[CA] [CA11] auto pilot update

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Welcome back to the Raymarine Forum Mark,

Q1. I have an SPX 5 wheel pilot with a P 60. I have just upgraded to an axiom Pro MFD and it seems the two don't talk together well.
A1. The key to use of a SPX autopilot with an Axiom MFD are to:

1) ensure that the SPX autopilot course computer and any ST70 autopilot control heads have been updated with the latest available Raymarine product software updates prior to interfacing the Axiom MFD to the system. Axiom MFDs are not designed to update the software within SPX autopilots

2) ensure that the SPX autopilot course computer, any ST70 autopilot control heads, and MFD must each be interfaced as individual spurs to the system's powered and properly terminated SeaTalkng / NMEA 2000 backbone.

3) ensure that any ST6xxx, ST7xxx, or ST8xxx autopilot control heads only have been and must be interfaced to the SPX autopilot's SeaTalk port

4) that any other compatible legacy products having a SeaTalk communications interface have been interfaced to the aforementioned powered and properly terminated SeaTalkng / NMEA 2000 backbone via a SeaTalk to SeaTalkng Converter Kit(s) and that any such SeaTalk to SeaTalkng Converters have been updated with the latest available Raymarine product software update.

5) the SeaTalk bus / compatible legacy SeaTalk device which has been interfaced to a SeaTalk to SeaTalkng Converter is only being powered from the aforementioned backbone via the SeaTalk to SeaTalkng Converter.

Should all of the above have been satisfied, then

- the Axiom MFD's Autopilot Controls feature will not be used ... within MFDs running LH3 software, the Autopilot Controls feature is exclusively compatible Evolution autopilots

- ALL control and configuration of the autopilot must be commanded via the autopilot's control head.

- as a result of commanded navigation (ex. Go To Waypoint / Cursor Position, Follow Route), data associated with such navigation will be communicated to the autopilot. The autopilot's control head must be used to command the autopilot into Track mode (as well as Auto and Standby modes).

Q2. Can I just replace the ACU and sensor instead of buying the whole EV PKG?
A2. Negative. If replacing the SPX-5 autopilot course computer, then it would be necessary to install an EV-1 CCU, and ACU-100, and a p70S (to support sailing to wind).