NECO drive unit

[DeeGee]

Anyone using or have knowledge of Neco Autopilot - particularly the drive unit? I suppose I am asking if you have had to sort out any problems with one. A friend has an ST6000 controller coupled up to the Neco drive on a Nic35, and it is not working. We are going to get the toolbox out and dive in, but it would be nice to have some idea of what goes on.

<hr width=100% size=1>Black Sugar - the sweetest of all

 

[andrewbarker]

There's a guy called D Coventry at Emsworth who knows everything about these - he used to design/make them. He won't travel but will look them over at home or give free & lengthy advice by phone. I've got his phone number on the boat but won't be down there till tomorrow. I've also got a NECO handbook with wiring diagrams etc - but again it's down on the boat. Let me know if you want a copy but I wouldn't be able to copy up till Monday.

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[DeeGee]

This sounds very promising. If you can PM me his phone number when you have it - I would be most obliged. The wiring diagrams would probably be a godsend, and would be grateful for those too. I will reimburse any out-of-pocket expense, of course.

<hr width=100% size=1>Black Sugar - the sweetest of all

 

[andrewbarker]

Re: Will do

NM

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[celandine]

I have a Nic 35 that also has had its Neco drive unit adapted to take a Raymarine st 6000+. I would not bother with Derek Coventry. I ended up driving about 400 miles with no result when I asked him to do the conversion. He does know about Necos - but not about the problems of converting them. If your unit was working, it was probably converted by Bob at Greenham Regis in Lymington.
One factor worth considering is the type of 'core-pack' There is some debate as to whether the core-pack with the lower out put (100 or 150) which is limited to 18 amps max, can provide enough power for the lovely old Neco motor. I have put an in-line fuse to protect this. Some but not all of the old fuses in the top of the unit are still finctioning, and the main relay will now be used to switch power in to the clutch - all worth checking over.
I would be pleased to discuss this and other Nic 35 related matters further.

Please pm etc.

Mick

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