ST60

[All U Get]

Hi all,

Quite a summer of fixing and I'm down to the last two items. My ST60 Wind Vane in the cockpit from Autohelm, now Raymarine, hasn't been consistent except when it shows 0.0 on the display. It also scrolls through different settings like depth, boat speed, etc.

I've been waiting for info from the Raymarine site since I did the diagnostics for the mast head and ours were within the parameters given. I'm thinking it's the multi-function display and not the masthead. Could I take another multi-function display from the nav station (similar vintage Autohelm) and swap it in for a test? The Sea Talk line starts in the cockpit and then the nav station so cockpit instruments should work without the nav unit plugged in. I'm thinking also that once I get wind speed working I could then get the direction on the other two displays for apparent and close hauled.

All U Get

 

[JamesG161]

My ST60 Wind Vane in the cockpit from Autohelm, now Raymarine, hasn't been consistent except when it shows 0.0 on the display.

I will have a Raymarine Tech on board this week for a new Radar warranty fix. I have the exact same problem as you do.
My symptoms...
Radar connects for a while then stops. SeaTalk can't detect it. Then my ST60 wind wakes up perfectly. Then goes to 0.0 and Radar works.

At my urging, they are bringing a new SeaTalk old to SeaTalk(ng) converter.
To check that change before up the Mast to fix Radar.
Jim...

 

[JamesG161]

BTW after doing some research on SeaTalk network old and new, some of the secret mystery has been revealed.
One reason RM likes it versus NMEA 2000+ is what is called "Fail Safe" protocol. It is just like a computer network. Digital commands to networked devices.
Fail Safe...
If you are running in low visibility Auto Pilot (Example ON) and then needed info is alive and communicating with the AP smart controller, via SeaTalk, then all is well.
Suddenly, your crew puts a big metal object next to your flux compass that is steering your AP.
SeaTalk AP smart controller notes a big change in course or loss of bearing compass signal on network.
Your AP will "Fail Safe" to Standby and if you are not at Helm the boat turns into the wind and slows (under sail only).
Many people have noted this sudden Standby, erratic behavior, or error messages on this SBO forum.
IMHO it is a SeaTalk network disruption causing Fail Safe behavior or similar type "random" behavior with simple error messages.

I am now focusing, like @All U Get, did it other posts...
1) Loose SeaTalk and power connections causing intermittent signal loss
2) Low power or signal line, corrosion on connectors
3) Failing transducers.

This means ALL things on the SeaTalk network! One rotten apple can spoil the SeaTalk Barrel.
Jim...