pioneer in Fambridge

[pioneer]

Hi all

Just a quick note to say that Pioneer is now moored in Fambridge, having left Hoo on Friday for the quick hop to Q'boro and the long motor to here. Anyone around over the next few days is very welcome to say hi. I'm on the fingerette berths below the office.

BTW does anyone know where I can get my ancient Autohelm 800 (digital) repaired/looked at/ replaced? Was working fine last year but the arm refuses to move although the motor is running.

Adrian

 

[Gargleblaster]

Hi all
BTW does anyone know where I can get my ancient Autohelm 800 (digital) repaired/looked at/ replaced? Was working fine last year but the arm refuses to move although the motor is running.

Adrian

The original Autohelms were done with a very stiff string that was put on as tight as a bowstring. I have three of them and when I need to restring one I always open up a good one to make sure I know which way the wires/string go. If the motor is working but the arm is not moving this sounds like a likely solution. Some autohelms had very fancy screws holding them together so if that is the problem make sure you have some funny bladed screwdrivers.
I have also had voltage problems with newer autohelms and usually it means a squirt of WD40 into the plugs and once rewiring back to the switchboard. But in that situation the motor would try to work and then cut out and the autohelm would not me able to maintain its 'auto' status but keep defaulting to 'standby'.