Autohelm ST4000 not understood at raytheon

[Ken Stauffer]

I have a hunter 37.5 with autohelm ST4000, wind, depth, speed. I have written to the Web support for Ray Marine asking about a problem that I have (seatalk does not work to or from the ST4000, but works fine on all of the others). I have received numerous suggestions, but the more I communicate with them the more it is clear that they really don't understand the older models. Is there anywhere that I can contact someone who worked on these (my unit is about 7 years old and works perfectly except for the seatalk problem). It is connected properly and the cables are good.

 

[Michael McCann]

ST4000

Ken;What kind of tests have you done to check for Sea Talk communications on your system?Mike

 

[Don Alexander]

Try England

Ken,You could try talking to the Service Centre in England.The company was Autohelm before it was sold to Raytheon and before the management buyout to become Raymarine. They built these units and are VERY knowledgeable. If you ring remember to ask to speak to the UK Service Dept in Portsmouth else you will get routed to some dope in America who has the level of knowledge you complain of.Tel 442392 693 611 or Fax 442392 694 642.Regards and good luck.Don

 

[Bill Boudreau]

SeaTalk component failure?

Michael,I am not sure what your symptoms or question is, but it sounds like you have a blown trace or component failure in the SeaTalk circuit. It is possible for the unit to work, and just not be able to communicate with the other instrumentation. A problem like this could have been caused on the older ST4000 by a prolonged short in the Seatalk cable.

 

[Ken Stauffer]

Reply on what I have tried

I switched the cables and output (got output from a known good device, and checked continuity of the cable, also hooked to the other seatalk pins on the ST4000. I repaired electronic equip for 20 years, so I wouldn't be afraid to take it apart (haven't yet, but as the boat is out of the water for the winter I could do it now. The unit does not respond to the turn on light command from any other unit.

 

[George Dibble]

37.5

I also have a 37.5 and have toyed with the idea of putting a 4000T on it, but have been fearful that it was underpowered. Other than the problems you describe, what has been your experience with the instrument satisfying the need?