Description en français

When paired with a Pypilot motor controller, this computer forms a high-performance marine autopilot compatible with virtually all helm actuators. It delivers excellent course-keeping while consuming less power than most other autopilots.

The computer is ready to use, featuring a Pi Zero and a pre-configured SD card. It is housed in a waterproof enclosure and equipped with a high-performance compass based on a modern 9-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU). It comes with an 8-button radio remote control and a second, waterproof 4-button remote.

This CRC version differs from the CR model by featuring a waterproof connector base that allows for a single-cable connection to the motor controller. It offers improved EMC robustness by utilizing the controller to power the pilot unit, eliminating the need for a separate 5V power supply for the computer. This option is compatible only with Navitop 10A, 15A, or 30A motor controllers. Cables, sized according to length, are sold separately in 3m, 5m, and 9m options.

Several Pypilot motor controller models are available to suit all existing helm drive units. Note that the 12–24 V, 30 A model with clutch control is compatible with all drive units, whereas the 12 V, 10 A model (without clutch control) is suitable only for units drawing less than 10 A that do not feature a clutch solenoid or solenoid valve. Upon request, Navitop offers adaptation kits for ultra-durable, vintage Neco or Seapilot drive units, as well as for very large hydraulic drive units controlled by solenoid valves.

The computer also serves as the autopilot's compass. Its location on the boat must be carefully chosen to avoid moving magnetic interference and to ensure good radio and Wi-Fi signal propagation. It should be kept away from high-traffic areas and surfaces where items might be placed, ensuring that no moving metal or magnetic objects pass near or are set down close to it. The housing is not designed for long-term UV resistance in outdoor environments.

The computer is controlled via 433MHz radio remotes or over Wi-Fi using a tablet, phone, or computer (such as a Raspberry Pi). If you require a waterproof cockpit control unit, an Android 13 waterproof motorcycle console is recommended; these are highly readable in sunlight, energy-efficient, and feature a touchscreen that works in the rain—even while wearing gloves. Such a unit also allows you to install navigation software or other applications like PyNav to display boat data and control Pypilot.

All Pypilot motor controllers precisely measure motor current draw, enabling effective travel limiting with most actuators when consumption reaches a set threshold. Pypilot also supports the use of a rudder angle sensor and limit switches, which connect directly to the motor controller.

In addition to Compass mode, Pypilot can operate in apparent wind, true wind, or GPS modes when receiving data from a wind vane and GPS. Data can be supplied via Wi-Fi or, preferably, via USB/NMEA; the latter allows Pypilot to respond more effectively to gusts and wind shifts, thanks to faster acquisition and calculation of apparent and true wind data.

Beyond automatically detecting and configuring all NMEA data exchanges via the USB port, Pypilot allows this data to be broadcast over Wi-Fi. This creates a single Wi-Fi network that enables both Pypilot control and the transmission of navigation data to other devices.

Two options are available for the USB connection: a waterproof USB-C port (CUC option) or a cable with a waterproof cable gland and a female USB-A connector (CUG option). Sensors must be connected via an NMEA-to-USB converter—or multiple converters using a USB 2.0 hub.

Navitop supplies cost-effective, isolated USB-NMEA0183 and USB-NMEA2000 converters (USBN and USB2K options). These require no configuration and are less expensive than many multiplexers, yet they provide galvanic isolation between all instruments. This enhances system robustness by eliminating ground loops and ensuring excellent resistance to electrical surges, such as the indirect effects of lightning.

An NMEA/SeaTalk multiplexer with a USB output (not supplied) may also be used.

The computer's circuit board integrates the TDK ICM20948 IMU chip and a remote control receiver antenna, ensuring high sensitivity. To guarantee reliable operation in extremely humid conditions, the IMU is encapsulated in an insulating compound.

The computer's IMU accelerometers and magnetometers come pre-calibrated. This allows for immediate installation, with the compass becoming operational after the boat simply performs a slow 360-degree turn. The supplied remote controls are pre-configured in the computer, though you can add others or modify the functions of the configured buttons.

Pypilot runs perfectly on a Pi Zero W (at 30% load). Replacing it with a Pi Zero 2W merely results in faster startup times for the Pypilot web server, at the cost of higher power consumption.

The motor controller is not included. 

An 8-button remote control and a 4-button watertight remote control are provided.

If you already own a Pi Zero, we offer a computer CRC—excluding the Pi Zero itself—for €140 (excl. tax); it comes with a programmed SD card ready for immediate use, including pre-calibration data and remote control configurations.

Price without taxe and shipping