Autohelm ST 3000 Confused

[rortega46]

Anyone else had problems w/ an ST3000 Autohelm? The problems I am having are: (1) it oversteers at times (~20 degrees to port then ~20 degrees starboard) even in calm conditions, and, (2) at times will unexpectedly veer off course 30 to 40 degrees. I have tried to re-calibrate per the manual but can't figure out how to get to the correct calibration screen. When I hold the "Stand By" button 5 seconds the display is "CAL" not "function #" & "setting level" as the manual says it should be. Does anyone have an idea why I can't get to the proper calibration mode? Would reducing rudder gain reduce oversteer? Can having an iphone or ipad near the control head affect it? Your ideas and suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Sailm8]

I hope someone has the answer. Mine does the same thing. I have no Iphones or other devices near it. When this has come up before an rudder position sensor was recommended but that is really expensive.

 

[seakengo]

I may have the answer! The same exact symptom occured on my Pearson 31-2 this Summer and it drove me nuts. I finally noticed that the location of the control unit into the power plug was not ideal as sheets, winch handles and cockpit cushions constantly jarred the connection. In the midst of the Autohelm going through one of these massive swings, I fiddled with the plug and it immediately corrected the situation. Upon testing it more, I could get the helm to through these wild gyrations by moving the plug slightly. My end of year solution-prop the plug up with something to secure it and ui was fine-new plug and relocation of unit is on this spring's workload. Hope it is as easy as that for you!

 

[Don12364]

Your over sensitivity is most likely caused by too much gain as you correctly surmised.
I have a Raymarine 6000 and it too takes a deal of getting used to, particularly the set up procedure.
If you really have a compass problem try removing the pilot and holding a hand-bearing compass in the same position. Motor in a slow circle and compare HH compass with your main steering compass. It need not be perfect but it must not hang up as you make a turn.

For interest my pilot sometimes used to make an abrupt turn right for no obvious reason - until I noticed this only happened when the Admiral was on the VHF to speak to one of her chums!
I figured the masthead VHF antenna can induce voltages in the wind instrument wiring which is in turn fed to the pilot and this signal overrides the fluxgate compass.

Solution was simple. Admiral's communications are now only when skipper says so!

 

[rortega46]

Thanks Seakengo for the suggestion! I've fiddled w/the plug in the past since it's cable regularly gets tugged on. When the weather is better I'll wiggle and if need be take the plug apart and reassemble. I also plan to use cable ties to prevent it from being tugged at. With your idea and recalibration I look forward to staying on course, although most of the time I sail it is without a destination.