Autohelm 4000 Wheel Pilot replacement control unit

[tjfmmaes]

Hi

On my last outing, my autohelm started behaving very funnily and I started weaving in circles. Not quite the thing you want when you're trying to hoist the main. So I guess my venerable Autohelm control unit has finally given the ghost. I could either get it repaired or bite the bullet and get a newer swankier control unit whilst keeping the old drive unit. Or so I thought. I did a search on the Raymarine site and can't find a replacement/upgrade control unit anymore as that range seems to be discontinued. I don't want to fork out for a whole new wheel pilot as the rest seems to be fine and little used. (Anyway, I also need a new radio, so money is pretty tight) Does anyone know what the replacement unit is called? and where to get it? Thanks a lot for your help.

Tom

 

[Aja]

Before you go and splash money. Can you confirm that nothing in the set-up has been changed?

It may be worth it to re-calibrate your system - maybe the fluxgate compass has become a bit disorientated. There isn't a spanner sitting beside it? Could be something simple.

Donald

 

[Richard10002]

Before splashing the cash, I would be tempted to work from scratch, with the help of a multimeter, to see what isnt doing what it should.

I would probably start with the set-up menu, recalibrate, check all connections and test what is being sent via the various connections.

I dont know the details for the specific unit, but the installer manual for my 7000 has a lot of detail on setup, and raymarine.com has a large knowledge base. If the knowledge base cant help, you can send a specific question and a technician will probably answer, (may need a couple of chase ups).

There are a few people here who know lots about these units, so more help should be forthcoming.

Cheers

Richard

 

[aluijten]

The control unit for the Autohelm 4000 (not the ST4000) comes by quite often at Ebay.
If you are not in a hurry, you might catch one there. (use worldwide search option)

Good luck,

Arno

 

[aluijten]

I found one on the biggest second hand site in holland. Give it a try (use button "Neem contact op met adverteerder"):

http://watersport.marktplaats.nl/navigat...9b3%2Bw%2FiI5Cc

Ciao,

Arno

 

[oldsaltoz]

G'day Thomas,

I'm having the same problems with an ST3000, like you I have found it has been discontinued and Raymarine in Cairns are no help at all, unit can not be repaired and no parts available.

My problem is compounded by the fact that the control head also contains the fluxgate compass. I have been searching the net for two weeks and have not managed to locate a second hand unit worldwide on e-bay.

I imagine I could install another fluxgate compass and control head from a later model, but then how would I know how to cable the thing???

I anyone has done this I would welcome some input as I suspect this question will come up more often now they have discontinued several or the older systems.

Avagoddweekend......

 

[Richard10002]

[ QUOTE ]

Raymarine in Cairns are no help at all, unit can not be repaired and no parts available.


[/ QUOTE ]

I suspect that is a fairly standard answer...... if it's electronic, it may be possible to identify the bit/s on a circuit board which need replacing.

However, there could still be other things causing the problem before resorting to spending money.

but...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AUTOHELM-4000-AUTO...1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Autopilot-Autohelm...1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Autohelm-6000-Auto...1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Autohelm-ST7000-Co...1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[chubby]

If you are within reach of Portsmouth, turn up at the Raymarine factory customer service counter: 0900-1645 m-t and to 1245 fri, they were very helpful when I took in a Autohelm 4000 drive unit recently and saved me buying a new unit ( the S1 is the succesor to the AH4000) admittedly my problem was mechanical not electronic but they were refreshingly willing to look at a unit long out of production.

I have no links with them other than as a customer!

 

[PaulR]

second comments above - was there this week dropping my 4000 wheel drive in for some tlc- very helpful people and pricing has in the past been pleasant surprise rathet than horrid shock - their number according to my receipt is 02392693611 xt2029 - good luck

 

[oldsaltoz]

Thanks Richard,

It's the electronic card that has failed and is beyond repair due to water damage. I have looked at the links below a few times, I run a worldwide search every 24 hrs (or less).

Avagoodweekend I will continue my search and advice on what I can cobble together.

 

[capitaine]

Does somebody knows where i can find the pin out for the unit plse? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif r.mailloux@hotmail.com