Autopilot Drive Stopped Message ?

[stevensuf]

I have a raymarine autopilot system, at the dock if i set it the rudder moves etc all works fine, at sea when i set it, it will either do nothing or move the steering a couple of times then come up with drive stop error, im wondering if it is a faulty or tired drive motor?

[atoll]

check voltage and connections,could be low voltage and corroded connections.
what type of drive??

[stevensuf]

I dont know the motor type, took the boat from eastbourne to scotland this week, rough ride and pain in ass hand steering all week.

I had little time to have a proper go at sorting it,it does sound like lack of power problem ie ok when no force on rudder but it cant power enough to overcome rudder forces on move, so possibly connection dropping voltage or maybe worn brushes/dirt dropping power in the motor, works fine at very low speed as soon as some force is required it quits!

it has a raymarine st6002 display, cant remember the brain number, will need to take a good look at the brain and motor numbers tomorrow when i take a better look

[atoll]

if the boat has been standing a while this would seem the most obvious cause,try electrical contact spray,also put a multimeter across the drive motor terminals,then engage a/p if large voltage drop,check motor and wiring,siezed linear drive etc.
no voltage drop ,check motor,brushes,contacts.

[stevensuf]

Cheers mate, will check voltages across the connections from brain box onwards and if no drop, start stripping the motor and see what i can find, its a direct drive not linear/worm type, gong to be fun trying to get it out, any contortionist sparks out there?

[atoll]

Originally Posted by stevensuf

Cheers mate, will check voltages across the connections from brain box onwards and if no drop, start stripping the motor and see what i can find, its a direct drive not linear/worm type, gong to be fun trying to get it out, any contortionist sparks out there?

small children fit well in small spaces!!!!

[stevensuf]

Aye, plus their rates are low, got plenty of haribot mix on board