[CA] [CA11] Weighing Options - Autopilot for a 185 Runabout

[rengnath]

I have one more question regarding this installation after reading through the instructions. I have a GPS installed on my boat but it only has NMEA 0183 and I don't have it in a network. I was not planning on buying anything other than the EV-200 Power Autopilot, Octopus Drive, and a Rudder Reference sensor.

While reading the instructions, I see the following recommendation for installation:

Compatible speed data source. The Autopilot uses speed data when making calculations relating to navigation. As a minimum, this information must come from a GPS Receiver providing SOG (Speed Over Ground) data, or ideally from a dedicated speed sensor.

Will the Autopilot operate without this? It states that is is only recommended (not essential), but then states as a minimum, the information needs to come from a GPS providing SOG. I am not sure that I will be able to get SOG from my Lowrance Elite 5 to the SeaTalk network.