then you will need to do so via the autopilot control head should the SPX autopilot not be replaced by an Evolution autopilot.

Q2 - if the evolution line of autopilots answer is yes above - then is the change over of just the actuator unit applicable for the auto pilot ? As in its almost plug and play in that - the hydraulic pump needs to be interfaced (mines is a hynautic T2 that is being driven by the SPX)., the rudder feedback and the P70R head unit. Anything else that needs to be done when switching from an SPX-30 to ACU auto pilot ?
A2. Replacing an SPX30 would require replacing the SPX30 with an ACU400, replacing any ST6xxx, ST7XXX, ST8xxx, ST70, or ST70+ autopilot control head with a p70/p70S/p70R/p70RS autopilot control head. The rudder reference unit and drive unit will interfaced to the ACU400. The fluxgate compass will be replaced by an EV-1 CCU (course computer / heading sensor / rate sensor).

Q3 - what is the corresponding unit that matches the SPX30 ? The Evolution ACU-300 ?
Q4. See the response to Q2.

Q4 - HSS/HS5 - I was thinking of just adding an HS5 and x-connecting the two switches with the adapter cable (RJ45M to RayNet M). Is it better to do that - or just go to the HS5 and use adapter cables to connect any older SeaTalkHS units to the HS5 (namely Radar and cant think of anything else on the HS network).
A5. As long as your SeaTalkhs Network Switch is in good shape, then there shoudl be no need to remove it from the system Each MFD, the Digital Radar Cable, any external sounder modules, SR150, and any compatible encoded/IP video sources may be interfaced to any one of the switches by using the appropriate cable or adapter. The HS5 RayNet Network Switch has the advantage of having sockets which are better protected from the marine environment than the SeaTalkhs Network Switch.

Q5 - Is the Axiom XL also touch screen eventhough essentially you want the RMK type of external input ?
Q6. While not necessary, it is sometimes desirable to control the MFD via keys & UniController (ex. under rough sea conditions which prevent accurate/controlled touches).

Q6 is the Axiom XL 16 just announced or is shipping now ? I see later ship dates on the larger units, but not sure if the XL 16 is shipping now.
A6. I believe that the Axiom XL 16 is now shipping. That said, I recommend that customers follow the recommendation within the FAQ found here when seeking the latest information on product availability.

Q7 - Does the AXiom XL 16 come with mounting brackets ? As in to table mount upright rather than flush mounting. My bottom helm currently has two industrial mounts that mount the screens for the GPM. I know the existing mounts wont work, but wondering if the mounts are currently available now or a future release thing.
A7. As the Axiom XL MFDs were intended for those seeking flush mounted installations, Raymarine has indicated the future availability of trunion brackets for these MFDs. That said, it would seem feasible that a custom bracket may be fabricated by a third party to permit the MFD to be secured to the bracket via the four threaded mounting points intended for the flush mounting brackets.

Q8 I have the CP370 on order (some sort of sale going on today). So i'll modularize the unit for now. But I think I should have gotten the 470 or 570 as the internal unit is equivalent to the 470. However, the transducer I have B744TL doesnt seem to be listed as a compatible transducer to the 470/570 units. . And the 370 appears to be a working replacement to the current DSM300.
A8. The CP370 is indeed the functional replacement for a DSM300 which had been interfaced to a legacy MFD via Ethernet communications. Unlike the 1kW socket of the Axiom Pro RVX MFDs, I do not believe that the CP470 and CP570 may be adapted to be mated to a 50kHz/ 200kHz fishfinder transducer. I will respond if I determine anything to the contrary.

Q9- i have always used navionics. I see the Axiom has Navionics and lighthouse. Is there a reason to run navionics other than familiarty if it seems RM seems to be pushing toward more LH ? I understand LH seems to cover both the OS and the actual maps. But from the map perspective - is there a larger feature set of one vs the other ?
A9. Raymarine is simply providing options to those who have preferences with respect to cost, features, and locally better accuracy of some charts over others. Navionics charts, particularly Navionics Platinum Plus charts, will provide customers with the greatest number of cartography based features when used with MFDs running LightHouse II and LightHouse 3 software.