-- Previous content deleted -- The issue of the Autohelm deciding to take a turn randomly is a problem I have worked on. It may be that the fluxgate compass is the cause, either the unit itself, wiring or external interference.
First step is to follow the calibration instructions, usually setting the Autohelm into a calibrate mode then making 3 x 360 circles at a low speed. Two things are being done with this process. Any previous and possibly wrong magnetic compensation table is erased, and hopefully the unit will adjust properly. The second step is to wait for the Autohelm to act up, and allow it to continue if safe to do so. What you are looking for is the course heading on the display head. If that course reading stays about the same while you are doing turns then the Autohelm thinks it is simply following the correct course. As an example if you have set the Autohelm to follow a course at 210 degrees and the boats starts a turn check the display. If the readout stays around 210 while you are changing course by more than 90 degrees the compass circuitry is suspect. If the readout changes and follows the correct heading numbers something else is wrong. Note that on some display heads there is only one line of information so you may get a C210 which says the course is set to 210, but no reading of where the boat is actually headed. Some displays do show C210 and then cycle to the actual heading. There is not much support from Raymarine on the ST50 or ST4000 line. Some basic repairs are possible. Some of the units have a three pin voltage regulator with the part number on them. You can check for the correct voltage output and replace them if defective. On the older units the capacitors may be failing. The capacitors are low cost and easy to replace. Michael Brown C&C 30 Windburn _______________________________________________ This List is provided by the C&C Photo Album http://www.cncphotoalbum.com [email protected]
