[CA] [CA11] Time to Upgrade to Evolution AP?

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Welcome to the Raymarine Forum Alan,

Q1. Is this a symptom of a known problem/failure?
A1. The symptom would seem to be indicative of a failure within the autopilot's control head.

Q2a. Can I use the not-used SeaTalk to NMEA 0183 Converter to accept 2 Spurs from the EV-1 and ACU-200 without using the NMEA 0183 socket?
A2a. Yes.

Q2b. Do I put a black plug in the yellow socket?
A2b. Yes, a SeaTalkng Blanking Plug should be installed within the ST-STng Converter's SeaTalk (yellow) socket.

Q3. Both Axiom displays are connected separately to the SeaTalkng backbone and to each other via Ethernet. Any problem with that?
A3. Negative.

Q4a. While the Axiom displays can control the new ACU-200, I like the big red AUTO and STANDBY buttons on the ST6001+. Will this ST6000 unit continue to function if it simply remains connected to the STng backbone?
A4a. As indicated above, I believe that the issue which appears to be prompting the autopilot upgrade is more likely linked to a problem with the ST6001+ rather than with the autopilot course computer. Raymarine can no longer service the ST600x/ST700x/ST800x autopilot control heads. I would recommend replacing it with a p70S. While the Axiom MFDs may configure control an Evolution autopilot, it it generally considered to be a best installation practice to install a compatible autopilot control head which is capable of not only engaging the autopilots Standby, Auto, and Track modes, but which is also capable of setting up and configuring an Evolution autopilot (i.e. the p70/p70S/p70R/p70RS autopilot control heads).