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Old 11-07-2012, 02:45   #1
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TMQ Autopilot problems

Hello Cruisers,

I've recently encountered problems with my autohelm that has me a little puzzled, I'm hoping there might be some mechanically inclined minds that could help me out.

We have a 18 ton, 44 foot Boden South Seas ketch purchased second hand. The steering system is completely hydraulic, with a T.M.Q series 2000 autopilot, and a Octopus hydraulic pump. This system is (obviously) very old, but has worked problem free for the last two years. Recently the autohelm stopped holding headings however. The pump is still operating, and it's still operating the rudder, but it seems to have lost it's ability to hold any sort of heading. Normally when this autopilot is turned on it holds it's current heading and gives you the option of changing headings left and right by 15 degrees without disconnection the system, now this function also allows us to do 360 degree turns. It seems to have completely lost it's orientation

Before deciding on a new system, I'd like to be assured that there isn't an easy fix for this. My only thought is that possibly the compass it receives it's information from (on top of the mizzen) is our problem. Any thoughts or idea would be appreciated.
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Old 11-07-2012, 03:07   #2
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Try tapping the top of the the autopilot , sometimes on those older models the compass inside them gets stuck
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Old 11-07-2012, 06:16   #3
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Re: Autohelm problems

I don't have a suggestion for you, but I am curious as to what led you to mount the compass at the top of the mizzen mast? That is an unusual location, to say the least.

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Old 11-07-2012, 06:31   #4
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Re: Autohelm problems

Is it a steel ketch? Mounting your compass at the top of the mizzen will induce a lot of motion. It sounds like the compass is not working properly. Without knowing the system you may be able to replace with a new compass and mount it closer to deck.
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Old 11-07-2012, 23:22   #5
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I was very hopeful today that tapping the top of the autopilot would loosen things up, and bring back some order, unfortunately the autopilot still wanders all over.

The compass is mounted about 3/4 of the way up the mizzen, right in front of the spreaders. I agree that the location is odd, but that's where it was when we purchased the boat. Because it is a steel boat, I have to assume it was thought to be the best compromise between interference and motion.

we are back to where we started still with a faulty autopilot. My assumption is that the compass is still the culprit. If we were to purchase a new compass, are there any recommendations on mounting locations? Has anybody come across good deals on compasses, or have proven and trusted brands?

Thank you
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Old 12-07-2012, 06:00   #6
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Re: Autohelm problems

Greetings and a belated welcome aboard the CF, Streets.

Do you have the Manuals?
TMQ Downloads ➥ TMQ International.
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Old 14-09-2012, 21:23   #7
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Question Re: Autohelm problems

Caps38 Here
We have a TMQ 2000 autopilot. We are trying to find the colour coding for the rudder feed back.
Does anyone have a manual as we cannot find one.
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Old 15-09-2012, 05:51   #8
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Re: TMQ Autopilot problems

Did you check the link in the post just above yours?

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Old 15-09-2012, 06:23   #9
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Re: TMQ Autopilot problems

Dont Autopilots usually have a fluxgate compass which supposedly have no issue with steel?
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