Autohelm ST50+ Wind system

[LadyStardust]

My ST50 Wind & close Haul System had stopped displaying windspeed and direction. If I put the display head into demo mode, it looks like it's working so I suspect the sensor unit. Before I climb the mast does anyone have any advice on this unit. I would love to know how to determine if the masthead unit is faulty? What resistance should there be between the various wires. The fact that the speed and direction have failed suggests it may not be the masthead sensor. The instrument came with the boat when it was bought from Europe last year so I can't go back to the original supplier. Are parts still available and who would be a good supplier/repairer? Failing that, I might have to look at a ST40/60, very expensive :-(
Also does anyone know what P8 means when cycling through the menu options, 'between U1 and S0'
Thanks

 

[mainmarine]

Try Raymarine on 0239 2693611, you can download a manual from Raymarine:
http://www.raymarine.com/raymarine/Default.asp?site=1&Section=3&Page=645&Parent=166
Malc
Mainmarine

 

[TigaWave]

I had problems with my ST50's from 1991 vintage, all the problems were down to corrosion under the keypads or on the circuit boards of the displays, but all fixable with a soldering iron and magnifying glass.
Once you get a display apart you will quickly see if any moisture has got in, as you'll see white salty powder.
I also had contact problems in the connectors and had to replace one.
Maybe check there before you start climbing?

 

[LadyStardust]

Thanks for that, I think mine were installed in 1995 in Germany. They seemed to be working fine in december, but i havent used them since, nothing has changed, other than a lot of harsh weather, but I presume that shouldnt be an issue. I will call raymarine and see what they say. Somehow I don't feel I will be coming out of this with my wallet intact!

 

[claymore]

Hi
Check the deck fittings before you go up there - did you take your mast down over the winter?

 

[snowleopard]

as claymore says, No. 1 suspect must be the connection at deck level- if it's a plug rather than a gland with continuous cable it's very likely to have corroded.

also check the wiring connection to the instrument head. raytheon use very thin wires and these are prone to corrosion. you may be able to fix it by just cutting off the last inch of the wires and re-attaching.

 

[LadyStardust]

Thanks for the tips, I already had the manual, that doesnt help much, it would be great if it had a wiring diagram for the masthead sensor wiring, but it assumes you are using their preformed cables.
The cable comes through a gland and into a junction box inside and below the mast, I have already cut back the cable and reconnected but it didnt make any difference, I also buzzed the wiring through from that junction box to the display ok. I bought the boat with the mast down in Glasgow, I sailed home to Liverpool last december, It seemed to be working fine on the trip, and it hasnt left the marina since! I think I will try to locate an ST50 sensor and attach it to the display unit to see if that works.