autopilot

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duke

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Hi,

I have a Neco autopilot NM692 fitted to my boat now over 20 years old ( both!)

The autopilot is not working properly and I understand there is no one
doing service/repairs on these anymore.

I'm thinking either replace with completely new autopilot or convert / upgrade the Neco if possible.

Anyone have any experience of the latter or suggestions of makes for the former?

Regards,

Duke.
 
suggestions for replacement will only ake sense if we know what sort of boat, and how you intend to use the autopilot (e.g. 2 - 3 hours calm water versus 2-3 weeks in a gale)
 
Search for Derek Coventry in Google. Also http://www.comnavmarine.com/

who supply new autopilot heads if your drive system works ok. What type is the drive is it chain and sprocket or hydraulic pump or maybe teleflex cable driven? There are other links available for conversions,but unfortuantely my iMac hard drive decided to quit and disappear so I've lost my bookmarks(Favourites). I'll post here if I can find some info.The motors are robust and reliable as are the pumps.So If you can get a new control head it will work better than ever.
 
Thanks for replies.

My boat is a Rival 38 approx. 10 tons inc. water + fuel.
Basically a heavy displacement sailing cruiser.
Usage would be more than calm conditions but not expected to work in gale conditions.

I understand that Derek Coventry has retired.



Regards,

Duke.
 
I would suggest that you are looking at something like a Raymarine S2 or its equivalent simrad. Or spend the money and get a monitor wind vane.
 
My boat has a Neco NM692 - it is a mighty beast and functions well. I also have the original docs with all the circuit diagrams. The motor is driven through relays, with quite basic electronic control (no microprocessors here!) Can you identify where the problem is? It may still be repairable.
 
Hi,


thanks for your response.

I agree it is a mighty beast and built like a tank.
Im not comfortable with electrics - I have the installation and operating instructions etc but its all greek to me.

The problem is that when the control box switch is turned on, the steering wheel turns fully to port. It does not turn to starboard at all. When switched off and the wheel centred and switched on again, the steering wheel repeats its turn to port.

I think ( but not at all sure ) that the problem may lie in the relays/ contacts in the Drive unit.
My drive unit is in a most inacessable spot for any work in situ.
I can take it out with a lot of difficulty.
I think I will have to do that, either to service the contacts or replace the relays; but where do I get replacement relays?
If the problem is in the control unit I think I am bunched,
as I dont think there's anyone now who I can send it to - much too complicated for me and of no interest to the few electronics engineers who see it as antiquated and before their time and experience. They only want to sell new Simrad or raymarine units.

Regards,

Duke.
 
I also have a NECO autpilot from 1973 in a Fisher 37 but only have the basic installation and operating instructions. I have been having problems with erratic performance which I think is due to the feedback resistor on the drive motor shaft. I would very much appreciate a schematic and/or other electrical circuit diagrams to help with troubleshooting. Is there a way you could share the diagrams you have?
 
I have an old Moody 36 with an Autopilot Neco 692 CU. I have problems now. The ruder stays in central position ignoring any orders given. Here (Portugal-Algarve) I can use a good electronic expert but with no technical information, the task is almost impossible. Is there any way for you to share the information you have? My son is in Durham University and is able to talk with you about.
Thank you. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
Have to say that have no experience of the Neco...but symptons described exceeding similar to problems I had with my Cetrek....That was down to a break in the wire from the compass unit...m,ight be worth a look? HTH
 
Hi,

thanks for your message.

I think the problem was to do with one or two things.
1) the relay switch contacts in the drive unit needed cleaning
2) The rudder control on the control box was set too high : my boat has a steering wheel with one full turn of the wheel to port and one full turn to starboard i.e.
setting control too high gives excessive reaction to the course set.

Whereas it is now working, maybe the problem was a intermittent break in the wire due to movement. I'll certainly keep it in mind.

Appreciate your advice.

Duke.
 
In Sept 2008 I've posted about a malfunction on my NM692 pilot.
Maybe my experience will be useful to someone.
After being rescue by a kind user who send me technical information and with the help of an electronic expert in Portugal I've solved the problem. In fact it was a very common and easy to solve problem. The rudder position feedback is done by a variable coil resistor on the drive unit and, with 30 years of use, the coil just broken. I´ve just replaced the resistor by an old one, but in good shape, from another drive unit I took from another boat. In fact is quit easy to buy a new one. It's a 500 ohms coil resistor with long shaft. It´s price is €40.
I almost throw that old pilot system away because a simple problem that no one wants to solve. Most of the guys I consult to solve this problem tried to sale a new system...
Fare winds!
 
NM 692 autopilot

Please help
duke said:
Hi Duke,
We are in process to replace our Neco NM692 control box with a Raymarine controler. It look like you have been succesful in repairing your Autopilot.
Would be great if you can Email us any electrical schematic which you have available to make our life easier. ( Any for the drive motor unit ?)

Thank you
Florian :)
Wellington
New Zealand


thanks for your response.

I agree it is a mighty beast and built like a tank.
Im not comfortable with electrics - I have the installation and operating instructions etc but its all greek to me.

The problem is that when the control box switch is turned on, the steering wheel turns fully to port. It does not turn to starboard at all. When switched off and the wheel centred and switched on again, the steering wheel repeats its turn to port.

I think ( but not at all sure ) that the problem may lie in the relays/ contacts in the Drive unit.
My drive unit is in a most inacessable spot for any work in situ.
I can take it out with a lot of difficulty.
I think I will have to do that, either to service the contacts or replace the relays; but where do I get replacement relays?
If the problem is in the control unit I think I am bunched,
as I dont think there's anyone now who I can send it to - much too complicated for me and of no interest to the few electronics engineers who see it as antiquated and before their time and experience. They only want to sell new Simrad or raymarine units.

Regards,

Duke.
Click to expand...
 
Neco to Raymarine

I have just changed from this unit to the Raymarine system, whilst just modifying the Neco drive unit (£360). This will be coupled to a Raymarine course computer X30, with the 6002 head.
 
I've retired from servicing now but can still give advice by email to aid 692 owners in keeping their equipment running. Also many neco owners have fitted more up to date pilots to the neco drive units.
I can still be contacted at derek207atbtinternet.com.
 
Ermeneanu said:
Please help
Click to expand...
The fault is most likely a faulty drive transistor on the control units Pcb.(Tr8 or Tr10).This is a common and cheap transistor. Email me for fault diagnosis guidance at derek207atbtinternetdotcom. I can also send drive unit wiring diagrams with modification guides for upgrading to present day pilots.
 
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