[C320-list] Autopilot replacement

[Dennis Cookson]

I followed the calibration procedure in the ST4000 Owner’s Manual, John, which is comprehensive. The only number I recall entering was for rudder gain, and I set it to 5 which is in the middle of the range.

Dennis Cookson
#0577, ‘Catalina'

> On 20 Aug 2024, at 13:20, John Beck via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
> 
> What are the number you use for calibration?
> Thanks
> John
> Sv Sailon
> #518
> 
> Jb
> 
> 
> On Tue, Aug 20, 2024 at 4:03 AM Dennis Cookson via C320-list <
> c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
> 
>> Hi Bruce, do you have a rudder reference as part of your installation? I
>> also have a ST4000 and Smart Pilot system, and recently reinstalled my
>> rudder reference which I had ignored since acquiring the boat, but which
>> had never been fitted correctly. It was mounted in a different plane to the
>> radial drive wheel and connected with elastic tethers. Since remounting it
>> correctly, calibrating, and limiting the drive wheel to the same angular
>> range), it has transformed the autopilot performance. It's quiet and smooth
>> and only applies small corrections when necessary.  Might be worth
>> recalibrating your system before shelling out for a replacement.
>> 
>> Dennis Cookson
>> #0577, 'Catalina'
>> 
>>> On 20 Aug 2024, at 01:58, B. Stumpp via C320-list <
>> c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>>> 
>>> After 20+ years my Raymarine ST4000+ autopilot is giving up.
>>> 
>>> It has always been a bit jerky and noisy, unlike other units that are
>> more
>>> smooth and quiet.
>>> 
>>> Would like to hear what others have installed.
>>> 
>>> Would also appreciate comments on satisfaction, ease of installation,
>>> smoothness of operation, etc.
>>> 
>>> Thanks in advance,
>>> 
>>> Bruce Stumpp
>>> 
>>> #647, Adventure
>>> 
>>> Middle River, Maryland
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>> 
>>