SeaTalkNG
Configure for SeaTalkNG
In order to control a Raymarine Evolution (SeaTalk NG™) autopilot it is essential that you partner navCenter with a WiFi Gateway that offers the ability to both receive and transmit NMEA 2000 PGNs (SeaTalk NG is, effectively, NMEA 2000 with different plugs).
Most, but not all, NMEA 2000 formats allow PGNs to transmitted over the WiFi interface. Check here for more information on the NMEA 2000 formats supported by navCenter
With the correct Gateway the requirements and setup for SeaTalk NG is much simpler than that required for a SeaTalk 1 autopilot.
To activate the SeaTalk NG autopilot remote set the following values in the Autopilot section of Settings:
- set "Input format" to the format used by your WiFi gateway. Here format is set to "RAW ASCII" a format used by Yacht Devices and Actisense among others.
- set "Type" to Seatalk NG
SeaTalk1
Configure for SeaTalk1
In order to control a SeaTalk1™ autopilot you will need to partner navCenter with a multiplexer that offers the ability to:
- accept nmea0183 input via its WiFi portal
- processes $STALK or $PSMDST sentences received via WiFi and create equivalent SeaTalk 1 commands
- place these SeaTalk1 commands directly onto the SeaTalk1 bus
And, of course, your autopilot must be able to respond to SeaTalk1 commands and be connected to the SeaTalk1 bus.
The requirements above might seem a little daunting but there is a range of suitable multiplexers available and the Remote control has proved to be popular and reliable. There is more information on multiplexers in general plus some helpful links on this page.
To activate the SeaTalk1 autopilot remote set the following values in the Autopilot section of Settings:
- set "Input format" to NMEA0183
- set "Type" to Seatalk1
- set "Seatalk NMEA header" to $STALK or $PSMDST depending on the requirements of your multiplexer
Operating the Autopilot Remote
In the first image the direction and mode buttons are shaded and the padlock is shown as closed; indicating that the Autopilot is locked (to prevent unintended changes of mode or direction).
In the second image the direction and mode buttons are unshaded and the padlock is shown as open; indicating that the Autopilot is unlocked and ready to take instructions.
Both Autopilot controls (ST1 and STNG) offer Standby, Auto and Track. The SeaTalkNG Autopilot control is also able to offer Wind mode.
The +1/+10 -1/-10 will alter course as you would expect.
Tapping the Port or Starboard arrows will trigger a heading change in the expected direction. The angle of heading change is controlled by a Raymarine instrument setting for SeaTalk1 pilots and is a configurable setting for SeaTalkNG pilots; Tap the menu button to the top left of the Pilot view to access the menu.
Autopilot locked
Autopilot unlocked
Here we can see a Autopilot view combined with a WindSail view. The autopilot is in Standby mode and although the padlock is open the direction change buttons are marked as unavailable as the Autopilot is not in a correct state to receive direction control instructions.
The current heading is shown between the +- buttons and the Course Over the Ground is shown between the +-10 buttons.
Tapping the buttons on the bottom on the Autopilot view will instruct the autopilot to enter Auto, Track or Wind (NG only) mode.
In the second image the autopilot is now now in Wind mode. The requested apparent wind offset is 114° to Starboard although as the current Average Wind Angle is 126° the autopilot has not yet settled onto its course or perhaps the wind has just veered.
As the apparent wind is offset is greater than 90° we are given the option to gybe to port. We are not allowed to gybe to starboard as that would involve a very large course change.
Pilot in Standby
Pilot in Wind mode
Tack or Gybe
Turn
In the first image we are in Wind mode and the starboard arrow has been tapped. The Alert offers the option to Tack 170° to Starboard. Tapping OK would cause the boat's bow to move through the apparent wind and aim to place the apparent wind at on offset off 85° on the port side.
It is worth bearing in mind that the apparent wind is a dynamic value and the boat is likely to slow down as it gybes through the wind; thus moving the apparent wind aft. As speed picks up again the heading will automatically be adjusted by the autopilot to achieve the desired offset on the port side.
Because of the dynamic nature of apparent wind the gybe angle suggested by the prompt is an estimate. Although likely to be reasonably accurate and once the boat has settled onto its new course the desired angle will be attained.
The second image shows the prompt to be expected when in Auto or Track mode. The vertical arrows to the right of the the 100° indicate that tapping there will allow the angle to be changed.
I order to prevent accidental changes of course the Pilot control buttons will lock after a period of time. The period of time is configurable within overlall App Settings. You may also lock the buttons manually whenever you wish.
Autopilot Settings
Autopilot Settings
To access local settings for the Autopilot tap the menu button at the top left of the Autopilot control.
For SeaTalkNG the will display the following settings:
- Auto/Track Heading Change: sets the default amount of course change that will be generated by the Port and Starboard arrowws for the SeaTalkNG pilot. For SeaTalk1 this values is set via Raymarine instruments.
- Wind Maximum Tack or Gybe Offset: sets the maximum apparent wind offset allowed in Wind mode and thus is not available for the SeaTalk1 AutoPilot.
- Enable direction change arrows in Tack mode: When enabled the arrows operate in Track mode as well as Auto and Wind. This is the only setting accessible for the SeaTalk1 AutoPilot.
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Allow Wind mode:
By default Wind mode is turned off for the SeaTalkNG AutoPilot. This is because we had insufficient testers in our Beta testing team who were able to make extensive use of this function.
Those testers who were able to use Wind mode report that it works correctly but until we are able to test across a wider audience we have placed this functionality under "Experimental" as a cautionary measure.
If you do make use of Wind mode please let us know of your experiences via our Contact us page.