"Akka" wrote in message
oups.com...
We've got an antiquated Cetrek autopilot aboard our 50-foot, 40000 lb.
sailboat that's developing lots of interesting but not positive quirks
-- for example, it sometimes decides to turn hard left when the proper
course is straight ahead. The electronic part drives a hydraulic pump
that in turn drives a linear piston. My questions:

1. If we change brands, can we continue to use the hydraulic drive?
How about the fluxgate compass?

2. What brand is the best value for the money?

Rob


I just finished installing a Raymarine ST7001 control head, 400G course
computer and Type 2 linear hydraulic drive unit. According to the Raymarine
manual the control head and computer can be used with other manufacturers
drive systems.
For the Raymarine system the 400G provides power to a reversing hydraulic
pump and power to a solenoid control bypass valve ("clutch"). It also has
control points for solenoid valves. You can get copies of the Raymarine
manuals from Customer Support on their website. You could study these to
see if your drive unit might be adaptable. You can also email them a tech
question. I doubt you can use your existing fluxgate compass but the
Raymarine unit is not too expensive. The 400G/S3G will also work with a
compass that has NMEA output.
As for value for the money, I have no idea. I will say however, that used
Raymarine stuff is common on eBay while other manufacturers stuff is scarce.