I am on my 3rd attempt to fix the Auto pilot and if this doesn't work I may replace the entire unit. I had problems which were intermittent and thought I had them solved. 1/ It would drift off course to port gradually 2/ It then went hard to port suddenly 3/ It now works for 5-10 minutes and then just stops. I took the control head apart and cleaned up some internal corrosion. I checed all the electrical connections to ensure they were good. I have cleaned the drive belts. Now when it stops the course still reads and the off course alarm goes off. The drive motor just stops working. In past experiences which are the most likely points of failure. 1/Is the control head shot and not sending the correct signals to the drive motor? 2/ Do the drive motors fail? 3/ Do the fluxgate compasses fail? Any suggestions greatly appreciated. Thanks Don
- Status
Control Head....
...would be my guess. I had one fail and it had similar failings, although it did not partially work. Check Raymarine's site for their flat rate for a control head repair. It may be worth the extra $$ for an upgrade. Rick D.
...would be my guess. I had one fail and it had similar failings, although it did not partially work. Check Raymarine's site for their flat rate for a control head repair. It may be worth the extra $$ for an upgrade. Rick D.
Autohelm
There are usually several gen 2 control heads on ebay, brand new, for pretty good prices.
There are usually several gen 2 control heads on ebay, brand new, for pretty good prices.
Control head
probably uses a MOSFET bridge motor control circuit. The MOSFETs are cheap at Radio Shack - 4 for $2 as I recall but you need to know what you are doing to unsolder the old ones and replace them. It goes only to port because the other side of the bridge circuit is burned out. So it drifts to port until it decides to do a "Crazy Ivan" and makes a complete circle. DO NOT EXPECT ANY HELP FROM AUTOHELM. They will want to replace the head for some exhorbitant amount. I might be pursuaded to help. email e0550@comcast.net
probably uses a MOSFET bridge motor control circuit. The MOSFETs are cheap at Radio Shack - 4 for $2 as I recall but you need to know what you are doing to unsolder the old ones and replace them. It goes only to port because the other side of the bridge circuit is burned out. So it drifts to port until it decides to do a "Crazy Ivan" and makes a complete circle. DO NOT EXPECT ANY HELP FROM AUTOHELM. They will want to replace the head for some exhorbitant amount. I might be pursuaded to help. email e0550@comcast.net
Autohelm problems
I have had this happen on my old 3000. Same deal worked then turned slowly then hard to port. Off and On . ?? I did send it to Raytheon who put in a new motherboard and it worked fine. (a couple years ago) I do not think this was very expensive. It is either that or get a new one I think.
I have had this happen on my old 3000. Same deal worked then turned slowly then hard to port. Off and On . ?? I did send it to Raytheon who put in a new motherboard and it worked fine. (a couple years ago) I do not think this was very expensive. It is either that or get a new one I think.
Electrical interference?
Don: Could you possibly have any electrical interference. Things like stereo speakers or other items can cause interference. Your other options may be a short. Raymarine has a flat rate repair on many items. You can send it to them and see if they can find any problems.
Don: Could you possibly have any electrical interference. Things like stereo speakers or other items can cause interference. Your other options may be a short. Raymarine has a flat rate repair on many items. You can send it to them and see if they can find any problems.
Output circuit or motor/gearbox
I agree with Patrick. I have seen, and repaired, both issues. The output transistors can be burnt out do to a short in the wires going to the motor. They are replaceable, with the Radio Shack parts. Don't do it unless you have PCB soldering experience. Easiest way is to cut the legs, then flow the solder while you pluck the leads one at a time with a plier. Blow out hte holes, solder in the new ones after attaching them to the heat sink. The motor's gearbox can jam up with crud, like salt, old grease, etc. Check that it turns freely, and that the motor turns freely. Lube the motor bearings with about 1/2 a drop of light machine oil (3 in 1 is O.K.).
I agree with Patrick. I have seen, and repaired, both issues. The output transistors can be burnt out do to a short in the wires going to the motor. They are replaceable, with the Radio Shack parts. Don't do it unless you have PCB soldering experience. Easiest way is to cut the legs, then flow the solder while you pluck the leads one at a time with a plier. Blow out hte holes, solder in the new ones after attaching them to the heat sink. The motor's gearbox can jam up with crud, like salt, old grease, etc. Check that it turns freely, and that the motor turns freely. Lube the motor bearings with about 1/2 a drop of light machine oil (3 in 1 is O.K.).
- Status