[C320-list] Re-sending: Autopilot Issues - Possible rudder position sensor?

[Donald Lawson]

Brad
Just finished sparing with my Autopilot etc. The Rudder sensor in the starboard aft locker only senses rudder position.  It has no effect on the Autopilot.  Try reseting the autopilot. Note that if you have a fluxgate attached to a Gyroplus unit you need to reset (circles etc.) using the chartplotter. You cannot use the Autopilot. Took me two months of effort before I found a Raymarine tech note that stated you need to reset the Autopilot using the chartplotter if you have a Gyroplus unit.  A rectangular box on the bulkhead under the pedestal.  Make sure that there are no metal objects near the fluxgate. The Gyroplus may be at fault.  Raymarine sent me some fluxgate troubleshooting info but I did not need it.
Don Lawson #1005
On Sep 24, 2011, at 3:58 PM, Brad Kuether wrote:

> Didn't get any responses and thats not typical.  Anyone spar with their autopilot on the ST60 instruments set, specifically around the rudder sensor malfunctioning?
> 
> I was going to start by cleaning the connection.  Not sure what to do beyond that...
> 
> -Brad, Mary, Monica, and Jarod
> "Independence"
> 2004 Catalina 320 Hull 1006
> Middle River, MD
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Brad Kuether" <bkuether at comcast.net>
> To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
> Sent: Monday, September 19, 2011 8:50 AM
> Subject: [C320-list] Autopilot Issues - Possible rudder position sensor?
> 
> 
> Well, first day out after Irene filled up the Chesapeake with debris, logs, barrels, and farm animals, we were told that most of it had cleared and decided to do a quick late afternoon jaunt.
> 
> When I engaged the autopilot (Raymarine ST60s), I was watching the display and it LOOKS like the rudder deflection sensor was malfunctioning, causing the the autopilot to steer left and right with no rhyme or reason.  It was tracking the magnetic course just fine.  It essentially rendered the unit un-usable.
> 
> Has anyone ever experienced this and if so, what did they do?  I have never really spent much time down in the locker so I am not even sure what the sensor looks like.
> 
> Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks so much in advance!!!!!
> 
> -Brad, Mary, Monica, and Jarod
> "Independence"
> 2004 Catalina 320 Hull 1006
> Middle River, MD
> 
>