[C320-list] Autopilot failure, Part 2

[Dave Sparks]

Gary:
    I have experienced a "STLK FAIL" error. The connections are made at the
back of the instruments. I had a series of problems after Hurricane Ivan. I
removed the cover for the wheel pedestal to reduce windage and rain water
got into the instrument pod. I ended up replacing the cards in the knot
meter and Autohelm.
   A special tool is required to disassemple the Navpod. Yes, it is an allen
wrench with a hole in the middle.
The Seatalk connections are made serially at the back.
    It is possible that the problem is not the Autohelm. When I had the
"STLK FAIL" error, the Autohelm would not function. However, if I left the
knot meter out of the series loop, it did work.
   The problem could be a loose connection, but my guess is that one of the
cards in one of your instruments is not functioning.
If you can locate a local marine electronics repair shop that services
Raymarine products, they may be able to sell you the tool needed to access
the Navpod. Also, they may be able to test the cards in your instruments.
    David Sparks
    En Passant - #933


On 7/4/06, Gary Brubaker <garybruba at comcast.net> wrote:
>
> When turning on the autopilot a couple of weeks ago I received a "STLK
> FAIL" message.  I couldn't find this message in the manual, but did some
> research at the Raymarine web site and I think the error is due to a
> loose connection.  I've located the flux gate compass, but I think the
> majority of the connections are made on the rear of the display.  I
> started to disassemble the Navpod on the Binnacle, but it looks like I
> need an Allen wrench with a hole in the middle (I've never seen one of
> these tools).  Here are my questions ...
>
> 1.  Has anyone experienced an "STLK FAIL" error in the past?
> 2.  Was it due to a loose connection?
> 3.  Am I correct that the connections are made on the back of the display?
> 4.  Has anyone disassembled the Navpod?  If so, what kind of tool did
> you use?
>
> One final note, the Raymarine autopilot is not the original Raytheon
> autopilot.  The autopilot was replaced three years ago after a lightning
> strike.  The boat was built in 2000, hull number 672.
>
> Thanks for any help you can give me.
>
> Sincerely,
> Gary Brubaker
> Empress II
>
>


-- 
David Sparks
dlsparks at gmail.com
www.dbsparks.com