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theglo · 19-04-2022, 11:47

Hello!
I recently purchased a boat that has an Alpha Spectra Digital Autopilot. I’ve attached a photo of the head unit.

The prior owner of the boat did not use the autopilot but stated that it worked.

I can get it to take over the wheel but it generally just goes hard over in one direction or another.

I have no idea what the different buttons do. In particular the large “volume” knob.

Anyone have this autopilot or have a manual? I cannot find a manual online anywhere either for this model.

I appreciate any help! Hoping I don’t need to replace the autopilot!

pdx_sailing · 19-04-2022, 12:35

Wow. I have seen manuals for the 3000 and 4000 but never for that space ship. What I have found trying to get my 3000 working again is that there really isn't any support for these Alpha systems. The big dia should be the compass heading if its like the other ones I have seen. look for a user manual for a 4000, I bet that will help.

JL-SWFL · 07-05-2022, 18:52

I'm wondering if your were able to get any information on this autopilot. My new (used) sailboat has the exact same Alpha Spectra system, in great shape and apparently working. I have zero idea on the simple basics of getting it to work.

An exhausting search has turned up no info, no manuals, no videos and a company that is no longer in business.

theglo · 08-05-2022, 07:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by JL-SWFL

I'm wondering if your were able to get any information on this autopilot. My new (used) sailboat has the exact same Alpha Spectra system, in great shape and apparently working. I have zero idea on the simple basics of getting it to work.

An exhausting search has turned up no info, no manuals, no videos and a company that is no longer in business.

I don't have any good news, sorry. I ended up installing a new Raymarine EV200 system and tied it into the Alpha Marine ram at a cost of about $2,000.

Previously I used the manual for the Alpha Marine 3000 (I think) that I found online to kind of guess what the buttons did on mine. I was able to get it to control the boat, but it would constantly just turn to starboard.

At the very end of installing the new Raymarine autopilot I actually figured out why the Alpha Marine one was turning to starboard - the autopilot ram's connection to the rudder post had slid out of alignment. I had to move it back into its correct position to get the Raymarine system working correctly. My guess is if I would have discovered this before I would have been good to go with the Alpha system and saved 2 boat bucks.

.

Anyway, taking the Raymarine system out today for its sea trial. Off to Bahamas in 3 weeks!

jamhass · 08-05-2022, 10:20

I too used a Raymarine course computer with an Alpha ram.

There is one issue that you must be aware of.

The Raymarine CC gets its rudder info from its own rudder sensor. If the ram is not connected to the rudder, the CC will activate the ram but not move the rudder and may/will overdrive the ram and damage it.

Thus it is critical that the ram be properly engaged before the CC is engaged.

I rigged a microswitch and relay to ensure the ram was always protected.

Pm me if you need additional details. I am away from home so a full response may take a while.

theglo · 08-05-2022, 13:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamhass

I too used a Raymarine course computer with an Alpha ram.

There is one issue that you must be aware of.

The Raymarine CC gets its rudder info from its own rudder sensor. If the ram is not connected to the rudder, the CC will activate the ram but not move the rudder and may/will overdrive the ram and damage it.

Thus it is critical that the ram be properly engaged before the CC is engaged.

I rigged a microswitch and relay to ensure the ram was always protected.

Pm me if you need additional details. I am away from home so a full response may take a while.

Hi, yes, do you mind letting me know how you rigged that up!? I’m a marine electrician so can handle it but am definitely curious how you managed it. Thanks!!

theglo · 14-05-2022, 13:36

Following jamhass advice I rigged up a micro switch. Here’s a crappy video in case anyone needs to do it in the future.

https://youtu.be/vZz7wjTsR_I

taylormobile · 14-05-2022, 14:58

Hello - I have a working Alpha Marine 3000. When the business shut down I downloaded everything I could from the website. Attached is a doc for the 4404 which I think is spectra. Also attached is a trouble shooting doc that includes some info on spectra.

hope this helps.

Steve

seagypsy8 · 14-05-2022, 17:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by taylormobile

Hello - I have a working Alpha Marine 3000. When the business shut down I downloaded everything I could from the website. Attached is a doc for the 4404 which I think is spectra. Also attached is a trouble shooting doc that includes some info on spectra.

hope this helps.

Steve

Hi Steve
Well done thinking to download everything from the website before they closed. We have an Alpha 3000 with a remote control head in the cockpit and I was hoping you would share any other downloads you have for the 3000, compass and linear drive.
Cheers
Steve

theglo · 14-05-2022, 19:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by taylormobile

Hello - I have a working Alpha Marine 3000. When the business shut down I downloaded everything I could from the website. Attached is a doc for the 4404 which I think is spectra. Also attached is a trouble shooting doc that includes some info on spectra.

hope this helps.

Steve

Ah... wish I had this 2 weeks ago! It's exactly what I was looking for.

I ended up removing the Alpha system, except the ram, and installing a new Raymarine EV-200.

Funny thing is (I think I mentioned it above) but I believe that the only thing wrong with the Alpha was that I didn't know how to use it and the coupler between the drive unit and the rudder was misaligned. Every time I had the autopilot take control of the boat it swung hard to starboard... turns out it was likely just because the autopilot thought that was straight.

Anyway, I guess I get a shiny new autopilot display.

Thanks!

**GordMay** · 15-05-2022, 05:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by taylormobile

Hello - I have a working Alpha Marine 3000. When the business shut down I downloaded everything I could from the website. Attached is a doc for the 4404 which I think is spectra. Also attached is a trouble shooting doc that includes some info on spectra.
hope this helps.
Steve

https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...4&d=1652565392

https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...5&d=1652565392

Good stuff, Steve!
Alpha Marine Systems Alpha 3000 Installation And Operation Manual
➥ https://www.manualslib.com/manual/90...00.html#manual

See also ➥ https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...ne-234322.html

taylormobile · 15-05-2022, 11:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by theglo

Ah... wish I had this 2 weeks ago! It's exactly what I was looking for.

I ended up removing the Alpha system, except the ram, and installing a new Raymarine EV-200.

Funny thing is (I think I mentioned it above) but I believe that the only thing wrong with the Alpha was that I didn't know how to use it and the coupler between the drive unit and the rudder was misaligned. Every time I had the autopilot take control of the boat it swung hard to starboard... turns out it was likely just because the autopilot thought that was straight.

Anyway, I guess I get a shiny new autopilot display.

Thanks!

Sorry I didn't see your message until yesterday. I have been thinking of getting a back up system for my 3000 and was wondering if you still have the old Alpha unit and components for sale?

Thanks,

Steve

taylormobile · 15-05-2022, 11:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by seagypsy8

Hi Steve
Well done thinking to download everything from the website before they closed. We have an Alpha 3000 with a remote control head in the cockpit and I was hoping you would share any other downloads you have for the 3000, compass and linear drive.
Cheers
Steve

Here's what I have - attached 3 documents

Steve

theglo · 15-05-2022, 14:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by taylormobile

Sorry I didn't see your message until yesterday. I have been thinking of getting a back up system for my 3000 and was wondering if you still have the old Alpha unit and components for sale?

Thanks,

Steve

The only thing I have left is the fluxgate compass. The rest I discarded. Sorry! I have no storage space and my family of 5 are moving onto a 40 foot sailboat for the year.