[C320-list] Issues with ST4000+ Autopilot
Dennis Cookson
dennis at cooksons.net
Wed Jul 17 01:46:11 PDT 2024
John, is this autopilot behaviour a recent thing or has it never worked reliably? If the rudder position is reported correctly and the flux compass is providing an accurate heading then I would suspect the ST4000 controller (display unit) itself, or the connections to it as you suggest.
Good luck with your detective work.
Dennis Cookson
'Catalina' 0577.
> On 17 Jul 2024, at 02:09, 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
>>
>>
More information about the C320-list
mailing list