but no one is telling you why the tr-1 is the best....here's why I think it is....
every AP out there will follow a route that is coordinated by a GPS unit. Many will warn you of the proximity to a waypoint and then ask you if you want to follow the next point. I have been with a few designers of AP's (TR-1, RM) and both have said the same thing on how to test an AP - and you must get a ride on each one to see. All AP's work well when trolling or in calm seas, not all AP's work well when it's nasty. My TR-1 works 300% better than my best day with three RM AP's. The test is this:
1. Find a windy day with 2 - 4's and strong current.
2. Put it in auto and let it start tracking ahead DUE NORTH (the hardest bearing for a AP to track) at cruise speed
3. set a waypoint BEHIND you at about 160 or 220 degrees
4. hit goto and watch what happens
most AP's will wander, or throw you off the boat for a while before "settling in"
Try it with a TR-1 and you'll see why they cost more - first, the entire system is "variable gain" - it is hard wired into the tach so it automataically varies the gain (or some call response) depending on speed of boat. At idle/trolling the gain is high so it can make quick instant engones turns to keep you dead accurate no matter what he seas are like. The engines turn instantly many times a minute, even when trolling on one. As speed increases, it dimnishes the gain so all turns are nice and smooth, no matter how fast. - and will track dead on straight with no wobble, "crazy Ivans" or S turns...just laser straight...
The ability to grab the wheel at anytime and have the TR-1 relinquish control to you immediately is worth all the money....you turn it on and engage "auto" when you leave the dock - if it sees that you are not turning the wheel in 2 secs or so, it takes over and keeps you straight...no red buttons to push on/off - and no waiting after you hit "off" for it to turn off and let you steer...the TR-1 also gives you a heading sensor for your MARPA radar feature, no extra cost.
Like every other product on this board - go test it for yourself before you buy..there is a reason that SeaVee and Fountain offer it as the only AP for their boats.......
Personally the only AP's I would buy would be the Simrad and Tr-1 as both are no rudder feedback. I am glad to see a few above have had good luck with the navman - but because navman is on the block to sell by Brunswick, I fear there is a potential for lack of long term support. Outboards are a far different stress on AP's than inboards...so if you are putting one on a sea ray, it's whole lot easier than a Contender with verado/Yams/Zukes....
__________________
Wellcraft 32/300V's/veradoclub
|
Linear Mode
