[C320-list] Autopilot and 'crazy ivans'

[Rick Sulewski]

Alan,  

It may be helpful to know which autopilot model is causing the crazy ivans.

Two years ago I upgraded to a Raymarine X-5 with the S1 drive unit and
experienced similar crazy ivans and the unit was sent back and a new unit
was installed since the CPU program upgrade did not do the trick.

If you have the older ST 4000, it may be time to upgrade to the X-5/S1
combo.

Rick
My-Ria # 277

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Alan Goodman
Sent: Thursday, June 02, 2011 10:43 PM
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Autopilot and 'crazy ivans'



This winter, I posted about my Raymarine wheel autopilot suddenly and
without warning making aggressive turns to starboard.  I had tested the
fluxgate compass and the control head per Raymarine service literature ...
and all checked out.  Some forum members suggested checking (for bad
connections, broken or damaged electrical wires, etc) the positive supply
and ground wires comprising the power feed to the control head  ... again
all checked out.  Consensus was some sort of short or other electrical
supply problem.  Well, we were right about it being an electrical supply
problem ... but wrong as to the cause.  In the end it was a low voltage
problem caused by a 'tired' battery bank.  This Spring I did the 'upgrade to
the 2 x 4D house bank and 1 x grp 24 start bank ... so adequate voltage is
always available to the autopilot ... and without any other changes all is
well !!  Hope this helps others in the future that may experience the same
problem.  Alan Hull 67 Holland MI