CPT Autopilot

[bensolomon]

I've had my CPT for 10 years now. Zero issues. Jeff always answered the phone when I had questions. I do coastal cruising from Chesapeake to Rhode Island, and a few overnight passages as a single hander. The CPT is a massive help. I always plot my course and adjust about every hour, so any deviation I can adjust for on the next hour.

[gpshephe]

Hi there. I'm very interested in what the CPT parts look like. Do you have close up pics of the belt, the wheel and what the motor pulley looks like. The concept appears to be very similar to my WP5000. CPT says I can't use any of the WP5000 parts, like the belts, the wheel attachment. I'm curious why. G

[seandepagnier]

you can.. look for hdt5m toothed belts. I 3d print the pulleys. A windshield wiper motor from most cars is a pretty comparable replacement for the motor. The biggest issue you will have to deal with is engaging/disengaging it.
https://tinyurl.com/yckuzdpv

[gpshephe]

Thanks, even further. I'm wondering if I could just use the Wp5000's motor, my wheel aattachment and my belts. Use their controller to control the motor. If you say any motor will work, why not the wp5000's. Electric signaling to turn starboard and port. Is it worth a try?

[seandepagnier]

generally speaking, you can mix and match controllers and motors if there are just 2 wires to a dc brushed motor which reverses direction with reversing polarity of the wires. For all I know it could damage the cpt controller if the motor draws too many amps. I can only speak for pypilot (my own design of autopilot electronics) as far as capabilities and for this I provide 7 amp capable and 30 amp capable motor controllers.