Autohelm ST4000 display is 180 degrees out

[Elemental]

As per subject. My Autohelm wheelpilot ST4000 works fine, but the displayed heading is 180 degrees out. I've tried the re calibration steps (motoring round in a circle) but nothing changed. I only use it occasionally, and then only to maintain the current heading or change direction using the +/- buttons but I'm curious as to why it should behave this way. Ideas anyone?

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

have you remounted the gyro compass?.... bet its on backwards!

 

[pvb]

It doesn't matter how the fluxgate compass is mounted, as long as it's vertical. You should be able to adjust the heading alignment in the set-up menu. Check the manual. If it's 180 degrees out, you'll probably have to do the compass deviation procedure (motoring in circles) again.

 

[prv]

I don't know about the compass specifically, but some other Raymarine pilot connections (S-series gyro, rudder sensor) are analogue and can be swapped in direction literally by swapping the wires over. Have you checked that all the wire colours match the markings on the back of the controller?

Pete

 

[FWB]

Did you do the deviation check in the set up mode, and then align heading? Page 83.

 

[Grumpybear]

Happened to ours some years ago. I just realigned it (lots of button pressing!) and it's been fine ever since.

 

[alan17]

Mine too after being out of water and not turned on for some weeks. I also have radar (c80). I simply realigned with the c80 rotary control and all was as it should be.

 

[nigelmercier]

My ST6000+ autopilot display is out by several degrees, except on a particular heading. I must take a look at it.

 

[BrianH]

In 2006 I fitted a Raymarine S1 Smartpilot system. The main fibreglass bulkhead next to the SmartPilot computer seemed a suitable mounting position for the Fluxgate Compass unit and I initially did fit it there, where it was rearwards-facing. However, when the system was first switched on and the Controller display activated, I was surprised to see the ship's reciprocal bearing showing on the Standby course. The documentation did indeed show all the proposed mounting positions as being on forward-facing, vertical surfaces (other than the diagrammatic one below), but I expected the extensive calibration options would allow a 180 degree adjustment; but no, the multiple possibilities did not cover that contingency. I thought this strange, a fluxgate compass must deliver a digital value to the computer - a simple algorithm could be incorporated. I ended up repositioning the Fluxgate Compass unit on a forward-facing part of the moulded cockpit steering seat position where the Standby bearing was correct.