but then you may just be buying someone elses problem. I use E-bay a lot and have never been burned yet but it is a possibility. I think I would go one of 2 ways if facing that choice:1) keep the Monitor and spring for a BM Wheelpilot figuring that the WV can handle most of the work but the WP can fill in for motoring and light winds. ( you could also run a Tillerpilot to the Monitor which may be the cheapest solution). It would cost you under $1500 to go that way. Keep looking for spare parts. 2) Buy a new Alpha for what, 4500? and put it in as the primary. Use the old one as backup. Be excited and confident in your new toy. Sell the Monitor and apply it to the cost of new AP. Depending on your luck you could reduce your cost to $2500. So the difference could be as low as a boat unit between the two. I think both are credible solutions but I'd like to point out that if the Alpha fails due to an electrical problem on the boat the back-up AP won't be much help either. Personally, I have a Monitor and am currently installing a Simrad below deck AP. My Monitor doesn't perform as well as I'd like due to my wheel's gearing but the guys here have suggested a better method to connect the lines that I hope will help. I personally like the idea of a purely mechanical back up even if it's not ideal. I'd like to point out that you have far more experience than me so my advice is worth all you paid for it! David