J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum The Boat, Sails and Equipment Tiller pilot

I did not yet.... that would be my next step - although it went rather smoothly, and this is really the only issue. I was thinking also the auto learning...
I will get there...

What I am really puzzled with is what seems to be the design decision in the control to stop acting on the rudder, not based on the tiller ability to move - nor position (easy to get on a tiller), but on a purely derived rudder position... but I will still try.

Rudder under the helm... 90 degrees and all that stuff.
Thanks,

Georges,

I had issues on my X5 initially until after the running the calibration procedure. It really should be done. The calibration puts the boat through a series of maneuvers and records the dynamic response of the boat. This is stored in the X5 course computer so the proper rudder commands are provided based on the sailing conditions. Once calibrated it worked very well. As I have posted in other threads, the response with a spinnaker down wind in following seas off the quarter is better than I can do manually, and the autohelm doesn't fatigue. The roll & pitch sensors are pretty amazing. I found that mounting the X5 compass on the bulkhead just aft of the mast at waterline level works very well.

You'll want to do the calibration in smooth water for the best results.

Thanks Bill,

So after 3 weeks of constant use, the max rudder issue with my X5 vanished. The rudder indication itself does not show up anymore on my 6002 display either.
I did not redo the calibration - did not have to :-) It just seems that a few weeks of intensive use in various condition made the autopilot learned the boat...

I am impressed and happy with it. And yes it often do much better than I do - even up wind in slightly off chop... when you are not 200% focus.

I also like how it reacts and learn quickly of changes to boats tuning - when reefing and even smaller one when adjusting the sails.

A response setting of 2 does an excellent job (I installed the compass at the same place than you did - not too far from CG and usual CoB and nicely protected from rogue boots) - without draining the battery.
Thanks all for your feedback,

have been following this threat with interest......... just acquired an X5 with P7 control head after having gone through two ST2000+'s in three years with one constantly in the shop for repairs. I suspect the vibration from the yanmar destroys the built-in ST2000+ fluxgate compass over time. I am hoping to have better luck with the new system and may even consider mounting the course computer on an anti vibration pad of some sort.

Koos - I mounted the X5 course computer inside on the molded cabin locker wall above the stbd quarter berth. I built a small box using Star Board and mounted it next to the course computer. The box holds both the display head and the receiver for the remote. It faces forward so you can see it from the nav station. I figured I didn't need another hole externally for the display if I used the remote. I have not seen any vibration issues with it, then again my Yanmar runs smoothly - for a 2 cylinder engine

Bill, the vibration is probably the worst on the cockpit locker, I do have the remote but have not figured out what to do with the control head, also do not want to cut holes in bulkheads, see you around Conanicut Island on Sunday.

Koos - I'll get some pictures Friday on what I did to mount the X5 components below decks, without cutting holes in the bulkheads. See you on the water Sunday!

Foot Loose has a deck console - which I am still considering to remove - but at least that helps regarding bulkhead holes...
The SP X-5 remote was a bit pricy for me ($400+) and it is too bad it can not fully act as display unit/control head. I will consider it though, prior adding holes in my bulkhead, next year :-)

Below are 3 pictures that show how the X5 is installed on Rhapsody. I built an enclosure out of "Starboard" and used it to mount the display head and the remote receiver.

The pictures below show the complete installation on Rhapsody.

Thank you Bill, this is very helpful, did you have to make any modification to the pin and socket on the tiller and cockpit locker? - Koos