Garmin TR1 auto pilot
Posted: 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...
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.
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...
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.