SPX Autopilot Range launches at METS Stand 1.111
13 November 2007 ~ The new SPX Autopilot Range from Raymarine will be launched at METS on stand 1.111. Combining more than 30 years of autopilot experience with new technology and innovations in design and software, the SmartPilot X Series (SPX) has been completely redesigned to offer the latest generation autopilot products.
The SPX Series offers the highest accuracy, reliability and a host of the most useful features required from an autopilot, all fully aligned to meet user needs, bringing innovation and ease of use to everyday boaters.
Every SPX system – from the largest SPX-30, to the entry level SPX-5 - comes with a rate gyro to provide the best possible performance with full SeaTalk integration. The gyro enables Raymarine to utilise Advanced Steering Technology (AST), which intelligently monitors the yaw of the vessel and actually anticipates course changes as well as ensuring razor sharp course keeping. SPX also features Raymarine’s proven AutoLearn function, so the pilot automatically understands the vessel’s steering characteristics, simplifying calibration and allowing the vessel to constantly adapt to changing sea conditions.
The SPX comes in a choice of sizes to cater for every type of vessel from fishing boats to world class racing yachts, as well as sub 30 foot lightweight sports boats, and tiller steered craft. For IPS CAN driven engines there is the SPX-IPS while the SPX-SOL is designed specifically for constant running pump solenoid output. All these autopilots operate on 12/24 volt supply.
For smaller and lighter vessels, Raymarine has developed the entry-level SPX-5 Wheel, Tiller, and Tiller GP and SPX-5 Sport. These pilots operate on a 12v supply, and interface to non-clutch wheel and tiller drives, with the SPX-5 Sport designed as a helm mounted autopilot for small (under 30 foot /10 metre) sports boats and fishing boats with either straight shaft or tilt steering.
Even so, the SPX-5 and SPX-Sport range come complete with rate gyro as standard. The SPX-5 and SPX-Sport are rudder reference-less makeing for easy installation and simple calibration using Raymarine's AutoLearn software.
As with all Raymarine autopilots, the SPX system uses three main components: the control unit – the only part seen above deck, the course computer - constantly checks and adjusts the boat/pilot performance to match the conditions, and the drive unit - mounted below decks and linked directly to the boat's steering system.
The SPX range offer the highest level of integration with Raymarine’s multi function displays, which are designed to maximise performance and display capabilities. When using the new ST70 autopilot head, for example, it provides new and different views of frequently used autopilot functions such as fishing patterns, including circle, spiral, cloverleaf, figure of eight, lazy ‘s’ turn, zigzag, box pattern search, box and 180 degree and 360 degree turns. Another key feature when operating with the ST70 head is the full dodge and accurate trolling capability.
By having a rate gyro as standard, the SPX autopilot range offer the highest level of performance and accuracy, which in turn means that any integrated systems are also more accurate. For example, this reduces cross track error and improves MARPA and radar/chart overlay when displayed on a multi function display unit. These are just a few of the sophisticated features available – designed to make the autopilot work intuitively for your boat, whatever the boat size, its handling characteristics, or sea or weather conditions.
As well as performance, the SPX range looks good with its new styling, offers better power efficiency, and is easy to install with push-on wiring and connectors, switchable clutch, as well as power connectors pre-sized to suit the cable requirements for each product. SPX is fully compatible with all Raymarine products, and is software upgradeable via Raymarine’s multifunction C and E Series and the new state-of-the-art G Series system.
Available from Spring 2008 via Raymarine’s worldwide network of distributors and dealers, performance, safety and ease of use are the watchwords for the new SPX range.
For further information contact Fiona Pankhurst, International Marketing Communications Manager, +44 (0)23 9269 3611 Ext. 1393, email: fiona.pankhurst@raymarine.com or Alice Driscoll at ADPR, Tel +44 (0)1935 826451, Fax +44 (0)1935 826551 or by email: alice.driscoll@adpr.co.uk.
This text can be downloaded from http://www.adpr.co.uk/.
November 2007 (RM464)
