Jon
I am just going through a similar problem at the moment with my ST6001plus and S2 course computer, my Auto Pilot (A/P) will randomly not hold a course, the
compass “appears” to be sticking and also randomly will show “No Data”
So here are my thoughts
The ST6001 Operating guide says the following about the Message ”NO DATA”
Caused by any of the following situations
• The compass not connected
• The autopilot is wind vane mode and has not received wind data for 30 seconds
• The autopilot is in Track mode and
o The A/P has not received Sea talk navigation data or
o The position sensor (GPS, LORAN,Decca) is receiving a low strength signal – this will clear when the signal improves
Check connections to the compass, wind instrument and navigator
NOTE
The A/P stops adjusting he heading as soon as it loses data
Ok, to take these one at a time
The compass
Try turning in slow but steady circles with the A/P in Standby mode and watch the headings displayed. It should move smoothly and regularity and not get stuck on certain headings. Also try the resistance test in the RAYMARINE Link about
If the resistance test is OK, the heading is showing smoothly and the heading is showing on the display head, it is probably not the compass.
The autopilot is wind vane mode
Check the pilot is not in wind vane mode and the wind display is working and check ALL the Seatalk connectors are fully plugged in to the display heads so that all are sending/receiving Data
This should confirm that the Wind vane is connected
The autopilot is in Track mode
Check it is NOT in Track mode and also check that the St6001 is showing
GPS data by cycling through the Display button,
This should confirm the GPS connection is OK
Rudder sensor
In Standby, if the rudder angle is displayed on the display head and moves when you move the
wheel, this should confirm the rudder
sensor is OK
Seatalk Connections
Also check that the Seatalk connection to the Course computer DOES NOT have the Red wire connected as if it is, it could try and operate the A/P through the Seatalk daisy chain if the A/P is off and the
instruments are on, which will blow fused etc.
If you can find someone who is prepared to lend you a compatible course computer, this will help your diagnostics. If you can find one, a second hand course computer working will cost between $500 to $800
As other people have said, get and read the
manuals and RayMarine on line help is pretty good
You want to avoid having to fit the latest Raymarine A/P if you can, it will probably cost you $2,500 to $3,000 plus fitting by the time you have converted part of your
boat from
NMEA 0183 and Seatalk1 to SeatalkNG and NMEA2K
As you have a solid fault, it should be easier to find, Good luck!!!