New to this guys

[ARW]

New to this guys Wonder if anybody knows about autopilot mine seems to be playing up continually goes of course and beeps not sure what the Issue is any suggestions

[Jim Cate]

ARW, yif you really want help with your a/p, you'll need to tell us a LOT more about it, what model, how installed, what boat and more about the specific symptoms you experience.

Without that, no help will be forthcoming.

Jim

[Lepke]

You autopilot use some sort of compass, built in, a sensor on a binical or a satellite connection. Nearby electronics, large pieces of steel or cast iron, and boat motion all play a part. The rate the motor turns the rudder can also be an issue. Maybe the autopilot is drinking the alcohol in the compass.

[JPA Cate]

Just a note, our autopilot beeps when it goes off course: that is the off course alarm.
In our case, and this may not be true for yours, if the steering pulls too much current, the AP disconnects. I view this as "taking his hands off the steering wheel and shrieking hysterically". Generally speaking, this does not happen when the boat's sails are well balanced, but the combination of big seas and big winds has done it a few times, sailing off the wind.

Ann

[Jim Cate]

g'Day again ARW,
I'm copying your PM here so that others can follow the discussion:

Thanks Jim the alto is from what I can find is a St auto helm when you press standby and auto and lock the steering it hold for about Two minutes then beeps not readjusting the direction with no movement of the wheel

So, lets try to flesh this out a bit more...

You think it is an Autohelm ST pilot. OK, which model? 3000, 4000 or other? Wheel or tiller or direct drive?

With the wheel or tiller disconnected from the pilot, if you push + or - 10 degrees, does the drive run one way or the other?

Do you have the manual for the unit, and have you read it and have you done the setup routine that is described therein?

when we have those answers, then we can start analyzing the problem... maybe! There are some pretty smart techo types here on CF, and lots of folks with experience with Autohelm/Ray marine a/ps. Some one will be able to help you out, most likely.

Jim

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, ARW.

[Cherod]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

g'Day again ARW,
I'm copying your PM here so that others can follow the discussion:



So, lets try to flesh this out a bit more...

You think it is an Autohelm ST pilot. OK, which model? 3000, 4000 or other? Wheel or tiller or direct drive?

With the wheel or tiller disconnected from the pilot, if you push + or - 10 degrees, does the drive run one way or the other?

Do you have the manual for the unit, and have you read it and have you done the setup routine that is described therein?

when we have those answers, then we can start analyzing the problem... maybe! There are some pretty smart techo types here on CF, and lots of folks with experience with Autohelm/Ray marine a/ps. Some one will be able to help you out, most likely.

Jim

I remember when on our first passage I thot that our auto helm was broken but with some patience and perseverance ( and direction changes !! ) and allowing it time to reset / settle it turned out to be ok . ( I am no expert ! )

[ARW]

Thanks to all found that the speed over Ground was the issue i.e. not enough speed today we had 20 to 25k wind worked wonderfully