370 / 375 - AP44-controller VS AC12-computer

AP44-controller VS AC12-computer

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Category: Hints & Tips
Forum Name: 370 / 375
Forum Description: 370 / 375 Hints, Tips and News
URL: https://www.myhanse.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15558
Printed Date: 26 March 2026 at 21:48
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.06 - https://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: AP44-controller VS AC12-computer

Posted By: Trygve
Subject: AP44-controller VS AC12-computer
Date Posted: 18 March 2026 at 14:04

Hello!

I have some more problems! A year ago I bought an AP44 as replacement for the old AP24. The salesman in the marina shop said this replacement would be a «plug an play» installation. It was not, it still not work in a proper way. Every time I start up the following message pops up on the AP44: «Autopilot Igangkjøring påkrevd»(startup installation neccesary?) I have tried to complete the installation prosedure, but I think the calibration of the rudder feedback sensor is not accepted by the AC12 Computer.

But the interesting thing is that the autopilot is working! if I ignore the fault message and press auto The autopiot will steer the boat and I also manage to adjust the course with the centerbutton. But that is all it can do!

Later on I have seen on internet that there is reported many problems doing this sort of instrument change. I have a Simrad SIM-nett in the boat with an AC12 computer(2008) connected to the autopilotdriver an to the SIM-nett

My instrumentdealer says now: The best solution for you is to buy a new computer (NAC 3)?

Has anybody experienced the same problem an managed to solve it in a cheaper way than buying a new computer?

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Trygve

Replies:

Posted By: Yoda
Date Posted: 19 March 2026 at 07:17

Could the problem be with the control head and not the computer?

Posted By: Trygve
Date Posted: 19 March 2026 at 19:00

Thanks for response! I have tested an other AP 44, but with the same negativ result😩. Now I am interested to know if there is many of you that have done the same change from AP24 til AP44 (on a SIM-nett with AC12 computer) with sucsess?

Trygve

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Trygve

Posted By: Brufan
Date Posted: 20 March 2026 at 14:30

I had the yacht delivered with a full Simnet package (IS 20, AP24, AC12, NX40...)

Nearly all instruments failed and I swap to B&G Triton / Zeus system including their pilot controller but I kept AC12, rudder sensor and compass.
Of course I had to run Sminet >< NMEA2000 netwrok with adapater (basically a simple connection adpater).
No issue.
When purchasing I had a look to a spreadsheet from NAVICO group (Simrad - B&G - Lowrance) that showed compatibily between older AC (12 or 20) and new B&G controllers (both keyboard and/or Zeus). Depending on the models linked together you have full or partial compatibility.

I can send this spreadsheet by mail

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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: Trygve
Date Posted: 21 March 2026 at 17:06

Hi Brufan!

I would very much like to se that spreadsheet! My emailadress is trygve.abry@icloud.com

Trygve

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Trygve