[CA] [CA11] Autopilot 4000 update?

[NS30Paul]

I have an autopilot 4000 with wheel drive that works fine. How much of the system needs to be replaced to allow interface with an axiom plotter?
Just the head? The head and the gps unit? Everything?

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Welcome to the Raymarine Forum NS30Paul,

Should the autopilot actually be a ST4000+, then, as ST4000+/ST5000+ autopilots are compatible with Raymarine's SeaTalk to SeaTalkng Converter, a SeaTalk to SeaTalkng Converter Kit would be used to interface the autopilot to the Axiom MFD. Please click here to view a FAQ addressing this subject.

Should the autopilot instead be a ST4000, then, as ST4000/ST5000 autopilots are not supported for use with Raymarine's SeaTalk to SeaTalkng Converter, it will be necessary to interface the autopilot to the system via its NMEA 0183 communications interface. A NMEA 0183 to NMEA 2000 data bridging device (ex. Actisense NGW-1-ISO-STNG) will be interfaced to the autopilot's NMEA 0183 input terminals. The other end of the NMEA 0183 to NMEA 2000 data bridging device will be interfaced as a spur to a powered and properly terminated SeaTalkng / NMEA 2000 backbone. The MFD will additionally be interfaced as a spur to this backbone. Please click here to view a FAQ addressing how a simple backbone may be constructed.

[NS30Paul]

Thanks Chuck, I checked yesterday and it is in fact an ST4000+ so the connection should be simple. Since the pilot and the plotter each have power is it necessary to add power to the backbone?

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

NS30Paul,

As indicated within the referenced FAQ, it is recommended that the SeaTalk bus be powered from the SeaTalkng/NMEA 2000 backbone via the SeaTalk to SeaTalkng Converter. See the portion of the referenced FAQ specifying to not connect the SeaTalk cable to the autopilot course computer SeaTalk power (red) terminal.

[NS30Paul]

Some time has passed. I have the components connected and can find the converter listed in the connected devices list on te Axiom 9. I can’t find any trace of the pilot or “turn on autopilot” icon on the MFD.
What am I doing wrong?

Thanks

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

NS30Paul,

Q. I can’t find any trace of the pilot or “turn on autopilot” icon on the MFD.
What am I doing wrong?
A. You are attempting access a feature (i.e. Autopilot Controls) which is not applicable to legacy autopilots. Please click here to view a FAQ addressing this subject. As indicated therein, the autopilot's control head (in this case the ST4000+) will continue to be used to command the autopilot into Auto, Standby, and Track modes as well as to configure the autopilot.

[NS30Paul]

Thanks, I suspected that but didn’t know how to proceed. I’ll try the instructions in the link.

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

You're welcome.