[Rhodes22-list] Auto Helm

Wed Jan 14 06:33:21 EST 2004

Hi Byran,

In the FAQ re my installation of the Autohelm ST1000+ Tillerpilot on Dynamic
Equilibrium, it was assumed that the reader would already have the Autohelm
installation instruction manual.  This installation manual is pretty well
written & there are plenty of explanations, photos, & diagrams explaining
the various installation options, including the type of installation
required for a Rhodes 22.  Without the ST1000+ installation manual, you are
going to be lost trying to figure out the installation.  The parts list in
the FAQ gives the Autohelm P/N's and quantities required to complete the
installation.  These pieces/parts are listed separately because they are NOT
included in the standard ST1000+ package.

The reason for the pedestal mount is because the port & starboard side
gunnels are not at the same vertical height as the tiller.  In order for the
Tillerpilot to work properly, when the rudder is pointed amidships, the
Tillerpilot servo must be mounted perpendicular to the tiller in both the
horizontal and vertical planes.  The pedestal mount raises up the bottom of
the Tillerpilot's servo push/pull rod to just above the top of the tiller so
that the two pieces can be joined with a quick-disconnect pin.  If this
proper geometric relationship is not established during the installation;
then, the rudder movement vs. servo movement relationship will not be as the
Tillerpilot's controller is programmed to expect.  The effect upon the
Tillerpilot's ability to steer the boat will be unpredictable.

I now have several seasons of use on my ST1000+ Tillerpilot on Dynamic
Equilibrium.  The system has been bulletproof.  It has plenty of power & is
sufficiently quick responding to hold a set course at least as well as a
human helmsman.  Like any autopilot, it has the most trouble holding the set
course on a run or a broad reach in a following sea.  However, such
conditions are challenging for a human helmsman as well.  Also, the
autopilot does not have any way of assessing wind shifts or wave patterns.
In my experience, a sharp crew, actively sailing the boat, will average 15 -
25% greater speed over the autopilot by taking advantage of headers and
lifts and wave opportunities for surfing.  But, for getting from point A to
point B with a minimum of attention, the ST1000+ Tillerpilot on a Rhodes 22
works great!  If you specified a bigger autopilot, all you would do is add
weight, cost, and power consumption to your installation without any
significant benefits in terms of reliablity or performance.

Unfortunately, Dynamic Equilibrium is stored away for the winter in a place
where I cannot easily take photos of the autopilot installation.  If, after
reading the Autohelm manual, you still have specific questions; then,
contact me & I will try to help you.

Roger Pihlaja
S/V Dynamic Equilibrium

----- Original Message -----
From: "bchilds1" <bchilds1 at peoplepc.com>
To: "The Rhodes 22 mail list" <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2004 9:05 PM
Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Auto Helm

> I would love to see the picture because I am having difficulty figuring
out
> the installation from Roger's instructions.
> Is it a digital picture you can send?
>
> I want to be ready to make this installation because I am thinking of
> trailering down to the Keys and celebrating my retirement in the warm
> climate.
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Eaton, Gil <GEaton at IKON.com>
> To: 'The Rhodes 22 mail list' <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
> Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2004 5:23 AM
> Subject: RE: [Rhodes22-list] Auto Helm
>
>
> > Hi Bryan,
> > I have a picture of the Raymarine TP1000+ mounted on Closing Time.
> > I used Roger's instructions, shaded the installation a bit to clear the
> > captain's chair and the hiking stick retainer, so it's somewhat less
than
> > the recommended 18 inches (as I remember).  I think Sailnet had a good
> deal
> > on it, included the remote for less than 400 bucks.  The parts came from
> > Defender (I think), installed it over a year ago.
> > Good Luck,
> > gil
> >
> > Gil Eaton
> > S/V Closing Time
> > Spring Cove Marina
> > Rock Hall, MD
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org
> > [mailto:rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org]On Behalf Of bchilds1
> > Sent: Monday, January 12, 2004 11:44 PM
> > To: The Rhodes 22 mail list
> > Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Auto Helm
> >
> >
> > Thanks. I did not acquire that information from looking at the on line
> > catalog from sailnet.  I thought that they all had a digital readout.
My
> > boat is all shrink rapped sitting in the harbor parking lot here is
> > Michigan.  I don't want to disturbed the nice cover but I am trying to
> plan
> > for a quick installation of an autohelm.  One end would I need to be
> secured
> > to the tiller and the other on the deck.  In the information published
by
> > Roger Pihlaja, he indicates a 3 inch pedestal mount (I am assuming that
> this
> > is for the deck, but why would it need to come up 3 inches off the deck)
> and
> > 2  five inch pushrod extensions (I am assuming that this is adding
length
> to
> > the unit so that it can attach to the tiller.  Some guidance  in your
> > installation would be appreciated.
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: Michael Meltzer <mjm at michaelmeltzer.com>
> > To: The Rhodes 22 mail list <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
> > Sent: Monday, January 12, 2004 5:10 PM
> > Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Auto Helm
> >
> >
> > > yes have both, the problem with the tp20 is that it does not have a
> > digital readout, kinds of point the boat than lock it in.. I
> > > almost had my head handed to me coming in short handed at night,
> running
> > a bouty line, it was taking to long with the tp20 to set
> > > up the next leg and I was never sure what cource was set. get the
> > Autoheml.
> > >
> > > MJM
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > ----- Original Message -----
> > > From: "bchilds1" <bchilds1 at peoplepc.com>
> > > To: <Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
> > > Sent: Monday, January 12, 2004 10:31 PM
> > > Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Auto Helm
> > >
> > >
> > > Since I am about to retire I have spent some time studying up on the
> > addition of an auto helm. I plan to do more single handed
> > > cruising.  I have reviewed the information collected on the Rhodes22
FAQ
> > page but have some additional questions for the experts out
> > > there. I see that many have used the Raymarine or Raytheon auto helm.
> Does
> > anyone have experience with the Simrad TP20 auto helm?
> > > For about the same money as the ST1000 it has a little more thrust
(154#
> > vs 125#)
> > >
> > > Also, does anyone have some pictures of the installation, mainly at
the
> > deck attachment.  I plan to install it myself since I have
> > > experience with fiberglass, etc and feel comfortable with the
> > installation.
> > >
> > >  Bryan
> > > "Escape"
> > >  Rhodes 22
> > > __________________________________________________
> > > Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
> > >
> > >
> > > __________________________________________________
> > > Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
> > >
> >
> > __________________________________________________
> > Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
> >
> >
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------
--
> ----
>
>
> > Name: tp1k.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 219183 bytes Desc: not available
> > Url:
> http://www.rhodes22.org/pipermail/rhodes22-list/attch/200401/13/tp1k.jpg
> >
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------
--
> ----
>
>
> > __________________________________________________
> > Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
>
> __________________________________________________
> Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
>
>