Hi Everyone,
I searched but could not find the information I was looking for, sorry if this has been answered already.
I have a Zeus with a 3G radar and will be adding wind and sonar sensors this year. I plan to add an autopilot next year.
Since I will need a compass for the auto pilot I was wondering if I should install a WS-220WX with the integrated compass this year. Will that compass work at the mast head for an autopilot application or will there be too much pitch and roll?
Would the WSO-100 or WS-120WX be a better option with a RC42 compass?
Thanks,
Kevin
The Airmar is wonderful for wind measurement, but the compass at the top of the masthead was a problem in strong waves. It is better to get a separate compass.
I believe there are less expensive options than the RC42. For example check out the B&G ZG100 GPS, it has a built in rate compass.
https://bandg.com/product/zg100-gps/
If your autopilot requires an 0183 input (Rather than NMEA 2000), the ZG100 may not fit your needs.
If you need 0183, Airmar and others make a rate compass that outputs both 0183 and 2000, you can connect the 0183 to your autopilot and the 2000 output to your chartplotter.
The relatively new Precision 9 is what Simrad is selling with its latest autopilots, and it looks like an excellent Heading device:
http://www.simrad-yachting.com/en-us/Products/Compasses/Simrad-Precision-9-Compass-en-us.aspx