Legacy Garmin 5212 autopilot compatibility

[ciaran]

Hello,
I’m in the late stages of acquiring a 2010 Ranger Tug 25 SC with a good gpsmap 5212 chartplotter. I’m having a hard time finding a Garmin auto pilot through their auto pilot guide that lists a system compatible with the 5212. I’d really like option of auto pilot and the boat checks all the boxes with this exception.
Has anyone installed a currently available autopilot with the 5212?

 

[nzfisher]

Call Garmin support. They are very helpful typically. The “stock” unit suppled by Ranger was compatible with both the 5212 and the 7612sxv.

 

[ciaran]

Thank you! I tried the chat support. They advised me to call tomorrow during office hours but were guarded and reminded me that the gpsmap was discontinued a decade ago and my options would be limited at best.

 

[Full_O_Fish]

All of the current Garmin pilots will integrate just as seamlessly as the vintage model would have. The only connection point between the pilot system and the 5212 is via NMEA2000. The transmitted and received sentences for autopilot related data... eg. GPS position, Waypoint position, Route, Rudder position, heading, etc. are all the same today as when the 5212 was new.

A reactor mechanical/retrofit kit will give you the most flexibility for installation and repairability (hopefully not needed). This system works with either the GHC20 or GHC50 control head and can use any manufacturers drive unit, mechanical, hydraulic, solenoid, etc. but it does require a rudder position sensor to work, but most FM boat owners will tell you that having one is invaluable anyway so that shouldn't be a deal breaker.

 

[ciaran]

All of the current Garmin pilots will integrate just as seamlessly as the vintage model would have. The only connection point between the pilot system and the 5212 is via NMEA2000. The transmitted and received sentences for autopilot related data... eg. GPS position, Waypoint position, Route, Rudder position, heading, etc. are all the same today as when the 5212 was new.

A reactor mechanical/retrofit kit will give you the most flexibility for installation and repairability (hopefully not needed). This system works with either the GHC20 or GHC50 control head and can use any manufacturers drive unit, mechanical, hydraulic, solenoid, etc. but it does require a rudder position sensor to work, but most FM boat owners will tell you that having one is invaluable anyway so that shouldn't be a deal breaker.

That is encouraging. I don’t know why Garmin don’t list the 5212 as one of their compatible display units. I will get support on the phone today to figure this all out. Thank you.

 

[Full_O_Fish]

The reason is that newer generations starting with the 7600 series actually allow for full control of the autopilot system from the chartplotter, as in you can engage it or change it to standby. Most newer models can actually be used without a separate GHC control head if space is limited, but aside from one or two button pushes there is no operational difference.

 

[ciaran]

The reason is that newer generations starting with the 7600 series actually allow for full control of the autopilot system from the chartplotter, as in you can engage it or change it to standby. Most newer models can actually be used without a separate GHC control head if space is limited, but aside from one or two button pushes there is no operational difference.

I can see a long-term upgrade to a current chartplotter head unit. Thank you.