Autopilot Robertson Help?

[Jorodeta]

I have a Robertson AP200, but was not happy with the constant working of the pump, irrespective of weather and even under engine. Changing the settings did not help that much.

It uses a VDO compass via the sine/cosine interface, needs to be set everytime you use it!
I was going to try the Robertson RFC250 fluxgate, has anyone any experience of it.

Simrad just want me to dump it, but these were the best autpilots around and are still used by many commercial boats.
It is also quite easy to repair.

I have used this model on other boats and found it very good, and far superior to other units.

(I also have a raymarine ST6000 for standby, but have never been that happy with Raymarine)

Finally Can you put two Fluxgates close to each other on a steel boat?

 

[billiew]

Sorry to be a pesssimist but a Robertson was fitted to my boat when I bought her,can,t remember the model,but there was a fault which like you I would like to have cured.I had to give up in the end and fit a Raymarine.The Robertson was just too old and had been obselete too long.I really tried everything but at least the Raymarine has been OK(5years now)
Bill

 

[douglas_family]

What ever you do dont buy Navman, as my new unit failed to work and the company passed me arround from person to person and then failed to call back repeatedly as promised and now they dont return my e-mails and its under warenty!!!

 

[Ariadne]

I had a similar problem when I bought my boat, the previous owner had Simrad send new units and loads of technical details and litriture, but it still didn't work. I don't what our electrician did when he re-wired the boat, but its worked fine for me. Robertson auto pilots are the best around and as said before, they are still in service in loads of comercial craft.

Rather than keep getting knocked back by Simrad, find out who does the electrical work on the local fishing fleet, they should be able to help you out or advise on whats best for your boat.

Avoid the local yotti electrcian who will charge the earth 'looking for the problem' then advise you to fit a new unit as its easier (and less technical for him).