Autohelm 4000 works and then stops

[Robert1224]

Ahoy,

I have an Autohelm 4000 that has been working perfectly until recently. When I now set it to a heading all is well, but only for a few moments. The time to sounding (control unit error message beeping) varies in length. This just started, it will be holding a course fine for a minute or two and then it is unable to and sounds the beeper that it isn't able to steer correctly. I have tried, re-seating it, powering off and on, varying steering sensitivity settings and none of these corrected the issue.

Has anyone seen this before or have insight into how to resolve this issue. I prefer not to replace the unit. I have included a few pictures of the unit....

Thanks, Bob

 

[jviss]

Does it seem that the motor is working properly?

(BTW, you shouldn't post this more than once.)

 

[Robert1224]

jviss,

Thank you for the reply. Yes the motor and drives are working well. I am suspect of the gimbel mounted device inside the controller. I noticed I can hear it striking the side of the controller box when being handled. I don't recall hearing it before. There is a larger rubber "O"ring on the base of the device that seems to be a damper, so perhaps it is by design. And also what appears to be some features (plastic pins) molded into the part which may be stops to prevent excessive travel.

Sorry for the break in protocol with posting. This morning I had no responses which surprised me so I went back to the forum I have always had success with. I was not aware of the duplicate coverage with the forums. Issue duly noted and corrected.

Cheers,
Bob

 

[jviss]

Hi Bob,

I used one of these pilots for about eight years, maybe ten. (It's for sale here in the used gear section.) I vaguely recall an issue like this, but I thnk it might have been a motor connection.

Is there anything new and made of ferrous metal near the control box?