T&T: Autopilots

[Ken Bloomfield]

I have an autopilot system that was originally made by a New Zealand 
company, who has been acquired by Northstar.  This is now their 
Northstar 3300 and it is truly worth looking at.  One of the best 
attributes is that it is set up to control either reversing pumps or 
solenoids, and even if you wire it up wrong, it test itself and reverses 
logic to steer correctly (all done at initial setup).  It also uses a 
rate-gyro to supplement the fluxgate compass.  If you don't know what 
this does for an autopilot, you need to find out.  It is the difference 
between mediocre and excellent performance.  A fluxgate can never follow 
the speed of the boat's short term heading changes with cross-seas, but 
the rate gyro can, and thus correct rapidly enough. 

Another neat thing that I like is that if you simultaneously give the 
Port and Stbd dodge keys a simultaneous brief push, the system will then 
center the rudder for you immediately and automatically.  Nice when 
docking a twin.

Here is their link:  *http://tinyurl.com/loumw4

*I have no affiliation, just a satisfied (in fact delighted) customer.

Ken Bloomfield
m/v Tellico Lady