350 - Auto Pilot and NMEA 2000

Auto Pilot and NMEA 2000

Printed From: myHanse.com
Category: Hints & Tips
Forum Name: 350
Forum Description: 350 Hints and Tips
URL: https://www.myhanse.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15099
Printed Date: 27 March 2026 at 01:44
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.06 - https://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Auto Pilot and NMEA 2000

Posted By: Pack396
Subject: Auto Pilot and NMEA 2000
Date Posted: 09 May 2025 at 13:41

Hi all, good afternoon.

We installed last year in our 2008 Hanse 350 a wind sensor and wind indicator from B&G, NMEA 2000. It reads correctly some other original sensors like speed & depth. We also have a plotter that is NMEA2000 compatible.

The only element left from the old (2008) set-up and NMEA 0183 protocol is the autopilot and console (Simrad AP16 I think). Now the STBY button in the console does not work anymore and we have to turn off the console to disengage the AP...

Can we simply change the console with a new one (e.g. B&G or SIMRAD)?

Will it work with NMEA2000? How do we upgrade (if possible)?

I am new to the community and not familiar at all with all this. I am sorry if you might need additional info to be able to provide any advice.

Thank you in advance.

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Pack

Replies:

Posted By: Pack396
Date Posted: 09 May 2025 at 14:18

Hi again,

searching different the topic in the forum realised that the simnet or NMEA network is doesn’t power the autopilot. Power to the auto is direct from the switch to the auto computer (AC10/20) which in turn powers the auto head instrument. So, I guess it should be independent of the protocol used.

I don't know if this is the case for the AP Control. The console offers the possibility to set-up depth, speed alarms etc. That is why I imagined that some connection was needed.

Thank you again for your feedback.

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Pack

Posted By: Brufan
Date Posted: 13 May 2025 at 14:43

AC10 should be compatible with Triton2 controllers (NMEA 2000) providing the AC10 unit is up to date.

My 2011 H355 was delivered with a full Simrad IS20 & AP24 system now upgraded to B&G Triton2 except the "old" autopilot computer (still Simrad AC12), rudder sensor, compass & GPS . Chartplotter was upgraded from Simrad NX40 to B&G Vulcan 9

I ran a new NMEA 2000 network (including power) but also kept the old Simnet (for autopilot, GPS, rudder sensor & wirless remote) with a link between the two networks.

This worked well since 2 years. Even the Vulcan 9 can control this old autopilot computer.

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Bruno

hanse 355 - 57

S/Y Spicy Ginger

White hull, 2 cabins, Volvo D1-30, Selden rig, removable mainsheet track system, Simrad (now B&G)-Jefa autopilot.

Posted By: Pack396
Date Posted: 13 May 2025 at 20:57

Good evening Brufan. Thank you for the response.

We checked and the B&G Triton reads data from the NMEA2000 correctly.

Your set-up is exactly what the local electronics guru recommended to keep.

I guess we will stick to that Simrad IS20 autopilot until it breaks completely.

All the best!

Pack

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Pack