The updated MinnKota i-Pilot has arrived!

I just received my updated MinnKota i-Pilot in today's mail. I'm excited about the opportunity to test drive this new and improved GPS-enabled trolling motor accessory before the snow starts to fly up here in the northwoods. I'll be assembling a full series of articles and videos associated with the updated i-Pilot in the coming days and weeks, and will post links to those articles here for all of the crappie.com fans to enjoy. To get us started, here's a look at the face of the new remote. Questions?......Fire away!

Jason, I enjoy reading your articles, and thanks for keeping us updated. Could you post a picture of the old and new controls.... side by side ?

thanks.

HHD

Sorry for the slow reply...I took the updated i-Pilot fishing today to get some field photos. Turns out that the i-Pilot is a great tool for helping a guy catch 12" crappies and gills pushing 10".

Here's a look at the two remotes, as well as some of the updated i-Pilot's first catch.

Looks more user friendly....may ask santa claus for one of themThumbs Up

How much more will the new version cost than the older version? As mentioned...thanks for all your input too.Thumbs Up

Here's a look at the two remotes, as well as some of the updated i-Pilot's first catch.[/QUOTE]

How do you get the I-Pilot to hold the rod? LOL

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Originally Posted by gabowman

How much more will the new version cost than the older version? As mentioned...thanks for all your input too.Thumbs Up

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A completely new system (control head + remote) has an MSRP of $449.99

An updated remote has MSRP of $159.99

how soon can we purchase the new one, as i have waited for the new one to come out before purchasing and what will be the cost

I hope the new remote is more user-friendly than the older one..Had to replace the pins inside mine and now its real hard to push the left button.....mostly use foot pedal now.

I also would hope the buttons are easier to push, i live in a cold climate and it is even harder to push when its cold. Thats my only complaint:rolleyes:

After using it for a day, I definitely feel that the buttons are easier to push. I'll shoot some video today to compare that aspect of the remote between the current version and the improved model.

whats the big diff between the "old" style and the "new" style, I see the cosmetic diff in the controller, but what does the newer one do diff, I got a I-pilot this year on sale ("old" style), knowing there was prob a newer version coming out, they are an amazing trolling motor system, just wondering what the new ones have added.

Regarding the remote:

1. Larger screen
2. Individually articulated keys with much improved tactile feel.
3. Painted keys for enhanced visibility.
4. Improved battery access
5. Remote lock option to prevent unintended function activation or deactivation

For the overall system:

1. 6 spot lock locations vs 3
2. 6 track record tracks vs 3

Here's a nice brownie I stuck today while using the Spot Lock function:

When are the new units available? I only have a couple weeks left in the season here in Wisconsin so I will prob have to wait to use one in spring. Unless of course you need another person to test drive one -P feel free to send one my way- pre mounted on a Terrova 80lb

great info! thanks for post

Guess I'm going to have to spring for a new remote. Still have 6 months on warranty with mine but I have been through 2 remotes and 4 covers. Buttons tear after about 4 months use for me. Hope the new ones are more durable.

The old (3 memory locations) are $320 from ebuyersworld as of 2 weeks ago when I ordered my mine. 6 memory locations is nice, but not all that sure I will ever use the 3 I have, or remember that i have them.

will the new style remote work with the old style I-pilot??....sounds like some nice updates....love my I-pilot (old style)....didnt think they could get better, but sounds like they just did

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Originally Posted by jimp

The old (3 memory locations) are $320 from ebuyersworld as of 2 weeks ago when I ordered my mine. 6 memory locations is nice, but not all that sure I will ever use the 3 I have, or remember that i have them.

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cabelas had them for 299.99 last time I looked.....check that...just looked they are 399

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Originally Posted by jeepguyjames

will the new style remote work with the old style I-pilot??....sounds like some nice updates....love my I-pilot (old style)....didnt think they could get better, but sounds like they just did

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Yes, the new remote is compatible with the current controller (head unit). However, in this configuration, you will still be limited to 3 spot lock locations and 3 recorded tracks. Nevertheless, you'll receive all of the benefits of the updated remote.

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Originally Posted by Jason Halfen #511

Yes, the new remote is compatible with the current controller (head unit). However, in this configuration, you will still be limited to 3 spot lock locations and 3 recorded tracks. Nevertheless, you'll receive all of the benefits of the updated remote.

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excellent....I was gonna order a spare remote....It will be the newer one now.... I figured it would be the same 3/3 memory but just the buttons and larger screen would be worth buying the new one.....thanks for all the info, God bless!!!!

Here's an article with a bunch of photos that examines some of the new features of the updated i-Pilot's remote:

The updated i-Pilot remote from MinnKota

thanks Jason H..........Im very happy w/my I-pilot....gonna order the new style controller for it.....next up is a good SI/HD unit...got alot of reading and learning to do about those....but appreicate you info and input on the I-pilot

Here's a page that features a video showing the new remote in action. If you're wondering about how easy it is to press the keys, and wheat happens when you press them, I think this video will answer your questions.

The updated i-Pilot remote from MinnKota

I have a terrova which has auto pilot and co pilot, what will I have to do to get the Ipilot going?

remove 4 screws from the bottom of the head, remove the plastic top and disconnect the one electrical connection, open the Ipilot, make the one electrical connection, put the 4 screws back in. turn it on, should get 3 beeps I think.

Would I have to disconnect the copilot as well?

All of your co-pilot functions are present in the i-Pilot system, and the two systems are not compatible with each other. You will disconnect your autopilot and your co-pilot when you install the i-Pilot controller. Most guys that I know end up saving their autopilot and co-pilot, either to include with the motor when they decide to upgrade or to keep "just in case".

Thanks jason!

Does the new remote use the same battery as the old (CR2450N) and is the battery "fit" an issue? Also, are the new buttons easier to depress?

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Originally Posted by Cane Pole

Does the new remote use the same battery as the old (CR2450N) and is the battery "fit" an issue? Also, are the new buttons easier to depress?

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There are several improvements with respect to the battery (which is still the CR2450N):

Dedicated battery access door (no need to remove the entire back face)
Tool-free access to the battery (I used a nickel to open the door)
Snug battery fit (there is a small foam pad on the back of the battery door to help hold the battery in place)

Some photos of the battery compartment are attached.

I do believe that the buttons are easier to push. After watching the short video on the page below, I suspect that you'll agree.

The updated i-Pilot remote from MinnKota