Bruce Cutting posted a discussion

I currently have a Benmar CS-21R autopilot and am considering converting to an Evolution EV-200 Sport or Evolution EV-200 Sail.  I intend to keep and use the Benmar Rotary Actuator Questions about EV-200 autopilot package:Package related questions:1) Which packages bundle the rudder reference with the EV-200 (e.g.  In Particular the T70155, T70159 packages) OUTPUT Related:What will EV-200 do if the rotary actuator has significantly lower resistance (higher start current) than the Raymarine actuator (I plan to use the Benmar Rotary Acturator)?Is it current limited?Is the current limit user configurableWill EV-200 recover from current overload?Will it control the actuator or successively shut down due to overload?How does EV-200 manage end of travel if there are no limit switches (Non Raymarine rotary actuator)Is a rudder position reference required with non Raymarine actuators?Can the rudder position sensor substitute for limit switches?What does the actuator current profile look like when holding a steady course in relatively light seas – (e.g. relatively constant with no dead zone, analog with dead zone, PWM with dead zone)?  Trying to estimate current draw while sailing.What does the actuator current profile look like when holding a steady course in moderate but relatively constant seas – (e.g. relatively constant with no dead zone, analog with dead zone, PWM with dead zone)?  Trying to estimate current draw while sailing. Input related:What NMEA messages does the EV-200 need / respond to?NMEA 2000Encapsulated NMES 0183?Is there a NMEA 0183 interface?If no NMEA 0183, what gateway is recommended?Any knowledge base on integration with Garmin chart plotters (NMEA 0183 and Ethernet)What functions REQUIRE external data input. Other questions:For non Raymarine rotary actuators (Benmar actuator will be used ) does EV-200 require rudder reference?For non Raymarine rotary actuators (Benmar actuator will be used) are limit switches required?What will EV-200 do at end of rudder travel if course cannot be held (more rudder required but none available )What happens if there IS a rudder position sensor?What happens if there is NO rudder position sensor and NO limit switches?What happens if there is NO rudder position sensor and there ARE limit switches?What is the effect of the attitude sensor being mounted significantly off center line and significantly higher than roll axis (assume calibration is properly done) – will performance be impacted?Can the “sport drive” actuator be used on sail boats (30 – 35 feet)?Advice / cautions related to using non Raymarine rotary actuator?See More