New ST2000 Issues

[Jdiamond]

I have a brand new ST2000 and I am installing it on my Ferro yacht, after installing it the unit powers up no problem but when I press "Auto" and am not turning at all it will just fully extend in slow increments. ANy ideas?

[Reefmagnet]

Possibly faulty, but have you done the round and round in circles calibration thing? What's the compass doing, i.e. is it changing angles on the display also? The compass unit is on a gimbal and is the thing that feels loose inside when you give the unit a bit of a shake. Perhaps it's jammed and not gimbaling properly?

[Opie91]

A few quick things to check:

- Make sure the power and ground connections are proper.
- What gauge wire did you use to connect the unit and how long?
- Double check polarity.

[Jdiamond]

Yea ok, will check all those things tomoro, I think it might be the boat because when I hold it above my head away from the boat it is sweet. is there a remote compass you can buy for them and install it somewhere non magnetic??

[Opie91]

First of all that unit needs to be mounted horizontally. It is not likely to work in its current configuration. It also appears to be mounted on the port side. It comes set up from the factory to be mounted with a starboard configuration. This will cause it to push when it should be pulling(steer backwards). Not a problem it can be programmed for port, just initially set up for starboard.

Also have you tested the unit underway or just at anchor?

[ErikFinn]

Originally Posted by Opie91

First of all that unit needs to be mounted horizontally. It is not likely to work in its current configuration. It also appears to be mounted on the port side. It comes set up from the factory to be mounted with a starboard configuration. This will cause it to push when it should be pulling(steer backwards). Not a problem it can be programmed for port, just initially set up for starboard.

Also have you tested the unit underway or just at anchor?

+1 for Opie91.
We used to have one of those Autohelm tiller pilots (cant remember the model) and it was on the starboard side, horizontally mounted. Never had issues with it. Check out the installation manual?

[Jdiamond]

Cheers Opie, I rushed taking that shot here is one how it is all set up. And also a video of what it is doing you can see in the video I am just at anchor and it pushes the tiller hard to starboard until it maxes out. even when I lift it right up in the air and try to hold it steady as if the boat was going straight it wigs out.

I have taken it apart and the compass seamed to be fine wobbling around freely, not rotating (but doesn't look like its ment to do that)

I am thinking there might be something faulty with it.

[DeepFrz]

It will do that because the boat is not turning. It thinks it needs more rudder. You can only test it when the boat is moving so that it can turn to the correct heading.

[Jdiamond]

I have tried it whilst moving same problem. On my old yacht I had an autohelm and it would just sit there if you weren't turning. I have decided to take to to the shop and have it looked at. take the unit out of the equation.

[Opie91]

Have you programmed it for a port setup yet? If so have you done a sea trial with port setup? DeepFrz is right the autopilot will push all the way out sitting on the mooring. A sea trial is the only way to do a proper test.