ST1000 Autohelm display not working

[kimelmore]

Does anyone have an insight into fixing the display on an Autohelm Auto pilot display? It doesn't display all of the digits almost as if the LED's are bad. The unit works ok but I don't have any indications that I can rely on for status or heading etc. Is it field repairable of do I need to take it to a shop?

 

[Chief RA]

Contact manufacturer as pixel display seems faulty. Should be able to get a new display only and replace. Chief

 

[kimelmore]

Thanks Chief

 

[LooseDiamond]

Keep us posted on this. It was my understanding Raymarine did not supply parts, only factory repairs. If parts are available that would be good to know. Mine hung up but I was able to open and repair it. Good luck.

 

[Chief RA]

As an Electronic Tech/Engineer I would be very upset if modular component replacements are not available! I would question their right to restrict parts access with retail sales to the public. Chief

 

[Jackdaw]

As an Electronic Tech/Engineer I would be very upset if modular component replacements are not available! I would question their right to restrict parts access with retail sales to the public. Chief

Good luck with that.

It is totally common for electronic manufactures to only supply parts and sub-components to authorized repair centers, or require that the unit be returned for factory repair.

I can't think of a single manufacture that will do this.

Besides, most electrics are so highly integrated that even the manufacture replaces parts at a sub-system level. What you would do if your unit went bad? How on earth would you isolate the LCD driver hardware that is buried in some VLSI chip that does 50 things? There are no discrete comments in these things anymore.

 

[Chief RA]

Jackdaw: The component structure for pictorial display is still discreet and not an inherent part of the mother board. These modulars are readily removable and many are plug ins. I am much aware of modular component structural concepts presently used. Yes, I do go back to component structure, but make no mistake that I am still pretty well aware of concepts presently used. I do repair these newer units on occasion and they are simpler than you must realize. I was an active Contract Electronic and Industrial Engineer as recently as 2008.
You won't know if you can get the component unless you request it. Most people do not. Use of an FCC license showing technical competance probably would help get the item needed from factory.
Chief

 

[kimelmore]

I don't believe its a driver problem. At least I hope not. It seems to me that it's just a couple of the LED segments no longer work. It is a fairly old unit. I'll be looking into it over the weekend.