[C320-list] Help for older Autopilots

[Rick Sulewski]

Suggest you consult the ST 400 autopilot manual (also available online) and
consider performing a re-calibration that will result in the electronic
"fluxgate" compass being reset as that compass communicates/may provide data
input more effectively with the autopilot program. On my 320 it was also
important to have the knot meter speed wheel functioning as well as the
input from my wind instrument to provide necessary data for the autopilot to
function as designed when those instruments linked are the autopilot. 

I have since upgraded to an X-5 pilot with a S-1 autopilot wheel drive unit
and every couple of years I re-calibrate the autopilot to maintain the most
effective tracking program.

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 Scott Thompson
Sent: Monday, August 06, 2012 12:48 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Help for older Autopilots

Details please! I have the ST4000+ but have never been completely happy with
it. Won't steer a straight line even after tweaking all settings. 
It consistently steers 100 yards starboard XTE, which has almost taken me
aground on occasion, and lately I'm getting fault codes ("Sea Talk
Failure") on the control head and it doesn't work at all. I've tried
checking connections at the head to no avail.) All this has led me to start
contemplating an upgrade, and I would love to have one that is protected
from the elements.

Scott Thompson
Surprise, 653

On 8/5/2012 2:17 PM, Len wrote:
>
> I'm replacing my S1 wheel pilot with Raymarine below-deck linear 
> drive, which attaches directly to the rudder post - and replacing my 
> 40" wheel with Lewmar folding 40" leather-wrapped wheel - added safety 
> feature is if your wheel mechanism faults, you can still steer with the
autopilot!
>   Linear drive uses same electronics as S1.
>
> Len Krane
> AQUA5
> Marina del Rey
>
> On Sun, Aug 5, 2012 at 8:19 AM, Jim Sweet<jamesweet at frontiernet.net>
wrote:
>
>> I found out about Dan about 3 days after I had purchased a new SX5 to 
>> replace the old ST4000 whose control head had crapped out.  Sold him 
>> the old unit and was very pleased with the transaction.  He is the 
>> only one that I have found that will even work with you on the older 
>> Raymarine instruments and wheel pilots.  Highly recommend at least 
>> contacting him with any problems you might have.
>> The new wheel pilot is vastly superior to the older unit, ie, it works!
>> Never could get the ST4000 to really function properly (like the one 
>> I had on our older Pearson 332) and the new unit has performed 
>> flawlessly in some pretty trying conditions without the crazy ivans 
>> and the other issues with the ST4000.
>>
>> Jim Sweet
>> TGIF (Thank God It Floats) 901
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Warren 
>> Updike"<wupdike at hotmail.com> To:<C320-List at Catalina320.com>
>> Sent: Sunday, August 05, 2012 11:11 AM
>> Subject: [C320-list] Help for older Autopilots
>>
>>
>>
>>   I realize we shouldn't use this list for hyping vendors, so 
>> consider this
>>> more of a help for owners of older autopilots and instruments that 
>>> Raymarine will no longer repair.  Dan Gerhardt [C250 at mydurango.net] 
>>> a retired geologist in Durango, CO, may be able to repair your 
>>> Raymarine / Autohelm / Raytheon autopilot.  He also does some work 
>>> on the ST50s, but they are usually just as cheep to buy used as 
>>> repair.  If he can't repair it, he may offer to buy it for parts.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> An while I'm at it, I had an occasion to obtain a newer wheel pilot 
>>> (just the wheel stuff, not the control head.)  My impression is that 
>>> it works much better with my old electronics than did the original 
>>> wheel stuff.  The synchronous motor seems bigger, heavier duty, and 
>>> responds well (better) to the ST4000+ controller.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Warren&  Pattie Updike
>>>
>>> 1994 C320 #62 "Warr De Mar"
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>