Garmin TR1 auto pilot

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sickbayer
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Garmin TR1 auto pilot

Post by sickbayer » Mon Mar 01, 2010 7:48 pm

I thought i write a short review and maybe add as the weeks prgress asi fish more with it and program/fine tune some more functions with my new auto pilot which i now call HAL.
Retail $2099 That is just the core unit, you will also need to buy the throttle actuator and mounting bracket for your individual motor.
Taken from their website

"The TR-1 Gold is the first – and so far, the only – true autopilot designed to offer remote steering and speed control for small gasoline outboard motors. These capabilities allow you to focus on other things, like trolling, fishing, scanning electronics or simply moving around the deck. The TR-1 Gold can also be easily set to hold position against wind, waves or heavy current, enabling hands-free operation of your boat even in the most difficult water conditions. "

It took me about 6 hours (all dealer quotes where 5 to 6 hours plus tax) to install the core unit which consists of the electric/hydraulic unit, the tach unit and the gyro unit.
First off the garmin manuals we superbly constructed so even a novice can understand them. As i progress i could see how vital it was that i followed them in the order they ask. You can call and someone will pick up the phone and help you if you get stuck. (That amazed me as i called to register the unit. By the way it is a 2 year guarantee) and keeping the reciept is your proof of purchase.

Mounting it all was straight forward You have to place all units and run all wires to see if it will go where you want it to. It also is important that you keep the gyro unit away from any magnatic force, suspension seats, wiper motors, speakers, anchor chains, unfortunalty i had all those things to worry about. So I installed my unit under a bench seat just off center.

The kicker motor bracket is very simple to attach and the throttle control is a little tricky but just flow the steps and you will breeze it. You may need another set of hands when it comes to filling up the tank and getting the air out of the hydraulic lines and it can get a little messy. Im only going into a little on how it installs as a major stumbling block is the fact that it can cost over 600 dollars to install it. Had that on to the purchase cost and it is a very expensive unit. Do it yourself and you can save a fith of the cost.

Performance...:cheers: right outta the box it did brilliant "set it and forget it" and watch Hal do the work> it totally frees up your hands just by pointing the bow where you want to go and Hal goes there regardless of wind, waves or everyone hanging off the rails. Unit can be programmed for zig zag or MOB maneuvers.

Next up i will be hooking it up to my lowrance LCX28HD so i can set way points to goto. Will let you guys know how it goes.

The first two pictures are of the pump and computer head with and with out the case.
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Last edited by sickbayer on Mon Mar 28, 2011 2:44 am, edited 1 time in total.
Seeking the violent take downs

Thunder jet
V8 309 pump
HAL the tr1 auto pilot
T8 high thrust
LCX 28 HD
Lowrance Broadband Sounder
Fusion for the beat
Penn 835's for the bang zone

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saltyseadog
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RE:Garmin TR1 auto pilot

Post by saltyseadog » Mon Mar 01, 2010 8:32 pm

sounds very sweet , if my main power wasn't 35 years old:-({|= i might get one
fish on!

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Mike Carey
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RE:Garmin TR1 auto pilot

Post by Mike Carey » Mon Mar 01, 2010 8:43 pm

Guide Anton Jones has one of these, they are pretty amazing tools.
Image

"Takers get the honey, Givers sing the blues".

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G-Man
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Re: Garmin TR1 auto pilot

Post by G-Man » Sun Aug 12, 2012 5:54 pm

I just thought I would add my experiences with the installation and adjustment of this system. During the installation I had some issues running the hydraulic lines from where I wanted to place the pump. Because I have two outboards and the way my transom is configured, I really didn't want to try and run the lines up and over the transom. I opted to use a couple of brass bulkhead fittings to breach the transom next to the kicker motor and this worked out very well. A couple of nylon washers and some RTV will ensure that the fittings stay water tight. I used the unit a few times with the stock settings and found that they caused the outboard to be very twitchy. I finally hit the lake today and dedicated a few hours setting up and adjusting the unit to run more smoothly with my boat. After the initial setup and adjustments, the unit held quite well under the wind and washing machine conditions this afternoon on Lake Washington and the operation of the unit was much smoother. Of course I had to have a rod out and wouldn't you know it went off several times during the setup, which was kind of a pain as you loose throttle control in setup mode.
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sickbayer
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Re: Garmin TR1 auto pilot

Post by sickbayer » Sun Aug 12, 2012 7:30 pm

Welcome to the hands free club!

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G-Man
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Re: Garmin TR1 auto pilot

Post by G-Man » Sun Aug 12, 2012 7:52 pm

Sure makes putting out the gear and working the downrigger(s) much easier.

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Re: Garmin TR1 auto pilot

Post by 'OL GREY DOG » Mon Aug 13, 2012 8:19 am

still cost the same ?

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G-Man
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Re: Garmin TR1 auto pilot

Post by G-Man » Mon Aug 13, 2012 11:18 am

It has gone up in price a little bit, I picked up mine for $2149 at Boater's Land.

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sickbayer
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Re: Garmin TR1 auto pilot

Post by sickbayer » Mon Aug 13, 2012 7:02 pm

that is a good price, i got mine for 1300, i just lucked out when i bought mine.

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