I've just installed an ST4000+ on my boat. The steering wheel only moves just under 1 turn lock to lock. If a large course change is required (especially using the auto tack feature), the autohelm tries to move the wheel beyond the end stops. You can hear it straining at the end of the travel. Can I fix this? I see it has a rudder limit setup function but that appears to require the rudder position sensor.
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Read the instruction book
I don't have my copy here, it is on the boat. But, it tells you how to set up turn rates and limits. It is very envolved in setting up the 4000 correctly.
I don't have my copy here, it is on the boat. But, it tells you how to set up turn rates and limits. It is very envolved in setting up the 4000 correctly.
The manual says u need a sensor
Well, the bit on rudder limit (the parameter in question) isn't well written. It sort of implies you need the rudder position sensor fitted to be able to make use of it. The default is 30deg of helm. I went into dealer setup and altered this to 15deg and it made no difference.
Well, the bit on rudder limit (the parameter in question) isn't well written. It sort of implies you need the rudder position sensor fitted to be able to make use of it. The default is 30deg of helm. I went into dealer setup and altered this to 15deg and it made no difference.
No Rudder Sensor
I'm like Jim, I don't have my book with me, but I can assure that no sensor is necessary as I don't have one and my 4000+ works fine. The instructions in the book are wordy and a little hard to understand but the information is there on how to adjust it out. I adjusted mine a few years ago and I would hate to have to do it again. It is confusing and took several attempts before getting it right. Good Luck!
I'm like Jim, I don't have my book with me, but I can assure that no sensor is necessary as I don't have one and my 4000+ works fine. The instructions in the book are wordy and a little hard to understand but the information is there on how to adjust it out. I adjusted mine a few years ago and I would hate to have to do it again. It is confusing and took several attempts before getting it right. Good Luck!
Jim & JB, only one turn on wheel
I wonder if I'm having the problem due to only having one turn lock-lock on my steering (its quite high geared I guess). Most boats I've steered have had greater than this - maybe the ST4000 is geared up for the typical boat. I've posted a question on the Raymarine support site so will await their expert opinion. Thanks for help.
I wonder if I'm having the problem due to only having one turn lock-lock on my steering (its quite high geared I guess). Most boats I've steered have had greater than this - maybe the ST4000 is geared up for the typical boat. I've posted a question on the Raymarine support site so will await their expert opinion. Thanks for help.
It's Possible
That is a pretty high ratio, I don't believe that I've ever seen that before, you could be on to something. Seems like that would make for some pretty tough steering in heavy weather. Are you the first owner, if not, there may be some jury rigged steering cables. What kind of boat and steering mechanism is it?
That is a pretty high ratio, I don't believe that I've ever seen that before, you could be on to something. Seems like that would make for some pretty tough steering in heavy weather. Are you the first owner, if not, there may be some jury rigged steering cables. What kind of boat and steering mechanism is it?
Rudder gain
The rudder gain setting adjusts the sensitivity of the steering. Try adjusting it as on page 96 of the manual. Derek
The rudder gain setting adjusts the sensitivity of the steering. Try adjusting it as on page 96 of the manual. Derek
Lots of adjustment settings on the 4k+
The rudder limit setting determines how far the unit will correct in an extreme situation. For my Cat 320, it is set at 20 degrees. In a round-up, it will only steer 20 degrees of rudder angle in correction. Big puffs will over-ride the unit. Since rudder is stalling at 20 degrees anyway, more correction would only load up the motor. There is also a setting for 'type'. On the 320, 2 is recommended. If your steering is non-standard, I suspect that this is the setting that you will need to experiment with.
The rudder limit setting determines how far the unit will correct in an extreme situation. For my Cat 320, it is set at 20 degrees. In a round-up, it will only steer 20 degrees of rudder angle in correction. Big puffs will over-ride the unit. Since rudder is stalling at 20 degrees anyway, more correction would only load up the motor. There is also a setting for 'type'. On the 320, 2 is recommended. If your steering is non-standard, I suspect that this is the setting that you will need to experiment with.
Steering is standard Edson
Well, the steering is just a regular Edson pedestal chain, wire and quadrant, the rudder is pretty deep so I guess its limited to around 25degrees (maybe a bit more). I'm sure I could slow the response down but I like a snappy tack. I'll get my nose in the manual again and await a reply from RayMarine
Well, the steering is just a regular Edson pedestal chain, wire and quadrant, the rudder is pretty deep so I guess its limited to around 25degrees (maybe a bit more). I'm sure I could slow the response down but I like a snappy tack. I'll get my nose in the manual again and await a reply from RayMarine
Just Guessing
Patrick, I'm just guessing here, but the reason for the question was that with a 1/1 ratio, it would take a considerable amount of muscle to steer in heavy weather. The 4000+ has a max 47 ft. pounds of thrust. I'm wondering if it will be able to handle the pressure. This might be a moot issue as when the weather gets too rough, I'm at the wheel as I'm sure you would be too. This is just a point of discussion.
Patrick, I'm just guessing here, but the reason for the question was that with a 1/1 ratio, it would take a considerable amount of muscle to steer in heavy weather. The 4000+ has a max 47 ft. pounds of thrust. I'm wondering if it will be able to handle the pressure. This might be a moot issue as when the weather gets too rough, I'm at the wheel as I'm sure you would be too. This is just a point of discussion.
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