Raymarines new steer-by-wire autopilot for Volvo Pentas
by Raymarine / ADPR 5 Jan 2005 13:43 GMT
Raymarine’s new ‘steer-by-wire’ autopilot for Volvo Penta’s
IPS combined engine and propulsion system
Schroders London Boat Show Stand S2307
Leading marine electronics equipment company Raymarine, with its 30 year history of expertise in designing and manufacturing autopilots, is launching the first Raymarine dedicated autopilot for Volvo Penta IPS at the Schroders London Boat Show.
The innovative Volvo Penta Inboard Performance System (IPS) is said to be the most important development in propulsion since the invention of the outdrive. Raymarine has used in-house expertise and existing proven autopilot technologies to become one of the first companies to bring an autopilot for the unique Volvo Penta IPS to market.
The advent of the Volvo Penta IPS presents an ideal opportunity for Raymarine to add ‘steer-by-wire’ to more well-known electro-mechanical or hydraulic drive connecting methods. Through its existing advanced product range, Raymarine has used a combination of innovation and proven autopilot technology to create the new ‘steer-by- wire’ system, perfect for the Volvo Penta IPS which has no physical link between the steering wheel and the rudders.
CAN communications and specially written software is used to link Raymarine’s top of the range pilot control heads to a dedicated IPS course computer and DPU (data processing unit) to create the new Raymarine autopilot for the Volvo Penta IPS. "The advantage," says Raymarine Product Line Manager Steve Crane, "is that we are utilising top of the range components with a proven fail safe, developed from expertise gained over 30 years in manufacturing autopilots."
Designed primarily for OEM fit by leading international boat builders, the Volvo Penta IPS offers many advantages including faster propulsion, sophisticated handling and reduced noise and vibration. Raymarine’s dedicated autopilot for the Volva Penta IPS will become an integral part of the engine system. OEMs working with the Volvo Penta IPS include Fairline, Princess and Sealine in the UK, Rodman and Astondoa in Spain, Cranchi, Innovazionie Progetti and Airon Maine in Italy, Beneteau in France and Four Winds and Tiara in the USA.
"Raymarine works closely as an OEM supplier to all these manufacturers and more," continues Steve Crane. "By developing a dedicated autopilot for the Volvo Penta IPS, boat builders and owners can benefit from interconnecting this new autopilot with other Raymarine electronic and navigation products on board. We are delighted to have been selected by Volvo Penta to develop a dedicated autopilot for the Volvo Penta IPS."
The new Raymarine autopilot for Volvo Penta IPS will be available late Spring ‘05.
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