I have got problems with my helmsman

[Mavis]

My Autohelm 800 tiller pilot works successfully for several hours, then gives up the ghost and refuses to work for the rest of the trip. But then on the next trip will work again with no problems at all for four or five hours and stops again. I have had it apart, cleaned it and lubricated it but it seems it just needs a 24hr rest.

It came with the boat and ok I probably need the next size up for my 29 foot boat but it seems to manage perfectly well motoring on a flat windless sea – I guess something on the circuit board is overheating, but what and why such a long cooling down period????

 

[stuarta]

I've not got any first hand experience of this but I believe that electric auto helms are very sensitive to low battery voltages. Might explain why it is fine to start with then deteriorates - especially if batteries topped up by engine or shore power in between.

 

[Mavis]

I've not got any first hand experience of this but I believe that electric auto helms are very sensitive to low battery voltages. Might explain why it is fine to start with then deteriorates - especially if batteries topped up by engine or shore power in between.

Hi, Thanks for the reply but I only ever use it when motoring through lack of wind, and of course the alternator is giving full charge so it can't be that. Sorry.
its really strange.

 

[LadyInBed]

I can't remember off the top of my head, but can you adjust the sensitivity on the 800?

 

[Contest1]

Hi, Thanks for the reply but I only ever use it when motoring through lack of wind, and of course the alternator is giving full charge so it can't be that. Sorry.
its really strange.

According to what I,v read the alternaror will cut out/reduce charge after approximatly an hour. This or a fault in the charging system could lead to low voltage. Maybe check with a meter when it happens .

 

[Iliade]

There is a large diode on the board of my 1000. This previously failed through overheating and could conceivably be the source of your problem... Cheap as chips to carry a spare to check with.

 

[ghostlymoron]

According to what I,v read the alternaror will cut out/reduce charge after approximatly an hour. This or a fault in the charging system could lead to low voltage. Maybe check with a meter when it happens .

The output from an alternator reduces as the battery voltage rises. So this wouldn't be the cause of the problem.

 

[Mavis]

Sorry, I have just remembered an important fact that I failed to include.

When it stops working the “minus” button will still retract the arm, but when pressing the “plus” button nothing happens at all. So it must be something on the “plus” side that is overheating????

Incidentally, I know for a fact that I have sufficient voltage but I probably do need to check the readings at the connector in case it is a wiring fault?? I still rather think it is a overheating problem.

 

[ProDave]

I've just replaced all the buttons on mine. After sitting all winter inside the boat, not one of them would work.

It seems they don't like being damp. Take it home and sit it in a very warm dry place (airing cupboard) for a while then try it again.