[C320-list] Autohelm Crazy Ivan

[Monte B.]

Hi All,

Pat discovered the other secret to a wandering autopilot. The steering
cables play a large part in the functionality of the AP. If you can move the
wheel more than an inch or so without an appropriate rudder response you
need to tighten the cables. They stretch with age so take out the slack and
the AP will not have to hunt for the rudder position. The reference sensor
is the icing on the cake for good course keeping with the autopilot.

Monte
Laima #620

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Pat Moriarty
Sent: Wednesday, July 30, 2008 7:33 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Autohelm Crazy Ivan

Mine could never find home sometimes and would just go back and forth 
a few degrees for a minute or two, but since I tightened the steering 
cables it works great and the problem is gone. I never had a problem 
steering with the wheel but I guess it is more sensitive then me. I 
have the rudder positioner and love it as a quick reference when backing.

Pat #130

At 04:09 PM 7/29/2008, you wrote:
>Gary,
>
>C-320's are notorious for Crazy Ivans if the optional Raymarine rudder
>reference unit is not installed with the autopilot. You can tell if you
have
>one or if the control head is seeing it by noting the rudder angle
displayed
>at the bottom of the control head. Turn the wheel left or right and note
the
>rudder angle display on the control head. If you have it something else
>electronic may hit it occasionally I guess but my Crazy Ivans went away
with
>the RRU install.
>
>Monte
>Laima #620
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
>[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Gary Magnuson
>Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2008 1:50 PM
>To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
>Subject: [C320-list] Autohelm Crazy Ivan
>
>To borrow a term from the Hunt for Red October, my Autohelm 4000 auto pilot
>will occasionally just make a left turn of about 10 to 20 degrees.  If left
>alone it will gradually come back to its course. Any ideas why?
>Gary
>Time A Weigh #205

Pat Moriarty
PSI Urethanes Inc
PH: 800-888-5156  Fax: 512-837-8733
Please visit our web site at
www.psiurethanes.com