The control board of my Simrad wheelpilot is bricked. Unfortunately, they don't make or support it anymore. I can access the motor leads and supply 12v in both polarities and make it work in a manual mode. My son, a veteran FIRSTer suggests I use the Wild Thumper Controller Board:
http://www.sparkfun.com/products/11057
Has anyone had experience with this? It is designed to use a rechargable 7.2v RC battery, but I will be supplying 12 v from my boat batteries (max 18v per specs).
Even when it's not FIRST season, we can still be doing the fun stuff!