4000Mk2 drive?

[xfactor99]

Isn't the "old" seatalk just NMEA0183?
If so, then wouldn't the ST4000 commands be readable by open plotter if I had it connected to the NMEA0183 network?
I was planning to connect the open plotter to both the NMEA0183 and NMEA2K using the shipModul-3USB multiplexer I have...

Even more advanced - I have a new B&G Zeus2 MFD that has autopilot controls...  I assume that's putting out the control signals and getting input in NMEA2K?

So I have the following "stuff" on the boat.  Looking for suggestions on the right setup

1. Legacy ST60 instruments (wind, speed, depth)
2. Legacy ST4000 autopilot (not working, haven't figured out what's broken) - compass, rudder sensor, wheel drive, control head @ helm
3. New B&G Zeus2 with 3G Radar and WiFi "go" module

Currently on my bench but not installed:
RPi3+ with openpilot, USB GPS, 9255 IMU, second WiFi dongle, ShipModul-3USB N2K.  A boatload (pun intended) of N2K backbone cable and N2K t-block PCBs I designed and made myself.

So the question to the experienced guys:
If someone handed you this jumble of stuff, what would you do?  
The Ben 351 is nicely setup for short-handed crew (1 or 2), but for that really needs at least a course hold via Autopilot... generally that will be it's use - me and my wife escaping the kids/world for the day/weekend.

Thanks!
Simon

Hi Simon,

I would suggest to go by small steps, it is easyer to eliminate errors.

Get your Openplotter Autopilot working (mabe first with LED)
For motordriver use Sean´s motordirver or any aruino nano with an motor-diver or h-bridge . This is the easiest to connect to the Openplotter Raspberry. Check that the motordriver can stand the voltage and the Amps. The code for the arduino
is in Seans MOTOR.INO. It offers varios modes for motordrivers. 

Use Your MPU 9255.

When all this works attach your Autohelm-Motor

No Ruderfeedback is needed, but it is advisable to have at least swiches for rudderlimits. It colud be reed contacts or mecanical end of travel switches. (I have them at the rudder quadrand) or have an motorcontroller wich reports overcurrent and stops then driving the rudder.

The arduino nano will have conections to the limit swiches, and shunts for current and more ... see code of motor.ino

When all this is working ..... get the rest of the system to talk to each other ...

Greetings
Andreas