[C320-list] ST 4000 autohelm problem

[Warren Updike]

Interestingly, the reason the ST4000 servo motor runs on power-up is to 
insure that the position of the belt is changed to prevent a memory of 
position.

If the wheel break was on at power-up AND the clutch was engaged, the motor 
would not turn creating a large power draw that could cause a breaker trip 
or something like that.  I never leave my autopilot clutch engaged when not 
in use.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <crashley at gte.net>
To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Sent: Saturday, May 17, 2008 9:27 AM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] ST 4000 autohelm problem


> Gene,
>
> When my ST4000 autopilot first powers up it attempts to rotate the wheel a 
> 1/4 turn or so. I think this is some sort of self test or indication that 
> the unit is on. Could be related.
>
> CRA
> Rosebud #882
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Gene Musante" <gmusante at msn.com>
> To: "Catalina, 320 intl" <c320-list at catalina320.org>
> Sent: Saturday, May 17, 2008 4:04 AM
> Subject: [C320-list] ST 4000 autohelm problem
>
>
> Hi,
>
> I mounted up my boat's wheel for the season and connected the servo motor 
> to it's electrical connection on the pedistal.  When I switched the power 
> on, my power kept switching off and on at about a 1 second frequency on 
> the autohelm display and my tri-data display.  My GPS, which is connected 
> to the same power feed was having the same problem.  I disconnected the 
> servo motor electrical connector, and the power came on and stayed on.
>
> My hunch is that the servo motor may be defective, but it was working fine 
> in the fall before I dismounted the wheel, which I store inside the boat. 
> I am going to dismount the wheel and re-assemble the whole works to see if 
> this could have been caused by a mechanical problem.  I forgot that the 
> wheel lock was on when I first switched on the power which may have caused 
> the problem initially.
>
> Has anybody seen this problem on their boat?Gene Musante  617-755-0680 
> gmusante at msn.comAFFINITY Hull #68
>
>
>