As some posters here will know (as I posted here late 2008 asking for
advice about installation issues) I have installed a simple Simrad tiller
pilot (TP10) on my Vega.
Worked fine for 3 months both when engine running and not. Really nice to
be able to stand with my back against the mast when boat sails to windward
in a good breeze.
The line from the main supply board was longer than I needed so I
shortened it (the shorter the better) and re-attached the connections to
the live and neutral connections on the main board.
All well. I mainly use the TP when raising the main - with engine running
of course.
Decided to use TP while sailing one day to get kettle on for lunch - it
dropped out of auto mode so lunch was postponed..
I assumed (pause for jokes about assumptions) that the lower Autumn
battery state was the problem (batteries are topped up by solar panel) so
decided to replace the lead to TP by heavier guage wire to reduce voltage
loss.
Was securing the new connections to the supply board when I (finally)
noticed that the live terminal for the TP which I had insulated had become
exposed and was intermittently shorting on the cable for the speed log
which would make an earth.
This of course was more likely to cause the TP to drop from auto mode
under sail as alternator is runnng when engine is on so the charging
current would compensate for the intermittent current to earth.
Moral: ASSUME == make an ASS of U and ME.
John V1447 BreakawayJohn A. Kinsella Ph: +353-61-202148 (Direct)
+353-61-333644 x 2148 (Switch)
Mathematics Dept. e-mail: John.Kinsella@...
University of Limerick FAX: +353-61-334927
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