I have the Model 4000 autohelm by Rayethon. Sometimes it works perfect and other times it just goes off in another direction. I have replaced the unit before the warranty expired and the new one has started acting up also. I have moved the fluxgate, but that didn't help. I have put a hand held compass next to the fluxgate and it works perfect. I do know of others that have the same problem. Not to happy camper.
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Joe Aquilina
Compass or software problem?
Jim, Why are you so sure that it is a compass problem. Have you tried prgramming the software, that is applying the appropriate "response" level and the "rudder gain" level. I had what seems to be a similar problem on day one but it disappeared when I programmed the "rudder gain" to level 1. The factory default is 4 which had allowed the boat to go anywhere except where it was meant to go. Regards, Joe Aquilina SY Maverick Malta - Mediterranean Sea
Jim, Why are you so sure that it is a compass problem. Have you tried prgramming the software, that is applying the appropriate "response" level and the "rudder gain" level. I had what seems to be a similar problem on day one but it disappeared when I programmed the "rudder gain" to level 1. The factory default is 4 which had allowed the boat to go anywhere except where it was meant to go. Regards, Joe Aquilina SY Maverick Malta - Mediterranean Sea
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Dakota Jim Russell
Opps meant ST50 plus knotmeter
Thanks Joe for the info. But I stated the problem wrong. The knotmeter will not retain the correction factor. I did get an email from Raytheon/Autohelm that suggested that there was a problem in the memory and that the unit should be sent back. Appreciate the response. Jim
Thanks Joe for the info. But I stated the problem wrong. The knotmeter will not retain the correction factor. I did get an email from Raytheon/Autohelm that suggested that there was a problem in the memory and that the unit should be sent back. Appreciate the response. Jim
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Mike Kinney
Had a similar problem
Jim, I'm not sure if I understand your two posts. Thus, my post may be nonresponsive to your issue. My 340 with the same autopilot had the same tendency to wander. In calm conditions, the autopilot would work just fine; however as sea and wind conditions became more challenging, AUTO would drive like an inebriated, visually challenged, schizophrenic schnauzer. In moderate sea conditions, I couldn't use AUTO at all. Adjusting the rudder gain was my solution. There are two possible adjustments. One is a temporary adjustment that will disappear once the autopilot is shut off; the other allows for a permanent change and will be retained when the autopilot is turned off. The default setting for rudder gain on my unit was 4; I changed the default setting to 2 and now I sometimes temporarily change the setting to 1. setting.
Jim, I'm not sure if I understand your two posts. Thus, my post may be nonresponsive to your issue. My 340 with the same autopilot had the same tendency to wander. In calm conditions, the autopilot would work just fine; however as sea and wind conditions became more challenging, AUTO would drive like an inebriated, visually challenged, schizophrenic schnauzer. In moderate sea conditions, I couldn't use AUTO at all. Adjusting the rudder gain was my solution. There are two possible adjustments. One is a temporary adjustment that will disappear once the autopilot is shut off; the other allows for a permanent change and will be retained when the autopilot is turned off. The default setting for rudder gain on my unit was 4; I changed the default setting to 2 and now I sometimes temporarily change the setting to 1. setting.
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Guest
Ditto
I've had the same problem repeatedly with my Autohelm, both in and out of warranty. I've sent it back four times in three years. Every time, the technical report has been that the circuit board has gone bad, usually because of water damage. I just got the unit back from the last repair, but haven't had the chance to reinstall it. Hopefully, it will be fixed for good this time, or I'm definitely going to their competition. The Autohelm instruments have accounted for at least 80% of all the repairs that my boat has required since I got it. Robert Pancza
I've had the same problem repeatedly with my Autohelm, both in and out of warranty. I've sent it back four times in three years. Every time, the technical report has been that the circuit board has gone bad, usually because of water damage. I just got the unit back from the last repair, but haven't had the chance to reinstall it. Hopefully, it will be fixed for good this time, or I'm definitely going to their competition. The Autohelm instruments have accounted for at least 80% of all the repairs that my boat has required since I got it. Robert Pancza
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Dakota Jim Russell
Thanks Mike
Thanks for that note, Mike. While the problem was with a ST50plus on a friends Catalina, the comments you made on the Autohelm 4000 will be useful on mine. I've never bothered to adjust the rudder on the 4000 on my 340, but it would appear that I should do so, starting with your settings. Thanks.
Thanks for that note, Mike. While the problem was with a ST50plus on a friends Catalina, the comments you made on the Autohelm 4000 will be useful on mine. I've never bothered to adjust the rudder on the 4000 on my 340, but it would appear that I should do so, starting with your settings. Thanks.
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Wynn Ferrel
Let us know your progress...
Jim, I hope you will update us on your progress. Next season I plan to purchase an autopilot for my 340 and would appreciate the benefit of your experience with Autohelm. I sort of plan to purchase Autohelm over Navco so that it will interface with my standard instruments. I'll stay tuned.... Wynn Ferrel S/V Tranquility
Jim, I hope you will update us on your progress. Next season I plan to purchase an autopilot for my 340 and would appreciate the benefit of your experience with Autohelm. I sort of plan to purchase Autohelm over Navco so that it will interface with my standard instruments. I'll stay tuned.... Wynn Ferrel S/V Tranquility
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Tom FitzGibbon
If an ST4000, Need A Software Fix
I have the same problem with my Autohelm ST4000. According to Raytheon, with the ST4000, the problem is a software problem that can be fixed if the control head is sent back to Raytheon. If just an Autohelm 4000, their guess was a problem with the fluxgate compass. FYI, here is the test of their response: Thank You for contacting Raytheon Marine. If you have the AH4000 (with round control panel keys) the problem probably is with the fluxgate compass. If you have the ST4000 (with rectangular control panel keys and an LCD display) you may need a software upgrade. Please send the unit to the following address for service: Raytheon Marine Co. 676 Island Pond Rd. Manchester, NH 03109 Best Regards, Jeff Johnsen Raytheon Marine Product Support 676 Island Pond Road Manchester, NH 03109 (800) 539-5539 Hope this helps. Tom FitzGibbon
I have the same problem with my Autohelm ST4000. According to Raytheon, with the ST4000, the problem is a software problem that can be fixed if the control head is sent back to Raytheon. If just an Autohelm 4000, their guess was a problem with the fluxgate compass. FYI, here is the test of their response: Thank You for contacting Raytheon Marine. If you have the AH4000 (with round control panel keys) the problem probably is with the fluxgate compass. If you have the ST4000 (with rectangular control panel keys and an LCD display) you may need a software upgrade. Please send the unit to the following address for service: Raytheon Marine Co. 676 Island Pond Rd. Manchester, NH 03109 Best Regards, Jeff Johnsen Raytheon Marine Product Support 676 Island Pond Road Manchester, NH 03109 (800) 539-5539 Hope this helps. Tom FitzGibbon
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Dakota Jim Russell
Update so far.
Remember that my real question was on the ST50 plus knotmeter, but I identified it wrong. The solution to that was to ship it back. But the 4000 seems to be getting alot of play, so let me add an update. Okay, I'll do some checking on my 4000 and see if it is the ST model (probably not) or the plain 4000 model. My unit works great except for two things: 1. it won't make a gps correction from my Garmin 48 when it comes to a new leg if the new leg is more than 30% off the old leg. 2. If the refrigerator unit kicks on, the autopilot tends to swing 5-10 degrees to the port side. Interesting, but not a disaster. I suppose it is the sudden change in voltage. Never thought this needed addressing however. However, I plan to make a few tests an the adjustments suggested. Bottom line is that I am very satisfied with the performance of my unit and rely on it extensively, especially when raising and lowering sails, and frequently while motoring.
Remember that my real question was on the ST50 plus knotmeter, but I identified it wrong. The solution to that was to ship it back. But the 4000 seems to be getting alot of play, so let me add an update. Okay, I'll do some checking on my 4000 and see if it is the ST model (probably not) or the plain 4000 model. My unit works great except for two things: 1. it won't make a gps correction from my Garmin 48 when it comes to a new leg if the new leg is more than 30% off the old leg. 2. If the refrigerator unit kicks on, the autopilot tends to swing 5-10 degrees to the port side. Interesting, but not a disaster. I suppose it is the sudden change in voltage. Never thought this needed addressing however. However, I plan to make a few tests an the adjustments suggested. Bottom line is that I am very satisfied with the performance of my unit and rely on it extensively, especially when raising and lowering sails, and frequently while motoring.
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