Navpilot 500 software version?

[donpjr]

I have a pretty extensive Navpilot 500 setup (2 systems, one operating, one redundant) on my boat which works fine so I don't want/need to change it. Due to limited availability of parts for this older system, I purchased a spare "new old stock" control panel a couple of years ago and put it in my spares locker. I am considering installing it in the pilothouse and putting the older working unit in spares stock. It is starting to dim a little and is 18 years old. I already replaced the control panel on the flybridge with a newer used unit a few years ago. I have read somewhere that I need to be careful about the software version compatibility before I install the new control panel. I didn't know that the first time I replaced a control panel and it worked fine but I may have gotten lucky. Do you have any tips/instructions that I should follow/check before I replace the old control head with the newer spare? Details of my system if important (2 AP processors, 2 pumps, 2 rudder position sensors, 2 PG500 heading sensors. A toggle switch switches from AP1 to AP2 and the control heads operate whichever AP is active. For control I have two mounted panels (FB and PH), one followup dial type rudder control on wing station, two wired remote control heads available for use as needed) Advice appreciated before I make this change. Thanks, Don

 

[TheReaper]

The only thing you can do is replace the controller and see if it works. If it doesn't, update the software. There isn't anything preemptive that can be done.