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Deck Hand
Posts: 17
Home Port: Lake Roosevelt
IP Logged | My boat came with a Northstar 6100i chart plotter and a 3300 autopilot but for some reason they didn't connect the two components at the manufacturer so I've only been able to operate the autopilot using compass mode. I've been trying to figure out how to make the connection and it appears to be a simple patch cable connecting port 1 of the 6100i to the autopilot. Both connection points are 8 pin male so I've been attempting to find a +/- 10' patch cable and keep running into roadblocks. I've searched this forum, google, manufacturers web site, etc. and cannot locate anything that I think will work with confidence. I've located a cable that might work but thought I'd post this to see if any of you have run across this already and can provide a part number or contact number to help me track this down.
Thanks. |
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Deck Hand
Posts: 16
IP Logged | i am having the same problem with my 459...did you find where to buy this cord? Did you have to remove the units? |
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Deck Hand
Posts: 46
Home Port: Amsterdam
IP Logged | Maybe youve tried this but isnt it working well or is it just not connected. I had the same problem at first. But then it was just a matter of doing some maneuevers to get the gps lined up with the compass or something like that. You have to do that first to make the 6000I working with correct orders to the autopilot. Now its working great. |
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Admiral
Posts: 442
Home Port: Montreal, Canada
IP Logged | Bryan,
I have the same units on my 459. If you have been able to operate the autopilot using compass mode, you should be able to operate in GPS mode without an additional patch cord. BUT you have to calibrate the autopilot first. It's all explained in the 3300 autopilot manual, and once you start the calibration, the autopilot screen will guide you step by step including telling you if your rate of turning the calibration circle is too fast or too slow. Make sure you find a large open water area and preferably calm water to do the calibration. It takes a bit of time to do it but it's not too complicated.
Edited by Refuge V 9/4/2010 9:40 AM
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Deck Hand
Posts: 17
Home Port: Lake Roosevelt
IP Logged | Thanks Mo, I'll give this a try but unfortunately my autopilot is now on the fritz. At the beginning of the season I received an alarm that stated the pressure was to great to turn the rudder so it disengaged. I figured this was due to cold weather, etc. and I didn't have any subsequent problems until a couple of weeks ago when I started receiving an error message "sensor could not detect rudder movement" so the unit would not engage. After researching it I believe the most likely problem is a blown fuse however, I cannot locate the +/- 20 amp fuses anywhere. I've looked under the helm, engine room and back by the control arm and all I've found are 2, 1 amp fuses that I believe are just for the display unit.
If anyone can tell me where this fuse (or fuses) are located I would very much appreciate it then I can try the GPS calibration to see if that solves the original problem.
Edited by bst553cd 7/28/2010 4:56 PM
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Deck Hand
Posts: 17
Home Port: Lake Roosevelt
IP Logged | Success!!! This last weekend I found a loose electrical connection that supplied the hydraulic pump for the auto pilot so I was able to get that back up and running. Once this was done I found out that my Port 1 settings on the 6100i were set up correctly for the auto pilot and after making the adjustments the two were able to communicate and I'm now able to input waypoints and let the auto pilot take over (no additional cable was required).
Thanks to those that provided feedback!
Funny thing is I never would have purchased the auto pilot unit but it was already installed in the boat that I ended up with. I've been without for the last few weeks and now realize how much I enjoy/use this feature!! While I never leave the helm it is very nice to not have to continually make slight adjustments to stay on course. |
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Deck Hand
Posts: 18
Home Port: Clinton CT.
IP Logged | Bryan:
I had the same experience on the same boat. Thought the GPS was not talking to the AP, so ran only in Compass mode, but after playing with it a while, realized they communicated just fine- trick was to let the boat go off course by a few points until the AP saw this and corrected.
Also would never have installed the AP if I bought the boat new, but it was there already when I bought it used last fall and now I'll never go back. I never leave the helm either, but so much less fatigue and more enjoyment letting the AP constantly make the corrections needed to stay on course. |
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Admiral
Posts: 442
Home Port: Montreal, Canada
IP Logged | Good for you Bryan
The AP is a great feature - more than a toy. Caution: when planning a route, if your turn angle is too large, the AP will make the sharp turn but it MAY keep on turning in a circle and not correct back to the intended course. More reason to stay at the helm !
Edited by Refuge V 8/27/2010 9:16 AM
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Deck Hand
Posts: 18
Home Port: Clinton CT.
IP Logged | I like to go to manual right before starting each route leg, set the helm myself and run for a few seconds to dee whether the boat needs trim or throttle adjustment. Then I re-engage the AP. |
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Admiral
Posts: 442
Home Port: Montreal, Canada
IP Logged | dberlin - 8/27/2010 10:34 AM
I like to go to manual right before starting each route leg, set the helm myself and run for a few seconds to dee whether the boat needs trim or throttle adjustment. Then I re-engage the AP.
Yes, this works very well in "compass mode"
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Deck Hand
Posts: 16
IP Logged | Bryan...I read all the postings about the AP problem.... I am having the same problem exactly with my 2006, 459. I can only get COMPASS mode. I am not sure what you guys did to get the GPS mode working?
Can you help me out?
Dave
705 733 2838 |
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Admiral
Posts: 442
Home Port: Montreal, Canada
IP Logged | dpayetta - 9/2/2010 8:31 PM
Bryan...I read all the postings about the AP problem.... I am having the same problem exactly with my 2006, 459. I can only get COMPASS mode. I am not sure what you guys did to get the GPS mode working?
Can you help me out?
Dave
705 733 2838
Dave, As I wrote in here earlier, you have to CALIBRATE the GPS mode - read again my posting of July 24th above
Edited by Refuge V 9/4/2010 9:37 AM
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Auto Pilot via GPS vs Compass
