At 10:13 AM 7/28/2008, you wrote: >After reading all the comments and having a look at Simrad's DD15 >drive unit, I am wondering if I can replace the crummy AH 4000 wheel >grabber with the Simrad unit using the existing AH control head and >compass. Seems like it should work. Current draw is about the same. > >I like the Simrad over the AH because the motor appears to be more >efficient (less power consumed) and the unit is more compact, all >electric, includes a rudder position indicator and would be easier to install. > >http://www.simrad-yachting.com/en/Products/Leisure/Autosteering/Autopilots/Drive-Units/DD15-Drive-Unit/ > >Any one done any of this cross brand mixing and matching? > >Philip
I would say so if the current is about the same as above. The Navico drive certainly worked well with mine. I don't remember if the 4000 has a clutch output. You might have to add a separate switch for it. I'd compare the price to the new Raymarine wheel drive. We now have about 100 NM steering with it with absolutely no problems, under sail and power. As I had mentioned, a friend had one and it worked flawlessly for 2 or 3 years on a Gulfstar 44' motorsailer. Whoa!! I just checked the price on the net. Retails for about $2,600 and one place has it for about $2,000. As I recall, the replacement wheel drive is around $400, probably closer to $500 now. You can get the whole new S1 wheel pilot, with rudder sensor, for about $1,200. The new one has a separate "computer" and the display now only requires one two-pair wire. Good luck! Rick S/V Valkyrie ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The word 'experienced' often refers to someone who has gotten away with doing the wrong thing more frequently than you have. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________ Liveaboard mailing list [email protected] To adjust your membership settings over the web http://www.liveaboardnow.org/mailman/listinfo/liveaboard To subscribe send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] The archives are at http://www.liveaboardnow.org/pipermail/liveaboard/ To search the archives http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] The Mailman Users Guide can be found here http://www.gnu.org/software/mailman/mailman-member/index.html
