Autohelm ST 4000 Autopilot problems

[Don]

I have had continuing problems with my ST4000. The control head was corroded which I managed to clean up and get working. It worked well for a while and then it died all together. I cleaned all the contacts and again it worked for a brief time and then died. I bought a used control head and replaced that and still no luck. The control head has power as the display is on and alarm sounds when off course. The drive unit works intermittently so I assume it is OK. Any ideas on where to look next? Could it be a low power problem due to bad connections? Could one of the connections be bad not getting the message to the drive unit. I'm stumped - any help appreciated. Thanks Don

 

[Trevor - SailboatOwners.com]

Compass, connections or power

Hi Don -Is the drive not responding at all to input from the control head or is the pilot not holding course. Sounds like you are on the right track - check power, connections, then the fluxgate compass. I would suspect a bad circuit board in the control head but you indicated you've tried 2 separate units. Can you find a fellow sailor with the same pilot and borrow the control head long enough to test it?Best of luck,Trevor

 

[Briann]

ST 4000

I have had a similar problem with my Autohelm. The drive would turn the wheel however I was receiving a consistent message "Seatalk Fail" My problem was in a small 32 pin 'card' installed on the board. I had it serviced through CMC, the Raymarine service center in my area, and had it back working as it should in 3 days. Cost of repair $114.00 including tax.( parts $23.00 + labour and taxes)