Autohelm 6000

[pelicanj45]

I have an Autohelm 6000 auto pilot, It has a mind of its own. For no reason it will turn. I have had the computer/controller and the compass bench tested by an electronics specialist. I am told that there is nothing wrong with the controller.
Someone mentioned that the problem could be mechanical. I would appreciate any input with this matter.

 

[LeslieTroyer]

I would suspect intermitant electrical fields around the flux compass

 

[shemandr]

The Crazy Ivan. Mine was several generations older but every once in a while it would go off. I ascribed it to voltage fluctuations but could never correlate it with any particular function. But I could imagine that when the fridge came on, or water pump that the initial draw could cause it. Maybe it was when I had a low battery situation. Just a guess.

 

[JamesG161]

For no reason it will turn

Every time I go under a huge bridge, it starts to turn.

It doesn't take only metal or electric fields to make a slight change in the flux compass. Mass can change it.

Mine is located in a spot that is below the port cockpit.
Where is your located?

When yours changes, is there movement of stuff like an iPad, canned drinks, tools or other stuff near it?

Have you ever "tuned it" per the manual?
Jim...

 

[jssailem]

@pelicanj45 My autopilot reacted with a

Crazy Ivan

When I sat the boom box down on the counter above the compass sensor. I would suspect there is something similar on your boat that is occurring when the autopilot does it's little dance.
The suggestions of @JamesG161 like

metal or electric fields to make a slight change in the flux compass.... movement of stuff like an iPad, canned drinks, tools

May turn out to be the culprit.

 

[jviss]

A friend had this problem. The plastic gimbal mechanism in the compass was broken.

 

[cagreen75]

This used to happen on our boat also. I always thought it was due to a combination of sails out of balance and rough seas. The pilot would suddenly take a wild turn, usually to leeward. I think that was an ST 4000. I replaced it with an EV 100 and the problem mostly went away but on occasion the new pilot gets stupid then corrects itself. This typically happens along with heavy weather helm. I am new to sailing and I think back about all those times the pilot went nuts it was in heavy wind and choppy conditions and a novice at the helm with an over powered boat. I have learned to reef the sails in those conditions. Besides the pilot going stupid, heeling over excessively slows the boat down significantly. Besides my wife hates it went the toe board goes under water.

 

[jssailem]

happens along with heavy weather helm

You are correct. The EV100 motor is not all powerful. Balanced sails and moderate conditions it is a terrific tool.

my wife hates it went the toe board goes under water.

Mine as well. Especially when we are on a Port tack and she is leaning against the cabinet at the the sink on the starboard side. The water comes to greet her at the window. I then get an earful regarding my lack of sailing skills.

 

[JamesG161]

On my ST6000+ there are 3 savable "sea states". I still have to manually change them. I have only two saved.
"1 to 4" feet and one for "6-9" that has been my maximums so far.

You should follow the AutoPilot tuning instructions for your boat and its rudder control.

Tip: In higher seas, if you are quartering the waves, remember your rudder will be out of the water, more, on the Down surfing side then buried on the UP climb.

Jim...

 

[pelicanj45]

I’ve owned this boat w/autopilot for over 25 years. This lack of holding a heading started last spring. The electronics have been bench tested by boat electronic specialists. I feel it’s mechanical. Just don’t know where to start looking. One gear rack, one roller chain, not much to look at.

 

[jviss]

As I mentioned previously, you should open up and take a look at the gimbal mechanism inside the compass.

Do you have a rudder position sensor?

 

[Ken Cross]

Not quite the same, but I once had a tiller pilot that would do that whenever a cellphone got too close to it. Or possibly in your case near the flux valve.

Ken