Auto Pilot Potentiometer

[Charlie]

Hi All:

I am trying to get my Auto Pilot working. It is an Alpha 3000. I am trying to go thru the dealer but cannot seem to communicate my need to them. They have inspected the unit before and said it was working. Well now I have a differetn problem and I need to replace the potentiometer(sp?)(Pot) that controls the rudder angle. Well they want to know the serial number. And there isn't one printed anywhere. I told them they should have a record of it since they have already inspected the auto pilot and siad it was working. Well anyway after alot of trouble and me suggesting different way to resolve the problem (Why do I have to do other people's job for them) They said that if I shipped the Pot them they might be able to replace it for $40. and they would still prefer that I send them the entire ram b/c it is very difficult to replace the Pot. Well if it is that hard to fix why do they put the instructions on how to fix it on their website. Besides I like fixing things. and Well I guess I'll stop my rant and ask a question:

The Pot has the following numbers on it 6187 R10k L1.0 Mexico 9848. There is also a manufactures insignia that could be the letters BI. Does anyone know how I can track down this part?

[MidLandOne]

The marking means that it is a 10kohm 1 turn precision potentiometer. It would normally look like a normal type potentiometer but with an encapsulated plastic body (usually grey) a bit under an inch in diameter and the body about 1/2 inch long. The shaft will be 1/4 inch dia. with the screwed bit 3/8 inch dia.

If this sounds like the right thing then you will need to get it from a specialist electronic component supplier and all they likely need is the 6187 R10k L1.0 designation and whether the one you have has mechanical stops in it or not.

These things are not your regular el cheapo pot 1 dollar job (I think they are around the equivalent of USD20 here) so I think if the dealer says he will do it for USD40 I would go with that myself to be sure of getting the exact correct thing in case of variances in the position of the mechanical stops, etc. But if want to do it yourself these guys may be able to help -

BI Technologies Corporation
4200 Bonita Place
Fullerton, CA 92835-1053
Customer Service - (714) 447-2345
Fax - (714) 447-2400

They make them (but I think elsewhere as they are an english owned company) but that is their US office.

John

[Charlie]

Thanks John:

After looking for them on the internet I have found them for considerably less money then the dealer. Under $10 US. There is a minimum order of $35 so I guess I will order 4 of them to meet the minimum order price. I usually try to help out local vendors and would pay the extra money but in return I need to recieve good customer service. Here is alink to the place where I am buying the pot An Authorized Distributor for More Than 200 Manufacturers | Onlinecomponents.com

[MidLandOne]

I see them in stock on the link you gave so a good quick result .

John