Raymarine ST4000 Remote Control

Projects Networking, Protocols, and Devices
1

I've seen some articles on the seatalk protocol here. I have built a remote control for controlling the ST4000 autopilot.

I have been using the design for the last 2 years and it's still working.

You can get the source code and schematics here http://www3.sympatico.ca/ericn/ for free.

Might give someone some more ideas.

2

Great work, thank you so much! I've taken the code from the site and modified it for use on an ESP8266. Using the aRest library, I've been able to cause the generation of Seatalk strings via web connection. So, Autohelm control from your phone! How cool is that?

I'm working on the interface circuits now, but I'm fairly confident from my initial tests that it is working. Since the output is bit-banged, it may be necessary to adjust some timing - that will be clear once the system is connected to other devices.

If anyone is interested in my code, I would be happy to post it. Since the aRest libraries also work with Arduinos equipped with Ethernet or WiFi shields, it should work fine using those devices as well.

3

Guys! This is incredible! Thank you so much for your posts and hard work. I'm undergoing a very similar project, but for my Raymarine ST2000, I just couldn't see the point in floating the $550+ for the SmartController, when I can make my own! Right?

I'm planning to make mine using the simple 4 button RF remote and Simple RF M4 - 315MHz Momentary Type Receiver. I really just want to run everything from the mast base (inside the cabin) so the remote should work from the foredeck and cockpit. My boat is just 27 feet. Do you guys see anything wrong with running the cables ~18'-20' from the mast to the cockpit where the autopilot plugs in?

4

Hi
Did you manage to finilyze tour code?

abarrow:
Great work, thank you so much! I've taken the code from the site and modified it for use on an ESP8266. Using the aRest library, I've been able to cause the generation of Seatalk strings via web connection. So, Autohelm control from your phone! How cool is that?

I'm working on the interface circuits now, but I'm fairly confident from my initial tests that it is working. Since the output is bit-banged, it may be necessary to adjust some timing - that will be clear once the system is connected to other devices.

If anyone is interested in my code, I would be happy to post it. Since the aRest libraries also work with Arduinos equipped with Ethernet or WiFi shields, it should work fine using those devices as well.