[C320-list] Raymarine Autopilot failure

[belairlk at aol.com]

You mention the "low batt" error message---got that last time out, although batteries were charged, and then autopilot freezes up and you can't use autopilot---anyone know what causes this and how to correct?
 
Len
Aqua5 #1070 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Ben Waltuck <benw at sun.com>
To: C320-List <C320-List at catalina320.com>
Sent: Mon, 3 Jul 2006 21:30:59 -0400
Subject: [C320-list] Raymarine Autopilot failure


The autopilot is one of my favorite toys on the boat since it allows me to move around and play with my other toys on the boat. 
(raymarine st6000 wheel drive) 
I was out for a sail this morning, and my autopilot will not turn to the right. 
I can engage the unit, and it will make steering corrections to the left, but never turns the wheel back clockwise, so I eventually get far enough off course that it alarms. 
Given that it does turn left and is aware of going off-course, it seems that the control unit is good and the drive unit is bad. 
 
Do the drive motors have a limited lifespan? I ask because West Marine sells a replacement motor drive: 
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/10001/-1/10001/68043/10001/734/628/3 
Has anyone else had their motor burn out, and did it burn out in one direction only? 
Is this the kind of thing worth sending to raymarine for out-of-warranty repair? A new drive unit is $500, so replacing it wouldn't be the end of the world, and I'd rather not be without the unit for several weeks while they fix it.. 
 
What's most puzzling to me is that there are 2 wires that connect to the motor drive unit on the wheel.. so I assume that it's just reverse polarity to turn different directions. Based on that assumption, it makes no sense to me how a motor can function in direction but not the other. 
With the power to the unit off, I can engage the unit and spin it both ways against the friction of the motor.. so I think I've ruled out a mechanical blockage. 
 
Has anyone had the drive unit fail on their autopilot, and did it fail in only one direction? 
 
I did get the "low batt" error message once when I was far off course, so I'm wondering if that means that it was "trying" to turn right.. 
 
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.. 
 
Thanks 
 
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