[C320-list] Issues with ST4000+ Autopilot

[Jack Brennan]

My experience is that the belt inside the wheel housing is faulty when that happens. You may be able to adjust it with the knob, but it's probably better to just get a new belt.

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl.


________________________________
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of Ferris Wills via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 16, 2024 10:07 PM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com <C320-List at catalina320.com>
Cc: Ferris Wills <ferriswills707 at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Issues with ST4000+ Autopilot

John,

I see a similar behavior: when I first engage the ap, it will occasionally veer to port immediately. This happens maybe one in twenty engagements. Otherwise it works as expected. I simply disengage and reengage and that always works.

When I first bought Argo (#505) two years ago, the ap was not working - I disassembled the wheel mechanism, replaced the belt and cleaned everything . I also rewired the electrical leads to the motor as I found a bad connection there. Finished by recalibrating as per instructions in the manual.

The weird veering behavior is kinda recent, so I should probably check my motor connections again - that seems to be a weak point in the design. I don’t have a rudder sensor. Let me know if you get to the bottom of it!

Thx,
Ferris
Argo #505

Typos by iPhone

> On Jul 16, 2024, at 6:10 PM, John Stetson via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> Dennis,
> Thanks for the input, particularly from your hull number!  I have checked
> the rudder position sensor and it seems to be working fine.  In fact, the
> whole system seems to be functioning as it should.  I am thinking that the
> intermittent nature of the issue is a wiring problem.  Very frustrating to
> not know when it is reliable and when it is not.
>
>
> John Stetson
> Morning Star...Again
> Hull 578
> 1999
>
>> On Mon, Jul 15, 2024 at 4:56 AM Dennis Cookson via C320-list <
>> c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>>
>> John, check that the ST4000 controller is showing the correct position of
>> the rudder at the bottom of the display, adjusting as you turn the wheel.
>> If not, check the wiring from the rudder reference unit (position
>> indicator) to the SmartPilot unit in the aft lazarette.
>>
>> Your vessel was built at the same time as ours and we likely have the same
>> system!  I am currently relocating my rudder reference device as it was
>> never installed properly and only worked in light winds.
>>
>> Dennis Cookson
>> ‘Catalina’ 0577
>>
>>
>>
>>> On 14 Jul 2024, at 18:32, John Stetson via C320-list <
>> c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>>>
>>> Our Raymarine ST4000+ Autopilot system is original, installed in 1999.
>>> When activating the AUTO mode, the helm goes hard to port.  We have
>>> verified the Dealer settings and recalibrated, including successfully
>>> turning the boat to swing the compass.  Intermittently, the autopilot
>> will
>>> work correctly and then, unpredictably, initiate the same turn on its
>> own.
>>> We have confirmed that there are no ferrous metals within 0.8 m of the
>>> fluxgate compass.  Would appreciate any words of wisdom short of
>> upgrading
>>> to the Evolution EV-100 Wheel Sail Autopilot.
>>>
>>>
>>> John Stetson
>>> Morning Star...Again
>>> Hull 578
>>> 1999
>>
>>