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Old 12-13-2018, 01:48 PM   #1
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We have a simrad auto pilot system that was working fine until the AP300 control unit packed up, we have seen a couple of units for sale but not sure how good and how long they will last and pricey, as everything else was working fine and the reversible pump was changed in 2007 and has done nothing much since.
Is there any way I can use the existing hardware with some different control head , simrad of course do not support this old stuff.
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Old 12-13-2018, 03:08 PM   #2
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If the pump is sized correctly, you should be able to re-use that. When we installed the Simrad AP24 in 2009, we kept the installed pump after checking the brushes. We still haven’t had to mess with it after 15,000 miles.

The pump was unbranded. The old system was a Robertson. We sold the remote, computer and one control head on EBay for over $1,000. It made the upgrade pretty painless.
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Old 12-13-2018, 03:19 PM   #3
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Which junction box or AP computer do you have with that system?
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Old 12-13-2018, 03:20 PM   #4
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Thanks you did ok, the replaced pump was a simrad RPU80/160/300 so I'm assuming it was the right one. I did wonder if any other conctrol head would work, like an AP 22 for instance.
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Old 12-13-2018, 03:28 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by GregBrannon View Post
Which junction box or AP computer do you have with that system?
Don't know so will have to crawl around and get some numbers.
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Old 12-13-2018, 04:35 PM   #6
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Are you talking about the control head not working or the computer?

If the computer, what is the computer model number?
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Old 12-13-2018, 05:47 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by yamabuki View Post
Thanks you did ok, the replaced pump was a simrad RPU80/160/300 so I'm assuming it was the right one. I did wonder if any other conctrol head would work, like an AP 22 for instance.
The RPU 80, 160 & 300 are three different pumps. Almost any autopilot will drive the 80 as it is a low amp draw motor. The 160 is the most common pump generally found on boats 30-45' long. The 300 is a much larger pump and requires a larger junction box to drive it. You probably have the RPU160.
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Old 12-13-2018, 07:37 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by menzies View Post
Are you talking about the control head not working or the computer?

If the computer, what is the computer model number?
No it’s the control head, everything else was working till that packed up and it was getting power to it.
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Old 12-13-2018, 07:39 PM   #9
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Originally Posted by boomerang View Post
The RPU 80, 160 & 300 are three different pumps. Almost any autopilot will drive the 80 as it is a low amp draw motor. The 160 is the most common pump generally found on boats 30-45' long. The 300 is a much larger pump and requires a larger junction box to drive it. You probably have the RPU160.
Thanks I was reading from the literature that came with the pump and covered all three.
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Old 12-13-2018, 07:43 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by Larry M View Post
If the pump is sized correctly, you should be able to re-use that. When we installed the Simrad AP24 in 2009, we kept the installed pump after checking the brushes. We still haven’t had to mess with it after 15,000 miles.

The pump was unbranded. The old system was a Robertson. We sold the remote, computer and one control head on EBay for over $1,000. It made the upgrade pretty painless.
This system is a Robertson, taken over by simrad I expect. As it worked fine before calamity I assume the motor is the right size.
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Old 12-13-2018, 08:12 PM   #11
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There is a marine electronic seller on eBay, I’ve bought several items from him and have always been pleased with the condition. Max Marine is the seller, I would search his site for a replacement.
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Old 12-13-2018, 08:50 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by yamabuki View Post
We have a simrad auto pilot system that was working fine until the AP300 control unit packed up, we have seen a couple of units for sale but not sure how good and how long they will last and pricey, as everything else was working fine and the reversible pump was changed in 2007 and has done nothing much since.
Is there any way I can use the existing hardware with some different control head , simrad of course do not support this old stuff.
A few years ago, with Simrad support's help, I upgraded a failed AP300X like yours with a later AP22 control head.

You should be able to use the AP11, AP20, AP21, or AP22 control heads, depending on the EPROM programming. They all use J300X (J300X-40) or J3000X junction units.

According to Simrad, in order to recognize the later AP20-22 series, the EPROM chip in the J300X has to be V1R8 minimum. It's P/N is 22081640. I last paid about $200 for V1R9 from Simrad in 2011, but they have since been discontinued.

There is an AP300X Control Unit on eBay right now https://www.ebay.com/itm/Robertson-Simrad-AP300X-autopilot-control-head-TESTED-WORKING/223269684257?epid=1225110255&hash=item33fbe90421:g :RLQAAOSwVYhb~9Zl:rk:31f:0 that looks pretty clean. It is about the same price as some of the later control heads but without the worry about EPROM compatibility or upgrading. Might be the easiest fix.
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Old 12-14-2018, 06:38 AM   #13
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I replaced that same unit using a Simrad NAC-3 autopilot computer. The NAC-3 will drive a Robertson RPU 80/160. Mine is an RPU-80. It was literally plug-and-play. All other existing components, including the rudder position sensor were kept. I can't explain why, but underway in a following sea the NAC-3 controls the boat with far less squirreling if that is a word. Just yesterday in crossing the Gulf of Mexico from Carrabelle to Tarpon Springs we hit (unforecast) heavy wind and waves with the waves quartering on the bow. The new unit kept us on track quite nicely but I could hear the pump constantly working. I couldn't be happier with this computer. I also purchased Simrad's WR-10 wireless remote. Plug it into your NMEA backbone. Mine worked flawlessy out of the box. I can make course changes from both helms with a keyfob controller. Highly recommended.
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Old 12-14-2018, 07:58 AM   #14
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I replaced that same unit using a Simrad NAC-3 autopilot computer. The NAC-3 will drive a Robertson RPU 80/160. Mine is an RPU-80. It was literally plug-and-play. All other existing components, including the rudder position sensor were kept. I can't explain why, but underway in a following sea the NAC-3 controls the boat with far less squirreling if that is a word. Just yesterday in crossing the Gulf of Mexico from Carrabelle to Tarpon Springs we hit (unforecast) heavy wind and waves with the waves quartering on the bow. The new unit kept us on track quite nicely but I could hear the pump constantly working. I couldn't be happier with this computer. I also purchased Simrad's WR-10 wireless remote. Plug it into your NMEA backbone. Mine worked flawlessy out of the box. I can make course changes from both helms with a keyfob controller. Highly recommended.
That’s good to know. We’ve got an old Robertson AP with an RPU 100 and have been thinking about the same upgrade to the NAC-3 but I was really hoping we could get away without changing the pump. I think Simrad recomends the RPU 160 for our size boat, but the RPU 100 has never seemed to have any problems. The installer I spoke with thought the RPU 100 would work, but I’m not convinced, yet, as to whether it is compatible. I guess I need to call Simrad and ask.
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Old 12-14-2018, 08:12 AM   #15
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That’s good to know. We’ve got an old Robertson AP with an RPU 100 and have been thinking about the same upgrade to the NAC-3 but I was really hoping we could get away without changing the pump. I think Simrad recomends the RPU 160 for our size boat, but the RPU 100 has never seemed to have any problems. The installer I spoke with thought the RPU 100 would work, but I’m not convinced, yet, as to whether it is compatible. I guess I need to call Simrad and ask.
As I mentioned, our boat has the RPU-80 pump. The boat is a DeFever 44 and weighs 57,000 lbs. Never a problem driving the system even when it is being worked hard. If your existing pump works for you now it will work with the NAC-3.
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Old 12-14-2018, 09:27 AM   #16
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As I mentioned, our boat has the RPU-80 pump. The boat is a DeFever 44 and weighs 57,000 lbs. Never a problem driving the system even when it is being worked hard. If your existing pump works for you now it will work with the NAC-3.
Thanks, again. Our boat only weighs 40,000 lbs. So, yeah, I’m guessing that an RPU 100 should work fine. I’m sure going to find out before I buy another pump!
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Old 12-14-2018, 12:12 PM   #17
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Originally Posted by LarryM View Post
A few years ago, with Simrad support's help, I upgraded a failed AP300X like yours with a later AP22 control head.

You should be able to use the AP11, AP20, AP21, or AP22 control heads, depending on the EPROM programming. They all use J300X (J300X-40) or J3000X junction units.

According to Simrad, in order to recognize the later AP20-22 series, the EPROM chip in the J300X has to be V1R8 minimum. It's P/N is 22081640. I last paid about $200 for V1R9 from Simrad in 2011, but they have since been discontinued.

There is an AP300X Control Unit on eBay right now https://www.ebay.com/itm/Robertson-Simrad-AP300X-autopilot-control-head-TESTED-WORKING/223269684257?epid=1225110255&hash=item33fbe90421:g :RLQAAOSwVYhb~9Zl:rk:31f:0 that looks pretty clean. It is about the same price as some of the later control heads but without the worry about EPROM compatibility or upgrading. Might be the easiest fix.
Yes looks good but ap300 are like hens teeth so will look to see what computer etc we have and see what other options I have, if able to use a more available control head would rather.
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Old 12-14-2018, 03:32 PM   #18
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Originally Posted by GregBrannon View Post
Which junction box or AP computer do you have with that system?
The junction is a J300x pn 22081830 with an IP44 protection (whatever that is) and the pump is RPU80.
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Old 12-14-2018, 03:47 PM   #19
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Wow that surprises me that the PO allowed the boat to be rigged with such a small pump.
I don't know if you're familiar with the Hull Truth forum but there's an AP22 system with a j3000X junction box ,RFC35 compass & RPU80 pump for sale for $1000. Just an FYI.
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Old 12-14-2018, 04:11 PM   #20
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Wow that surprises me that the PO allowed the boat to be rigged with such a small pump.
I don't know if you're familiar with the Hull Truth forum but there's an AP22 system with a j3000X junction box ,RFC35 compass & RPU80 pump for sale for $1000. Just an FYI.
Thanks will look but we have that compass etc so really need the control head I hope. Re RPU 80 see thread #16.
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