I got the Simrad WP30 over the winter to assist in some of the longer cruising that I did this summer. Install on my Hunter 35.5 was relatively straight forward (although there are minor clearance issues with the forward/reverse lever). The big problem is that sometimes it seemed to track just fine, and then others it appeared as if Otto (the kids name for the auto-pilot) was drunk, swinging back and forth and not appearing to be able to lock on. I then tried to re-calibrate the fluxgate compass by following the directions in the manual. It never seemed to like the speed that I was rotating, and now appears to be working worse than ever after several failed recalibration attempts. I had read many good things here about the WP30, which was one of the reasons that I chose it. Have any other Simrad owners had similar results and/or come up with a solution/fix? And no, I have not contacted Simrad yet. I find that I often get faster, more honest results in a forum like this than from manufacturers. T J
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I have the same problem with a WP10.
It works fine under sail, but it swerves back and forth under engine power. I always figured it was caused by propwash on the rudder. I have a 272le with a stern mounted rudder. Sorry I don't have an answer but I sure would be interested any responses to your post.
It works fine under sail, but it swerves back and forth under engine power. I always figured it was caused by propwash on the rudder. I have a 272le with a stern mounted rudder. Sorry I don't have an answer but I sure would be interested any responses to your post.
Gain Settings
Look in the owners manual under setup and go throught the gain setting procedure. I need different gains for power and some sailing situations. Also check the sea state settings, they are accessed similarly to the gain settings. Mine works well on my '80 Lancer 30 with the occaisional tweak. HTH Ellis
Look in the owners manual under setup and go throught the gain setting procedure. I need different gains for power and some sailing situations. Also check the sea state settings, they are accessed similarly to the gain settings. Mine works well on my '80 Lancer 30 with the occaisional tweak. HTH Ellis
Drunk autopilots
What's near the fluxgate compass in the unit that could eb creating a different field? Wiring? Unless the unit is faulty and/or needs new setup routines as suggested above, the usual culprit is someone turning on a radio, or other electronics or the lengine which affects the fluxgate compass. Stu
What's near the fluxgate compass in the unit that could eb creating a different field? Wiring? Unless the unit is faulty and/or needs new setup routines as suggested above, the usual culprit is someone turning on a radio, or other electronics or the lengine which affects the fluxgate compass. Stu
Stu - you might have something there.
My WP10 works perfectly under sail and I've tried the gain and seastate settings under power with very little effect. However..... My batteries are located in the port side of my aft berth and the cables run from the engine down the full starboard length of my my cockpit and across the stern. Charging currents could be the problem. Not sure what to do about it but it's worth investigating. Thanks, Ted
My WP10 works perfectly under sail and I've tried the gain and seastate settings under power with very little effect. However..... My batteries are located in the port side of my aft berth and the cables run from the engine down the full starboard length of my my cockpit and across the stern. Charging currents could be the problem. Not sure what to do about it but it's worth investigating. Thanks, Ted
How much have you used it?
I just replaced the belt on my WP-30, which seems to be a regular event. It came to me on my 37.5 and works great until the belt starts to wear, it will suddently make 90 degree turns without any provocation. Seems to be about an 18 month range for me, which is usually a couple of long N/S runs. I've sent it to Simrad twice for repair, but this time decided either I did it myself or it was going in the trash. When I called, they told me that 18 months was actually long for the life of the belt if it's used much. My 37.5 is at the top end of the range for the WP-30, so I suspect it wears more quickly than on smaller boats. Depending on you much you use it on your 35.5, be prepared for wear. The result is very frustrating and bascially disables the a/p until you replace the belt. And, only Simrad sells them at close to $80 a pop, including shipping etc.
I just replaced the belt on my WP-30, which seems to be a regular event. It came to me on my 37.5 and works great until the belt starts to wear, it will suddently make 90 degree turns without any provocation. Seems to be about an 18 month range for me, which is usually a couple of long N/S runs. I've sent it to Simrad twice for repair, but this time decided either I did it myself or it was going in the trash. When I called, they told me that 18 months was actually long for the life of the belt if it's used much. My 37.5 is at the top end of the range for the WP-30, so I suspect it wears more quickly than on smaller boats. Depending on you much you use it on your 35.5, be prepared for wear. The result is very frustrating and bascially disables the a/p until you replace the belt. And, only Simrad sells them at close to $80 a pop, including shipping etc.
Otto's Interference
Stu - Since it has worked on occasion, I hadn't considered interference. But now, thinking back, I'm remembering that I may have had my handheld VHF hanging close to the WP when it was acting flaky. I'll have to get the miscellaneous handheld electronics down in the cabin and give it another shot. I'll be to the boat this weekend and get back with results. Regarding belts, I've got a lead on a cheaper replacement. I'll get back with that info ASAP as well. T J
Stu - Since it has worked on occasion, I hadn't considered interference. But now, thinking back, I'm remembering that I may have had my handheld VHF hanging close to the WP when it was acting flaky. I'll have to get the miscellaneous handheld electronics down in the cabin and give it another shot. I'll be to the boat this weekend and get back with results. Regarding belts, I've got a lead on a cheaper replacement. I'll get back with that info ASAP as well. T J
Simrad Belts
The recommendation to me was a place called Motion Industries in Elk Grove, IL. They deal in robotic and servo parts, amongst other things. I was told that they can cross reference the number off the back of the Simrad belt and have several alternatives with upgraded materials at much better prices. Their number is 847.956.1414, I haven't tried them yet but may order one to have as a spare. T J
The recommendation to me was a place called Motion Industries in Elk Grove, IL. They deal in robotic and servo parts, amongst other things. I was told that they can cross reference the number off the back of the Simrad belt and have several alternatives with upgraded materials at much better prices. Their number is 847.956.1414, I haven't tried them yet but may order one to have as a spare. T J
TJ, part number please!
TJ: Do you happen to have a part number for the belt? Does anyone know what is involved in replacing the belts?
TJ: Do you happen to have a part number for the belt? Does anyone know what is involved in replacing the belts?
No part number on hand
I haven't had to replace a belt yet, and don't have a part number handy. I'll check the manual when I get to the boat this weekend. I believe it outlines the belt process and may have a part number. T J
I haven't had to replace a belt yet, and don't have a part number handy. I'll check the manual when I get to the boat this weekend. I believe it outlines the belt process and may have a part number. T J
WP-30
Simrad part number is WPPK32. Cost is more like $65 plus shipping. Somebody please let me know what the price and options are at the other place. Steve: replacement is remarkably easy. There's actually a post in the picture forum here that shows the insides. Use a metric allen wrench to loosed the 8 or so silver screws on the back of the unit (I didn't even disconnect mine.) These screws attach to the nylon wheels you can see in the picture forum. The don't have to come completely off, just loose. Once they are all loose the cover will snap off, the wheels fit behind a groove in the cover itself. Getting the belt back in is a little more, but once you practice it a bit, you'll find how to pop it all together. Just be careful when you loosen the screws, if the white wheel comes off, there's a little nut in there that will also pop off. Spread a sheet or something underneath you. Learned the hardway after I had to disassemble most of the aft deck hunting for the little nut. Be glad to give you more info if you want.
Simrad part number is WPPK32. Cost is more like $65 plus shipping. Somebody please let me know what the price and options are at the other place. Steve: replacement is remarkably easy. There's actually a post in the picture forum here that shows the insides. Use a metric allen wrench to loosed the 8 or so silver screws on the back of the unit (I didn't even disconnect mine.) These screws attach to the nylon wheels you can see in the picture forum. The don't have to come completely off, just loose. Once they are all loose the cover will snap off, the wheels fit behind a groove in the cover itself. Getting the belt back in is a little more, but once you practice it a bit, you'll find how to pop it all together. Just be careful when you loosen the screws, if the white wheel comes off, there's a little nut in there that will also pop off. Spread a sheet or something underneath you. Learned the hardway after I had to disassemble most of the aft deck hunting for the little nut. Be glad to give you more info if you want.
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