RayMarine (Autohelm) ST7000 autopilot, worth reviving?

[GreenHeaven]

This unit controls a rudder actuator, not wheel turning, so the hardware is all connected, but hooking it up to 12v causes a constant beep from the control head.


Assuming the parts are available, I am guessing new "fluxgate" compass and probably brain.


Is it worth the investment of time and money to diagnose and repair?

Is it possible to upgrade it to something newer and retain the actuator?

[goboatingnow]

Yes in general the actuator will transfer to newer units or different manufactures

The st 7000 is not a bad pilot. So it might be worth trying to save it.

[GreenHeaven]

Based on this thread I wonder...


https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...00-3453-2.html

[belizesailor]

The 7000 is a good AP, so it is worth investigating the cost of repairs/replacement of components.

[GreenHeaven]

can it be "upgraded" to Raymarine SPX30 and EV-1 autopilots?
These seem to be the recent offerings

[GreenHeaven]

Unfortunately the RayMarine forum is now closed. They are transitioning to a customer support site (

[bstreep]

I haven't looked in a while. But when we made the jump to new instruments, our old RM stuff brought a lot more than we thought is would/should, on fleabay. Even "parts only" pieces. Enough that it paid for about 40% of the new.

As for RM support, use their new support platform. It's... OK. I really loved the forums.

[OldGreyB]

Your profile does not state boat make / size, so I can not comment on possible suitable replacement units. However I have been helping a yachting colleague with an earlier model Raymarine Auto pilot problem, so here are my learnings:

Understand the issue:
Read the Raymarine Manual for your unit. Yours has a section on "Common System Problems" This can be as simple as insufficient voltage to a piece of equipment, or one wiring connection damaged so the connectivity of the system is compromised. Try and isolate which part is causing the issue.

Possible Partial Upgrade:
Complete a list of the exact equipment installed on your vessel additional to the ST700 Head.
Type and model of:
• Actuator
• Pump
• Flux gate compass
• Rudder reference unit
This can then lead you to understand what new components are compatible with your current parts and the minimal needs for replacement to have an operational system. Draw yourself a cabling layout so you fully understand your current wiring connectivity and new needs. This is important as new kits may or may not have all the interconnection parts you will need if still using existing components. You can then select just the equipment you need, and not a complete system replacement unless you really want to go down that route.

Possible Full Upgrade:
Draw yourself a diagram of the existing cabling layout , so you fully understand your current wiring connectivity and new needs. This can reduce the amount of installation work / time if cabling systems are already compatible, i.e. SeaTalk ng and power supplies. Examine the location of existing components and size / shape of new components.

Possible Repair:
The ST7000 is of the generation where the original design enables repairs. So from other CF threads we learnt to contact the "Legacy Raymarine Equipment Whisperer", Dan Gerhardt. He operates an EBay store https://www.ebay.com/usr/kodiakjack99 for legacy products and also has a good reputation for legacy Raymarine repairs. The ebay link provides his email. We found him via a CF thread and this blog post:https://theboatgalley.com/raymarine-instrument-repair/ Definitely worth an email to Dan describing your faults and any fault finding to date.

[GreenHeaven]

Originally Posted by OldGreyB

Your profile does not state boat make / size, so I can not comment on possible suitable replacement units. However I have been helping a yachting colleague with an earlier model Raymarine Auto pilot problem, so here are my learnings:

Understand the issue:
Read the Raymarine Manual for your unit. Yours has a section on "Common System Problems" This can be as simple as insufficient voltage to a piece of equipment, or one wiring connection damaged so the connectivity of the system is compromised. Try and isolate which part is causing the issue.

Possible Partial Upgrade:
Complete a list of the exact equipment installed on your vessel additional to the ST700 Head.
Type and model of:
• Actuator
• Pump
• Flux gate compass
• Rudder reference unit
This can then lead you to understand what new components are compatible with your current parts and the minimal needs for replacement to have an operational system. Draw yourself a cabling layout so you fully understand your current wiring connectivity and new needs. This is important as new kits may or may not have all the interconnection parts you will need if still using existing components. You can then select just the equipment you need, and not a complete system replacement unless you really want to go down that route.

Possible Full Upgrade:
Draw yourself a diagram of the existing cabling layout , so you fully understand your current wiring connectivity and new needs. This can reduce the amount of installation work / time if cabling systems are already compatible, i.e. SeaTalk ng and power supplies. Examine the location of existing components and size / shape of new components.

Possible Repair:
The ST7000 is of the generation where the original design enables repairs. So from other CF threads we learnt to contact the "Legacy Raymarine Equipment Whisperer", Dan Gerhardt. He operates an EBay store https://www.ebay.com/usr/kodiakjack99 for legacy products and also has a good reputation for legacy Raymarine repairs. The ebay link provides his email. We found him via a CF thread and this blog post:https://theboatgalley.com/raymarine-instrument-repair/ Definitely worth an email to Dan describing your faults and any fault finding to date.

THANK YOU !!!!

[GreenHeaven]

Possible Partial Upgrade:
Complete a list of the exact equipment installed on your vessel additional to the ST700 Head.
Type and model of:
• Actuator
• Pump
• Flux gate compass
• Rudder reference unit
This can then lead you to understand what new components are compatible with your current parts and the minimal needs for replacement to have an operational system. Draw yourself a cabling layout so you fully understand your current wiring connectivity and new needs. This is important as new kits may or may not have all the interconnection parts you will need if still using existing components. You can then select just the equipment you need, and not a complete system replacement unless you really want to go down that route.

Type 2 liner actuator
rudder posn sensor
fluxgate compass (somewhere - unknown but connected)
Type 300 12v ECU unit
ST7000 head unit

Cabling is simple.
I contacted Dan.
Assuming its the ECU thats the problem (constant loud beep when power is connected - never a good sign!), is it possible to get OEM replacement? from where in Europe?

[GreenHeaven]

Seems this could be prolematic

https://forums.ybw.com/index.php?thr...e-st60.129864/

https://forum.raymarine.com/showthread.php?tid=3394